Cunucu Houses, Part 2

Continuing with my photo essay of Cunucu houses on the island of Aruba, let’s take a look at a few more examples. This first one has some creative designs set in the walls.

May not be your favorite but you have to give them credit for being creative. Notice how these houses are sort of “low slung” in that the doorways and windows are set lower to the ground. This gives a clue to how old they are, probably at least 70 to 80 years. This next example shows how outbuildings become part of a homestead complex.

There is the driveway, the main house, the outlaw suite in back and a budding stone wall on the right. Nice progression here. A more compact version can be seen in this next photo.

The buildings remain connected. Then there is this one, which shows how the kitchen is kept as far from the living area as possible. I mentioned that in an earlier post and here’s a classic example.

The chimney sticking up on the right is a sure sign of where the cooking is done. Then there’s this one, which happens to be fore sale, if you’re in the market.

They do like their colors in Aruba. I’ll be doing a photo essay on the colors of Aruba in a few weeks when I compile all the photos. There will also be more houses, including modern Cunucu houses which contain many of the elements we’ve seen in these photos. Before signing off, check out the detail along the corners of this last home. Many of the houses have geometric or animal designs formed into the concrete which is an added feature to distinguish one from the other.

Stay tuned for more.

Published in: on July 18, 2008 at 9:16 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , ,

Flying Fishbone Restaurant, Aruba

So many people have asked me about the Flying Fishbone Restaurant in Savaneta, Aruba, that I’m compelled to put this post up now, especially since I took some nice photos last evening. Here’s a shot of the outside of the place, which started out as an old Cunucu house situated directly on the water.

It is easy to find this restaurant. Simply drive south from the airport until you enter Savaneta, then turn right at the S. Chow grocery store. Continue straight for about 1/4 mile to where the road splits and turn left. Follow this road for about a mile and you’ll see a sign on the right that leads you off the paved road onto a dirt one and just a hundred yards on and you’re there. You’ll see plenty of cars. Here’s a closer look at the entrance.

Everything on the menu here is good. The service is equally good. In other words, there is a reason this place is about the most popular on the island: QUALITY. Another reason is that you can have a table that is actually in the water, as in your feet are immersed in the warm Caribbean sea while you dine on all those great dishes. If you don’t believe me, take a look.

How’s that for seaside dining? And just in case you need one more reason to have a leisurely, romantic dinner, take a look at this, which is your view when Mother Nature cooperates.

 Hard to beat, eh?

Enjoy your dinner, and since I live just a few houses away, stop over for coffee or bourbon some time.

 

(Side note to some of my readers who have asked about the locations in my novel, An Island Away. Yes, most all of the locales in the book are real and as described. I did take a few liberties with one or two simply to make plot points possible. There was a scene that took place at Flying Fishbone in the original draft, but it was cut. Sorry. However, I am considering a scene for the sequel, Under A Blue Flag. We’ll see how it works out.)

Published in: on July 18, 2008 at 12:01 pm  Comments (1)  
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Luxe Shopping, Aruba

Relatives of mine love cruising and go on at least one cruise a year. One of the things they like to do is shop for jewelry and local items, as well as high end goods that may be better priced than they would find in the United States. Well, in Aruba, you have plenty of options just beyond the port where your ship docks. You’ll pass through the gate and walk down this street, headed roughly south, southeast.

Seems rather nondescript, but as you move along you’ll pass a number of jewelry stores, the Mont Blanc store, and a well-stocked cigar shop (yes, with Cubans). Then you’ll come to this area.

Here are several high-end watch sellers, including Gandelman and Little Switzerland. There’s also a few options for food and drinks upstairs including the Mambo Jambo Club. Here’s another view from the opposite side.

Tommy Hilfiger has a place on the corner there. Just down another half block you’ll come to the Seaport Casino and Mall. This is all luxury goods. Here are just a few photos for those who want proof.

It goes on to include Cartier, Bulgari, Ferragamo and so on.

There’s also the BCBG store for the ladies and a few decent shops for men’s clothes.

So, if you like to spend your money on this type of shopping, you came to the right place. Just in case you have some room on the credit card limit, you’ll pass this store on the way back to the ship or your car.

Just don’t let the tax man know what you’ve been up to.

Published in: on July 17, 2008 at 7:29 pm  Comments (1)  
Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

One Happy Port, Aruba

A few days ago, the cruise ship, Adventure of the Seas, called at Oranjestaad, Aruba. I took a few photos for the blog here, which may help answer some questions about cruise ship calls at the island. First, take a look at that magnificent ship which was just tied to the dock a few minutes before this pictures was taken.

Upon leaving the ship, you’ll pass through a reception building and then through a gate. Some tours may supply buses inside the port area; other tour leaders and sellers are waiting beyond the gate as you see here.

Veteran cruisers will know about booking your on-island excursions in advance. If not, however, there are people around who offer everything from a jeep safari, to kayaking, to a day at the beach. Here’s a look at a few of the colorful buses that will take you to your day of fun.

Not sure about this bus, but it has the right name.

And then there is this luxury coach operated by De Palm Tours. They transfer people from the terminal to their own island where all kinds of water activities are available.

Whatever your choice, you’re bound to have a great time here. It may be a visit to the ostrich farm, an island-wide tour, or a horseback trek. If shopping it what you enjoy, stay tuned. My next post will take a look at the shops available right in the downtown area, only a short walk from the ship.

Published in: on July 17, 2008 at 3:06 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »