|
|
|
|
CARIBBEAN
|
|
|
BON BINI ARUBAThe first time my daughter and I went to Aruba, I was terribly upset as we flew into Queen Beatrix airport. I wondered what I had gotten myself into, and why so many people loved Aruba so. It was ugly! The water looked pretty as we approached the airport, but the overall impression was that the island was nothing but a dusty desert with tumbleweeds blowing all over it, and one barren hill rising in the distance, shaped just like the fire-ant towers I get at the far end of my North Carolina back yard.
Nor were my fears allayed as we stepped down from the aircraft (no jetbridges here.) We had read the island brochures about the "gentle tradewinds," but what greeted us was a hot gale-force blast that blew our skirts up and our hair in multiple directions. As we entered the customs and immigration hall, trying desperately to keep our skirts from going over our heads, we were suddenly faced with pleasant, smiling people who ... TOOK OUR PICTURE!
Once we were in the air-conditioned bus heading for our hotel, and once we passed through the main city of Oranjestad with its colorful Dutch-Caribbean architecture, once we had turned onto the beach road in the area of low-rise hotels, I felt more hopeful about our sojourn.
Located in the south-west Caribbean, just 18 miles off the coast of Venezuela, Aruba is a very small island (less than 20 miles long and only 6 miles wide) originally part of the Netherlands Antilles. It has broken away and is now an independent nation still under the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which is responsible for its defense and foreign affairs. The "official" language in Aruba is Dutch, but there is a local language, Papiamento, which is a combination of Spanish, Portugese, Dutch, Indian, French and English. Although there are two oil refineries on the island, tourism remains its primary industry. It boasts the safest drinking water in the Caribbean, has an extremely high standard of living, virtually no unemployment, little crime, and its motto is "One Happy Island."
Most of the resorts (and the best beaches) are located on the western side of the island. The sand is soft and sugar-like, the water clear, shallow, and warm; the sunsets are some of the most exquisite ever experienced.
The resort areas were once divided into "low-rise" hotels facing Druif Beach closest to Oranjestad, and "high-rise" hotels along Palm Beach, a few miles further north. A third hotel area has emerged at Eagle Beach, between the two, with the large and extremely popular La Cabana and the smaller and more intimate Amsterdam Manor located across the street from one of the lovely open beach areas.
Pool at Wyndham Aruba Beach |
I don't really like high-rise hotels. I think the properties in the Druif Beach area, closer to town, are more appealing. But, I actually like the Palm Beach area more, for a variety of reasons.
Starting at the south end of Palm Beach with The Wyndham Aruba Resort and going to the far north end to the Marriott Aruba Resort, there is a walkway along the beautiful stretch of beach that allows you to take advantage of all of the activities and nightlife at each resort.
Next Page
| |
|
BACK TO FRONT PAGE
|
|
 PASSPORT TO PARADISE
Ready to enjoy Aruba from your own private island? Then board the air-conditioned motorcoach destined for De Palm Island. De Palm Island is a special place where you can snorkel in an underwater Paradise rich in spectacular coral formations and colorful fish.
MORE ARUBA TOURS
Presented by VIATOR, for day trips and excursions.
|
POSTERS, PRINTS, ART
POSTERS and PRINTS
Buy art, perfect for gifts. Framed or unframed, 2003 calendars too!
|
|
|
