Ahh, Yes, Aruba... Beautiful, Crystal Clear Water, Great For...

Oranjestad, Aruba

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Posted:  Wednesday, August 9
Runner:  Lindie Nanninga

Ahh, yes, Aruba... beautiful, crystal clear water, great for windsurfing, snorkling, diving, and, it is incredibly hard to run there because the wind blows 24 hrs/day!!! And it blows 25+ mph, even if you rise and shine at 7 am to try to catch the wind at a low point, it is still blowing!!! Don't bother trying to have a "good hair day" because it just ain't gonna happen!!! We ran along a "road". Now, Aruba has probably two roads. Really, there are only a few main roads from the airport to the hotel district. The road had a gravel path along the side of it. People were pretty kind as far as watching out for runners. We saw other runners there, so we didn't feel like the only folks battling the wind. Look at it as "strength training". I don't think you'll have a problem putting in the miles, maybe several out and back runs, but you'll get in your miles. Take lots of 15+ sunscreen. Aruba is closer to the equator than we are here in the States, thus, you will burn quickly!! It is hot... period. Drink lots of water because it's somewhat arid there. Aruba is a strange place. It is all rock, cactus and goats. Lots of goats wandering around. It isn't a "pretty" island. Some islands are lush, tropical and pretty, but not Aruba. Nice coastlines, though. Rent a car and drive around the island - take advantage of the secluded beaches. We had an entire beach to ourselves - only one person ventured near our little "blue lagoon". And the food and water is safe for you to eat/drink. Aruba is a Dutch colony. Go in to one of the local grocery stores and buy yourself some good Dutch beer (that is if you drink), and get some Gouda cheese. This stuff is imported from Holland. Most folks speak Dutch and English, so no problem with communication. If you like to gamble, most of the major hotels have casinos. You'll enjoy your stay, however, I did not like running in the wind! Have a great trip!

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