Bagpipes on the Beach

After a lovely Sunday Brunch at the Hyatt Hotel this morning in Aruba, we went for a walk along Palm Beach. Lo and behold, we came across the sound of bagpipes. Investigating further, we discovered this fellow playing at the water’s edge in front of the Playa Linda Resort.

bagpipe_playalindaThe man was in the middle of making his music, and as I much as I wanted to ask him about this activity, I didn’t want to interrupt. We listened for a few minutes and then continued on. Perhaps a regular reader of The Bent Page can forward some info. Either way, it was an interesting spectacle, one more thing that sets the Aruba experience apart.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on August 23, 2009 at 8:16 pm  Comments (1)  
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Flying Friends

One of my friends here in Aruba is a member of the Aruba Flying Club. Late this afternoon, he invited me to meet some other members of the club and have a look at their plane. Here’s a photo of us, hanging out beside the Cessna 172 that was just back from a lesson.

aruba_flyingclubThe guy on the left is the one who re-started the club after it had ceased operation many years ago. The next fellow is a resident instructor. Then there’s my pal, and I’m last.

Thanks to the many commercial flights that come to Aruba every day, there is plenty runway. There’s also a tower to keep an eye on the traffic. This all makes it safer for new pilots. One challenge to flying in Aruba is the constant and gusty trade winds that buffet the island. You may not notice it in a jetliner, but it takes plenty of skill and quick reflexes in a 172. Training in these conditions provides valuable experience.

I’m grateful to my friends for the introduction to their club. I look forward to flying with them in the future.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on August 22, 2009 at 12:26 am  Leave a Comment  
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40 years and…

It’s hard to believe that Mario Puzo’s The Godfather was published forty years ago. The story has become part of the American lexicon thanks to the popular movies adapted from the novel. I’ve read the complete book many times and frequently find myself reading passages. What I like most about the book is the sweeping nature of the story. It stretches from the east coast to the west coast of the United States as well as to Sicily. Similarly, the character and plot development span the outer reaches of human experience. One thing missing from the movie adaptation was a more in depth look at the Johnny Fontane character. Thankfully, the book has entire sections devoted to Fontane, showing a character who develops into more than a simply crooner.

Puzo has left a brilliant legacy with this book. At the same time, don’t neglect Fools Die, another brilliant look at humanity, it’s foibles and follies, something Puzo knew how to show better than most.

Published in: on August 19, 2009 at 3:17 pm  Leave a Comment  
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St. Michael’s Church, Aruba

St. Michael’s Church in Aruba is an interesting building. It’s located in the neighborhood of Brazil and features an adjacent school.

churchbrazilauaI ride past this church during my morning bicycle trek. My extended stays in Aruba give me opportunities to see many places like this not only from the outside, but also the inside during services and festivals. When you’re out there traveling, don’t forget to check into some of the sites that are not only off the beaten path, but part of the local culture.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on August 18, 2009 at 10:53 am  Leave a Comment  
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