Thursday, February 04, 2016

The Island of Aruba 2016

Our next stop was the island of Aruba, and it didn’t disappoint. As we stepped off the ship, the warm breeze and bright sun welcomed us, and we were excited for our day of exploration.

In Oranjestad we had arranged to meet Ivan, a local guide who came highly recommended. He greeted us with a friendly smile, and before long, we were off in his car, ready to see what Aruba had to offer. Our first stop was the California Lighthouse, perched on the northwest coast. The views were simply breathtaking. From the lighthouse, we could see the vast expanse of the turquoise Caribbean Sea on one side and the rugged terrain of the island on the other. The wind was strong up there, and it whipped through our hair as we took in the beauty of the landscape.

From there, Ivan drove us to a nearby lookout point, which offered even more stunning views of the surrounding area. The contrast between the crystal-clear waters and the rocky coastline was incredible. Standing there, we both took a moment to appreciate the serene beauty of Aruba.




 





Our Nextdestination on the island was a volcanic rock park, which intrigued both of us. The landscape was a stark contrast to the soft beaches I had imagined, with jagged black rocks stretching as far as the eye could see. Walking through the park, you could feel the raw power of nature beneath your feet, remnants of volcanic activity that shaped the island’s unique character. The rocks were rough and sharp, but beautiful in their ruggedness, reminding me how diverse the Caribbean can be.

From the park, we moved towards Aruba’s East Coast. As we approached, the winds began to pick up, swirling in from the open sea. This side of the island was nothing like the calm, serene beaches we had seen in postcards. Instead, it was wild, rugged, and wind-swept. The high winds hit the coast with incredible force, creating huge crashing waves against the shoreline. It was mesmerizing to watch nature in its rawest form, a complete contrast to the tranquil blue waters on the western side.




















After a fantastic tour of Aruba, Ivan dropped us off at Tulip Restaurant. It was the perfect spot for lunch, and we were both excited to try some local flavors. The atmosphere was laid-back, with a lovely tropical breeze drifting through. We indulged in delicious dishes, savoring every bite as we talked about the beauty of the island and our morning exploring.

After lunch, we made our way to Eagle Beach, and what a sight it was! The beach was everything you'd dream a Caribbean beach would be—pure white sand stretching out endlessly, framed by the most stunning blue water we had ever seen. We couldn’t wait to get our feet in the sand. As we walked along the shoreline, the warmth of the sand beneath our toes and the gentle sound of the waves rolling in created such a peaceful moment.

We spent the rest of the afternoon lounging by the water, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the beauty of Eagle Beach. The tranquility of the place was perfect—just the two of us, the bright sun, and the endless blue sea. It was one of those days that you wish could last forever.




No comments: