Aruba - July 2003

In July 2003, we were fortunate enough to use the Gruber's new timeshare for a week in Aruba.  Both of us had only been to Aruba one day during our cruise the previous year and hadn't had a chance to explore the island.  The timeshare at the Divi Aruba Phoenix Resort (www.diviarubaphoenix.com) featured an eat-in kitchen, living room, 1.5 baths, and two terraces overlooking the beach.  While we had some rain, the weather was good, although windy from a hurricane higher in the Caribbean, causing Tamara's eyes to tear. 

Since we figured this might be our last tropical vacation for a while, we decided to take in the sights of Aruba.  In addition to Glenn getting in a few dives, we also went on a 4x4 Jeep Safari.  Talk about Safari! The excursion started off fine, taking in the lighthouse and the desert side of the island.  But once we ventured into the national park the trip became much more rugged -- and dusty!! We stopped for a while at the Natural Bridge, then went for a dip at the Natural Pool.  I'm not sure the rough ride to the pool was really worth it but it did feel good to wash off the dust, even if it was a little too crowded to snorkel much.  At the end of the day, we were hot, tired, filthy, and had sore bums from all the bouncing around!

The next day, we made those bums a little sorer -- or at least Tamara did -- with a sunset horseback ride along the beach.  Sound romantic? We thought so but that was before Tamara's childhood horse-filled fantasies were shattered with the realization that she has no idea how to ride a horse.  Does the term saddle sores mean anything to you?  She'll tell you all about them.

After catching some rays the next day, we took in a beautiful sunset aboard a sunset dinner cruise.  The cruise would have been better if the ointment Tamara put on her sores didn't leak through her pants causing much embarrassment and forcing her to keep her seat for most of the evening. 

To wrap up the trip, we took a ride to the other end of the island to enjoy baby beach, where we wished we brought our snorkel gear.  We strongly recommend this beach for anyone going to Aruba. To be truly adventurous, we even got to pet a tiger!

Before leaving, we caught a quick lunch at the fun Carlos n Charlie's in town.  Aruba -- I'm sure we'll be back soon!

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