On a clear day, you can see Cerro Santa Ana in Venezuela from Aruba. I took this video from Savaneta Beach, which is only a few hundred yards from my house. Take a look.
There are people who wind and kite surf between Venezuela and Aruba. This is an impressive feat. Not something I would try, not without a waterproof passport. Still, it could be fun. Remember to enjoy your watersports and international relations responsibly.
Bon dia (again) from Aruba.
This video compilation of old photographs from San Nicolaas, Aruba, shows scenes from the 1930’s to 1970’s when Lago Oil was the biggest thing going on the island. Esso (Exxon) owned the refinery at the time and it was the largest in the world for many years. Stick with the video because regular visitors to Aruba will recognize some of the sights and areas.
It is amazing to see how much has changed over the years. The refinery isn’t what it once was, but it is still there, looming over San Nicolaas providing a diverse employment base and various other opportunities for the island.
I’ve been toying with the idea for a book that happens in San Nicolaas around the late 1950’s. The story would follow the character, Sam, from An Island Away. He was quite the wild young man, not so bad as rambunctious. One thing is for sure: There’s plenty of story material from Aruba at this time. We’ll see how it turns out.
The video was made by LilKing Productions, with which I have no affiliation, but I thank them for putting this up on YouTube for all of us to enjoy.
Bon dia!
The Alto Vista Chapel in Aruba overlooks the Caribbean Sea on the east side of the island. This quaint place of worship is unique on the island. There are many larger churches scattered about, but this one stands off by itself. Here’s a short video to give you and idea of the place.
Still an active place of worship, the Alto Vista Chapel also hosts weddings and other religious ceremonies. It is a stop on many of the regular island tours as well as a popular destination for people to come and pay their respects. It had been a location in my novel, An Island Away, but was cut from the final draft. I’m working to include it in the sequel, Under A Blue Flag, but we’ll see.
Bon dia from Aruba!
The Old Man and The Sea Restaurant opened in the summer of 2008. It has quickly become a favorite among Aruba’s visitors as well as the locals. I posted some photos of the restaurant several months ago. Now, I’d like to share this video, which gives a better impression of the space.
You can see that the tables are well-spaced for a romantic dining experience at the edge of the Caribbean Sea. The food here is inventive and quite good. I’ll be enjoying another supper here soon, so check back for more photo and videos.
Many scenes from my novel, An Island Away, take place in actual locations that can be seen in Aruba. The Old Man and The Sea restaurant has found its way into the sequel, Under A Blue Flag. A pair of characters go there for a dinner one night only to have it interrupted by a fortuitous incident.
Bon dia from Aruba!
The Bent Page 