January 25 - “Aruba”

We docked in Aruba an hour earlier than expected.  7 a.m.  Time to get off the boat stayed about the same.  8:15.  That meant early breakfast, so even Chris was up and at ‘em.  Out on the balcony we could see some strange birds flying around that looked eerily like pterodactyls.  Wait a minute.  I saw that movie.  Wasn’t Jurassic Park built on an island?  Even the Dutch military had a presence as we approached.  One of their battleships greeted us off the starboard bow.  No confrontation though.  Just passing by ...

Since we were in port not just an hour early, but an entire morning because of the Grand Cayman issue, our excursion time was changed as well.  No problem there.  But when we got on the bus we were informed of another change.  Seems the wind had shifted and the shipwreck we were supposed to see in the semi-submarine boat was not visible.  Instead we would go to a reef on the other side of the island.  Everyone had to sign off on it or get off the bus.  Ouch.  We signed.  We were also warned that Aruba is a Dutch Island, which means they follow European ways, which means it costs a dollar to use a bathroom.  Wow.  Speaking of Dutch ... i learned some words.  “Mi dushi, give me a sunchi.”  Ponder that one. Here’s a clue: I said it to Chris.

Chris got to see the Aruba lighthouse.  So did I since I was with her.  On the way we passed through a very rich neighborhood wit - in the words of our colorful narrator - were “5 million dollar ugly homes.”  Bitter, anyone?

We stopped at a natural bridge coral formation that was progressively crumbling away.  I managed to touch the water, so I can add that one to my checklist: Caribbean Seat.  The pool I touched was shared by some little fish and a host of little crabs.

The semi-submarine trip took us to a cool reef just off the island.  This was the substitute excursion, and it was bay far the highlight of the trip so far.  First because Chris didn’t completely freak out in the tight space.  Second because it was beautiful.  Lots of fish and the coral was beautiful with shades of blue and yellow.

Next we climbed Aruba’s version of Enchanted Rock.  Theirs has stairs.  Now, the stairs did lead in between some hefty boulders, so that was cool.  Otherwise it was an easy climb.  Nice views, too.  Lots of water.  You’d think this place was an island or something ...

We rounded off our day on land with a visit to Orangetown.  That’s just the translation.  I can’t pronounce the Dutch version, much less spell it.  We just did some souvenir shopping like the rest of the tourists.  I did find Ichabod Iguana, though.  He has officially been liberated.  We were told that if we eat iguana it will have the same effect as Viagra.  I covered his ears ...

Last night we went to the magic/mentalist show.  I got to go up on stage and be one of his victims.  he guessed all twelve cards I randomly selected and herald in my hand.  He was pretty good.  It was sad to be back on the sea again, but this time it was just for a day.  On to Curaçao.

Janes 5:13 says, “Is any one of you in trouble?  He should pray.  Is anyone happy?  Let him sing songs of praise.”

Father, help me remember to connect with you no matter what the circumstance.  Amen.