Blog 771 Day 18, in the Port of Oranjestad, Aruba.  871,006 steps out of 1 million.

Written the following morning. 09.57 Lido, port-side, window seat, panoramic sea views, a fine healthy breakfast, unhealthy coffee, 81°F outside….what’s NOT to like?!

Yesterday saw my third visit to Oranjestad on the One Happy Island of Aruba, part of the Dutch Antilles. On my first visit in 2019, I felt overwhelmed by the heat, and was exhausted walking around the endless souvenir shops. Nevertheless, I did get to look inside the tram depot, and still, I remain fascinated by this unlikely transport system of old style (but brand new trams) which offer a kind of round trip of the town on proper Standard Gauge track. Tourism is the obvious main industry for this, and most of the places visited by cruise ships. I don’t have The Daily Programme with me right now; this would give a more in depth description of this attractive town or city which is still served by very many souvenir outlets, the ubiquitous Diamonds International and an impressive complex of high end/ designer outlets and malls. I don’t know if Oranjestad still has something in common with Wigan. Wigan in northwest England once boasted a Rolex shop. Oranjestad still does!

A tour of this One Happy Island in 2020 revealed the “authentic” side to Aruba, a healthy mere 12° N, and I’m sure that any weird turn of fate which caused me to live here, in an equivalent dwelling to where I am now, I would not tire of the seemingly endless hot weather. Only the possibility of hurricanes might make me think twice…and also the lack of opportunity for attending classical concerts, and the like.

Yesterday was different again. One of my table companions, whom I do know from previous travels, invited two of us to join her for lunch; she, like me, likes to celebrate her birthday. Her research found a what turned out to be a lovely beach-side semi open restaurant whose cuisine was fabulous. My two friends chose wisely, a fish meal, worthy of photographing. I tried to choose sensibly, a chicken based main course. What arrived resembled the Pyrenees! I could feel the piercing disapproval of my G.P. and diabetic nurse as I polished off each magnificent morsel! Robert (from Indiana) and I then shared the best slice of cheesecake in the world. And I for the first time in “years” even put away half a glass of Sauvignon Blanc! I awaited the need for a cab back to the ship, but apart from feeling slightly less energetic, I ambled back at my own leisure, taking photographs and at long last, hoping that I may make a fourth visit to the One Happy Island.

Three ships were in port. The now vintage Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas looked impressive in its all-over white livery, still pristine, and prompting happy memories of being on board a brand new Splendour Of The Seas, and the recently scrapped Sovereign Of The Seas. Also there was the Freewinds, a former cruise ship constructed in 1968, and now associated with the Church of Scientology, whom I understand, gave Aruba much support during the ongoing pandemic.

10.57, still in the Lido!

The humidity did get to me as I returned to the ship, having obviously enjoyed my brief stay. Back in my cabin, I consumed all the bottled water stored in my small fridge, watched longingly, from my balcony, as M.V. Queen Elizabeth slipped her moorings and One Happy Island was once more confined to memory. Just two of us came down for dinner; me, and Lesley, who has recently joined us. I think we put several worlds to rights during a highly enjoyable evening meal. There was no energy left for nocturnal deck walking and for the first time on this voyage, I had an early night, and awoke this morning, rejuvenated.

Thanks for reading, David, 11.22 hrs the Lido. That was a long breakfast. Now, to continue walking.

P.S. Departure from Oranjestad

11.27 hrs. David.