Aruba Bucketlist - In Desperate Need Of A Beach

I really do not think it's coincidence that the #1 song on the day that I was born was "Caribbean Queen", by Billy Ocean. While I am usually not a fan of tropical vacations (I love to be extremely active and see tons of things), I was introduced to the Caribbean on a family cruise a few years ago.

While it was great getting to spend some time with my family (not so great getting dragged out of the ships nightclub by my dad because he thought the intentions of a 40 year old Dubai man were questionable - really dad, WE ARE ON A SHIP), I did not enjoy hopping on and off the ship onto islands for only a few hours. I'm a hang with the locals kinda girl, and I love to explore.

A few months ago, I decided that since I did not have a trip in my horizon, I needed to leave and go somewhere sunny. Basically, I wanted to be on a beach with a cocktail in my hand. Preferably Agua de Valencia, which is the most AMAZING drink that I had while I was in Valencia. I'll let you know how it goes, but if you want to try and make it yourself here is a recipe: click here. But please, be careful because this drink will sneak up on you.

Anywho, I had some Southwest Points (actually I had a lot), so I looked into where they flew internationally. Mexico was on the list (not my idea of a vaca), as well as the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Aruba. Aruba sounded the most interesting (and my mother thinks I chose it because it is the closest to South America), so I booked it! After all the reservations were made, this became my screensaver at work, and I've been counting down the days...

So now I am a few days away, and with every trip I go on, I make a bucketlist:

-Rent ATV's or 4x4 jeep

-Visit the Wishing Stone Beach

-Tan

-Visit the Orphanage - bring clothes/toys

-See flamingos on the beach

-Kukoo Kunuku Bus

-Visit the national park

-Talk to the locals

-Go to the grocery store (one of my favorite things to do while traveling

Now I just have to get through the rest of this work week. If I have missed something that I MUST see or do there please let me know! 🌞