Club Arias, Aruba

In Savaneta, Aruba, you’ll find a bed and breakfast type of establishment called Club Arias. It’s easy to find. If you’re headed south from the airport, continue on the main road until you see this faux stone wall.

There’s room to park there. Then, after passing into the compound you’ll come upon a pleasant recreation area with a pool table as seen here.

While a game of billiards with your friends may be fun. May I suggest a dip in the pool? There are two. A large, deeper one…

…and a shallow one…

That’s a float up bar at the far end. Don’t want to be thirsty out there in the Aruban sunshine. The rooms are arranged around these pools giving you direct and immediate access to the water. A typical room features a nice bedroom like this…

…and a sitting area with micro-kitchenette like this…

The kitchenette area is off to the right, out of the frame. Then, Chef Gabby will be making you breakfast and snacks, served in the dining area. Around those pools you’ll find coolers dispensing lemonade and iced-tea at no extra charge, which is a nice bonus.

There’s a lending library here with books and games. Also available are various all terrain vehicles for exploring remote parts of the island, and there are a few worth finding. Club Arias provides an alternative to the big hotels. It is a place away from the bustle of the main tourist center. Here you can kick back in a casual fashion, do your own thing, and not have to worry about the crowds or the exorbitant prices that can sting your budget. Check it out.

Published in: on July 17, 2010 at 9:57 am  Leave a Comment  
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Hula Girl Co-Pilot

Remember that penguin from the movie Madagascar? You know, Skipper, the one who was in charge. He fell in love with the hula girl on the console of his airplane. I happened to be on a flight from Miami to Aruba the other day and spotted this.

You’re looking into the cockpit of a 757 there. A close examination reveals…

That’s right, the hula girl is ready to assist the co-pilot. By the way, these pilots were a gregarious pair. They walked the aisle before takeoff, chatted with passengers, and led a round of applause for military servicemen and their families. Little touches like that, make a fine trip even better.

“Don’t look doll. This might get hairy!”

Published in: on July 16, 2010 at 1:05 am  Leave a Comment  
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Tuscany Residence, Aruba

If you were looking for a new place to live in the Caribbean, you might want to get in at the beginning with Tuscany Residence, Aruba. Lately there have been a few high-end developments springing up between the cactus and the divi trees. Here’s a look at the builders rendition of what’s to come this time.

You’ll have your choice of 78 apartments and 75 houses. May be difficult to decide. They spent some money clearing the site, which was an eyesore for many years. Here’s the long view.

That photo is looking generally west. In the distance you can see the Marriott Hotel, which fronts the beach. So, you’ll be close to the water, probably a major selling point. Just off to the right of the frame is JJ Snack, a great place to get a cold beer on a hot day. Well, progress marches on in Aruba.

Bon dia.

Published in: on July 15, 2010 at 12:06 am  Leave a Comment  
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Arch of San Miguel, Spain

The Arch of San Miguel stands in a field at the edge of the town of Sasamón.

It was the entry portico to a 15th Century church that once stood on this spot. A shame the church did not survive. However, the arch is there as a reminder. It’s actually a dramatic sight: the arch, the field beyond, the blou sky above. This was a place for quiet reflection on the march of time. Take a moment to stop and think. It’ll do wonders.

Published in: on July 14, 2010 at 11:39 am  Leave a Comment  
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