Friday 27th February, flat calm sea. Aruba our first Caribbean destination. 26 degrees. Strong but warm wind.

First, many apologies for yesterday’s lacklustre performance. Back in peak condition today. Or more or less. We had already decided on a tourless day today and will go off on our own. We have both been doing homework on what Aruba has to offer and it sounds very doable under our own steam as it were. So here goes!

Aruba is a a small island (about 69 square miles in size) just off the coast of northern Venezuela. It was a Dutch colony but as recently as 1986 it gained autonomous status.

Aruba has a cruise terminal where you walk off the ship and straight out into the street, although for some of our number the distance was something of a struggle. We did not exactly help with this. First we went to the Cruise Terminal to get some stronger WiFi and then returned to the ship to put our iPads away before setting out into Aruba proper, as it were. This seeming ‘refusal’ gave rise to some questioning by those we met on the way back as to whether there was nothing worthwhile to see! Ridiculous!

We had an excellent time when we finally took to the street and the day panned out exactly as we had hoped. It is a very colourful and welcoming place and although we did not venture far from the sea we thoroughly enjoyed our time there.

First up was a bit of retail therapy. Naughty but nice! Then it was time for our first Caribbean beer in Lucy’s, a bar described as a ‘retired surfers bar’ in its advertising.

The bar was right by the water and we sat people watching for a bit and chatted to a few folk we knew from the ship who were also taking advantage of the very inviting location.

We then went for a wander around town and found the local tram….

And wonderfully colourful buildings.

It was all so vibrant!

Keith had found somewhere he wanted to try for lunch so we worked our way back to the coast road and ventured a bit further. Our route took us through a wonderful park where I found an iguana sunbathing – as you do on a Friday around here!

Another unexpected find was a statue to Ann Frank. I have seen her house in Amsterdam and references to her there seem right and appropriate but I did not expect to find her statue here somehow.

Our meanderings continued but it was not far before we found what we were looking for – The West Deck. A shack on the beach and our first Caribbean food. Before that came my local cocktail – an Aruba Ariba which comprised vodka, white rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, grenadine and dark rum – and it didn’t touch the sides!

Next came the food. I had West Indian samosas followed by barbecued Chicken and Ribs and Keith had what proved to be the best Ceviche he has had so far he tells me. It was served in Leche de Tigre (Tigers Milk). He followed this with local fish,

I thought this summed him up! (Very amusing. Ed)

There was quite a lot of beach activity, not by us I hasten to add, including the local pelicans looking completely unfazed by the attention they were getting.

After a chat with some Americans from Colorado who had arrived on one of several other cruise ship in the harbour, we left to head back to the Aurora for a bit of down time, having decided to come out again later.

This approach worked well. Just before 6 we set out for Lucy’s again as we felt it such a nice spot, Once again we sat looking out over the water. The boats in front of us bobbed up and down restlessly as though keen to be released from their mooring.

It was a lovely spot and we drank our cocktails and watched the people as the sun went down.

It was then time to return to the ship that was looking like very small fry when compared to the huge American cruise ships in port, but to us, for the time being, it is home.

What a great day! (Indeed, I think we both just needed to sit down with a couple of drinks, relax and take it all in. Mission accomplished! Ed)

Tomorrow we arrive in Curacao. The Trade Winds which are still with us will apparently still continue to blow tomorrow. To be honest they give us some relief from the 27 degree heat so, as we are due to go for an organised walk in the morning, long may they continue.