53 Aruba - Isla Margarita

10. May 2007

The hotel, I had chosen, was just a few kilometers from the airport. I could actually see the runway from the Hotel. But the taxi fare was 20 dollars. Non negotiable fixed price I was told.

Walked about 15 minutes from the hotel into Oranjestad to get local currency, only to realize, that everybody wants to get paid in dollars – and if you pay with local currency, the change will be given in dollars!

The prices in Aruba seem to be inflated due to a large number of hotels and casinos.

Spend some time getting my homepage up to date. I had my computer crashing in Hawaii, so I had to buy a new one. But I may have lost my pictures from the trip etc.

But I was at lest able to get my Flitestar flight planning software to work on the new computer. I find it indispensable. I also used Garmin Flightbook for my log – but it does not work with Windows Vista? Thanks to  Microsoft.

At noon I returned to the new general aviation terminal at Reina Beatrix Aiport. I was presented with a piece of paper to sign, stating that I requested ground handling. I said I did not require this “service”, but was told, that it was compulsory – at a cost of 100 dollars.

I departed IFR again, flying by airway A574 and A563.

It was a very smooth fight with a wind 6kt. coming in from the south east.  50 NM out of Isla Margarita there was no answer on the frequency I was on. So I had to start descend on my own, and 25 miles out I managed to get in touch with approach, so it all worked out.

After landing I was given taxi to a stand next to the big jets. After a little commotion regarding my arrival, I was directed to parking in a more appropriate place. Immigration was very swift, one simple form to fill and 5 minutes later I was through.

I often use Expedia.com to book hotels. But there was not much of a choice in Isla Margarita, so I had chosen one on the north side of the island some 25 km away. So in a hired car, I drove across the island to arrive at the hotel just before sunset