Aruba Stressful Arrival - 13 Jan 2024

We (my sister and I) made it to Aruba! The flight was stressful because I left my work laptop charger in Jamie's car. Anyway, it was hard to see the island flying in due to clouds, but the glimpses were beautiful.

Our luggage made it without issue. I got pulled aside in Immigration, but all was good, and I got my Aruba stamp. I LOVE my stamps.

Aruba was so warm and breezy! We got picked up at the airport by the rental car company, Tropic Car Rental. He drove us about 2 minutes down the road to our car. I got out of the car and dropped my phone, which I do at least a couple times a day. The screen broke and wouldn't register touch on about 3/4 of the screen. Renting the car was the easiest experience ever.

Our driver was so nice and lead us to the electronic store so I could buy a charger. However, 2 stores, no chargers. Deep breath. No biggie, let's go check in and then figure it out. But, I have all the info on my cell phone, so no directions to our place. Okay so we just need to get Jamie a SIM card so we can use her cell.

Off to the grocery store for the SIM. While there, I get a piece of glass in my finger and I'm dripping blood in the store. So of course, I start wiping it on my pants.

We get the SIM and head for the Airbnb, Piece of Paradise. Have I mentioned my stress level was a little high? On the way, I realize I don't know how to get the keys, since all directions are on my cell. We contact the host, who sends Jamie the info. We arrive at the Airbnb. It's so peaceful and pretty. Our room is great. We introduced ourselves to the other ladies on the trip. For the record a travel group I belong to, organized this trip. So we met up with 3 ladies we didn't know. Spoiler alert....they were terrific.

The Airbnb hostess, Julissa, was so nice and drove us to another electronic store to get a charger. It was 535pm and they close at 6pm. This was my introduction to how Arubans drive. Whoa! Hang on and wear your seatbelt. We were in a huge hurry and Julissa understood the assignment!

We got to the store in time and they have a charger. Hooray! I was relieved! I had been so worried I would have to fly home right away. I didn't even care about the $60.

We go back to our place. Where are new friends planned to grill dinner for us. It was so nice, given the stress we just dealt with. We ate and got to know each other. Afterward, everyone went dancing but I needed some down time, so I stayed in. Don't feel bad for me. Look at this pool, all to myself.

Here's the today's route.