You know you’re not in Connecticut anymore when you’re greeted by a two foot iguana when you step out on the patio. This rather menacing looking but seemingly docile iguana was more interested in just enjoying the view while keeping a close eye on me. The scene is from a recent vacation Joanne and I had in Aruba to recharge the batteries, and I brought along my new point-and-shoot Lumix FZ100 camera to try out.
The camera replaces an older FZ20 that I had for a long time. What I liked about the new camera is the all-in-one specs of a 24x optical zoom, full 1080p HD video and a reasonable price. Something to fill the gap between the iPhone and my Nikons.
We had read that Aruba can be quite hot being close to the equator, but the constant sea breezes and sunshine keep it all in balance. To prove that the weather patterns are unpredictable worldwide, we arrived under oppressive humidity without any breezes, and more clouds and thundershowers than normal.
I got up ridiculously early every day, not to see the sunrise but to claim a prized thatch hut with a view which would protect us from those moments when the sun did come out during the day. No matter how early I got up, there were already several homesteaders claiming their huts ahead of me. It became a daily mission and challenge, Joanne left it all to me.
It was a good week for catching up on some reading. Joanne read a few novels and I read an “exciting” 700 page manual on HTML principles to help me along as I rework my websites.
All around the resort there were signs to not feed the iguanas. Not to worry, we had no plans of getting too close to them – they could have the patio all to themselves while we had our prized hut on the beach.
It should be against the law to be reading 700 page HTML manuals on the beaches of Aruba.
Chalk one up for Joanne!
Hi George,
You are right, Joanne thought I was crazy too. I thought the peace and quite would allow me to concentrate on such a dry subject. It kinda half worked.
Sounds like you made the most of your vacation Al. Even on a vacation your eye still sees a great shot despite weather conditions.
Thanks Jan.
It’s hard to go wrong with such beautiful settings, even if it’s a lizard on the balcony. I wish someone would hire me to spend a few weeks down there !
I spent my first honeymoon in Aruba. We never had a prized hut, as I wasn’t allowed on the beach until after 5:00! Sunburn on a honeymoon is never a good thing!
Hi Jen.
Yeah, the days of cookin’ in the sun been over for a long time. I’m content just to get the “bounce” tan from under an umbrella nowadays.
Not allowed on the beach on your honeymoon until 5pm? Uhmmm… ;-)
Aruba was really nice with great, friendly people. And speaking of honeymoons, while we were having dinner on a restaurant on the beach, we saw a couple on a table nearby – could not hear the conversation – but he was on his knees and presenting her with a ring – she must’ve accepted because everyone cheered. How sweet!
We saw these creatures in St. Thomas in April….I was on edge the whole vacation because they were everywhere. I know they aren’t dangerous, but u g l y!!! Al, are you sure you know how to relax on vacation? I think Joanne has more of the right idea!
Hi Carol,
The iguanas are incredible prehistoric looking , I also took some close-up of their faces also, and they are actually beautiful in detail and color,
This is a great shot and would make a nice poster…you should contact the Aruba tourism council and see if they’ll offer you a project!
Hi Lynn,
Wouldn’t that be nice ! Thanks for your comment.
Awesome shot Al – I love it! I am fascinated by those creatures.
Hi Susan, Yeah, they are indeed fascinating creatures, I got some real closeups of their faces too, and the textures are amazing.
Are they here (on the blog)? Can’t find anymore.
Hi Susan, I didn’t post any of the close-ups but I uploaded this one just for you. Cute isn’t it?