Saturday, 29 October 2005

The beach from our balcony

The pool from our balcony

We had an uneventful flight, and picked up our rental car. While on the plane, reading the "Welcome to Aruba" magazine that they hand you as you board, we had made a list of five restaurants we wanted to try, and El Gaucho Argentine steak house was open for lunch, so we made it our lunch place for today. I ran into trouble navigating around Oranjestad. Most of the streets are not identified by name, and many are one way. I finally got us to El Gaucho after having to double quite a way back. We both had the signature gaucho steak. The steak was excellent -- there was no fat or gristle at all. It was great with a sauce of garlic and fresh spices. But the vegetables were even better: Red potatoes with grilled onions, peppers, and carrots; buttered broccoli; and corn on the cob that had been fire grilled somehow and was so tender it dissolved off the cob into our mouths. They have a Vegetarian Platter on the menu. This is a steak house, and they have a Vegetarian Platter on the menu. I'd give it a try. One thing, though: The ice tea is instant, not real. To add insult to injury, it's very strong instant. It is, in a word, vile. Yes, vile is the word for it. We just drank water. Don't drink the tea.

Next on the agenda, after lunch, was continuing to struggle getting around Oranjestad to our resort. Also, part of the main beach road (E. J. Smith Blvd) is blocked off due to construction, and the detour around it is not marked. This, combined with the lack of street names, made for an adventurous drive through many local neighborhoods. Finally, we got here. "Here" is La Cabana, and La Cabana is magnificent. We have a great suite with a balcony that overlooks the pool and the beach. We chilled for the evening.

Return to Top