Live trip report 10/28-11/26/19

[schexc]

Wednesday Day 15:

Road Trip…we decided to head towards Savaneta this afternoon and look for a place that we’ve driven over several times but have never come across the entry point, the Spaans Lagoen. After a couple attempts, we found it. We walked around a bit, took some pictures and admired the surroundings.
From there we went to Mangel Halto and sat cliffside to get a little sun and take in the view of the turquoise water. The iguanas there were funny. When we parked and placed our beach chairs, they scattered away. As soon as we got in the car to leave, they all reappeared at the cliffside, bobbing there heads up and down. We swear they were talking about us…

We were getting hungry, so we headed to the Urataka Center for a late lunch/early dinner. We ordered the large pizza with three toppings and left none behind. Total was $22.47 plus tip.

Went back to the condo via Route 4. It was the heart of commuter time, and I must say that we traveled all the way back without hitting any bumper to bumper traffic. It seems like the new highway is doing as intended, by relieving the traffic flow. Took a refreshing dip and changed outfits and then headed back out.

Made another visit to the Ritz Casino. We had a couple of beverages while the wife played the slots. She started out doing well and then gave it all back and then some. Oh well, at least she isn’t getting clubbed like the last couple of island trips.

Headed back to the condo and called it a day.

Link to Photo Album
https://photos.app.goo.gl/N5nFuvAcpkULQzyr7

[Pegmeister]

I’m always fascinated by the iguanas. It’s interesting how some trips we see more than others. When we stayed at the Divi there was one trip they seemed to be everywhere. There were even two large iguanas chasing each other inside the Buffet restaurant with kids screeching and servers trying to catch them. That was a show. I don’t think we saw any at the Ritz but there’s always a few at Manchebo.

Tom has told me I don’t need anymore iguana pictures!

[schexc]

It seems like we used to see a lot more in the tourist area. Now we only see them on occasion.

I’m always fascinated by the iguanas. It’s interesting how some trips we see more than others. When we stayed at the Divi there was one trip they seemed to be everywhere. There were even two large iguanas chasing each other inside the Buffet restaurant with kids screeching and servers trying to catch them. That was a show. I don’t think we saw any at the Ritz but there’s always a few at Manchebo.

Tom has told me I don’t need anymore iguana pictures!

[Andrea J.]

I am sorry to read that your wife's winnings have gone back into the Ritz's coffer.

it is 8:46 am and your pizza photo is AMAZING....I copied it and here it is:

to all forum readers.....if you have not looked at Schexc's photos, here is the best pizza in Aruba !

all pizza lovers should give it a try!

the iguanas are entertaining indeed.

[schexc]

Don't worry...I'm sure she'll want to battle back

It's a 20-25 minute drive to get there, but it's worth it.

I am sorry to read that your wife's winnings have gone back into the Ritz's coffer.

it is 8:46 am and your pizza photo is AMAZING....I copied it and here it is:

to all forum readers.....if you have not looked at Schexc's photos, here is the best pizza in Aruba !

all pizza lovers should give it a try!

the iguanas are entertaining indeed.

[crimms]

We love that you guys went to Urataka Center for pizza. It is crazy there at night time too. Big local family place and good pizza. You also mentioned you guys have been to local bar at Mangel Halto... You are true explorers. Its great to be with the locals. Another off the beaten trail is Arikok. The road thru it in a rental car is crazy! We got there early one morning, no one at gate and we went thru it. Spectacular views. driving to the beach. A little scary in a car. This Feb. we are going back to Bushiribana Gold mine to try the "ladder of death" down to the water. Last time it was so rough there was no way we could do it. There is a little cliff down below to jump in. very hard to find it, better to ask one of the locals, walking their dog to point it out. We just love reading your posts.
Sean and Susan

[schexc]

We have been there before. We usually go once each trip.

We were at the Magnel Halto bar one Friday evening a few trips ago. They had a huge stage and band setup that night and it was packed. It was a fun time.

We've driven through Airkok a number of times. I've driven to the Conchi a couple of times, back in the days when we rented a jeep. We haven't ventured back there the last few trips.

I doubt that we'll ever get to the "ladder of death", as the wife isn't that adventurous.

We love that you guys went to Urataka Center for pizza. It is crazy there at night time too. Big local family place and good pizza. You also mentioned you guys have been to local bar at Mangel Halto... You are true explorers. Its great to be with the locals. Another off the beaten trail is Arikok. The road thru it in a rental car is crazy! We got there early one morning, no one at gate and we went thru it. Spectacular views. driving to the beach. A little scary in a car. This Feb. we are going back to Bushiribana Gold mine to try the "ladder of death" down to the water. Last time it was so rough there was no way we could do it. There is a little cliff down below to jump in. very hard to find it, better to ask one of the locals, walking their dog to point it out. We just love reading your posts.
Sean and Susan

[crimms]

Let us know if you head over to the Tortuga Beach Bar at the Pro Kite School at Boca Grande on one of your crazy road trips. Another off the beaten track place with cool views of Kite sailors from the rooftop of bar. I know its never open, but you can B.Y.O.B and sit in a swing and watch those kites soar! We just don't hear much about the place but Boca Grande is a beautiful beach. Not to mention Grapefield beach and Bachelor's beach. An easy drive in a car and sooo remote.
Sean and Susan

[Andrea J.]

that beach bar has been closed for a while now.

Let us know if you head over to the Tortuga Beach Bar at the Pro Kite School at Boca Grande on one of your crazy road trips. Another off the beaten track place with cool views of Kite sailors from the rooftop of bar. I know its never open, but you can B.Y.O.B and sit in a swing and watch those kites soar! We just don't hear much about the place but Boca Grande is a beautiful beach. Not to mention Grapefield beach and Bachelor's beach. An easy drive in a car and sooo remote.
Sean and Susan

[crimms]

TY When it was open it seemed never to be open for us. We just loved the location. We love going to the wild side of Aruba....so beautiful.
Sean and Susan