Baby Beach, Aruba

Many people like to get away from the main hotel area of Aruba and come to the southern end of the island. There, they find Baby Beach, so named because the water is shallow, calm, and warm. Here’s a first glance.

I took this photo on a hazy Saturday morning at about 6:30 in the morning. Still, the water comes through as clear and blue as it really is. That ridge of coral is a decent snorkeling spot. The best time to come here is early in the morning on a weekday. Weekends usually crowd with more locals than tourists. Here’s another shot.

The one above really shows the wide expanse of sand, which goes on to the left quite a distance beyond where this frame ends. Can you imagine this place back in the 1940’s when Exxon owned the refinery on the island and just a few yards away they had a full-blown nightclub? It must have been fantastic. Well, it still is, just a little different.

There are several of these thatched huts that face the water. If you arrive early with your clan you can claim one. A snack stand, beach chair rental, and toilet facilities are also available. In that last photo, you can see a tanker bound for sea, which is a reminder that the refinery still works on this island.

Again, go early, enjoy the snorkeling and sunbathing. Then, stop at Hotel Astoria or Charlie’s Bar in San Nicolaas on the way back to your vacation rental. Nothing like an ICE-COLD Coca-Cola after some hours at the beach.

Published in: on July 13, 2008 at 2:21 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Palapa Huts, Aruba

A nice feature of the beaches in Aruba, is that there are Palapa huts constructed in front of the various hotels and at other spots as well. After several hours in the lower latitude sun, it’s a good idea to find a little shade. Here’s a look at the huts on Palm Beach, near the Hyatt Hotel.

That guy in the middle of the frame probably has a good book. He’s kicked off his flip-flops, just had a sip of a fruity drink, and is diving back into the story. I hope it’s An Island Away. There is a scene in the book that takes place right here. One of the characters is at the Hyatt Hotel. She has a swim and lays out in the sun, enjoying the good life before getting a heavy dose of reality in her chosen profession. Anyway, be careful in the sun. Like all things, use in moderation.

Have you ever visited a location that was featured in a book or a movie? Let me know.

Published in: on July 10, 2008 at 8:52 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Eagle Beach, Aruba

Eagle Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Aruba. The sand here is powder soft. The Caribbean Sea that laps the shore is bath-water warm. This photo is taken from far away simply to show the expanse of the beach, which goes on for a couple of miles.

As you can see toward the left of the frame, there are number of palapa huts set up if you want to get out of the sun. Further down, there is only sand and more sand. Notice there is a gentle swell to the sea. Most of the time in Aruba, this is what it is like. You can swim or float along at your leisure.

In the distance you’ll see a tower crane that stands at a location where another condo project is being built. Don’t let this discourage you. The beach does get crowded from time to time, but that is only an opportunity to make new friends and share the relaxation of coming to a place like Aruba.

As always, enjoy your vacation responsibly. Go with the flow, be prepared for diversions, and remember you’re here for the fun of it.

Published in: on July 10, 2008 at 1:21 pm  Comments (2)  
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Another Beach

Here’s a look at another beach, this one in Margate, New Jersey, USA. The surf was calm, the weather hot, and plenty of people took advantage of both.

In the distance, you can see the Atlantic City casinos. It’s true, they weren’t built by the winners.

I used to pass by here when I worked aboard tugboats. Using binoculars we would scan the beaches for the prettiest sights. But, we were too far from shore for a decent view. Funny thing is, despite spending six months a year in Aruba, I’m not much of a beach person. A quick dip in the ocean is enough for me.

That said, I’ll never forget the thrill of seeing someone on the beach reading my novel, An Island Away. I wanted to stop by and ask, “Do you like it?” And, “Did you get to the part where….?” That would have been rude and shameless so I left them to their privacy and (hopefully) enjoyment.

Feedback from readers is something I truly appreciate. For the most part, a book is written away from the reader, and yet it is for the reader. If the author doesn’t hear the reader’s commentary, he never knows if he successfully conveyed the messages he set out to. Therefore, don’t hesitate to comment. A book is a dialog between the author and the reader, it just takes place through a different medium.

Published in: on June 24, 2008 at 12:06 pm  Comments (2)  
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