Aruba’s Florin Explained

Some people contemplating a trip to Aruba asked me about the local currency. I explained that the florin is the name of the official money, but that US dollars are also widely accepted. In any given transaction, you might even see the two currencies mixed. Hence, a little video, explaining the exchange rate and showing the different notes and coins:

As you saw in the video, the exchange rate isn’t complicated. If you’re in the tourist area, you’ll mostly see US dollars. However, if you venture out to the local joints I mention on The Bent Page, you’re more likely to encounter the florin. Either way, with a fixed exchange rate, it’s pretty much the same, at least in terms of the ratio. Enjoy your visit whatever money you’re spending. Bon dia.

Published in: on February 26, 2012 at 8:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Pool View, Aruba

Here in Aruba there are several different kinds of views. You can have a sea view, a countryside view, even a city view. Well, I posted several times about a particular home that was under construction in an area in the middle of the island known as San Fuego. The house is now finished and occupied. The owners have a pool with a beautiful view out over the cunucu as the countryside is known in Aruba. Using the panorama function on that spiffy camera of mine, you can see it’s for real. (As mentioned, just click on the photo to open it in a larger window for the full width.)

That’s an incredible location, no? Absolutely. The good news is, there are a few lots in that area for sale with similar opportunities for spectacular vistas. If that’s your kind of Caribbean living, I suggest you wing to Aruba and plunk down some cash. In a year, you could be lounging by a pool like this, sipping a cool beverage with a dozen of your closest friends. And those friends won’t be in a hurry to leave, either.

Bon dia.

Published in: on November 9, 2010 at 7:32 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Down to Four Walls

I apologize to my regular readers for not posting lately. Take a look at the photo below:

No, that’s not my prison cell in some forgotten corner of the world. Those are three of the four walls of a bathroom at my shack here in Aruba. With the help of a couple of talented fellows, I hammered off the old tile, removed the fixtures, took things back to the bare bones. Now it’s going to be a rebuilding process. Get the walls plumb and even. Re-install the electrical equipment. Set new pipes, valves, and facilities. Tile everything and paint a few spots, too. Another week or two of tough work lies ahead. That small space cooks in this Caribbean heat.

Ah, but in the end it’ll be worth it. This is the last MAJOR project here. Then there will be more time for reading, writing, and wandering about the island. As always, stay tuned for the after photos.

Published in: on August 7, 2010 at 11:12 am  Leave a Comment  
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Before and After

My shack in Aruba has gone through a number of repairs lately. The most recent project is the replacement of the windows. The old windows were aluminum framed, set in wood, which was fitted to the concrete walls. They were no longer completely serviceable, the screens were broken, and I wanted to do away with the divided lights. Here’s a look at an old one first.

Looks good enough, but they were leaky and had to go. A company called Builder Systems here in Aruba made the new, vinyl framed single light windows for me. Here’s the new one in place.

That’s a better window, more energy efficient, and the installer did a great job fitting it into walls that are approximately 80 years old. That’s no easy job, nor is the finishing up with the stucco. It’s gone well so far, especially given the challenges. I look forward to wrapping this up and getting a nice coat of paint on the place.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on July 29, 2010 at 4:17 pm  Leave a Comment  
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