View from Savaneta, Aruba (video)

When first-time visitors join me in Aruba, I like to take them on a drive to the top of the hill in Savaneta. There’s a water storage tank up there, delivering delicious (and precious) drinking water to the area below. You can also see most of the southern end of the island, including San Nicolaas, the oil refinery, the loading dock nearby, and all the neighborhoods up as far as Pos Chiquito and a little farther to the ships in the nearby anchorage. Here’s a video with driving directions on how to get there and a sweeping panorama of the view. If you have a fast internet connection, watch it in the highest resolution possible for maximum enjoyment.

That was worth the drive, wasn’t it? I like going up there every once in a while for sunset, too. On the right day, it’s spectacular. Bon dia.

Bavaria Restaurant, Aruba

Aruba features a cultural mishmash that provides ample opportunity to sample food from around the world. For this post, I checked out a little German restaurant located near the Palm Beach high-rise area. It’s called Bavaria and the zany decor keeps with that theme as does the food, which you’ll see in this short video:

Tasty comfort food there, eh? And how about those giant beer glasses? People use them to great effect, cooling down after a day in the sun. If you’re looking for something completely different from the usual fare in Aruba, stop in to Bavaria. You’ll enjoy everything from the pretzels to the potato soup to the bratwurst. The prices are very reasonable for the area, too, so you’ll stay on budget. Special thanks to Craig for pointing this place out to me. Bon dia!

Buffam’s Tropical Haven, Aruba, video

My shack in Aruba needed some major interior work, which meant I was going to be out doors for a few days. This wasn’t the first time, but luckily, I have a great place to tuck in, and that is Buffam’s Tropical Haven. This is a bed and breakfast type of establishment with just a few suites available. Here’s a video that shows you Buffam’s rooms and common areas, as well as how to get there from the main highway.

As you saw in that video, Buffam’s is a cozy spot. You have a swimming pool, the barbecue, and those patios almost all to yourself. And check out their prices! You’ll be surprised at how reasonable it is to stay there, which means you can stay longer or have more cash to enjoy during your visit to the island. I’m back in my own digs but still stop by Buffam’s for coffee and a chat because, well, it’s a comfortable spot with great hosts.

JoAnn Snack, Aruba, video

JoAnn Snack is a favorite stop on my lunch tour. I’ve been popping in here for snacks for more than 10 years. It’s only a few minutes drive from Aruba’s airport and full of friendly faces. Let’s head over there in this video:

The pork chop with salsa criollo is great. There are other things on the menu, all at reasonable prices. Given the easy location, you can find this place on your way roaming about the island or going back and forth to Baby Beach or just because you want to give it a try. Spanish skills are helpful, but the menu is in English, too, so don’t worry about it. They’re also happy to serve take out meals as well, in case you just want to tote the food back to your place. Bon dia.