Sea Breeze Apartments

23 July - 7 August, 2003 by Frankie & Lesley Colclough

Wednesday 23 July 2003

We flew from Manchester to Amsterdam, Amsterdam to Aruba with no problems. The KLM staff were very efficient, they enlisted the help of quite a few children who went up and down the plane giving out ice cream and sweets. One poor soul took ill a few rows behind us. A call went out a few times for a doctor, it was eventually answered. When we arrived in Aruba they were stretchered off into a waiting ambulance. We don't know what happened to them, we hope they were OK.

The owner of the Sea Breeze apartments came to pick us up and took us on a quick tour of our vicinity. He showed us Mangel halto beach, Marina Pirata restaurant, local supermarket, chinese takeaway & bus stops! After such a long days travelling (18 hours door to door) we only had the energy to visit the shop for essentials, confirm our reservation for Madame Janette, unpack the cases including all Lesley's shoes and flake out.

Thursday

We woke up at the crack of dawn and caught the bus into Oranjestad. We were there before the shops had even opened. As soon as they were open Lesley was off to get her fix of Swatch Watches ~ no holiday is complete without one or two new watches. I joined in the fun and let her buy me one too. More money was spent in Casa Del Sol - "Do you know everything in here changes colour in the sun" - we do now. A shirt and shorts later plus a couple of spins of the wheel and we were on our way to the post office to buy some stamps. Somehow we found ourselves in the Internet Cafe, the first of many visits as it turned out.

We then decided to go on the Atlantis Submarine; we were given discount with our Visit Aruba plus card. The crew of the Atlantis worked hard to entertain the passengers, this was in part I feel for the lack of entertainment underwater. I knew that something was wrong when I saw the passengers getting off the sub as we were getting on. They were not "animated" and showed no signs of having had a good time. I personally would not recommend it at $78.00 per person, there just wasn't much to look at! After the Sub we wandered around and came across the poor tiger in captivity, if there is a petition anywhere to stop this cruelty ~ I will sign it.

We made our way back to Pos Chiquito & The Sea Breeze Apartments by local bus. Everytime we boarded the bus during the vacation the driver and/or passengers told us that we were on the wrong bus and that we needed the L10 for the hotel area, we would have to explain that we were on the right bus as we were staying in Pos Chiquito. It was funny. It was even funnier when other tourists would follow us to the bus and we had to explain to them that they were getting on the wrong bus. (It's a Sheep thing I think!) In the evening we made our way to Madame Janettes, considering it was built up to be the "Best" by many of the people on the Bulletin Boards........It did not disappoint. It was so good we ate there three times. A full review of MJ's will appear in the restaurant reviews shortly.

Friday July 25

From our apt. we walked to the local beach (Mangel Halto) less than 50 yards. It all looked very nice, there were local children on a school trip and some snorkel trips. I was pleased to be able to watch a Pelican fishing. We went into OJ on the bus shopped a little, had a look at the massive cruise ship. Then Lesley decided we could go in search of Tabasko on foot (I think she was trying to KILL Me) We walked and walked in the hot sun - then we found King Ribs. We decided to go in for Lunch/Dinner. It was basic but cheap & fun, we went to take a picture as we were leaving and the "Chef" came running out with some tongs in his hand- took my camera, gave Lesley the tongs and promptly took a picture of us at the griddle with Lesley turning the food. Great Fun. We then continued our walk/search, eventually ending up at King Hong where we did a little more shopping. The rest room was a crime against Humanity!
We made our way home via the bus and pegged out!

Saturday--- Confessions Of A Serial Shopper

Back into Orange town, Shopping Again! Lesley looked at even more shoes and trainers, the 10 pairs she brought with her will not be enough!
After yesterdays prolonged fast I wanted some lunch - just a quick bite of anything. We found this place inside Dunkin' donuts - across from the Bus station- we didn't know what it was, the menu was all in Spanish. I ordered "The no. 4 special". It turned out that we were in a Venezuelan fast food joint - excellent.
We then made our way by (The right) Bus L10 to the Manchebo Beach -outside the Best Western & Bucuti. The Beach was beautiful, we paid $4.00 for two beds and an umbrella(chickee?)

This was truly paradise, no one bothering you. On other beaches (Antigua & Tunisia) we have been bothered by people trying to sell you something or braid your hair (Not Mine!)

That evening we had reservations for El Gaucho. Arrived early so we were given a pager - the Lady was so pleased when she didn't have to explain the whole rigmarole to us. We crossed the road to the very tastefully appointed "Garufa" where we had drinks as we waited for our table. the only fault I had with Garufa was that they had no "Makers Mark". The pager went crazy (at 7.30 - our reservation time). We were sat on a table next to a friendly couple from Connecticut - who tried to convince us to go to a presentation for the new Marriott Aruba Surf Club and get a $100 gift certificate. Just remember to say NO. Shame they didn't follow their own advice, apparently they went to a presentation 2 years ago at the Marriott and now they own two timeshares!

A full review of the meal and Garufa will be in the restaurant reviews area.

Sunday - couldn't shop day

Went to Manchebo Beach again - beach was a lot busier (being Sunday). I shared my shade under a fruit tree with a nice Dutch family (shared their beers), paradise again. Saw some big Iguanas. Lesley just tanned.

In the evening ate at Marina Pirata which was just a short walk from our apartment. Full review as before.

Monday (I think!)

For the first time in my life I am being bitten to death - its no fun. I believe the local biters have a taste for European Blood - it must be all the Port I drink. The local buses are proving to be fun. We keep getting on at the same stop but they all seem to be taking different routes into town, as a result we are seeing more and more of Aruba. Lesley has been looking for a new bikini, she continued her search today but I was the only winner purchasing a new Reyn Spooner Aloha Shirt! I was horrified by the prices for compact discs; they were charging over £10.00 for cheapo £3.00 cds from England.

We had our usual Internet Fix, LuvGriz told us to get off the internet & see Aruba.

We went into the small King Hong in town to get some supplies. I spotted some beers that I had never seen before so I purchased some to try. I could have kicked myself when back at the apartment I discovered they were ALCOHOL FREE Lesley had a laugh at my expense!
In the evening we went to the excellent Cuba's Cookin'.

Tuesday

A brief visit to the beach followed by a quick change - then off to meet Hubert & Brigitte at The Amsterdam Manor for the BB Party. (So have we got it straight - that was Bus - Bus - Beach, Bus - Bus - SeaBreeze - Local Bus)

Oh and what fun we had when the local bus had a blow-out. It turned out they had no spare, so they had to stop the next bus to borrow theirs. After they handed over their spare and drove off ~ they discovered that part of the jack was missing. Some of the passengers produced some metal rods that they had with them and tried to crank up the jack with them. This only partly worked - the rods were bending. So they phoned for help. A scruffy car arrived and out leaped two chaps to the rescue (or not!). They didn't have the same kind of jack, what they had was the oldest, rustiest and most battered jack in the world. One chap crawled under the minibus and tried to find a suitable place to get some leverage. As he was struggling along came another minibus which produced yet another kind of jack ~ at this point our driver told us to get on this latest bus and she gave us our money back. This was one time I didn't want the money back as it was so funny - but we were getting late for The BB party - so off we went!

Bright Boy Herein lies a tale of Drunkenness caused by $1.00 cocktails. Look away now!!!

We arrived slightly late at the Amsterdam Manor where we met Hubert & Brigitte from Belgium and Amber & Chuck from Arkansas. We were not aware of Hubert's bad news and thought he was fooling around when he got up to leave after about an hour. We were saddened to hear of the loss of his Brother, and anyone interested should look at the photo he posted as a tribute to him.

At least we got to meet our new friends briefly before they flew off!

After a Cuba Libre and a couple of Margaritas, the young Barman "Reggie" got talking to us. He asked if I liked the cocktails or would I like something different? I asked him what did he have in mind? He replied "something fruitier, creamy or stronger"
The "Regginator" is what he has for stronger!

No one has ever drunk more than three, he claimed - Dontcha just love a challenge?

