The Murals of San Nicholas

 

Ho! Ho! Ho! In Aruba

Flying on Christmas Day we arrived, picked up our rental car, and drove out to Aruba Sunset Beach Studios.  This trip we were staying in a Large Garden #2 with an Ocean View.  I was surprised by Dale with a beautiful floral arrangement to celebrate my upcoming birthday.  After unpacking we went for a hamburger and beer at the Local Store, delicious as usual.

With the grocery stores closed for Christmas Day and Boxing Day (Dec.26) I had ordered groceries online and had them delivered before we arrived. It worked out great for us!  Going to Super Foods on the first day they opened back up proved to be an adventure…..looked like H‑E‑B before a hurricane strikes the Texas coast.

Even though we have been to Aruba many times, we always enjoy exploring and finding something new.  This trip we visited Alto Vista Chapel, The Lighthouse, The Gold Mill Ruins, Baby Beach, The National Park, and Mangel Halto.  We spent one morning in San Nicholas exploring the 50 plus murals painted by some very talented artist on local buildings.  Another day we explored a beautiful church and a couple old cemeteries. Saint Ann’s church has a beautiful carved oak pulpit, altar,  and communion rail from the Netherlands…really gorgeous.

During our stay we enjoyed some fresh seafood at Zeerover’s, barbecued ribs at Smoky Joes, and chicken schnitzel at a new Bistro. On New Years Eve we had dinner at The Barefoot Beach restaurant with a table out on the sand.  It was a beautiful evening with a spectacular sunset to end the year. Dinner was delicious as usual, with the waiters singing Happy Birthday to me. Later that evening we watched a spectacular fireworks display, as the island seemed to explode for the New Year.

Our trip came to end and it was time to say goodbye.  With a late flight to Miami, then on to Houston, and a drive home we arrived about 3:30 am! It was good to see our friends JP and Eve, plus all the staff at the resort! Aruba never disappoints!