Wednesday, 24 January—Aruba!

Bonbini to Aruba!

This post is dedicated to my most devoted blog reader and Aruba lover—Randy!

The island of Aruba is part of the islands known as the ABC Islands: Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. It is situated off the coast of South America. It was formerly one of the six islands belonging to the Netherlands Antilles, and in 1986, it broke its connection with the other Antilles to become a separate entity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Dutch influence is very strong here, from the architecture to the food in the shops. Aruba is only 19 ½ miles long and 6 miles wide at its widest point. It is only 70 square miles. The landscape is flat and desert-like, with only 20 inches of rainfall a year. There are many cacti, and the land looks like Arizona. The most most notable vegetation is the Watapana trees, whose branches are bent at right angles to the trunk as the result of the ever present trade winds.

Oranjestad is the capital—and its main attractions are shopping and eating! Chocolate, cheese, china, cameras, and watches are the prime purchases.

Many of the larger hotel chains are prominent here, and we enjoy our day at the Hyatt. Day passes are available.

It was a beautiful day, and we were back in time for afternoon tea in the Queen's Room. It was our first tea of the trip, and the room is just beautiful with crystal chandeliers and a harpist playing for your enjoyment. We've become friendly with one of the Head Waiters, Sashi, from Mumbai, who took very good care of us.

I can't say enough about the service on board. From our cabin steward to our waitstaff, everyone is smiling and helpful. The crew on the ship is primarily from the Philippines, India and Europe. Evidently over 50 countries are represented among the crew and staff. Cunard must be doing something right, many of the employees are long term Cunard crew and staff—10, 20 and 30 years.

I promised to tell you about the sea days—and they are grand! They are as full of options as my favorite sea days on Crystal. They go by so quickly and there is no time to do everything. I have photographed the schedule from yesterday. As you can see, it is possible to be busy every moment. In between activities, I have been able to finish my first book: “Into Oblivion,” by Arnaldur Indridason, one of my favorite Icelandic authors.

Bon dia everyone! Next on the agenda—the Panama Canal. Despite 5 transits, it never fails to enthrall.