Reggie and the Reginator The drinks flowed and we had a great time answering Chuck's questions:

Q. "So what do you guys do on 4th of July?"
A. "Nothing"
Q. "Thanksgiving?"
A. "Nothing"
Q." Labour Day?"
Q. "Memorial Day?"
A. "Nothing"
Q."Presidents Day?" Did he make that one up
Q."Halloween?"
A. "Not as much as you lot!"
"But we do have Guy Fawkes" - explanation followed.

The Amsterdam Manor served us some snacks but it was too late for yours truly. I was on my fourth "Regginator", Lesley was not laughing. Chuck paid the Bill I think he said it was about $16.00 (Hubert had kindly paid for the first wave) I guess I owe them a drink or two at The Green Man or somewhere more exotic!

The end result was Lesley had to drive Amber, Chuck and myself back to the Tam in their Jeep, where we caught the Bus. We have a picture of Amber climbing in the trees whilst they were waiting at the bus stop with us.

It was a $17.00 taxi from town to the SeaBreeze where I slept soundly.
Lesley tells a far harsher tale of these events.

And just in case Chuck has forgotten... "No I will not take you to see Manchester United if you visit England"

Wednesday

Surprisingly this was a day of Idleness. Lesley spent the day sunbathing by the Sea Breeze pool. I flitted between the shade and the local shop - where I purchased a number of vitamin packed juice drinks.
Also watched an episode of Monk that I had not seen. In the evening we went to the pictures to see "Pirates of The Caribbean" - we thought it was appropriate. It was very good and very funny. I immediately wanted to go on a "Jolly Pirates" trip. ~ Maybe next time
After the cinema we had a very nice meal at Iguana Joes. Bus home.
Something of a record today - only two bus trips

Thursday - The day of the lifts

The day started well when a local lady pulled up at the bus stop and told us to hop in. She gave us a lift into town as we chatted with her about all sorts. We must have spent nearly an hour on the internet in our regular cafe. We put a film in for processing; it's so expensive even with a 20% discount voucher. Good job it was only one film. We bought some cold medication in the pharmacy for Lesley; looking back it must have been the AC that gave her the cold - the same as it gave me a sore throat. Nearly cleared up now, thanks.

Then we headed to Manchebo Beach. Somewhere lost in my records is the fact that we stopped at Mi Dushi Bagels early on in our holiday. We never made it again as we were always getting to the beach after it shut. We usually stopped at subway to buy a couple of large drinks - I liked the "grape" you can't really get it over here. Lesley was a bit revolted when I had grape and cherry mixed.

In the evening we caught a bus then a taxi from town out to Madame Jannette's as we had made another reservation on our last visit, as it was so good. We were given a table almost next to the singer "Ahr" who entertained us ALL night. It became apparent that he was very fond of Irish/Scottish Folk songs. When he discovered that I was also keen on the same, he played a number of great songs that really made my evening. Ahr told me that his daughter had made a cd of Irish Folk and that He would like me to hear it. He also told us that he would be playing with his wife and another daughter in MJ's the following night and he thought we would enjoy the trio. As the night came to a close Ahr asked us where were we staying - he was surprised that we were so far away in Pos Chiquito and said he would give us a lift home as he had to pass by it.

We made a reservation for the Friday night and asked for a table as close as possible to the singer...little did we know. We are going to cover the meals in the restaurant review section - eventually, but I just want to say that all the staff were very friendly and good at their jobs!

Friday

We stayed by the pool again. Perhaps I should explain that Lesley likes to do what she calls "Day On, Day Off" - that is a day on the beach then a day off the beach. It's for two reasons - 1. So that she does not overdo the sun tanning and 2. I do not go out of my head from sunstroke!

I spent some time editing two mini discs of Irish & Scottish Folk music which I had made for Hubert to hear at the BB Party, as I was giving them to Ahr as a present.
I went to the supermarket to buy something new for the mozzies in our room as they had even been getting me through my socks. The burning thing was doing no good. I sprayed the entire apartment with about half the can of Baygon bug killer and we headed off for MJ's.

Once again we arrived early so we took a seat at the bar next to a young couple who introduced themselves as Kevin & Meredith - you Americans are so polite.

