Aruba...a different tropical island

Aruba is a almond shaped desert island off the coast of Venezuela. On a clear day you can see the coastline. Generally there is a nice brezze blowing and temperatures are hot most of the year.

All beaches are on the south side of the island. Best beach on the island is Manchebo Beach. There is a nice hotel (Manchebo Beach Hotel!) situated there also. The width of the beach is widest here unlike the neighboring areas. On each side of Manchebo Beach the pure white sand gets narrower between the competing hotels and the water. The water is fabulous with sand beaches everywhere - no rocks.

Hotels rotate with free cocktail hours(usually 6-7pm) to prompt you to buy their $20-$25 dinner buffet. Every day you can go to that particular hotel from 6-7pm for free drinks then leave. Mopeds help.

The island is dry, relatively flat and mostly desert in terrain - especially the north side. On the north side is the famous archway bridge cut by water erosion. It's on no-where-land and the refreshment stand shows it in their prices.

Timeshare pitches abound in Aruba. 90 minutes of show and squezze for a free dinner or catamaran lunch cruise. I do them but you may else feel pressured.

On the northwest side or the upper end of hotel row is an abandoned lighthouse worth walking around.

Casinos are in ten or so locations. Alahambro Mall had a 5 deck(wierd) blackjack game.

Lots of catamaran 10-3pm trips with snorkelling and lunch provided. Snorkelling is done south near blowholes and caves.

A pleasant island to visit .

Day trips to South America for extra $$$.

My friend and I visiting the North side. I'm on the left.

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