Feeling Rummy in Aruba

After flying all night, I greeted the beautiful island morning with

a refreshing glass of Caribbean Rum Punch

...and was soon feelin' perkier than ever!My cups were all poised and ready for an exciting day of fun and adventure exploring the island of Aruba!

So we hopped in the Jeep and took off!

As you will see, my Island Chaperon was a very supportive

tour-guide...she drove so I could sip my Rum Punch

and take pictures.

Our first stop was the capital of Aruba, Oranjestad. Aruba is part of the Dutch West Antilles, along with two other islands off the coast of Venezuela. Aruba declared their "independence" from the Dutch in 1986, which was largely symbolic, but they do have their own currency and some real independence because of the income from tourism. Here, I refilled my cups with more of that tasty Rum Punch!

When we found this picturesque Alto Vista Chapel, I just had to stumble inside and take a peak...

How quaint!

And with the Alto Vista Rum Shop located right next door, visitors can conveniently combine their sinning and confessing all in the same trip! (Not that I would know about such things.)
More Rum Punch, please!

Outside the church was a Peace Labyrinth - they say there is no "right way" to walk a labyrinth. You only have to enter and follow the path..it may be joyous or somber...it might be thoughtful or prayerful...or you may want to just use it as a walking meditation. (Tip: I recommend doing it before you've had several cupfuls of Rum Punch.) And really, with my mazeophobia, I should have just avoided the dang thing altogether.

Arikok National Preserve makes up approximately 25% of the island, which is very arid and dry (not something you'd expect in the Caribbean.) The island only gets a few inches of rain a year normally, and you will find that Arikok National Preserve shows what the island is really like - lots of cacti and divi divi trees. My Island Chaperon said she thought they were "exceptionally beautiful and different." I said, "Yeah whatever...gimme that Rum Punch."

We saw some interesting natural land formations too - here's the "Natural Bridge." The pounding surf has carved this dramatic bridge out of coral rock - it is the highest coral structure in Aruba and the island's most famous landmark. The arch measures more than 100 feet long and stands 23 feet above sea level. (hic!)

The "Natural Pool" or "conchi" called "Cura di Tortuga" is a great place to swim. And drink Rum Punch!

Well, by now I was feeling pretty wasted hot and droopy...

so after draining what was left of my Rum Punch,

I said "Bottoms up! - Let's go shnorkeling!"

Here it is! The first Angel Fish ever photographed by a

drunken Traveling Bra!

"Hey Olga, how many fingers am I holding up?"

Phew! Back on land and drying out!

And in the the warm Caribbean sun, I passed out fell asleep...

and when I awoke, had a blazing hangover felt a bit deflated to see that the sun was setting on my exciting Aruba adventure!

I had an absolutely lushious time in Aruba...

and would love to return...but believe me,

these cups are never touchin' Rum Punch again!

So now it's "Ta-Ta Aruba!" and Hello NEW YORK!

(stay tuned....)

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