Beatitude at rest

Our last three days in Aruba have flown by. We’ve not ventured far from the marina, but there is plenty to entertain us close at hand. The farthest our legs have taken us was to the local Protestant church on Sunday morning. The service was entirely in Dutch, so our understanding was limited. Unlike in Bonaire, the congregational songs were unfamiliar, so it was difficult even to sing along with poor pronunciation. Still, it was nice to be in church.

The Protestante Kerk, Oranjestad. I like the pulpit shaped like the bow of a vessel.

We’ve enjoyed the plethora of restaurants nearby. Our favorite is “Cuba’s Cookin.” There is live Cuban music overnight, and Monday night was Cuban dance show night. An excellent young couple impressed us with their moves while we enjoyed dinner. We’ve also enjoyed our brief walks around the area, stopping in small shops along the way.

Cuba’s Cookin

This was Cuban dance night at Cuba’s Cookin. These two were amazingly good.

The Careys with the Dancers

We’ve eaten at the Cuban restaurant twice. It has good food and good entertainment. Here a few of the kids in the restaurant assisting the vocalist.

Walking around one of the nearby malls in Oranjestad (actually, taking a break from walking)

On Tuesday, we finally took advantage of some of the marina’s amenities. As guests of the Renaissance Marina, we have access to all the facilities and amenities of the two Renaissance Hotels nearby, including access to their private island. So, in the afternoon, we donned our swimsuits, walked to the end of the dock, and boarded the small boat which shuttles guests back and forth to the island. There are two beaches side-by-side on the island, one for adults only and the other for families. We chose Flamingo beach, the adult side, and enjoyed lounging in the sun, drinking piña coladas, and swimming in the crystal clear waters. We’ll definitely revisit. Oh… and did I mention the flamingos. Several beautiful flamingoes graced the beach and were quite approachable. They’re obviously used to human interaction.

On the shuttle to the private island

There are two beaches on the island. This is at Flamingo Beach, but I can’t figure out how it got that name?!

Cindy with the Flamingoes.

Beautiful flamingoes.

Trying out one of the hammocks on the beach. Life is hard.

On Renaissance Island, Aruba

Today, our time in the tropics has come to a temporary end. This afternoon, we will board our Delta jet and fly back to the states. I, of course, will be working when we return. The need for my services in Maine has dried up, so I will be working at a new hospital in Vero Beach, Florida on this trip. Sandwiched between groups of shifts in the emergency department will be a flight to California where, any day, our first grandchild will be born. We are so excited! Cindy will fly with me to Florida and then to California, but she will stay to be with her grandson for a few extra days while I return to the sunshine state to work again.

Beatitude and Renaissance Marina, which is rather small.

Over the last three and a half weeks, we’ve traveled over 538 nautical miles, all of which has been downwind thankfully. Yesterday, Cindy said she never wants to go upwind again! I agree! We’ve visited four countries, enjoying Carnival in Grenada before spending time in the Dutch Antilles of Bonaire, Curacao, and Aruba. By the way, it was four years ago, this month that we bought Beatitude and started our blog! Wow, has the time flown!

Colorful Crab at the Marina

Cindy placing the Julie-designed Beatitude sticker on a post in the marina.