Blogs from Aruba, Central America Caribbean - page 4

The day we arrived in Oranjestad, Aruba we had no expectations. We thought we’d go to a beach, but never expected the day we had. I think the reason it was so good, was not just the port itself, but the company with which we spent it! Nicole, Steph, Katelyn, and myself met up with Jimy, Humberto, and Victor (bar staff) for a day of fun in Aruba. We walked towards the downtown area where we found a fun bar and stopped for a drink. Apparently here there are no rules about serving alcohol in the morning, because it was only about 10:30am at this point! We enjoyed a nice drink in the sun, by the water, then walked to catch a bus to the beach, only to decide to do an island tour instead! The ... read more

It occurs to me as I am actually enjoying my airline food on the flight from Miami to Venice that perhaps I have gotten a bit too used to shiplife. What is probably the worst food produced on this planet, actually seems to be a bit better than what I am used to eating in the staff mess onboard. As I quickly consume soggy rice and what they claim to be “chicken”, licking my fork clean I vow to appreciate everything I can about the next contract (yes! The food!), because when it’s time to re-enter the real world at the end of this year I am not sure if my body can handle it. My first week aboard the Carnival Freedom has been incredible. Extra work loads aside, I’ve already made an effort to explore ... read more

Aruba is an island which is part of the "West Indies". It is 20 miles long and 6 miles wide, has 101K inhabitants, and is located 17 miles from Venuzuela and 40 from Colombia. Aruba is an autonomous state within the Netherlands (under Dutch administration and support). An oil refinery keeps the economy strong and Aruba is the world's largest exporter of aloe (once covered 2/3rds of the island). The official language is Dutch, English is widely spoken, and nearly all Arubans also speak Papiamento. We didn't eat any ostrich (there is an ostrich farm on Aruba).... read more

We arrived to fine weather. From above we could see the turquiose waters lapping the white sand shoreline and palm trees swaying in the breeze. The passengers chattered excitedly and the air hostess welcomed us to Aruba. After reporting a damaged bag to JetBlue customer service, we exited to find Tanta Henna waiting for us. We hugged. And then, a little head appeared thru the back window of her car. Panic was jumping up and down with excitement wagging his little stumpy tail. We hugged again and then headed home. Oom (uncle) Jean, Tashi (Shanna's 10-year old cousin) and Tanta Henna's delicious fried fish were waiting for us. Then Opa came. It's always a pleasure seeing Opa. The 92-going-on-93 spritely 'youngster', who still drives himself to bingo a few times a week, always brings good humour ... read more

Last night in Bonaire, me and Chris ( 1 of the crew) are new "watch-buddies" and for the night we have planned a little costume game.... We're having a barbeque on sundeck, everyone is meeting at 5.30 'pm for snacks and coctails. Sutch a great crowd of people, everybody shows up , music is playing, drinks sre made and it's time tio PLay , ) 2 boxes of random things, some old clothes, shammys, silvertelp, feathers, tu-tuus, braa's, wigs, pearls, and we divide us into 2 teams..,,Both teams get a box full of the random things and the game is finished when everyone are dressed up!!! We got some great results and everybody's on top!! Food is coming up from the kitchen, therse Lobster, steak, corn, salads, baked potatoes, vegetables and all kinds of yammies.... ... read more