Wednesday, 15 November – Aruba

 Our bus tour left at 8, so we were up and about early. It was a great choice, because it took us right out of the urban atmosphere around the port. 

First stop was a butterfly garden where a tour guide explained the life cycles of butterflies and moths and we saw many varieties up close and personal. We drove along the north cost, admiring the wild coastline and high surf, to the ruins of a natural bridge that collapsed about 15 years ago. 

There’s a smaller natural bridge and many stacked rocks – a human addition to the scenery. We drove past an old gold refining facility, dating from the Aruban gold rush of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Now, we’re told that there’s still lots of gold in Aruba, but it’s all found in jewellery stores. Huge, strange rock formations dot this part of the island, and we spent some time in a tranquil and lovely rock garden. Then it was back to the ship. We’re docked next to one of the gigantic ships and the port area is thick with tourists. The evening entertainment was an absolutely electrifying performance by the dance troupe, and of course some time in the piano bar.

                       

All Photos Nov 15