Past and Present

Fountain pens and computers, two very different technologies, but I use them both when writing novels. Most of my notes and first drafts are written with the fountain pen. Then, I type the second draft into a computer. Here’s a photo of the equipment at work.

The scene above was my setup at Charlie’s Bar (San Nicolaas, Aruba) this past Saturday, where I was busy plowing through some early chapters of a new book. For some reason, I get more work done in busy places like Charlie’s than in quiet spots like my office. Not sure why that is, and I don’t care to figure it out. What works is what works. Don’t mess with it.

Published in: on March 14, 2011 at 10:23 am  Comments (1)  
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Pueblito Paisa, Aruba, update

The New Pueblito Paisa is a little restaurant located in San Nicolaas, Aruba. I posted about this place before, but it’s time for an update. They painted the outside for a more conventional look.

Can’t miss that orange as you pass through town. Inside, you’ll find friendly faces and food cooked with a Colombian flair. I used to sit at the counter and do quite a bit of writing here, not to mention learn Spanish as well. However, let’s stick to the food. If you’re massively hungry, try the mixed grill platter. Below is a photo of the “small” size of that dish.

That’s a hearty platter! You get fried plantains around the edges along with an arepa cut up further in. Then there’s ribs, sausage, steak, the kind of stuff that really fills you up. Let’s say you’d just like a couple of pieces of chicken, battered and fried. Well, then order the pollo apanada as seen below.

Or, if you like epanadas, they sometimes have them as a special of the day. Here they are.

Finally, here’s a glimpse of the main menu. Those prices are Aruban florins, 1.75 florins for each 1 US Dollar.

Lots of good deals to be had. There’s a wide variety of beverages from beer, to Coca-Cola, to homemade fruit smoothies at prices that are much lower than near the big hotels. Spanish skills are helpful when ordering here, but you can find your way by pointing and smiling, too. Enjoy!

Published in: on March 10, 2011 at 8:35 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Rum Reef Aruba

Rum Reef Aruba is located where the old Esso club used to be between Baby and Rodgers Beaches, at the southern tip of the island.

You can’t miss the place as you drive down the lane toward the ocean. There’s a welcoming bar, covered seating, and friendly people to serve you the beverages and snacks of your choice.

JADS dive shop is adjacent to the place, too. Here you can launch diving adventure, get snorkle equipment, and check in with the professionals who know what they’re doing. On the other side of Rum Reef, you’ll find a gift shop featuring local crafts.

There’s also a little store for those forgotten essentials.

All this convenient to your visit to/from Baby Beach. Enjoy roaming about the island and don’t forget to check out these kinds of places. More often that not, you’ll have a great experience that you might have otherwise missed.

Bon dia.

Published in: on March 9, 2011 at 10:55 am  Comments (1)  
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Carry Out

The Coca-Cola signage in Aruba is fantastic. I spotted this mini-billboard here in Aruba, at the exit for a drive-through distributor of soft drinks.

Recently, many signs have been updated at the snack shops and other places. I’ve always been impressed with the ability of Coke to keep its brand fresh. That’s no easy task for a product that has been around so long. Remember, always enjoy your Coca-Cola ice-cold.

Bon dia.

Published in: on March 8, 2011 at 8:47 pm  Leave a Comment  
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