Aruba, Oranjestadt

Early in the morning we docked in Aruba. In daylight, we saw a strange ship nearby. A little research then shows that the ship Freewinds is a ship of Scientology. One completes the last, highest level 'Operating Thetan' there. Renegades have also been held there, of course only in the eyes of the renegades themselves.

In the morning we visited the archaeological National Museum. There are artifacts from the year 1000 BC. Depending on the era, there are stone paintings, pottery, jewelry, and delicate handicrafts. But the culture was wiped out with the conquests.

Oranjestad is also aimed at tourists. However, it is more expensive and more noble than Philipsburg in St. Maarten. Everywhere there is Gucci, Prada, Louis Vitton, Rolex, etc., all genuine, at genuine prices.

The coast is largely built up, with some terrible buildings. There is little Caribbean flair left, such as the car wash service.

In the afternoon, we went snorkeling at two places with a catamaran. There are many beautiful fish and turtles. But there are almost no corals left.