Ever dreamed of visiting
Aruba? Me, too!
A couple I know spent their honeymoon at one of the all-inclusive resorts and had an absolutely wonderful time.
I was taking a virtual vacation at
SideStep.com and just fell in love with the island. First of all, you just can't beat the weather - virtually unending sunny days, warm temps, and tropical breezes. Not to mention, low humidity and no hurricanes! The only time I've been to the beach was in California in December, so I can see myself stretched out on the beautiful white sand for hours with a great book and a cold drink.
The area along Eagle Beach sounds perfect to me. It's less urbanized and crowded. There are apartment-style accommodations with kitchens, living rooms, and guest rooms that would just be perfect for us. Being able to fix a quick bite really appeals to me.
Fortunately for Mark, who has to avoid the sun, there are tons of things to do on Aruba besides playing on the beach. I was reading about Fort Zoutman, built by the Dutch in 1796. The oldest example of Dutch architecture on the island, it houses the Museo Arubano, which displays prehistoric Caiquetio artifacts and remnants from the Dutch colonial period. Then, there's the beautiful churches and synagogue, the Numismatic Museum, the Archaeological Museum, and the Cultural Center. I just love museums and historic architecture. So much of the United States is designed around the concept that newer is better. I totally disagree.
Of course, one of the great things about a vacation is the food! From lobster at
Flying Fishbone to dining in a Dutch galleon at
Pirate's Nest, I'm starved just reading the menus. Aruba offers such a variety of dining options that I can't imagine there would be any complaints in the group. Some restaurants are very kid-friendly, with grilled cheese sandwiches or spaghetti at
The Waterfront Crabhouse and kids meals starting at a very friendly $3.95 at
The Turtle's Nest.
Although the days of huge Caribbean bargains are waning, you can still find everything from shoes to linens to fragrances to T-shirts, tanks, and totes that change color in the sun and only 3.3% duty. So, at least one afternoon of serious shopping is definitely on my to-do list! Poor Mark!

Now I just have to convince Mark! Maybe we can start at a
Tampa Hotel and work our way up!?

Don't forget to visit JMark Afghans and My Gallery at Zazzle
We also have a page on Squidoo that supports the Genocide Intervention Network.
We look forward to seeing you online.
God Bless!
Jules
Labels: Travel, Vacation