Mangel Alto Snorkeling, Aruba

The Mangel Alto area of Aruba offers some very good snorkeling. There are several points of entry. Two are shown on the video clip here. There is a third if you drive down toward the beach, past the Nam Yong restaurant, which is located on Spanish Lagoonweg. The underwater still shots that are incorporated into the video were provided my Kent Gerber. Take a look at the video.

When snorkeling here, keep a close eye on the sea conditions. You want to move out toward the reef, but as you do, you’ll find the ocean a bit choppy. It’s not all that difficult to swim in this, just remain mindful of where you are in relation to the shore. I’ve also found some “holes” in the sandy floor in the calm area sheltered by the cliff. Here you’ll find some zany fish and other creatures. However, out near the reef is where you’ll find the best viewing. Again, special thanks to Kent for providing the still shots. Judging by the photos I’ve seen of the fish he has caught, he’s lucky they don’t take their revenge on him when he’s snorkeling. And as always, please respect the marine environment.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Pet Burial Ground, Aruba

There is a Pet Burial Ground near the southern tip of Aruba. It is located several hundred yards beyond Baby  Beach. There you’ll find makeshift wooden crosses, small piles of rocks, and even elaborate grave markers, all erected by loving owners for their dearly departed friends. I made this video, which shows the general area and some details, too.

Of course, all pet owners understand the sense of loss and bereavement that occurs when a pet passes. What I like most about this place is the personal nature of each marker. These aren’t things created by professionals, but rather individual works that reveal as much about the owner as they do about the pet.

If you happen to come to Baby Beach or are just out for a drive on the island, stop by this area. It is a poignant reminder that we’re not alone on this planet, that our pets enrich our lives every day, even after they pass into the next world. And always be kind to animals.

Published in: on November 21, 2008 at 11:25 am  Leave a Comment  
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The Brass Verdict, by Michael Connelly

The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly is only the second book of his that I’ve read. I actually downloaded it to my Kindle and read it here in Aruba. It was a pleasure and my review follows.

Connelly starts the book with, “Everybody lies.” And he’s right, especially from the perspective of a defense attorney. In this case, Mickey Haller is a criminal defense attorney who knows the truth about his clients, that they and everyone in the system lies. He’s recovering from being gut shot in a previous Connelly book when he inherits the cases of a former rival who was murdered. Taking the bull by the horns, Haller sorts the cases and quickly latches on to the most profitable one, that of a Hollywood Studio tycoon named Walter Elliot who is accused of killing his wife and her lover. Enter Detective Harry Bosch, another of Connelly’s characters, although in a somewhat lesser role. Still, the chemistry is good, if volatile, and the plot never slows down.

What I enjoyed most about this book was the honesty of Haller. So many bad things have been written about lawyers and their motivations that it was interesting to hear their side of the story. And it made me think, which is one of the things I look for in every book I read.

Thus, Connelly had me from the first page to the last, in and out of court as well as on the street. Justice is served in this book, though not always from the bench, which is a reflection of the world in which we live.

Published in: on November 20, 2008 at 12:40 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Sole Mare Restaurant, Aruba (video)

Sole Mare Restaurant offers fine Italian food to Aruba’s visitors and locals alike. The restaurant is located close to the high-rise hotel area. Reservations are highly recommended as this place fills up around seven and remains busy through the evening. Here is a short video of the meal we had last night.

The typical dishes you would expect are done very well here. You can count on the veal parmigiana, the various pasta concoctions, and the daily specials to be to your liking. Especially tasty is the fried polenta that is brought to your table soon after you sit down. This is a crispy on the outside – perfect on the inside type of starter. Just don’t eat too much or you won’t have room for everything else.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on November 19, 2008 at 11:16 am  Leave a Comment  
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