Election Time, Aruba Style

Parliamentary elections are coming soon to the island of Aruba. The date is 25 September and it looks like it will be a slugfest. I consider myself a visitor to the island and therefore do not comment on the issues. However, the electioneering here is quite dramatic. In the first place, each of the political parties sets up an HQ in various neighborhoods. Out come the paint brushes and the entire building is painted with the party colors. As you can see below, the MEP party sports red and yellow.

mep1Then there is the AVP party which is green and white as seen here.

avp3The Democracia Real likes red and white.

dr2They’re also big into symbolism as is evidence by the scales of justice there. The MPA party colors are featured next.

mpaFlags are very popular. They fly from probably 20-30% of the homes and businesses on the island, proclaiming allegiance to one group or another. It’s sort of like a medieval battlefield, with each band of knights or clan marking their turf before the fighting begins. Some attach multiple flags to their vehicles and galavant about the island with them snapping in the breeze. Here are some flags you’ll see.

mep3Plenty there in that photo to get the message across. There’s only two in the next one, but they threw in a billboard for effect.

dr1There are also rolling billboards which decorate cars, trucks, buses, and vans, such as this one for AVP.

avp1Well, plenty of money has been spent on all this. I hope it works for the betterment of the island. I live here much of the year and only want the best for the people. The problem is not making a choice; it is living with it afterward. All the best, Aruba!

Published in: on August 10, 2009 at 12:04 am  Comments (2)  
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Young Fellow BBQ, Aruba

Young Fellow is the name of a roadside joint here in Aruba. They serve up a nice Sunday BBQ lunch that you may want to try. First, the place is located on the main highway, south of the airport. Just drive from the hotel area and keep going until you see the sign. Now let’s take a look at the video of the Sunday BBQ.

So, for the current price (subject to change) of 13 florins ($7 US+/-) you get 1/4 chicken, tons of white rice, 1/4 rack of ribs, mashed potatoes, baked beans, and some corn on the cob. That’s a good deal. Fish is also on offer if you would prefer it. They have ice-cold beer and Coca-Cola, too. Plus there’s the pool table and such to relax and have a good time before or after your meal. This place will be hosting the band DataPanik soon as part of the Route to the Rum Shops.

I enjoy these local joints. The people are friendly ,the food filling, and the experience authentic. Give it a try. You might like it.

Published in: on March 16, 2009 at 4:29 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Quickie Lickie, Aruba

The Quickie Lickie Laundromat in Aruba received some great publicity the other night. They were featured on the Jay Leno’s show. Here is a copy of the article form the Bon Dia newspaper.

quicklickartFortunately, I have my own washing machine and clothes line here at my shack on the island. No need to avail myself of the Quickie Lickie services. You have to admit, that is a great name for the business. Catchy, informative, perfect.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on March 11, 2009 at 9:37 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Rincón Colombiana, Aruba

Rincón Colombia is a great little Colombian restaurant located on Main Street in San Nicolaas. You’ll find this place just a block down the street from the World Famous Charlie’s Bar. I’ve been snacking here for years and find the food delicious, economical, and very reliable. One of my favorite dishes is the chuleta colombiana, pictured below.

rincon_chuletaThat’s a breaded and fried pork chop seen above. Very filling, plenty of garlic, fries and rice in case you need the double-starch calories. Then there is the lomito, which you’ve seen before in my other posts but one more look won’t hurt. Here it is.

rincon_lomitoCan’t beat that after a hard day at the foundry. You’ll see plenty of locals, both of Colombian descent and other nationalities eating here every day (closed Sunday). Go early or after the lunch rush. They also serve fruit smoothies and homemade drinks that will perk you right up after a morning at the beach.

Bon dia from Aruba.