Aruba, Aruba

Couldn't get this on yesterday so trying again. Up at 5 am in line for Panama Canal! Yeah!!!!!!!!

Yes Aruba. Was to be Antigua until a day out of New York when Dory or Dorian – tropical storm – was fabricated or actual and we had our next port changed to Aruba. Our faithful watcher, Adrian, noticed that is was listed as our next port when we left New York. Can’t entirely trust them but as long as you know!! Some of the passengers are revolting – they revolt at any little thing!! Mind you no trouble in the lift since New York.  People want to get in before you’ve got out – der!! And get snaky when you don’t do it quickly enough. Calm down you yanks! And turn down the volume knob! A couple of the comedy shows have been lost on us audiences from down under. You think they would realise US is not the centre of the universe but………………(grumpy old bag – c’est moi) Apparently the crew were excited by Aruba. A better port for shopping etc. than Antigua but I still am disappointed when we miss or change a port. And the shopping – what a laugh – not my idea of shopping. Tons of jewellery shops, Louis Vuitton, and such names. How much do you need in the way of emeralds, diamonds, hundred dollar handbags and travel bags? Just a multiplied version of what’s on board. My idea of shopping is heaps of clothes  - nothing over $30 unless it’s exceptional and sized “H”.                                                                                                                                                        Oh it’s “Areeba, areeba” is it?                                                                                                                      Aruba – just like a mini Fiji to look at. White beaches, resorts, very tall palm trees. The island is very low lying and wind swept. One coast apparently has interesting rocky cliffs and blow holes but our tour didn’t take us out of the port except by boat. Today was snorkelling day and we just crossed the pier to a large catamaran. We sailed and motored down the coast to where a German boat  had been  scuttled during the war. It was driven towards shore, everyone ordered over board and then the captain opened all he could to sink it rather than have it captured by the Dutch. When the water rushed in onto the boilers there was an explosion which blew it in half but everybody escaped to be captured. After the war some went home, others stayed at Aruba and others again went back to Germany to return at a later time and settle. Nowadays the wreck of the Antilles is a diving site although Hoppy found the corals disappointing. I just had a swim – lovely and warm. It actually isn’t far off the shore and the bathers from the resorts in the area have easy access to the area so one wouldn’t expect great coral. The cat had an open bar but no alcohol is served ‘til after all diving is done and then it’s good ol’ rum punch. A pleasant half day. We actually sailed back to port. Fabulous place for you Liam. There were windsurfers everywhere and there’s always a steady breeze.             Or is it arriva, arriva. Seems associated with Mexico in my distant past, and cartoons?  Another case of cruise brain! We had a shower and lunch and still had a few hours to wander downtown and check out what we didn’t want to buy. Nice little picturesque place – 68 miles long x about 15 (?) and 160.000 people. We vanquished our thirst and had some fries at a wharf side bar called “the Paddock” painted of course white with black spots - Friesian cows, Dutch island. Sampled the local beer – balashi. It was so nice to be able to wander on and off the ship without any queues and dramas. Very leisurely. Nice friendly people too. Some of the locals have beautiful green eyes – so handsome with their dark skin, Maybe a little lighter than the Maoris. and quite fine features as well. Or is it the effect of the “other dimension” Help me Rodney.                                                                                                               I’m a bit behind so hope you got my message about going through the Panama Canal tomorrow. Your 3^rd Aug. You’re 17 hours ahead and it will be approx.. 5.30 – 6 am our time when we start. It takes 8 hours or so. It will be on www.pancanal.com I don’t know any more than that. We are making a poster this arvo. to put on our friends balcony (on port side – 5 balconies along from the pointy end)  where we’re having a champagne brekkie.