Iguana Harry, Aruba

Harry the Iguana lives at the Paradera Park Apartments, located as you would expect in the Paradera neighborhood on the island of Aruba. Debby de Weerd, the manager at PPA took this photo of him.

pict0126Brilliant photograph of Harry, eh? There are tons of Iguanas on this island, most of them not very large. However, from time to time, you come across one that is three feet long. Just one of the many types of wildlife, like those owls I posted about a while ago, that can be found here.

More important, if you’re looking for a different place to stay for your island retreat, give the Paradera Park Apartments a try. They are located inland, away from the crowds of the high-rise area. Yet, the beaches, restaurants, and sights are only a short drive away. The rates are more reasonable, which allows for a longer stay on the same budget. Furthermore, you’ll meet interesting people who like to get off the beaten path, explore, and experience a culture from the inside out. This year, I had the good fortune of meeting Judith, who introduced me to her friend Will, and so on and so on and so on. This is an aspect of Aruba that makes it the cross-cultural mecca that it is, thanks to places like the Paradera Park Apartments.

So, if you see Harry, say, “Bon dia,” and if you’d like check out the Paradera Park Apartments, give this link a try: http://www.paraderapark-aruba.com/. It’s a good place to start your travel planning.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Mr. Hammer

Mr. Hammer is another Aruba cat I see from time to time. He’s getting a little grumpy in his old age. Just take a look at his photo here.

cathammerThat look on his face tells us all we need to know. Mr. Hammer does not like to be disturbed, and who can blame him? He’s got the run of the Savaneta neighborhood. There’s plenty of places for him to stretch out in the sun. Lots of lizards and other small creatures to chase (and dare I say, feast upon?). Plus, he lives on the other side of the wall, in a place all his own. He won’t let you get close without a hiss or growl, so it’s best to leave him to his own devices and move on. I think he’s forgotten that he lives on One Happy Island.

Anyway, live and let live I always say.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on March 28, 2009 at 11:04 am  Comments (1)  
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Take it easy!

Everyone likes to let loose during their vacation. That can be a good thing. However, be careful, especially if you rent a quadrunner or four wheeler or whatever they call these machines. Here in Aruba, people injure themselves on a regular basis. This last time, a helicopter had to be called in to evacuate the injured. Take a look at the Bon Dia newspaper report:

aua7newsThere’s nothing wrong with having fun. Just remember, if you cross the line between fun and insanity, you may find yourself in the hospital or worse. I hear that can be painful and expensive. So, take it easy.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on March 26, 2009 at 10:42 am  Leave a Comment  
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Ruf and Tumbull

There are too many stray cats in Aruba. I wish I could do more for them, but there’s only so much that one can do. I’m trying to gather up some photos of the ones I see. Here are two that aren’t exactly strays, but they are outdoor cats and as you can see, one has got himself banged up a little. I’ve named them Ruf and Tumbull.

ruftumblI see these two most every day here in Savaneta. They lounge during the day then prowl all night. That’s how they get into trouble. These two characters look a little mean; wouldn’t mess with them as they’re probably a tag team in a brawl.

Be kind to animals, it will help you get into heaven.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on March 24, 2009 at 1:34 pm  Comments (1)  
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