Well when we were taken to our table we were surprised. We had a table right in front of Ahr the entertainer, accompanied by his wife and daughter. Everything was once again excellent.
I asked Kevin & Meredith if they would like to join us as they were leaving, I said they could have a glass of wine as I was struggling with the bottle. The waiters brought some more glasses, Kevin and I grabbed some vacant chairs and we spent the rest of the night chatting with them and Ahr. They "helped" me finish my bottle of Alsace Pinot Blanc, and then we helped each other finish two further bottles of Alsace Pinot Gris.
We sat and talked for hours, Ahr played their wedding song (sort of) on the condition that they danced - which they did, and he also gave them a present of his cd. To us he gave his cd and the one of his daughters.
Kevin Kevin refused to let me pay for one of the extra bottles of wine - so I bought a couple of Dalwhinnies for us a beer for Meredith and a few more Dalwhinnies for the staff at the bar.
Ahr must have said "goodnight, this is my last song" to all the remaining guests at least 3 times then got back up to sing another request for someone including if I remember correctly - The Swiss Consul and the writer of one of the songs he sings. When it was all over he totally surprised us by telling us that his wife Flora was going to take us home. We said goodbye to Kevin & Meredith and headed home. Flora chatted all the way back with us, telling us how they had a very special night because they had friends and family there. By the time we got to the Sea Breeze we felt that we had almost become friends and family.
At the Sea Breeze the German guests were still up drinking some wine in the garden. We have been nodding and saying hello for the last week as we keep bumping into them either in town on the bus or at the apartments.
Squeamish? Look away now!
The Baygon deathraygas worked very well.
It was just gone 2.30am and I had to go around the Apt. Sweeping up dead things ( Hi! auntie ) which I promptly and probably drunkenly threw in the pool.

Saturday 1st August.....

Early (Far Too Early) the next morning about 7 am Lesley woke me up to ask what had I done with all the dead things. I confessed that I had thrown them in the pool (I believe it was to drown any survivors ), she was horrified and made me get myself out of bed and clean the pool.
With the small net that was by the side of our apartment I removed all the offenders from the pool and then everything else - I thought I would do a real good job.
I placed all the debris in a hole that was next to a cactus outside the apartment. I thought the sun could toast the remains, it reminded me of poor old Guy Fawkes who was Hung , Drawn & Quartered. The Bugs were Gassed, Drowned & Toasted

A little later on we went shopping again! In the Seaport Mall there was a Table Top Sale - we don't have anything like it over here! There was also a fashion show and some deafening music. After mooching around there for a while we went to - 't Pannekoekhuis. It is a new Dutch Pancake house in Seaport Marketplace and it is well worth a visit! During the meal we were entertained by a little bird which kept on flying back and forth to a large mirror in the restaurant - It was trying to communicate (mate?) with its reflection.

The Pancakes were yummy and we had poffertes for dessert, we ordered small but should have had larger! They were equal to the ones we had in Amsterdam.
We then continued our mooch around (avoiding the Tiger ) Did the internet, then we bumped into Kevin & Meredith and joined forces. We went on a joint mooch, Kevin bought some sunglasses then we came across a street party on Mainstreet. There was live music competing with sound systems, souped up cars, bouncing bungee thingy and tabletop sales. It was all very entertaining and colourful. After walking the length of the street we had a little look for "Pai's Rum Hut" ( I think that was what it was called!) a place I had seen once when we were on a local bus. I failed to find said place, I even started asking people in the street, first you have to sift between Locals & Tourists - maybe next time!

On the way back to the bus station Kevin found a T-Shirt Shop that was selling Marlboro Lights from under the counter - he was very happy!
We did the usual quick change then bussed it to Tabasko. Tabasko was wonderful and when we return to Aruba we will return to Tabasko. The Arubus took us straight through to Pos Chiquito without having to change. Most certainly The Right Bus! The German family got on in town so we all walked back together and then had a bottle of wine by the pool.

Sunday

The morning was a lazy day by the pool.
The afternoon was action packed. We went to the airport to re-confirm our flights and then hire a car. We went straight to Jansen to give them a second chance, they had already been unable to help us when we e-mailed them from England. We had wanted to rent a jeep for two weeks, they said they had nothing available. We are glad they didn't or we would never have had the fun on the bus! Anyhoo! We tried to rent a car for three days - once again they had nothing. So we went to Economy who gave us a little white car and discount 'cos we had our Arubaplus card.

We drove to Moombas - the place was rocking. There was live music, Happy Hour 5-7, Beautiful people, Party Atmosphere and a busy beach. (No Marlene though) -see my photos. I sampled some Amstel Brights again followed by.........no notes available....a variety of cocktails.

We had our evening meal at Moombas (more cocktails, including cocktail of the day? week? moment?) The evening finished back at the SeaBreeze talking by the pool to a Dutch family for hours!

The next part involves our trip to the Police Station. I will have to psyche myself up for this and post it before I go to work tomorrow!

Monday 4th August

We drove to the beach - you know - Manchebo! We stayed there for a few hours and then we headed off to Taco Bell for lunch, the family we were talking to last night had mentioned that they had been eating there - so they put the idea in our heads. We do not have Taco Bell over here in THE 51st State, so it was different. I recall that line in Demolition Man "Taco Bell was the only restaurant to survive the Franchise Wars. Now all restaurants are Taco Bell."

After filling up with "carbs" including Grape & cherry, we went on tour. First stop The California Lighthouse, there are some excellent views from up here, I also took a nice photo of Lesley by lying on the ground. W then proceeded along dirt tracks in our "Little White Car".

I found the piles of rocks very amusing. The car was shaking to bits and Lesley wanted to turn back a number of times, we were passed by Jeeps, 4WD, Humvees and an Abrams Tank .... Eventually we made it to The Alta Vista Chapel where Lesley gave thanks for our survival.
Inside Alta Vista The chapel was very pretty and I am glad we made the trip to see it!

After our Bone Shaking adventure we decided to go to The Natural Bridge via regular paved roads, as far as possible! We arrived at the Natural Bridge just after 5pm, the gift and snack shop was just closing, so here is a little tip - get there earlier if you want to buy anything.
We were having such a good time on Aruba, everyone we met was so friendly, we felt totally safe, you did not have to look over your shoulder anywhere, cars slow down to let you cross the road, we totally relaxed and left one of the car doors open - never thinking that the WORST could happen.
We took some pictures of the bridge and a few more of a Pelican fishing - I love those pelicans!

We returned to the car to find disaster had struck. Both of our backpacks had gone, inside those backpacks was everything one would not want to lose. Passports, credit & bank cards, cash (Sterling, Dollars, Florins), Driving Licence, 64mb card full of pictures, pentax 110 camera with BB Party pictures, Diary, address book etc etc etc. (I knew this would happen - I am getting Depressed recalling these events)
It took a little while to get the police called, the wait seemed like forever. Some of the other visitors to the Bridge tried to comfort us; two of them gave us some cash, as we were now penniless. Thank you whoever you are.

Lesley was crying so much that people were staring at us like I was some sort of wife beater. I went off in search of our bags as it was possible that they had been dumped somewhere after being looted - no such luck. I climbed halfway up the hill behind the bridge, getting sunburned for my trouble - did I mention that they got my factor 35 suncream as well!
Anyway the Police arrived and they told us that they had had two calls about the same time, Us and two bags found by a woman, they said they came to us first as it was much more serious.
They took the details- including a full description of Marlene's present - which it turned out was still in the back of the car. We had to go to Santa Cruz police station and wait while the officers went to the other report about the bags. Lesley was adamant that they would not be our bags! I told her that they would be as it was a small island and that there could be no way that another two bags had got dumped. We found the police station after a couple of wrong turns.
We waited at the police station for a while; the officers arrived with both of our backpacks. I believe Lesley embarrassed the young cop when she jumped up and hugged him. I spared the female officer the same ordeal.
Most of my stuff was still there (except cash, camera, 64mb card), Lesley was missing her handbag with all the essentials. The officers said that the bags had been dumped out of a moving car and that they were going to go back out in the dark and search for our stuff. That would NEVER happen in a million years over here!
We were waiting to sign the police report when they returned with some bits and pieces - lens cleaning pen, deodorant!
We had to head in to the Internet cafe (any excuse!) to cancel all of Lesley's cards. Then we headed back to the SeaBreeze to await the police who were coming with the statement for us to sign.

