S/V Papillon

Well the ABC islands are an adventure in extremes. Here in Aruba Casinos, Iguanas, Cruise ships and Luxury Stores selling all that the Swiss and Dutch can craft, also Tommy Hilfiger. As we sighted the South end of Aruba, all we saw were smoke stacks belching ……what turned out to be very noxious sulphur compounds…which we sailed through choking and gasping…Oil refineries!! As night fall came we entered Oranjestad Harbour and were seized upon by Customs and herded to their wharf. 3 hours later we had entered Aruba. They kindly allowed us an overnight stay at their in box. Albeit against black rubber tires, that left their marks. This AM we were instructed to the spot you see. I guess we’ll drop a few quarters tonight. The highlite will be to visit the new Papillon Resturant, and see iff we can bring back some souvenirs. An adjacent Hotel concierge gacefully gave us the menu when she saw my hat, bearing the same name. The menu half recounts the actual Henri Charriere story! Well Angela is off laundrying at the Hotel that has comprehensive services. Its Easter Sunday and all is shut down. John Porter arrives tomorrow at 3:00PM and we will plot a course to Cartagena, Colombia, then onwards to the Panama. This e-mail was delivered via satellite phone using GMN’s XGate software. Please be kind and keep your replies short.