April 18, 2024

April 17 Aruba

We go past the port and then back into the channel to our pier. I looks like the the other end of the channel is too narrow for a ship our size to easily navigate. 

After a leisurely breakfast we head off the ship. We actually have a mission. More toothpaste. We probably do not have enough to last for another 39 days.  Again being the only ship in port, it is not overly busy. The first stop is to wait for the trolley which makes a round trip to the city center. It has been many years since I have ridden this trolley as usually there are too many people waiting. Today less than a dozen.  

The trolley was completely rebuilt with new cars and new track within the past 5 or 7 years. An enjoyable 45 minute trip with a good conductor and tour guide.

For years I have always gone to Pirrana Joe's for lunch and an adult beverage when visiting Aruba. Not going to happen this year, and maybe never again. The complex, which was the first shopping plaza in Aruba, has been sold and is being converted into Rental condos.

After completing our shopping mission we head back to the ship. Tacos again for lunch. Often an overpacked venue, on port days it is not crowded.

After lunch it is time to check on "my tree" on the sandbar along side the channel. It has seen better days. Probably 20% the size it was when I first saw it about 12 or 13 years ago. I was unable to discern any "green". It just might be dead, but I won't give up. I already have a cruise scheduled in December to check on her. 

Surprisingly we were able to make a reservation for Lynn on IFly for later this afternoon.  She did this for the first time in her life on our last voyage on the Odyssey and decided to do it again.

The winds were blowing in excess of 30 mph on deck 15 when we arrived for checkin. Rock wall climbing and the bungee jump were closed because of the wind. When the staff attempted to open the sliding doors to the checkin counter for IFly, the wind blew one of the doors off its track. 3 workers and 20 minutes to get it back in place.  Lynn had a blast, I watched and took pictures.

IFly made us a few minutes late for dinner, but I had told them at breakfast that this may happen. The roasted chicken was excellent, but as always the portions are too large.

The headliner entertainment tonight is Randy Cabral. Part comedian plus talented juggler resulted in a fabulous show. One on the best headliner performers I have seen. Unfortunately with a boarding time of 10:30 PM very few passengers were on board and the theater was mostly empty.

The weather remains great, the seas slight. Tonight we start a 2 day passage to CoCo Cay, our next port.

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