Shit happens

 Our visit has been here for a good week now and I have been able to hold Gaby in my arms again since Saturday. I have been working hard to keep Walle happy and to send him home with unforgettable memories. Today it succeeded, not me, but Gaby to make the vacation unforgettable for Walle. But one after the other. 

Baby Beach, Aruba

Since I had rented a car for the whole week, I decided to explore the island thoroughly. The sights in Aruba, hold themselves of the number in borders, but the beaches are present in sufficient number, whereby they seem to outdo themselves at white sand and turquoise water. We visit the California Lighthouse, in the very northwest of the island. With 5 US$ one is there and can climb the narrow spiral staircase to the top. From there you have a magnificent view over the island. Afterwards we go for a swim to the Arashi Beach. The beach and the water are just great. Unfortunately, there is no shade anywhere, so you can't stay here for long, unless you are a merciless sun worshipper. We continue to Malmok Beach. There are a few shady umbrellas here. But the best part is snorkeling along the reef edge Greenberg`s Cove. Numerous fish, including large parrotfish, can be seen here. In Sandra`s bar we usually end the evening, because snorkeling makes thirsty.

Arikok National Park Gold Mine, Aruba

We visit the Arikok National Park. The roads are only partly paved and again and again crisscrossed with gullies. Surprisingly, gold was once mined here. A hiking trail leads through a cactus forest to a ruin and the remains of a gold mine. Following a gravel road we reach the most beautiful beach of Aruba. Dos Playa is located in the north of the island and absorbs the surf caused by the constant northeast wind. Therefore, unfortunately, swimming is forbidden here. Nevertheless, or maybe because of that, the beach is so fascinating. A fine white sand and a roaring surf, make this place very special.

Dos Playa, Aruba

In a small side valley, not far from the main road, is the ruin of the Prins plantation, which, according to the National Park description, processed coconuts. We are surprised, because far and wide no coconut trees are to be seen. Finally we reach the two caves Fontein Grot and Quadrikiri Cave. At the latter there is the only spring on Aruba, which pours into a small lake. Passing a wind farm, we reach the eastern exit of the national park. Grapefield Beach is located in the northeast of the island and is reserved for kiters. Here, too, the sea is still rough and the waves high. In the southeast of the island, in San Nicolas, we finally reach Baby Beach and Rodger's Beach. The famous Baby Beach is very crowded and it is hard to find a shady spot. Rodger's Beach is more relaxed. The water is clearer, a bit deeper and therefore more refreshing than at Baby Beach. However, the backdrop of the oil refinery is not exactly what one imagines as an Aruba vacationer under sun, water and beach. In Kamini's Kitchen we discover a nice restaurant with local cuisine and a nice hospitable atmosphere. Mangel Halto another very well known beach on Aruba, disappointed us a little. The beach is located in the mangroves and smells accordingly a bit unpleasant. The bay is protected by the reef edge outside, so it is perfect for snorkeling.

Mangel Halto, Aruba

Spanish Lagoon is located in the south of the island. Here is the ruin of the Balashi Gold Mills. The gold that was found was once smelted in this factory building. The sun has already done its advance work for hours and continues to bang dog-early on the dark brown sand. We explore the old walls and are amazed at the size of the facility. 

Spanish Lagoon, Aruba

Somehow Gaby finds another bump and twists her ankle. Her ankle swells in seconds to a fist-sized egg. The treading still works, but I prefer to have the whole thing examined by a doctor, under protest of an incessantly discussing Gaby. Shortly before I want to lock her in the trunk, we reach the hospital. The X-ray examination shows that the small ankle below the ankle joint is broken. With the bill settled at the end, I now own most of the x-ray equipment and at least one wheelchair. I just hope the insurance company doesn't make any problems. But I'll tell you about that next week. The important thing is that nothing more happened to Gaby and she is now in her element. Ralf can you please..., is the introductory sentence I hear mostly from her now. Condolence, which concern my person, I take at any time gladly. In any case, I wish you an accident-free time, always fair winds and keep a stiff upper lip.

Shit happens in Aruba