Oranjestad, Aruba --

One Happy Island - not only a common phrase used in Aruba but, was adopted as their national saying. One of the Caribbean's southern most islands, Aruba, established as Dutch settlement prides itself on unbelievable scenery, white beaches, and of course happy people.

On our very first day in Oranjestad (the capital of Aruba) my wife and I rented a car bound for California Dunes. The California Dunes lighthouse was located at the northwestern tip of the island and this could be seen by yourself or with a guided tour. This particular area of the island rumored to have many shark sightings, however, we felt the lighthouse was right around our safety zone for entertainment. We then did not hesitate and ventured for natural bridge.

Natural bridge a popular attraction along the east coast and is basically a coral formation 25 feet high and 100 feet long, which has been carved out by the pounding surf over the course of the centuries. A wondrous sight to behold.

Well, after a long day of sightseeing we decided to held back and try our hand at some Aruban fine dining. O.K. so we settle for a nice elegant Italian restaurant at our hotel. It was beautiful and perfect.

The next day was spent shopping at the local open-air markets and finding some interesting deals. If you like Dutch wooden hand-crafted pieces of art you will enjoy this stroll down town. Then its off to find the only real banana rum in the world, which happens to be in Aruba. Aruba makes great banana rum.

We then decided to take a glass-bottom boat tour which eventually led to a snorkeling adventure that I will never forget. Swimming with hundreds of tropical fish where we became one with the ocean and rising to the surface to be engulfed by the warm rays of the sun seem to end our day delightfully. That night we hit the hotels awesome outdoor Jacuzzi and pool and watch the palm trees blow in the mystical wind.

That was definitely a tropical Caribbean experience I wish everyone could experience.

by: Bill Spangley

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