Jeep Safari

We ventured outside of the quiet confines of Palm Beach and the resort amenities to take a jeep tour of the island.  The tour starts on the south west end of the island by the California light house and travels along the north shore of the island to the Aruba National Park and the Natural Pool.  The coast is dotted with fishing shacks set up by the locals for camping and fishing.  Once you pass the light house and the golf courses, there is very little if any housing or development on this side of the island which consists of rocky, desert terrain wind swept by the constant trade winds. 

Most interesting were the travels through the Aruban neighborhoods.  They live a simple life and rely heavily on the turism and refinery industries to provide jobs. Almost everything is imported as agriculture is almost non-existent and they rely on water purficiation plants to provide drinking and water for daily use.  They only receive about 18 inches of rain fall annually.

Here are some pictures from the tour.

Having Fun in Aruba

We just might be the only people on the entire island of Aruba not drinking alcohol.  At least we feel that way when the pool side bar tender gives us some good natured ribbing as we place our order.  We are not letting him discourage us and have kept an admirable pace in ordering the little drinks.  We have set a three drink per day (each) limit and are on target through three days. 

Our relaxation is peaking after spending the first two days doing not much of anything at all (unless getting up to cool off in the pool counts as activity).  Tomorrow we are changing things up and have booked a Jeep tour of the island. 

The most exciting part of the day was during lunch when a two foot long Iguana decided to climb onto Kristi's chair to share the food. 

Some pictures of our first two days.