Aruba, Way Up Here

This is a shot of Aruba taken from a helicopter. The point of it was to show the new concrete road installed in the area known as San Fuego. I own two small lots there on which I will someday build a couple of houses. No big hurry, nor any great ambition. If you look back through my posts, you’ll find one called Day and Evening. The day shot was taken at ground level from this road.

This photo shows another thing I mentioned in that post, that from a second-floor balcony it is possible to have a view of the sea. Way up here, a place many people in Aruba think is far from everything, is only a few miles (as the crow flies) from the Caribbean. In this area, you’ll find the burrowing owls and plenty of birds. However, they’re skittish. You have to be still and never approach directly or they fly off. I leave them to their own as much as possible. Still, they’re cute as could be and fascinating to watch.

You’ll also note how much undeveloped space there is on the island. To the left of this frame is the Arikok National Park, which takes up more than 25% of the whole island. There are trails through the park on which you can drive to observe the wildlife or hike or ride your mountain bike. There won’t be any development in there, which is good news for the owls.

Now, if I could only talk the Arubans into building some big windmills on the east side of the island, they would be entering a low-emission zone and be able to add eco-tourism destination to their literature. Stay tuned, we’re working on that and more. I wouldn’t mind sitting on my second-floor balcony, looking out at the sea to the west and a row of tall windmills to the east. That’s just about perfect.

Published in: on June 23, 2008 at 8:06 pm  Comments (4)  
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A Friendly Corner

There I was in Madrid, Spain, hankering for my Coca-Cola. I could have taken one from the fridge in my room. The place where I stay knows me well and always provides a fresh stock of my favorite beverage. But that wouldn’t put me in the thrall of the city. I didn’t have to venture very far. Diagonally across the street from my door was this little market.

The people working there might have been straight from central casting. There was a husband and wife team, both about five feet tall and exhibiting that charming helpfulness that makes every visit to the store a joy. It took them two tries to peg me as American. They quickly begged forgiveness for the graffiti on the wall outside their store. I told them it meant nothing to me, that I was in search of an ice-cold Coca-Cola. Still, they were ashamed that someone had defiled their corner. They didn’t want me or any other visitors to get the impression that their neighborhood was full of bad people. I said in my shabby Spanish that this is one of the nicest neighborhoods in all of Madrid. They agreed but shook a fist at some kids who needed a lesson or two. I purchased the Coke, a few small items, and took my leave.

Those shopkeepers are a declining breed, not only in Spain but the world over. They’re the ones who will chat with you, take an interest in the neighborhood, and tell you to ask for their friend, who on their recommendation, will treat you like family at a local restaurant. Patronize them whenever you can. It’s a genuine experience that makes a trip memorable.

As always, ENJOY! Coca-Cola ICE COLD.

Published in: on June 23, 2008 at 10:16 am  Comments (3)  
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