January 6, 2016
The tyranny of eastward travel begins. 24 painful days of 23 hours included in this journey.  Makes it very hard to get up in the morning.

January 7, 2016
Beautiful weather this morning and sailed in to Aruba right on time at 10.  There were 2 Royal Caribbean ships also in port of approximately 2000 passengers each, so our ship of 600+ looked very small in comparison.

We left the ship before 10:30 and found the local bus kiosk at the end of the sidewalk out of the port area....right where my research said it was supposed to be!  I'm always glad when that happens!!

We took the bus to the Fishermen's huts and also saw people kite sailing so that made for some colorful pictures.

Caught the next bus north, after ascertaining that it was indeed going close to the California Lighthouse located in the northwest tip of the island near Arashi Beach.   Unfortunately, it is now covered in scaffolding as it undergoes maintenance.  

For you snorkelers, the bus driver said that the very best beach for snorkeling is at Arashi Beach, which has off street parking, and said it is where the locals go.  The bus goes there often so you wouldn't even need the parking, plus it is a nice way to see that part of the island and leave the driving to a local!

We window-shopped along the streets by the port and wondered how all of the gold and diamond shops stayed in business!

We returned to the ship, had lunch, showered and later played a very gentle game of trivia in the Oceania Lounge.   No special events or shows tonight since the ship doesn't leave port until 11:00.

On to Curacao tomorrow!       cynthia