Aruba in August
She was so impressed to find her name spelt right - Somewhere in Aruba
Why August you say? When it is one of the warmest times of year here in Saskatchewan.. Well I'll tell you. It was my sister in laws 50th birthday and my brother in law was dedicated to top her on the surprise birthday party thing she had thrown for his 50th the year before. As the saying goes "It's all in who ya know" and BIL Erwin knew the right people. A great deal on a villa in Aruba was secured, and so the grand scheming and the web of lies commenced...
Somewhere in the Toronto airport district - Reflections looking out a hotel room window the night before our flight. Tomorrow morning it's straight to the Island of Aruba.
Not easy pulling off a top secret major vacay to another country. 4 months of bullshitting, and cross over connecting flights in Toronto.. but we managed. And the surprise birthday in Aruba was, well, with lack of a better word (that my husband happens to loathe), EPIC - There I said it. Sorry honey.
Lucky enough our villa came with a vehicle to use. So after all the excitement wore off we had to get down to some serious business. Like where can a gal stock up on some booze, I mean groceries. Yes, I meant groceries. Technically booze falls into the grocery category, so I feel I have redeemed my reputation and character.
Really can't take these two anywhere.
One of many sunset cocktails, at a one of Aruba's plethora of beach front restaurants - This particular one's name escapes me. But it was delicious and beautiful and perfect.
Aruba - A Dutch Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela. The Dutch influences can be seen in the local architecture and the languages spoken are English, Dutch, and Spanish, as well as their local tongue, Papiamento which is a blend of Dutch and Spanish.
Speaking of local you will want to try these delicious pockets of deep fried goodness called Pastechi. More of a breakfast or brunch thing it seems. Maybe because they are usually sold out before noon hits. You can find local Pastechi /sandwich stands along the roadsides. Made from scratch hot and fresh - My favourite was the ham and cheese but there are a gazillion different fillings, and I guess you will just have to try them all to find your fav!
I was so impressed by the fact that you can drink the water right out of the tap in Aruba. It was glorious not having to worry about some nasty virus that can deteriorate your liver or some parasite that makes you shit your pants for 2 weeks straight. Free flowing water and ice is a pretty cool thing. Food and alcohol were priced about the same as here in Saskatchewan CA. Or so it seems, until you realized that all prices are in U.S. dollar. Youch. You Canadians know what I mean.
Areas of the island are pristine and calm, and make me want to give a head nod and a big old namaste to mother nature. Other parts are rocky, dry terrain with thunderous crashing waves and riptides. Best admired away from the cliffs edge. Especially when your husband is super annoyed with some smart ass comment you made. Just kidding. I never make smart ass comments.
I now must talk to you about food. Oh glorious food how I adore thee! And the people that prepare it for me. Don't get me wrong, I do love to cook, -and eat-. However I am the "chef" in our household. Which is why it's so damn special when someone else does all the work. There is no shortage of great restaurants on this island paradise.
And last but not least my favourite The Flying Fish Bone. There is plenty of beautiful beach front table seating, or you can reserve a table planted right in the water! So cool - I'm telling you this wheat field dwelling prairie girl was super excited about that one! Amazing meal with feet soaking in the Caribbean, check.
And now I will bombard you with cheesy tourist travel photos from our trip. Your welcome.
Aruba you were so very good to us. Memories that will last a lifetime. And if the financial gods allow, we will be back someday!
