Aruba and Curacao: what should I do/see?

[SacredCow]

Going on a cruise with stops in both places in about 2 months. Any advice on what's not to be missed is appreciated!

[HopeHoops]

1. Keep your eyes open for a missing pretty white girl in Aruba.

Let FOX know if you see one so they can send Geraldo there for 24x7 live coverage.

[SacredCow]

2. LOL....

My mom actually asked me if she thought it was wise to go to Aruba because of that.

[HopeHoops]

4. Just tell her that Aruba can't be all that bad.

I mean, the Beach Boys mentioned it in a song.

[SacredCow]

11. Yeah, but they mentioned Jamaica, too.

The Caribbean cesspool.

[HopeHoops]

12. Hey mon. Jamaica grows the special ingredient. Is it parsley? No, no, no!

Is it oregano? No, no, no.

It's ME GANJA!!!

[TZ]

5. Oh DO NOT bring that up with the natives

That pisses them off big time. This is a very safe and wonderful place whos reputation was smeared by Republican thugs and the obnoxious American Media.
The people there are otherwise very very nice.

On edit: One of my good friends has relatives down there and she visits 2-3 times a year. NEVER EVER has had a problem

[NewJeffCT]

7. +1 on that

Aruba is very safe.

[SacredCow]

10. Honestly, I had forgotten about it until my Mom brought it up....

I think I replied with something to the effect of... "Well, if I disappear and Geraldo and Greta fly off to start coverage of another American falling victim to Aruba- just publicly out me. Then all they'll do is suggest that I probably got murdered in some kind of bizarre, kinky homosexual ritual and that'll be the end of it."

[TZ]

3. Aruba is soooo nice!

Be sure to get out of Oranjestad (the capitol city) and see the country side. The beaches everywhere are WONDERFUL.
Arikok National Park has a very harsh and severe beauty, not to mention some wonderful views of the entire island.
The Natural Bridge (which collapsed a few years back) is still worth a trip. And the place I regret I did not get a chance to go to is the Natural Pool..A big clear tidepool where the snorkeling is said to be unbelievable. And the snorkeling I did elsewhere was pretty damn good.
A couple of cautionary notes. Aruba is very hot and VERY dry. Make sure you bring plenty of water whever you go. A hat and sunglasses are also a must as you are only a little bit aways from the equator. Make sure you get a picture of yourself with one of the tall cacti...There are places that look ALOT like Arizona as this is a dry island..Its also VERY windy so be prepared for that.
Never been to Curacao so I can't tell you anything. But Aruba is handsdown my most favorite trip EVER. :hi:

[NewJeffCT]

8. Another +1

Very hot & dry and windy, but agree on most everything except it wasn't quite my most favorite trip ever, as I went there on honeymoon with my ex-wife.

[elehhhhna]

6. Aruba is great for shopping --

you can bargain for jeweley, buy excellent Dutch cheese, cuban cigars, and much more. Learn a few words of Papiamento and the islanders will be MUCH friendlier. Ayo = goodbye, Masha danke = thank you, Bon Dia = Good morning.

[SacredCow]

9. Shopping might be a good thing....

We're in Curacao the day prior, which happens to be Mardi Gras day. So if I'm going to cut loose and get drunk and stupid it'll probably be on Curacao.