More Island Touring

August 9th, 2008. Today we ventured south, driving about 12 miles to San Nicholas. It’s very odd to me that there are literally no street signs in Aruba. We got to San Nicholas by following traffic and a couple of very cryptic markers. I suppose that people who live in Aruba have no trouble finding things, but it’s very easy for me to get lost.

San Nicolas only has a couple of restaurants worth visiting according to our Frommer’s guide. Charlie’s Bar was one of them, and it was actually pretty darn good (albeit pricey). Right next to Valero’s oil refinery, the guide book said that Charlie’s bar had a “rough crowd.” We didn’t find that, but we did notice all the “park at your own risk” signs. Guess the neighborhood isn’t so good.

The meal was quite good – a shrimp scampi appetizer with french fries, Balashi beer, and a bottle of 7-up. We also had some of their honeymoon hot sauce. It’s called “honeymoon” sauce because it’s supposed to lead to “violent intercourse.” We bought a bottle.

A man wearing a Charlie’s bar t-shirt watched our car for us while we ate. Then he stopped traffic for us when we left our parking spot. We had a good time at Charlie’s, then we headed off to see the sights.

The southern most point of Aruba. The guide says you can see the Venezuelan coast on a clear day, but we didn’t see it.

Valero’s refinery is said to be the main economic driver of San Nicholas, Aruba, and a significant industry for the island.

The pet cemetery on Aruba’s southern coast, very close to Baby Beach. It’s called baby beach because you can bring a baby to swim their – it’s calm, safe, and shallow.

I started feeling pretty awful on the drive back to our condo. I spent the entire day yesterday (the 10th) feeling miserable, so I’ve decided not to post anything for that day.