July 30th
Aruba in the Caribbean today. Booked an excursion that included a
drive around the island to several places of significance and an experience in
a semi submersible boat (one with a viewing area under water), to look at a
ship wreck and the topical fish.
What absolutely beautiful beaches. Sand is fine and white with turquoise
blue green sea the other side.
Small thatched beach huts dot the beaches – just what one dreams of a tropical
paradise.
Weather forecast was 28, but with the
humidity, it seemed warmer. When
we returned from our excursion we walked into town, but didn’t stay as it was
so warm and the shops were all high end designer products though there was a
market section of small shops selling tourist souvenirs.
An overnight sail took us to Curacao, the
largest of the ABC Islands. Although hot, there was a stronger breeze today and
that kept it more pleasant than Aruba.
Island is not as arid, nor probably quite as pretty as Aruba, but still
nice to see. Have learnt how to
correctly saw the name of the place too.
It is Cur-ah-sow. With the ‘ah’ being quick and the ‘sow’ being like the
pig. (A bit of useless trivia for
you!)
Visited the Hato caves and saw some basic
formations and some fruit bats before a walking tour of the old area of town
established by the Dutch in the 1700’s.
The house are all attractively painted in many different colours and
shades. The old floating pontoon bridge was interesting as it opens by moving
like a gate, to allow ships to enter the harbour (as many as 30 times a day).
Makes you feel a bit ignorant when you find
out most islanders are fluent in at least three languages. Dutch is official language, and they
are taught English from primary school as well as speaking their own island language
and then either French or German later.
Our cave guide did tour in English and Spanish switching to either
language mid sentence almost.
Aruba town
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