Introduction to Aruba

If you are looking for me for the next week, this is where I’ll be. OK, that may be a little bit of bragging, but I’m just amazed to be here. When Jim and I got married, I owned a timeshare in North Myrtle Beach, which we have visited a few times. And Jim owned one in Aruba. We usually bank the time and exchange it for some place to spend spring break, such as the trip we made to the Outer Banks. But this year, we decided to visit Aruba. Jim had been once and that was nearly 20 years ago; I had never been. So this is a new adventure.

Preparing for the trip was a bit intense – we had to have a covid test via zoom call, send it via UPS, and wait to get the emailed test results. Then we had to upload those results to an app sponsored by the Aruban government and download an ED card. That had to be printed and brought with us to the airport in order to board the plane. Then we also had to purchase an insurance policy that would provide housing in the event we couldn’t leave Aruba due to covid. And all of this could happen no more than 72 hours before we left.

We persevered thru the process and drove to Newark, NJ early on Saturday, and I really must give a shout out to Jet Blue. That was one of the most comfortable flights I’ve ever experienced. The flight was a little over four hours and Jet Blue certainly does their best to make you comfortable. Even in the covid-era, they offered complimentary drinks and snacks. They boast the most leg room in coach of any domestic carrier and even Jim had sufficient room to warrant a nap on the way. I watched one of my favorite old movies (Mrs. Doubtfire) and by early afternoon we arrived in Aruba 20 minutes ahead of schedule.

Once we landed, we had the usual screenings, customs procedures, and then a screening where we had to show the actual test results of the covid test (the ED card wasn’t sufficient once

on the ground). We claimed our luggage and found a taxi to take us to our destination, Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach. We were welcomed warmly but our room wasn’t quite ready. So we had a late lunch at the Pure Deli located within the resort. Shortly thereafter we were escorted to our room. This is an efficiency, but it’s perfect for the two of us. It has a queen-size bed, sofa and easy chair, dining table for 4, small kitchen and a nice bathroom. And a balcony that looks out over the pool and beach.

We’re located on the west side of the island which is known for its gentle surf and breath-taking sunsets. Since we had such a late lunch, we weren’t hungry for dinner so we decided to just find a couple of chairs and watch the sunset. The first thing I noticed as we approached the beach was how the rays of the setting sun caused the shells on the beach to sparkle like diamonds.

We met Pat and Patricia from Pittsburg who had been there for a week and he complained that the weather had been terrible. It was cloudy when we arrived but the clouds gave way slowly to an increasingly beautiful sunset. We watch as two sailboats glided by.

We stayed, mesmerized by the colorful display until the last gleam of daylight was passed.

We ended our evening with snacks at an open-air restaurant at the resort. The food offerings are very American-ized, the sort of things you would find at any casual dining restaurant, but I have to say, those were some of the best wings I’ve ever tasted. We walked back to our room and fell into bed, exhausted. It had been a long few days but now we’re here, and sleep came like an old friend.