30.11.2021 - 10.12.2021: Aruba (1)

Calendar:

30.11.2021
Shopping, Eagle Beach

01.12.2021
Car rental return and scooter pick-up

02.12.2021
California Lighthouse, Arashi Beach

03.12.2021
Palm beach, Divi beach

05.12.2021
Island tour, Baby beach

08.12.2021
Manchebo Beach

Noteworthy:

Aruba, located about 25 kilometers off the coast of Venezuela, was discovered by the Spaniards in 1499 and has been under Dutch control since 1636. As of now, Aruba has not completely separated from the Netherlands, apparently for economic or trade-related reasons. Aruba, with its population of around 107,000 and an area of ​​just under 180 km2, is one of the 3 ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) and part of the Lesser Antilles. Our apartment is located in the north of Aruba, about 3 kilometers from the touristy and lively Palm Beach, on the way to the California Lighthouse. In the open, colorful excursion buses that pass in front of our apartment and in which hordes of tourists are transported around the island, it is always proclaimed that this is where Beverly Hills of Aruba begins, well, that's a bit exaggerated.....

Less than 200 meters from our apartment at Fishermans Hut is the kite school of Aruba. We can watch the kitesurfers daily and see them performing daring jumps. It's incredibly fun to watch. It reminds me of my years of study when, in the mid-1980s, my fellow student Urs and I regularly set off for Torbole on Lake Garda in the summer. At that time, we set off with my old battered BMW 316 and were happy when we reached the coastal road near Salo towards Riva del Garda. The crowning glory was the tunnel gallery between Limone sul Garda and Torbole, with the newly released album "Brothers in Arms" by Dire Straits accompanying us loudly. So far away. In Torbole, I also had the pleasure of windsurfing with Robby Nash. His legendary pink sail with the number US1111 was already cult at that time.

The sea in front of Aruba must be very rich in fish. From our apartment, we can watch pelicans hunting. They circle at a height of about 20-30 meters and dive down when they have spotted a school of fish. Impressive. Unfortunately, the beach right in front of our complex (Malmok beach) is not ideal for swimming due to the rocky bottom (and corals). But with our scooters, we can reach fantastic white sandy beaches within 10 minutes, where inviting beach bars are lined up one after the other.

The road in front of our apartment is moderately busy. However, during the day, snakes of quads, trikes, and segways race past on their way to the sand dunes at the lighthouse and make a first stop right in front of us to watch the kitesurfers. It's funny what passes by here.

The infrastructure for shopping in Aruba is perfect, and the prices correspond to European levels. We regularly shop at "Superfoods," where everything is available.

Already on the day after our arrival, Swisscard aecs once again blocked (apparently for fun) my credit card, but this time not at the beginning of our vacation due to suspicion of money laundering. Instead, I was informed that a new card had been sent to my home address (due to the expiry date of the existing card in March 2022 [!]), and I no longer needed the existing card. My goodness, they should be able to see based on the charges that we have been abroad since last August... I will explore alternatives when we return to Switzerland. Offers are welcome! At least the existing card was unblocked on the same day.

We wish you all a stress-free Advent season.