Aruba Hyatt, Part 2

We’re on to the second part of the photo essay of the Hyatt Hotel in Aruba. We left off on our way into the grounds that form the central part of the complex.

Down the steps you go, across that bridge there, noting the water, the black swans, the parrots in their cages who might call out to you. A little further on, you see that the stream flows down to the swimming pools.

There are several pools here, one with a slide that plunges anyone willing to take the ride into the cool, refreshing water. Looking back, you’ll see the waterfalls.

Then there are the restaurants that front the koi pond where those black swans I mentioned also glide along from time to time.

In the evening the torches are lit and the lights in the pond. The place oozes romance. During the day it is just as beautiful. And then there are the bars next to the beach.

This is another haunt of mine. There was a bartender here that used to make me laugh so much I couldn’t get any writing done. He should have been a comedian. Maybe he was. Whatever the case, I enjoyed many an afternoon at this spot, scribbling in my notebook, watching people, and hacking through stories. For those interested in something a bit more nutritious, there is a juice bar beside the regular bar. Good thing, too, as sometimes we need a shot of vitamins to propel us through the afternoon.

Well, now you’ve had a look at the Hyatt in Aruba. I can still see my characters from An Island Away, acting out their parts here at this hotel. I think it is important to put characters into real places, locations that readers can see for themselves. It lends authenticity and provides an additional connection to the reader, which furthers the concept that a book is a dialog between the author and the reader. Just something to think about.

As mentioned before, I’ll be posting similar photo essays of other hotels in Aruba, Spain, and other places as I happen to work my way through the world and the stories I write.

Published in: on July 12, 2008 at 8:51 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Hyatt Aruba, Part 1

The next two posts will be mostly a photo essay of the Hyatt Hotel in Aruba. (Don’t worry, I’ll be doing the same for many other hotels. Just give me some time.) I used to stay at the Hyatt before relocating to another part of the island. This is the main entrance from the access road.

This is a circular drive accessed by taxis and buses. There are also valets at the entrance to the lobby. The hotel resembles a massive hacienda. When you reach the top of the stairs and look left, you’ll see the reception desk and the concierge is located to the right.

There are some guest rooms in a wing on this side of the complex. Looking right, you’ll see deeper into the lobby. On this side are located the casino, shops, and another wing of rooms. It is from this side that a pair of my characters in An Island Away enjoyed a view of the ocean from their room.

I stay out of casinos but my pal likes to gamble here. There is a live band that plays in a loft overlooking the bar and they’re quite good. Straight ahead from the entrance steps, you’ll catch a view of the lush foliage that is part of the central grounds.

There are man-made streams that cascade over waterfalls and ultimately end up in a koi pond or the swimming pools. First go down those stairs and look right, at the bar.

I’ve done a fair amount of writing at this bar (drinking, too), usually while I’m waiting for my pal to lose (I mean win) some money at the casino. Before heading further onto the grounds, take a look at the central courtyard and fountain through which the restaurants are accessed.

 Here they serve an absolutely fantastic Sunday Brunch, one I think rivals the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. Every breakfast item is available, as is a carving station with both ham and roast beef, and a raw bar with oysters. Then there are shrimp, bananas foster, a donut machine, salads, three lunch entrees, numerous sweet dessert selections, and on and on and on it goes. I’ve been known to graze here for hours, until they close. Service is top notch.

In the next post we’ll have a look at more of the grounds. In the mean time, hang out and relax.

Published in: on July 12, 2008 at 6:16 pm  Leave a Comment  
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The Sultan in Aruba

My friend Bob introduced me to this local gem of a restaurant on the island of Aruba. The place is called the Sultan and they serve Arab specialties, like shoarma sandwiches and platters. My favorite is the chicken shoarma platter which comes like this:

The platter also comes with Arab bread that is not shown in the photo. All the key ingredients for an excellent meal are on the platter: juicy, flavorful chicken, fluffy rice, taboule, and hummus. You can make a wrap with the Arab bread or just pick away with your fork. There’s enough garlic to last at least two days.

The mixed shoarma platter expands the meat and salad selection. Here’s a photo to peruse.

Above you’ll see the beef, chicken and lamb that comes with this choice. I almost forget to mention the key sauce you see on the right side. This stuff is knock-out good. I go through two of those cruets per platter. It adds more garlic, more goodness to the experience.

Finally, here’s a photo of the outside.

One of things I like about Aruba is the various cultures that can be found on the island. You have a place like the Sultan, as well as French, German, and Italian Restaurants, all operated by natives of those countries. What a pleasure to have the convenience of authentic cuisine on a Caribbean Isle!

Published in: on July 12, 2008 at 1:14 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Cunucu Houses, Part 1

My house in Aruba is located in the town of Savaneta, which I mentioned in some other posts. The house itself is rather nondescript. (I might also mention that it is a work in progress with regards to remodeling it.) However, as this is one of the oldest towns on the island there are a number of interesting homes around.

This example is one that sits directly at the edge of the sea. Large boulders were incorporated into the wall structure giving texture to the exterior.

Gives it a bit of a different look from the smooth walls seen in most buildings. Then there is this one, which looks to have been expanded at some point.

Sometimes you’ll find the kitchen built at one end, with a masonry oven jutting out. Given the strong sunshine found at Aruba’s latitude, any extra heat quickly builds inside so it is best to keep the oven as far from the living area as possible. This next one was built in 1922 and is well cared for.

Over the years I’ve seen more coats of paint go on this house than any other. The owners keep the flowers blooming, too, which adds another welcoming element. The owner of the house below chose a different color for his roof tiles and that makes it stand out.

That blue/green just says, “cool,” doesn’t it? Notice the flowers all lined up in pots. Finally, take a look at a house that is going through a complete rehabilitation. This thing was taken down to the bare walls. Even the roof was removed. At this point, they have a long way to go.

Nonetheless, that roof is now in good shape, the windows have been properly framed out, and the front wall is looking solid. In another six months or so this place will be another gem and I’ll post an update. I hope to go inside for interior photos.

As this blog continues, I’ll be adding more photos of traditional and new homes that can be found in Aruba. Stay tuned.

Published in: on July 12, 2008 at 10:07 am  Leave a Comment  
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