Windsurfing Lessons, Aruba

People have asked me about windsurfing in Aruba. If you’re new to the sport, my suggestion is to head to the northwest edge of the island where there are a number of operators like the ones shown below. (If you’re on the main road, continue past the Marriot hotel and take the first cutoff toward the ocean. Can’t miss them.)

These guys are professionals. They have all the equipment and staff to help you learn the art. Aruba’s winds are usually cracking so you’re practically guaranteed a good day for this activity. (Many of the same operators also provide kitesurfing lessons as well.) Here’s a shot of an instructor in action.

Remember that the winds blow off shore, meaning they will try to push you out to sea. Remain aware how far your are from the beach. Don’t want to end up in Venezuela or somewhere else, unless you’re running from the law or someone’s husband. Last spring a woman kite surfed from Venezuela to Aruba, which I thought was quite an impressive feat. Just goes to show what the wind can do for you.

Anyway, I’ve been thinking of giving this a try, especially the kite surfing. Taking photos of these guys in action is difficult because they move FAST, perform stunts, and generally seem to be having the time of their lives. Whatever sport you choose, remember, safety first. Be sure to consult the professionals, wear proper safety equipment, and don’t go beyond you talent. You don’t want to ruin your vacation with a trip to the hospital. Enjoy!

Published in: on July 15, 2008 at 3:13 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Creating Atmosphere, Part 3

In two earlier posts, I mentioned a few things about creating atmosphere in a story. This time, I’ll rely on the actual atmosphere for a bit of inspiration. Nature’s wonders have inspired countless artists, not to mention put the fear of the supernatural into any number of sailors. A sky like this might just do the trick.

 My wife and I had just finished dinner and were going for a walk. Not two steps outside the house, she pointed at the moon and said, “Look at that.” Indeed, check out that hazy moon, rising over the sunset. The colors of the setting sun, cast upon the clouds provide brilliant color that is contrasted by the silhouetted palm trees. This is a technicolor backdrop for any scene, tropical or not. This one happens to be in Aruba, but it might just as easily been taken on the high plains. Some day I would like to go to far northern Alaska or Canada, a place where I can see the northern lights. Now there is atmosphere (BIG-TIME), the embodiment of the interaction between the sun and the earth. If that doesn’t pop a few goose bumps I’m not sure what will. And then, after seeing these kind of natural phenomena, the mind has to be ready to incorporate them into a good story. Various belief systems have passed down through the generations the idea that the sky portends things to come. This may or may not be true. Do the stars predict the future? Do they reveal the past? I don’t know, but it’s a fantastic story convention to use such things. Perhaps there is a deep memory buried in human DNA that tells our minds to believe such things. Or, maybe it is true and you just have to be sensitive to the omens. Here’s another sky, this one taken just after dawn.

This is another after-the-storm shot. The clouds are breaking up, blue sky peeking through, sunlight poking out. Normally we think of sunlight shining “down.” However, here, the rays appear to be shooting up. Different.

Whether you’re a storyteller or not, it’s one of life’s pleasures to check out the sky from time to time. Don’t be afraid to look up, or down for that matter. It may not be doom you find. It could be a sign of good things to come. You simply have to be ready for whatever may come your way.

Published in: on July 15, 2008 at 11:32 am  Comments (1)  
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Pincho’s Restaurant, Aruba

Pincho’s Restaurant sits on a platform over the water. You can look out at the ocean, back at the island of Aruba, or at the cruise ships docked at the port. The food here is exceptional. Most all of it is prepared on a grill which I prefer. They have tapas sized portions if you only want a snack and larger items for a full meal. The bar is centrally located, surrounded by tables for up to eight people. Here’s a look at sunset.

This is one view that’s hard to beat. If you’re on a cruise ship, you may have time to come here for a meal, as it is only a short cab ride from the terminal. And if you’re staying on the island, this is one place I would say belongs on your must try list. In particular, my wife likes the catch of the day here. I prefer a mixed grill appetizer portion. Even if you’re not in the mood for a meal, the bar is a good place to relax with a beverage of your choice. The wine selection is fairly good, as is the variety of beer, whiskey, and other liquors.

And like I said, that view is hard to beat.

Published in: on July 14, 2008 at 8:37 pm  Leave a Comment  
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California Lighthouse, Aruba

At the northern end of the island of Aruba stands the California Lightouse. It sits approximately a kilometer from the shore but high on a bluff that overlooks the sea on both sides of the island. I took these photos a few mornings ago. The first one shows the lighthouse standing against a bank of heavy cloud that had rolled in.

 Many people ask me about the weather in Aruba. What is the best month to visit? Will my wedding be rain free? Does it rain all day or just showers? These questions are impossible to answer. All I can say from experience is that it doesn’t matter whether it rains, is cloudy, or if the sun shines all day. There are plenty of things to do. For the most part, Aruba is a desert island, located south of the hurricane track. Sometimes you’ll have a day of rain, even two days of rain. That said, there have been times when I’ve been seen doing an ancient rain dance after three weeks of nothing but blazing sun. Of course, there is the breeze, the trade winds that keep the island deceptively comfortable. (Yes, use a dermatologist recommended sun block.)

So, after I took this picture, I waited about fifteen minutes. Lo and behold! The clouds shuttled off and the following view could be seen.

That’s right, blue skies on the way after a refreshing, cleansing shower. Looking down from the bluff at the sea, here is another vista. Can you imagine being on ship looking back at the island?

Therefore, don’t worry about the weather no matter where you’re traveling. Sure, you’d like to have that perfect day. I would venture to say it’s more about how you look at it than what the weather actually is. Furthermore, consider the opportunity to make new friends or get closer to the ones with you. Before you know it, the weather will have changed and you’ll be on with your journey.

Published in: on July 14, 2008 at 12:40 pm  Leave a Comment  
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