The rugged northern coast of the island is as different from the built-up and touristy southern shore as you can imagine. You can drive along most parts of the coast but beware, the road is not paved and gets terrible (practically impassable with a normal car, check out a 4WD) in places.

All along the coast are hidden coves (called 'bocas', mouths, in Papiamento) that make for nice pictures. There are some beaches (popular with surfers) but again WATCH OUT, the current is very strong and people have drowned here.

Also on the northern coast, you will find the former natural bridge, which collapsed in 2005, the Bushiribana gold smelter, a couple of caves with Indian pictographs, dunes, the Natural Pool (difficult to get at) and Andicuri beach, with its great surf.

There is a natural pool called Cura di Tortuga. There are no cars that go to it. There is a horseback tour that takes you there. You see a lot of the landscape and nature. Gold rush mines 1400 – 1500. Bushiribana is one that you can see on the Land Rover tour. There is a California style lighthouse at one end of the island. You can also see this on the Land Rover tour. Chapel of Alto Vista is a tiny church. It is set all along. It is the 1st of Aruba’s churches. Another sight seen on the Land Rover tour.

While you are walking around town walk for fliers. Take them for sure. Some of them will offer you a free gift. One time I got a free bracelet. And another time I got a loose stone. It was a blue topaz, about 3 carats. There are also flea markets. There is one on LG Smith Boulevard. They will come down on price some but not much. The price starts lower than the stores anyway.

The place to go out and have fun is Carlos and Charlie’s. It is a very busy place so you must get there early. If you get there earlier there is no cover. Their food is pretty good. They come around with shots that they pour down your throat. They also have contests and conga lines. It is very fun. If you do not get there early you will be waiting for awhile.

Main Street was bustling with activity: small market-type shops to explore for souvenirs and one jewelry store after another. High-end retailers shared the same street with market vendors. However, we only ended up bargaining with a vendor on the sale of T-shirts.

Downtown was extremely clean and well maintained. The back alleyways and side streets can be a little scary when you stray off the main streets at night. It was exciting to stroll along the boardwalk and dream of owning our own boat someday. It was an experience of their Aruban culture.