Urataka Center, Aruba, video

Urataka Center is an old-time rum shop located in the middle of the island of Aruba. This is a quaint little place to stop in for refreshment, including pizza and cold beverages. It is located on the road leading into the Arikok National Park. Here’s a video showing how to get there and the inside of the place.

Reminds me of some places I used to go when I was a little tyke. I’ll pass by again soon and get some photos of the food and such, updating this post when I have a chance. In the mean time, enjoy your visit to Aruba. More video on the way.

Published in: on February 9, 2012 at 5:22 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Visit Charlie’s Bar, Aruba

It’s nearly twenty years since I first set foot in Charlie’s Bar. It’s located in San Nicolaas, Aruba, a refinery town full of character at the edge of the Caribbean. It was founded in 1941 by Charlie Brouns, revamped by his son Charlie, Jr., and now operated by Charlie III. Join me inside this venerable institution for a look around.

Lots of stuff there to occupy your viewing pleasure while having a drink or a snack or both. The specialty is shrimp, served a couple of different ways. My favorite is steamed with garlic. They come with the heads on for those of you who like the juice. This isn’t a fancy place, drinks are shots and beer and the basics, nothing fuzzy or foamy. Given that Charlie’s began as a sailor bar, that’s to be expected. Enjoy yourself in Aruba and don’t forget the sunscreen. One other thing, try the Honeymoon Sauce, which is spicy hot and good on most anything.

Bon dia.

Published in: on February 5, 2012 at 2:05 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Kerstboom, Aruba

You’re in the Caribbean, palm trees waving in the breeze, clear water gleaming in the sun, and along comes… evergreens? That’s right, of all the zany things you’ll see in Aruba are fresh Christmas trees, known as kerstboom locally, for sale to celebrate the holiday. Here’s a photo:

Having come from a part of the world where these trees are grown, I was impressed at the selection. Many high quality trees were for sale. They arrive via refrigerated containers, which is a tremendous effort considering how far they have to travel to arrive in Aruba. Well, Christmas is a big deal here on the island. Stay tuned for photos and videos of the light displays. Increible!

Published in: on November 28, 2011 at 3:01 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , , ,

Lourdes Grotto and Windmills, Aruba

Today’s video takes you on a drive to the Lourdes Grotto in San Nicolaas, Aruba and for a look at the giant windmills at Vader Piet. Consistent with my other “driving directions” pieces, this one shows you how to get there, from the main highway approaching the traffic circle at the west end of San Nicolaas then to the Lourdes Grotto with a quick peek at the statuary, then a litter further out to Vader Piet for a look at those big windmills. Here we go:

Another pleasant drive, this time with a little rain. Although Aruba is known to be a “desert island,” it does rain here from time to time, especially this time of year. And lately, over the past several years, the island is more green than ever. Enjoy your visit.

Published in: on November 21, 2011 at 2:50 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , , , ,
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »