Page 22 of davidjean1971 Travel Blog Posts



Dear ones, We are learning fast: Traffic to the west and the capital of Georgetown is heavy, esp the 2 rush hours, whereas the way we are tending to go - to the less crowded, less fancy East, is like real island time. Yes, we get behind work trucks, and yes we have seen an inordinate number of crashes since arriving - 4. Slept well enough, since both are coughing, ate the muesli we brought from home, said goodbye to Jennifer - she is back to Canada till 12/24 as she starts her job iin Jan. They moved down here for his job. Heard last night about how the cat, Chowder, took many months and about $1000 to process him thru the rabies requirements. Not sure any cat is worth quite that much. Oh, right, we ... read more
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Central America Caribbean » Aruba » Noord October 12th 2017

Wow, what a lovely 2 wks. Lots of snorkeling with some new fish and renewing acquaintances with old friends Linda at Zee Rover and Francis. We ate at Zee Rover's 3 times, Indo (Indonesian) twice, a fish and chips (grouper!), once on the beach for sunset, 3 times at Linda's for Dutch pancakes (our new fav is wet ginger, brie and walnuts), and cooked fish curry once and fish with rice/beans. The facility really was nice. We even got in the pool for about 5 mins, ha ha. Visited La Cabana for our happy hour brown ladies once, and bless 'em - John & Robin picked us up a pair when they were picking us up from snorkeling. Today we had to be up at 6:30 am for our final snorkel at Arashi. It was worth ... read more
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Central America Caribbean » Aruba » Noord October 7th 2017

Yesterday we experienced torrential rains and lightening, from about 5:30 am. After it quieted down, we went to the bird sanctuary and saw yellow warblers - wonder if they are the same ones we see in Cleveland in May? And coots and moorhens and a sea eagle and other wading birds we can't remember their names. Then joined the butterfly place for tour - always fun, and always informative as I can't remember one time to the next. Very hot though. David and I headed out for an afternoon snorkel at Arashi and sadly the visibility was poor, due to rain runoff? But it was warm and lovely to just float around seeing whatever came our way. Last night John and Robin were keen enough to see the Indians play that they went to the casino ... read more
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Central America Caribbean » Aruba » Noord October 4th 2017

Dear ones, We have been lax in our blogging, mostly because we do just about the same things every day, and the fish are amazing. We get up, have a small breakfast if we are meeting Francis to snorkel, and then we went to Linda's for the fantastic Dutch pancake again. But first - Sunday. We tried to find another church, because the New Life Tabernacle can last over 2 hours, tho we love it. So the internet said the main 'Protestant Church" in Orangestad had Dutch and English at 11. Sounded reasonable. The pastor welcomed us warmly, tho they didn't have a patch on Advent's welcoming, as only one other person said anything. Well, 2 when we count the pastor's wife. And the organ was great. and a cute baptism. And almost everything else in ... read more
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Central America Caribbean » Aruba September 30th 2017

Took John and Robin for their first "big boy" snorkel, and it proved more challenging than expected because the swells and currents did seem more than the day before - Arashi. Everyone agreed the coral was lovely. Did see porcupine fish and those giant rainbow fish, but they were in the distance and fuzzy. It was overcast, so that didn't help. We were aghast to see a big snorkel cruise boat also come into the area. Our friends were VERY brave, however, and we stayed out 1.5 hours, John without a float vest again. Photos later. The rash guards that had evidently blown off the 3rd story veranda showed up at last in the lost and found. We bought John a better snorkel from Aqua Windies. found out that the end was missing the flap that ... read more
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Central America Caribbean September 30th 2017

This condo is wonderful - two complete bedrooms with nice central area to be shared, with full kitchen 3 tvs - not that we have time to watch anything. Nice balcony. The Caribbean Palm Village Resort has 2 pools but one is under construction. Good parking, and, the most important thing - only 10 mins from our FAVORITE snorkeling area. We met Francis, our friend from Life is Beautiful, for a morning snorkel to see turtles (success) and breakfast at Linda's for the wonderful Dutch Pancakes. So, we have snorkeled Boca Catalina AND our new favorite place, the elkhorn coral area straight out from Arashi Beach. And the amazing news - John forgot his float yesterday for his first snorkel - but went out anyway to see the turtles, and then just did fine. Today we ... read more
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Central America Caribbean » Aruba » Noord September 27th 2017

To help celebrate Robin Legan's retirement, as of Sept 1, we all left Kent around 1:30 am!!! and drove to Pgh's airport to catch a Southwest flight. We got an amazing deal using our points, you see. Normal flights to Orlando and then to Aruba, except that the planes were COLD (there's Robin bundled up). Arriving early, it was certainly hot enough here in Aruba - 92? Two cruise ships were in. The Caribbean Palm Village is lovely - not far from St Ann's in Nord. Two bedrooms, 2 baths, nice kitchen and shared space. We need to shop asap for our provisions... read more

North America » United States » Illinois » Chicago September 21st 2016

Geo: 41.8861, -87.6364... read more

Oceania » New Zealand » North Island » Auckland September 20th 2016

Geo: -36.8474, 174.766After flying out of Queenstown on a gorgeous early morning, we bid adieu to the South Island and arrived in Auckland before lunch. To comply with New Zealand carry on restrictions of 7 kilos (approx 15lbs), we had to do some juggling of luggage! Wish we had had a map with us to check on the landmarks we flew over. The weather in the N. Island has been rainy, and today was threatening, with just a few drops. We rented a car for one extra day and fit in some shopping, a lovely few hours at Cornwall Park (One Tree Hill), and dinner at a Malaysian/Singapore restaurant. We had to repack everything of course, and tried to get to bed early, which never happens. Didn't sleep much for some reason - awaiting the 4 ... read more

Oceania » New Zealand » South Island » Otago » Queenstown September 19th 2016

Geo: -45.0311, 168.663We left beautiful Te Anau and drove about 3 hours to Queenstown.Because we have to drop off the car so early - and can't find the contract !!! - we stopped by the rental place at the airport before coming to the B&B. Q''town a/p is like Pgh in 1983 - compact! And they said (something that we've heard lots) "no worries." In fact, David extended the contract one day for about $24 US - a good deal - which means we don't have to pay for buses, shuttles or taxis from and back to the a/p in Auckland. And it means we won't be stranded at the hotel alll day tomorrow. We THINK we are all packed ok for tomorrow - with the big suitcase 50#, and one of the carry ons inside ... read more




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