Aruba - Part 2

We did a lot of relaxing during the first few days of our trip to rest up for all the excitement to come. We eventually got sick of this view..

Just kidding! How could anyone get sick of that? But one morning we decided it was a beautiful day to go on a waverunner ride around the beaches. We spent an hour twisting and turning, jumping waves and getting soaked!

That day we worked up some appetite and went to our favorite restaurant on the island - El Gaucho. El Gaucho is an Argentinian steakhouse. You can order a steak as big as the table, or just a little petite one perfect for me. The side dishes were delicious and we finished the night off with a Dulce de Leche Crepe, but what really stole the show was the chimichurri sauce. Trust me when I say this sauce was sent from heaven!

Keeping with our adventurous spirits, the next morning we left on an ATV tour to the other side of the island from where the hotel is situated. By far this was the most amzing part of the trip. We spent hours riding rocky trails and up and down mountains looking out at the most amazing views. We visited a natural pool, a chapel built in 1750, a gold mine and a natural bridge.

That night, we visited Hostaria Da Vittorio, an Italian restaurant. We filled up on carbs to re-energize after the morning tour. I had the Fusilli Bolognese and Carmine had Linguine with Shrimp. We spilt a cannoli for dessert.

The end of the trip consisted of more lounging on the beach and relaxing at the hotel.

By the end of the trip, we were dreading our flight home to New York and planning when we could return. We both loved everything Aruba had to offer and are looking forward to our next visit. For anyone looking for a sunny and fun spot to visit, make sure Aruba is at the top of your list.

Aruba - One Happy Island

We arrived in Aruba on Monday morning. After a long flight, we were ready to get right to the beach. We checked into the hotel (Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino), threw on our bathing suits and sprinted to the sand.

                     

After hours of swimming and sun bathing, we headed up to our room to get ready for dinner. Our hotel room is very spacious and we have a great view.

Our first night on the island, we had reservations for Simply Fish. This is one of the restaurants at our hotel. It will come as no surprise that the restaurant serves a variety of fresh and local seafood. The setting is beautiful, as the tables are set up on the beach and you enjoy your meal with your toes in the sand and taking in the sunset over the ocean. You couldn't stage a more perfect sight.

We started with the jumbo shrimp cocktail.

I had the sauteed halibut for my main, with creamy spinach and coconut rice.

And Carmine had the sauteed striped bass with broccoli and mashed potatoes

We finished the night with the restaurant's specialty, a banana and coconut cake.

After a long day, we headed to bed to rest up for day 2. On Tuesday, we explored the island's offerings. Aruba is filled with lots of little shops and cute restaurants to stop at for lunch.

For dinner, we headed over to Madame Jeanette's. This is a cozy, local restaurant, with outdoor seating under ivy covered pergolas and tons of little lights. The portions here are large, so I suggest sharing to save room for dessert.

Carmine and I shared the crab cakes and a shrimp and lobster gratin for an appetizer.

For our mains, I had the Schnitzel-style pork tenderloin covered in sauteed onions. Carmine had the chicken cordon blue. 

The food was absolutely fantastic. I couldn't recommend it enough! 

We have had two wonderful days so far, and I am excited to see what the rest of the trip brings. The weather is perfect, the food is delicious, and I am here with Carmine - what more could a girl ask for!