Oranjestad, Aruba

Tuesday we docked in Oranjestad, Aruba.  We gathered after breakfast for our snorkel tour.  We took a large catamaran out to two snorkel spots.  The first stop was close to the beach and loaded with tons of fish, eel and the like.  This crew knew their stuff and we were fitted with fins and a safety vest.  Knowing the history of women, snorkel, and Aruba, I felt safe with the vest on.  The second stop was over a sunken ship from World War II.  Here the currents was quite strong so I elected not to enter the water.  People had trouble getting out of the water.  So I think my decision not to go into the water was the right one.  But Bob stated that it was interesting under there.

Upon returning to the ship we ate lunch in La Veranda.  This was our first lunch up there and I do like the Compass Rose better.  Not as crowded or hectic.  We returned to the cabin and took a long nap. After getting up we went up to the pool and did some water exercises with the weights.




Tonight we attended a cocktail party hosted by Ernie who is the Virtuoso host on this trip.  Her husband is Bert.  So they are Bert and Ernie.  One lady said to me she thought Bert and Ernie were puppets.  Right on.

We headed to the Compass Rose for dinner and we were asked if we wanted to dine in Signatures?  We said yes and we sat with Bud and Anne who live now in Phoenix but originally from Philadelphia.  He is 87 but a very young looking 87.  Served in WWII in 1942 before we were born.  Anne is hard of hearing so had to repeat some of the conversation but it was a delightful dinner.  Food and service very good.

We got out of the restaurant at 10pm but we gain one hour tonight.