Day 4: Aruba

We had a fun day in Aruba today. After picking up the Jeep, we drove south to Mangel Halto beach where we snorkeled. We didn't see a lot of fish but there were some rainbow parrot fish (we left our cameras locked in the car, so we don't have any pictures here). 

From there, we drove to Baby Beach. We were going to just take pictures but it was really crowded and difficult to find parking, so we just did a drive by. 

And then explored some dirt roads past the beach.

We enjoyed seeing desert plants that were different from what we have at home.

Our next stop  was at the Seroe Colorado Natural Bridge.

There was about a 5-10 minute walk from the parking lot but the view was worth it. It was amazing how many people pulled into the parking lot then left when you couldn't see it from where you parked 

Steve needed to show off and walk across it.

Next, we drove to Arikok National Park. Our first stop was Quadirikiri Cave, where we spent some time exploring the cave. 

Next, we went to Fontein cave. 

The cave was smaller and the bat smell was heavy, so we didn't spend much time there. 

From there, we continued to drive along the ungraded dirt road along the coast watching for goats

visiting sand dunes,

other beaches, 

a bumpy off road trail,

and a sea arch.

After a lunch stop

we went to the Bushiribana Ruins 

then continued to follow the coast to the  California Lighthouse, which was closed for renovations. 

So Steve found another hill he could play on.

We planned to snorkel at Boca Catalina, but it was getting late and parking was difficult. Instead, we drove south and just looked at the various beaches. 

We stopped at Eagle Beach long enough to dip our toes in the sand/water

then returned the Jeep and headed back to the ship for a late dinner.

Days 5-6: Curacao + day at sea

After picking up the rental car, we drove north and went under a few "tree tunnels".

Our first stop was snorkeling at Playa Lagun (no snorkeling pictures). There were some fish, but nothing really of note.

We then drove south to Cas Abao beach. 

Here we snorkeled/relaxed on the beach for a while. Steve found a little sea cavern he explored.

From there, we drove the scenic loop in Christoffel National Park. We arrived too late to drive the summit loop or visit the bat caves.

I liked the fun lizard at the park entrance.

After leaving the park, we toured the 

Curacao Liquer Distillery (Landhuis Chobolobo).

We learned about the ingredients used

The history of the distillery, and how to tell the difference between the real product and knock offs 

We also tried samples and received a cocktail with the tour.

We headed back to Willemstad and wandered around for a bit,  

And crossed m the Queen Emma bridge.

We hoped to see it swing open, but this ship stopped before the bridge.

After crossing back, we stopped for a snack (fried sauerkraut bitterballs) 

and shared a flight of beer 

at a local brewery.

We then returned the car and returned to the ship. We had this cute towel bird waiting in our room when we returned.

We said goodbye to Curacao as the ship sailed away.

Day 6:

Today we had a relaxing day at sea. This gave us a chance to sleep in and recover from two days of activities.

We went to a few trivia games and a cell phone photography workshop.

There wasn't any land in sight during the day and we didn't take any pictures of ship activities today.

Day 7: Cartagena Colombia

Even though we had a short stop in Cartagena, we made the most of it. 

We had a taxi take us to the walled city where we spent a few hours walking around and exploring. 

Torre del Reloj (the Clock Tower)

Plaza de la Proclamacion

Plaza de Bolivar (Bolivar Square)

 

Having a cup of coffee

in front of Iglesia de San Pedro Claver (St. Peter Claver Church)

Black vulture on a balcony 

Baluarte de Santo Domingo (Bastion of Santo Domingo

Then we walked to Parque Centenario, where we had this view of the walled city.

We also saw monkeys 

and a sloth.

From there, we walked to Getsamani and saw Umbrella Street. 

We also looked at some of the wall murals.

We wandered around 

and shared a delicious arepa and fresh limeaid for lunch.

(This looks yellow due to the yellow/green salsa we added.)

We also bought some fruit,

including an orange passion fruit, before heading back to the ship. 

At the port, there is an eco park where we saw lots of tropical birds

monkeys

and some iguanas. 

Finally, we sailed off, saying goodbye to Colombia.