We checked into Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive knowing this trip would be different. It had been a tough year, so this was the time to relax and reset. We wanted fewer logistics and fewer moving pieces. From Tamarijn, the beach was never more than a few steps away. Our hotel room was literally 28 steps from the beach – I counted! There was no need to lug around beach gear. Just open the door and you’re met with turquoise water stretching endlessly ahead.
Mornings started slow and late with the sound of waves. A late brunch, then a few drinks, a splash in the ocean, a dip in the pool, a beach read or two, watching an amazing sunset and then dressing up for a fancy dinner. This was our routine.
And yet, Aruba still surprised us.
Just beyond the resort, the landscape shifts quickly. The lush Caribbean image is just that. The real Aruba is rocky desert landscape with more cactus and palm trees!
Aruba is funnily not a Dutch protectorate although it is curiously a mix of Caribbean and European influences. It is an independent country within the Kingdom of Netherlands. People of Aruba are Dutch citizens, but they are not governed by the Dutch for any of their internal affairs. Although Dutch provides military and foreign policy support.
Another contrast we did not expect were the oil tankers and remnants of the island’s refinery past, a few meters away in the bright blue waters. A reminder that Aruba sits closer to Venezuela than most people realize.
And then there’s the language. While most people speaking English and Spanish fluently, most of the staff conversed in Papiamento – which is a curious mix of English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Dutch and some blend of African languages. It’s a strange mix – you almost feel like you can follow along in English or Spanish till you realize this is totally different language.
We were lucky to have good weather but that probably wasn’t that surprising. Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt and is fortunate enough to have sunshine year around. The lack of rain is good for the visitors, but it is what contributes to Aruba being a desert.