Oranjestad, Aruba...

We spent a wonderful, sunshine filled day in the Retreat today as we had a late arrival into Aruba. After lunch, after the sail in photos were done, we just relaxed until the right time to go ashore…  Our new trend is to wait for the crowds to die down before leaving the ship. We followed our regular route through downtown along the waterfront promenade and around the Renaissance Hotel complex looking for iguanas, pelicans and other creatures. There were lots of creatures out today including the resident duck at Wilhelmina Park. Being a Saturday, it was quite busy in town and at Starbucks when we stopped for some refreshments and to update our devices. From here we went to the Renaissance Mall and to the Tommy Bahama store. I found three different shirts to add to my collection. Our last stop was the Sun and Sands gift store and of course I had to buy a couple of tank tops. We hurried back to the ship as we had a dinner reservation at the Canaletto Restaurant in honor of Ann’s Birthday. Dinner, with Ann’s special guests, Yvonne, Arnold and John was magnificent!  This was our first time with the new menu and we loved it… When it was time for happy birthday singing and cake, the place was filled with officers wishing Ann a Happy Birthday.  It was a wonderful evening capping off a hot and sunny day in Aruba…