People and the places they populate generate neighborhood character. I’m not talking about the franchise joints tested by marketing focus groups. I’m talking about your corner bar, barbershop, or back room, where, for whatever reason, people congregate. I like these places. The social fireworks are fun to watch. Hence, the photo of me with Sandy, the bartender at Bonk’s Bar.
Bonk’s Bar features all the usual action of a corner tavern: local color, reliable booze, minimal interference from skyscraper geniuses looking to make everything the same. It’s been more than 20 years since I first set foot in there. Looking forward to many more years doing the same. Support your local establishments. They’re worth it.
The Bent Page 
Cultural Mashup in Aruba
In Aruba, you’ll find a crossroads of various cultures including Caribbean, European, South American, North American, and Chinese to name a few. A perfect illustration of this is the “Refresqueria Banzai” which is a little rum shop in the middle of Oranjestaad that you see in this photo:
Refresqueria Bonzai in Oranjestaad, Aruba, DWI.
Here you can get cold drinks, snacks, and more. Not sure exactly how the “banzai” fits in, but I’ll check it out soon. Going to make a little video of the Chinese operated rum shops and restaurants very soon. Therefore, you’ll want to check back frequently here at BentPage to view the latest. Bon dia.
- Aruba Local Flavor
- Commentary
on December 21, 2013 at 4:18 pm Leave a CommentTags: Aruba, Aruba Local Flavor, bar, bonsai, caribbean, Commentary, culture, photo, rum shop, travel, vacation