San Nicolaas, Old Days (video)

This video compilation of old photographs from San Nicolaas, Aruba, shows scenes from the 1930’s to 1970’s when Lago Oil was the biggest thing going on the island. Esso (Exxon) owned the refinery at the time and it was the largest in the world for many years. Stick with the video because regular visitors to Aruba will recognize some of the sights and areas.

It is amazing to see how much has changed over the years. The refinery isn’t what it once was, but it is still there, looming over San Nicolaas providing a diverse employment base and various other opportunities for the island.

I’ve been toying with the idea for a book that happens in San Nicolaas around the late 1950’s. The story would follow the character, Sam, from An Island Away. He was quite the wild young man, not so bad as rambunctious. One thing is for sure: There’s plenty of story material from Aruba at this time. We’ll see how it turns out.

The video was made by LilKing Productions, with which I have no affiliation, but I thank them for putting this up on YouTube for all of us to enjoy.

Bon dia!

Published in: on November 13, 2008 at 11:57 am  Leave a Comment  
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Alto Vista Chapel, Aruba

The Alto Vista Chapel in Aruba overlooks the Caribbean Sea on the east side of the island. This quaint place of worship is unique on the island. There are many larger churches scattered about, but this one stands off by itself. Here’s a short video to give you and idea of the place.

Still an active place of worship, the Alto Vista Chapel also hosts weddings and other religious ceremonies. It is a stop on many of the regular island tours as well as a popular destination for people to come and pay their respects. It had been a location in my novel, An Island Away, but was cut from the final draft. I’m working to include it in the sequel, Under A Blue Flag, but we’ll see.

Bon dia from Aruba!

Published in: on November 12, 2008 at 11:17 am  Leave a Comment  
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Charlie’s Bar Interior

Regular readers of this blog know that Charlie’s Bar is an Aruban institution of sorts. The place is absolutely packed with left behind items. It’s difficult to describe so here is some video footage.

Charlie was a good friend and may he rest in peace. I made him a character in An Island Away because he embodied the spirit and sensibility of San Nicolaas, which is a town like none other. See you around there someday.

Published in: on November 8, 2008 at 10:19 am  Comments (1)  
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Books Arrive

As the photo below shows, three pallets of my novel, An Island Away, just arrived here in Aruba. This was a welcome sight as many stores have run low or sold out completely. More are on the way, too, because I’ll be hosting several events this month as well as in December.

port_booksFor more information about An Island Away or to read excerpts, go to my website through the link here at my blog.

Thanks and happy reading!

Published in: on November 6, 2008 at 4:03 pm  Leave a Comment  
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