On Display

Here in Aruba, there are several “natural bridges.” They are natural stone bridges which have been undermined by the constant wave action of the Caribbean pounding against the shore. The largest of them collapsed in 2004. Immediately beside the site of that one, is a smaller one, somewhat interesting to view. More interesting to me, was the discovery of this display case in the gift shop at the Natural Bridge site.

cokecaserubaThat’s right, it’s full of Coca-Cola memorabilia. I’ve been in and out of this place at least a dozen times, yet never noticed this before. How could that be? Perhaps it is new. I asked but did not receive a good explanation. Either way, it is chock full of various items from Coca-Cola, and I suggested they move it forward so that visitors might better gaze up on the treasures therein.

If you come to Aruba, visit the natural bridge, and happen to stop in for an ice-cold Coca-Cola, don’t miss this little museum. There’s also a number of other things on view, including money from around the world, various trinkets to be bought, and a few tasty food items.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on August 29, 2009 at 10:51 am  Comments (2)  
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One Happy Coca-Cola Bottle

Coca-Cola can still be had in the 8 oz. bottles here in Aruba. There is a local bottling company and they strictly adhere to the formula. The Coca-Cola is perfectly refreshing, wonderfully effervescent, and never too sweet. Here’s a look at the local bottles.

cokaaua2cokeaua1

Here on one happy island, that’s a happy sight. This bottle was photographed at the world famous Charlie’s Bar, my local and place of mystery and intrigue. Don’t forget, enjoy Coca-Cola ICE COLD. That’s the way it’s meant to be served.

Published in: on February 19, 2009 at 12:17 pm  Comments (1)  
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The Pickup Truck and Life

My oldest brother once said, “You have to have a truck to tote your stuff.” He was right. I’ve always owned a pickup, typically a Chevrolet Silverado. Over the years I’ve had both new and used and they’ve never let me down. They were there to tote my stuff, other people’s stuff, business stuff, and stuff that belonged to someone I didn’t even know.

More than the utility value is the simple pleasure of heading down the road with an ice-cold Coca-Cola in your hand, the radio on, and your favorite person in the passenger seat. This is as American as Ben Franklin, the Grand Canyon, and the Stars and Stripes. I know they burn too much fuel. I know they’re big and clunky. I know all the reasons why some people think they’re the root of evil. That is until they need one. Then they’re on the phone looking for a pal with a set of keys to something with capacity to haul and horsepower.

There are ways to drive your truck responsibly and burn the least amount of fuel. Coast up to those red lights, set the cruise control on 68, and don’t jump from stop sign to stop sign. Make sensible trips by combining your tasks. Go shopping with your pal so you take advantage of all that cargo space. These methods all work. They also help to make the road a safer, friendlier place.

So life is full of contradictions. No surprise there. The pickup is one of those. But its so much fun and so darn useful that we’re stuck with it until something better comes along.

Published in: on September 29, 2008 at 6:45 pm  Comments (1)  
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Still The Real Thing

I was in Doylestown, Pennyslvania, USA a couple of nights ago for a book signing. I always arrive early so there’s plenty of time to check out the local scene. I walked around the corner from the bookstore and found this small shop selling snacks. Inside I found Coca-Cola in glass bottles that are reproductions of the first bottles, the ones that came before the distinctive, bodaciously curvy one. Here’s a look:

Yes, that’s the real thing. I popped the top on this and guzzled. It was so good that I drank two.

During my book signing, I met dozens of people interested in my new novel, An Island Away. It’s a real pleasure meeting readers. They have great recommendations for other books and provide insight into stories they’ve read. This helps me become a better writer. After all, the readers are the customers. Talking to them directly gives you the chance to hear their thoughts.

With all the talk these days about how no one reads, you would think we’re headed for the dark ages. Not so. There were hundreds of people through the bookstore that night. There was an 8 year old who had illustrated her grandmother’s book there as well. Good for them! The younger the better when it comes to books and reading.

Reading, like ice-cold Coca Cola, is the real thing.

Published in: on September 7, 2008 at 2:49 pm  Comments (1)  
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