Our Honeymoon -or- I Miss Aruba!

But it was great while it lasted!!  We arrived in Aruba Sunday at 2pm and took a taxi to our hotel, the Playa Linda.  The taxi was probably the scariest part of our trip!  He sped everywhere and I thought we were going to rear-end at least 2 cars and a bus!  We went to the beach after we got our things to our room.  The water was clear and turquoise and the beach was soft and white and gorgeous  

Monday, we spent a lot of time on the beach and swam.  We also walked to a local grocery store, where no one spoke English. That was interesting. Since we had a kitchenette, we saved money by making our own breakfast and lunches and usually only eating out for dinner.

 Tuesday, we took a water taxi out to a half-submergeable boat. When we climbed into the lower half of the boat, we were literally looking into the ocean!  It took us through some coral reef areas where we saw a lot of fish, even a baracuda.  Then, it took us to a real shipwreck that was like 2 or 300 years old!  It was cracked in half and laying on its side.  So cool!

Wednesday was Kevin's birthday.  We took a bus tour (we were going to take a jeep, but the ladies told me I would have an Aruban baby and should take the bus!) to see a light house, the North shore with giant, crashing waves and gold-mine ruins, a beautiful, old chapel, the Natural bridge over the ocean (what is left after a hurricane), volcanic rock formations and gentle Baby Beach.  We went to Iguana Cantina for FANTASTIC Mexican food that night.  That way Kevin could have the unlimited-fajitas on his birthday We also had the Tres Leches [birthday] cake.

Thursday, we went out on a real sailing ship to go snorkeling!!  It was a first for both of us.  I have always had a fear of large boats on the ocean and of actually being in the ocean where I can't see the shore... shoulda mentioned that to Kevin beforehand as I almost had a panic attack when I jumped into the water.  He stayed with me tho, and I made it!  We were let out right over the shipwreck (65ft underwater, I believe) we saw Tuesday and the fish were all around us, close enough to touch.  It was creepy and totally awesome at once.  Then, we sailed to a much smaller shipwreck in an area where we could see the bottom and the reef again (phew).  A huge ray swam right underneath me!!  I was pretty much in awe. Then, we got back onto the boat for snacks and mingling while the sun set.  I think it was our favorite day of the trip

Friday, it poured 3 times.  We explored some of the shops around the hotels and ate freshly made pizza and gelato.  Mmmmm.  We did play in the ocean until the rain.  The winds made the waves huge and really fun.  I think Kevin would have stayed out forever until the sky really opened up.

Saturday, our last full day, we stayed on the beach and in the water for a long time.  Then we bought some souvenirs and gifts for the fam.  We also walked around quite a bit, just soaking everything in one last time.

Sunday, we took another crazy taxi back to the airport. Just before we boarded, by chance, we discovered that our 2nd connecting flight boarding pass was incorrect.  Amazingly, they were able to change it and added us to the last 2 seats.  Our flight from Aruba to Orlando took off late and left us with only 45 minutes to find our next flight and call to schedule a rental car to drive home. This flight ended up leaving late, too.  When we landed in Atlanta, we literally ran through the airport.  It's the hugest airport ever, let me tell you.  C should be next to D, right?  Wrong!  It's on the other end of the building up and down escalators!  5 should come before 20, right?  No!  We make it to D finally and have to go D20, D19, D18.. until we got to 5.  They were calling our names and about to close the door!  We got off the plane in Chicago at 10:05.  The last chance to get our rental car was at 10:15 = More running through airports.  There was one lone lady at the desk waiting for us, thank God   And, by some miracle, our luggage actually made it in with us on the same flight.  So, we gathered ourselves, grabbed the car and promptly drove 3 hours home in a thunderstorm.  Good ol' Illinois' way to welcome us home.

All-in-all, it was the most amazing trip I have ever had.  I did so many things that I never thought I would and saw so many beautiful, amazing things.  We absolutely loved every minute of it and I feel so lucky that we got to go.  I would love to share all the pics I took with you, but windows won't read my new sdhc card   I have this one, and that's it for now.    Someday, I think we're going to try to go back!  And, if any of you get the chance to go, do it!!!