Palapa Huts, Aruba

A nice feature of the beaches in Aruba, is that there are Palapa huts constructed in front of the various hotels and at other spots as well. After several hours in the lower latitude sun, it’s a good idea to find a little shade. Here’s a look at the huts on Palm Beach, near the Hyatt Hotel.

That guy in the middle of the frame probably has a good book. He’s kicked off his flip-flops, just had a sip of a fruity drink, and is diving back into the story. I hope it’s An Island Away. There is a scene in the book that takes place right here. One of the characters is at the Hyatt Hotel. She has a swim and lays out in the sun, enjoying the good life before getting a heavy dose of reality in her chosen profession. Anyway, be careful in the sun. Like all things, use in moderation.

Have you ever visited a location that was featured in a book or a movie? Let me know.

Published in: on July 10, 2008 at 8:52 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Eagle Beach, Aruba

Eagle Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Aruba. The sand here is powder soft. The Caribbean Sea that laps the shore is bath-water warm. This photo is taken from far away simply to show the expanse of the beach, which goes on for a couple of miles.

As you can see toward the left of the frame, there are number of palapa huts set up if you want to get out of the sun. Further down, there is only sand and more sand. Notice there is a gentle swell to the sea. Most of the time in Aruba, this is what it is like. You can swim or float along at your leisure.

In the distance you’ll see a tower crane that stands at a location where another condo project is being built. Don’t let this discourage you. The beach does get crowded from time to time, but that is only an opportunity to make new friends and share the relaxation of coming to a place like Aruba.

As always, enjoy your vacation responsibly. Go with the flow, be prepared for diversions, and remember you’re here for the fun of it.

Published in: on July 10, 2008 at 1:21 pm  Comments (2)  
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A Beach of Your Own?

Have you ever wanted a beach of your own? Or maybe just a beach all to yourself for a day? Well, take a look at the photo below. Can you see yourself there?

If you look carefully, you can see a small structure at the very edge of the left side of the frame. This is a little pavilion constructed on the bit of land that is only two feet above the ocean’s surface. Think about yourself and a few close friends having a small party out there. Simple, beautiful, perfect. This is the beach in Savaneta, Aruba. Most weekdays, you might find a few people here during the day. A fisherman or two pass by with hand nets, catching bait fish that the pelicans don’t scoop up. On weekends, the Arubans camp out with their families.

There are actually two beaches, each of them framed by mangroves. They aren’t very big, maybe a hundred yards long. The nearby ocean is quite shallow, perhaps 15 feet at its deepest, all the way to reef. After the reef, the topography drops off to deeper water.

From here you can watch the ships pass by. Once in a while a tugboat sails from San Nicolaas on the southeast end of the island, where the refinery is, to the harbor at Oranjestaad, which is more centrally located. These tugboats assist the cruise ships and cargo vessels calling there. You can wave to them and sometimes they’ll give you a whistle back.

I came to this place in 1995. I pulled over, looked at the beach and surrounding area. I thought, “I could live here.” It was a goal that took me a long time to accomplish. But all that hard work was worth it. The good things in life are worth waiting for. (You’ve heard that one before, I know, but it is true.) Don’t rush it. Don’t get discouraged. Stay the course, weather the storm, and get where you want to go and take the ones you love with you. One of my characters in An Island Away sets out to do this. Sorry, I can’t reveal what happens without ruining the story.

After a brief interlude to talk about some other things, I’ll post a few more views of the interior of the island that are just as appealing this one, as well as some more beautiful sunsets.

Published in: on June 16, 2008 at 11:39 pm  Comments (1)  
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