Down in the mouth

When the friendliest, most helpful police force in the world arrived at the SeaBreeze they had Lesley's handbag with them! Passports, Credit cards everything returned. Those thieves must have been desperate for my holiday snaps.
The police report that we had to sign was in Dutch. It was so funny trying to read it, as none of the four of us could really understand it. I think we have agreed to an all expenses paid return trip to Santa Cruz if there is ever a trial. At least that what I hope it said! After the police left I was finally allowed a drink - I sat at the poolside with the Dutch man discussing crime.

Tuesday

We woke up feeling depressed after being robbed, it took us hours to motivate ourselves to get back on the tourist trail but we did. I said to Lesley why should we let one or two losers spoil the end of our holiday.

We went into Town, did the internet again, did some last minute shopping, Aruban Licence Plates, and then we headed off to Lindas, on the way took another picture of King Ribs as it was one of the lost photos (unfortunately we have lost the pictures of Lesley cooking the ribs). We found Lindas after a few missed turns; we had a nice late lunch and chatted to Linda (discovered that her son was one of the 400 students going to Holland to study whose flight was delayed for two days because the KLM plane needed a replacement part - only available from Holland!)
We also did a quick visit to Moombas where we finally met Marlene.

Went back to Manchebo to get a few rays and watch the sunset. Once again I was chasing pelican pictures. On the way home popped into King Hongs for some wine (for pool party) and Taco Bell fajita mix (for home). Quick shower and change and then headed for Brisas Del Mar for dinner. Still a bit depressed and didn't really enjoy the meal so it would be unfair to review this restaurant, as we were so low. We must just mention our waitress, Sita, she was from Surinam and studying law on Aruba - she cheered us up no end.
Returned to the Sea Breeze about 10.30pm and had a last night drink with our German friends by the pool. Their youngest son Kevin came out to be sprayed from head to toe with Autan (mozzie repellent) as he was going to sleep that night in the hammock. If I had done this it would be like a human sacrifice!!

Wednesday (last day)

Got up early and packed, then set off at 8am for Baby Beach, beautiful beach and perfect for snorkelling (nice pelicans!!). Lesley snorkelled first and started to take pictures with our underwater camera, which immediately took in water faster than the Titanic! (not much luck with cameras this holiday). There are plenty of colourful tropical fish to see (more than on the sub). The beach was very nice and it is shallow and excellent for kids big and small. We met yet another pair of honeymooners - they are everywhere.
Returned to the apartment to finish packing and relax by the pool. We went to Santa Cruz to get a copy of the police report - which they had ready for us. Then we gave the car back, we didn't have time to fill the tank - but it didn't matter. The discount from our Arubaplus card paid for the gas! We then checked in our suitcases for our flight home - those airport taxes are wicked $33.50 each. Back on the bus to town for our last 4 hours in Aruba.
I got really lucky by the Seaport market place harbour, there were 6 lizards lounging in the sun. They were kind enough to pose for some photographs - replacing some of the ones I lost.
We had an excellent meal at "'t Pannekoekhuis" - The Dutch Pancake House, opposite the poor tiger.
Pelican at Baby Beach The flight left on time at 8.20, I managed to find a bottle of Makers Mark in the duty free - Hallelujah! We noticed a couple of MJ's staff on the flight, it was so nice of MJ's to make sure we had company home.

Thursday

Schipol Airport - its a lovely airport. We shopped again. Technically we were still on holiday! We bought some Gouda, Swiss Chocolates, King Edward Cigars - No New Swatches for Lesley.
Transfer to Manchester uneventful, apart from the man on his mobile who did not stop talking (loudly) until the doors actually shut. One old woman was shouting at him..."I don't want to know your business!!" - I did but couldn't understand Dutch!

Fin
Quote:
"It is not travel that narrows the mind but travel writing"
- James Buchan, British Writer (1916 -....)