Blog 185 Day 18 In the Port of Oranjestad, Aruba.

ONE HAPPY ISLAND.

We have two days here, not sailing until 17.00hrs tomorrow.

Temperatures of 30°C are predicted.

Aruba is c12°55 N. Its hottest month is August, but it doesn’t do too badly in January.

*Lunch in the Britannia Restaurant today. 21/1/26.*

It’s coming back to me. “Aruba – One Happy Island.” I really didn’t recognise anything this morning until eventually, I prized myself off the ship after what I felt was a healthy lunch at a window seat in the Britannia Restaurant. Recognition came when I stumbled across the immaculate tram tracks I remember from two previous visits.

It wasn’t long before I was “hustled” on to a tour of the island in a comfortable air conditioned mini bus, just $25.00 US. The trip turned out to be over 2 hours long, the promised time being 90 minutes. Actually, there was a bit of waiting around for further customers.

It was a good trip. We first stopped by a tree yielding cashew nuts. We received a little talk on the benefits of cashew juice. especially reducing the prostate size. Wow! Except I so far see no reference to this on Google. It’s good for the heart ‘though.

We continued to the much visited rock formation which can be climbed for wonderful views.

*Much visited Rock Formation, which I understand is known as the Casibari formation.*

I actually got to see a very rare shoco owl native only to the Isle of Aruba. I tried to take a picture but the owl had disappeared down its hole. However, a local very kindly sent me this picture. It was he who saw me struggling on the steps and uneven ground who took me to where the owl was

We continued to the California lighthouse now merely a tourist attraction. from where far reaching views can be enjoyed.

Beaches, a Roman Catholic Church, modern housing estate and other places of interest were pointed out during the rest of the tour. All the commentary was in at least four different languages. I was impressed with the tour guide, whose English, although “heavy” was clear and easy to follow.

After the bus ride I walked into town and was invited to join a couple from Leicestershire for a beer. I have not had beer for perhaps 30 years. But this local “brew” was rather nice.

Reluctantly, I returned to the ship for dinner. Eating out in the town would have been a nice end to the day. I didn’t particularly enjoy the dinner. The food wasn’t bad, but it seemed to draw criticism which may have been founded.

Afterwards, I left the ship, as we are staying overnight. However, the bright lights of downtown were far less than several hours earlier. and I returned to the relative safety of the ship. I finish with some hopefully interesting nocturnal images.