Baby Beach Snorkeling & Mike's New Swim Stroke!

After some wonderful snorkeling for a couple of hours, 

beach relaxing well deserved (especially for Mike)

Mike has been such a trooper trying to keep up with me with his still healing shoulder and knee.

He came up with his own special swim and was all proud of himself when he showed it to me saying: 

"I can keep up with you now!"

Oh how I wish I had a video of it!

It would be worth watching!

It goes like this:

A dolphin kick with a synchronized doggy style arm movement.

It's a good thing that I lead the way otherwise my mask would fill up with sea water from laughing!

Roaming Donkeys

 As we were leaving Baby Beach, 

we just had to stop to feed and capture these adorable donkeys on the side of the road!

Mike got quite the following when he showed up with the crackers!

       

Southern tip of Aruba

On the way to Baby beach.

Some interesting colorful cactus.
And Beautiful view.

Baby beach & SunBlock Wisdom

We were told by everyone to go to Baby Beach. 

That it is great for snorkeling.

So, since we had the car rental, 

we were able to drive the 30 minutes to the other side of Aruba.

We were not disappointed!

By the way, if going to Aruba, plan on taking lots of sunscreen, 

I managed to tan with FPS 30 to 50 sunblock!

Mike used a 8 to 15 and got sunburned.

Reapplying after going in the water is a must.

I also wore a hat whenever I was not swimming or snorkeling.

And Everyday was a Bad Hair Day for me on this island 

I didn't have a choice really!!!!

La Cabana Resort & A Word about TimeShares

Next we stayed at La Cabana. 

Mike had bought a year ago, for $300, a 5 nights stay here with Blue Green Timeshares.

Of  course we had to go to a 3 h sales presentation! 

(they said it would be 1 1/2 h, year right, not with Mike in the mix!)

We did not buy and walked away with our gift of a 2 day rental car worth around $100!

We also used Sky miles for our flights.

So, not bad a deal...

I hate timeshare presentations with a passion though! 

I do not care for high pressure sales...

We've been to so many, throughout our marriage, close to 10! 

Mike sees it as a more economical way of vacationing!

And he has a hard time saying the word 'NO' to salesman that want to offer us a cheap vacation!!!!

I resist a lot, but once I am there I do enjoy myself...

Who would not like these little getaways with the hubby?

But please, no more... Time share presentations, that is!

We already own one anyway that we use every other year for family vacations.

It was the cheapest on that was offered to us!

The cute little Chapel in our room's courtyard.

Renaissance Hotel, Wi-fi, and the Best Meal in Aruba!

We stayed 3 nights at the Renaissance hotel by Marriott.

We did not need a car. We were close to restaurants & shopping.

I loved the little shuttle boat that came in the lobby, 

every 15 min to take you to the Renaissance Island, 

so fun!.

No worries Mike didn't really get hurt... 

Just forgot he had shoulder surgery only 2 months ago!

Those flamingos where very tame...

as I was filming, this is where I got attacked by those nasty mosquitoes!

Our Little Free Wi-fi corner in the lobby by the pool...
Where we did email, facetime, skype and a little blogging
to keep in touch with our friends and family.

While in Oranjestad this is was my favorite meal!
At an Indian Restaurant.
Only $8 for the best Chicken Tandoori I've every had!
We went there twice, it was that good to me, and not overpriced!

Food and groceries are way expensive there!
Must bring your own toiletries and Sun care products!
Like a bottle of sunscreen, we get for $5 in the States was $15 in Aruba!

Flamingo Beach & Those Bloody Vampires...

Flamingo Beach for more snorkeling and sunset watch.

As I was minding my own business,
taking pictures of the cute flamingos on the beach at sunset,
I got attacked!
Literally!
I must have been bitten at least over 20 times in a period of  a few minutes.
I was happy when I got on the boat to leave the island!

Ugh!
I HATE Mosquitoes!!!!
Unfortunately...
Those blood suckers ADORE me and my blood!

Talking about Blood Suckers,
Mike and I saw last night the last movie of the Twilight series:
Breaking Dawn 2

BTW
Mike Had to wear his free tee-shirt!!!
Even though it is advertising Coors Light Beer!
'But it says Aruba on it!'
We've got to get him one with the 'Aruba' sans the Beer add!
Yep, Mike will be Mike!

*****

Late Night Chocolate Squeeze

Every day, as we walked by this little Frozen Yogurt Bar,

Mike had to stop and sample or buy the chocolate delicateness...

No matter how full he was!

Isn't yogurt good for the belly anyway?

Looks like a chocolate turd to me!

Relaxing on The Renaissance's Private Island Beach

A little shuttle boat takes you for a 10-15 min ride to the hotel's Private island just off the coast. 

We had a great time relaxing and snorkeling! 

Mike was a trooper, he is not a big water-sport guy... 

But it was so awesome! 

Snorkeling is on of my favorite things to do.

Perfect weather, water, and some awesome beautiful fish!

It's like being in an aquarium, but better!

Aruba Views

 Aruba.
The Beach.

Mike and I.

Perfect!

The last time we went somewhere together for something like this was 

2 years ago for our 20th year anniversary.

I must say, I love those little trips...

They keep the romance and the love going.

View from our hotel Balcony

Dinner View

Hotel Pool view

Market down the street view

I've died and gone to France!

I opened and cooked one of my Trader's Joe finds!
I'm loving that store more and more!
And these Almond Croissants!
I ate 2 and there were 2 for Mike.
Unfortunately for him, Mike forgot to eat his second one for breakfast...
He thought it was going to be there when he got home?!
Not really.
I told him:
"I don't have that much self-control!!!!"

A Taste of France in all it's goodness and glory!
Oh... How I adore/miss French food!!!

By the way it's not just the food I miss, I miss my Family...
I'm long due for a trip to my home land...

2 Photos for the 2 croissants I ate today! 

Since France is not in the books right now.  
My Man is taking me to Aruba!
For our Anniversary. 
Just the 2 of us... 

We leave tomorrow at 4:30 am for 9 days!
It's good cause my toes are getting cold, 
I'm not ready to wear socks and closed shoes all day yet...
And YES! 
It does get a little chilly in Texas...

*******

Saturday Morning Walk

Today...
Our chore list was pushed asside,
to make room for relaxing Fun Activities with Amelie and Friends.

Fishing with Friends

During Our Forest walk,
we got a call from the William Family inviting us to join them in a little fishing party!
We had lots of fun and learned a lot too...

The Waiting.... in need of Lots of Patience?!

The Worms!!!

Dogs being Dogs

It was killing Chloe that she had to be tied to a tree!!!
Piglet dindn't care as long as he could be with his doggy-girl-friend,
like literaly be on top of her!
He Loves Chloe!
He is sooooo Cute!
So is my Chloe!

1 Fish. 2 Fish. 3 Fish.

Patience paying off!!

So our friends invite us, and Mike is the one catching all the catfishes!
I guess he did learn something from his dad, grandpa Nakata who was big time into fishing!
Mike says he doesn't have the patience and he doesn't care much for fish...

2 Fish @ 1 1/2 lb and 1 big one @ 2 lb! He let Amelie real 2 in and Lili one.
They all were freed into the pond.