Starbucks, Aruba

If you’re visiting the island of Aruba and can’t do without your double latte mocha whatever from Starbucks, I have good news. A couple of branches have opened. A very nice one opened in the middle of the Renaissance Hotel on the ground floor. Here’s a view from the balcony lobby above.

You can see the miniature wharf where you can catch the boat shuttling you over to the private island. Anyway, from what I understand, WiFi is available here. Take a look at the people enjoying their brew while tapping away on the internet.

Looks like a fine place to check your email, watch the people, and recharge your caffeine batteries. This location is immediately adjacent to the shopping mall with all the high end stores, which may also be therapeutic to some readers of this blog. Enjoy your visit and don’t forget to shut down the computer once in a while and get out in the sunshine.

Bon dia.

Published in: on December 12, 2010 at 7:41 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Palm Beach Panorama, Aruba

Aruba’s Palm Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand. That may be the understatement of the blog. Recently, a few storms passed north of the island. The beach suffered some erosion but now is looking good again. Here’s a panorama taken this morning. (Don’t forget to click on the photo to enlarge it in a separate window.)

The lady is having a nice stroll like many people do during the early morning hours. You can see that fine sand, warm water, and the welcoming palapas. Bring your favorite books, beverages, and friends. Here’s another look, this one angled south toward the Holiday Inn.

There’s a few empty chairs waiting for you. There’s also some wind surfing gear and a couple of boats if you’re looking for a more active endeavor. The hotels did a great job of cleaning up the beaches. These sweeps continue on a daily basis to ensure a comfortable visit.

Bon dia.

Published in: on December 11, 2010 at 7:54 pm  Leave a Comment  
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View Over The Wall

Many homes (if not all) in Aruba have walls around them. The old adage of good fences makes for good neighbors is the way to think about it. Either way, I was looking out the front window while writing and decided it was time to take a photo. Not very exciting but a decent view nonetheless:

That’s the view between all the rain that’s been falling this season. Amazing, but good for the green things that grow here. In fact the island is much greener than I’ve ever seen it during my 15 years visiting. Here’s another shot, this one taken before sunset.

Not too shabby, eh? The ocean is right there between the mangroves. You can see it easily when things are a bit drier. Who knows, maybe Aruba will become a green island like Jamaica. You never know. In the mean time, I’ll be thankful for the sights, enjoy the time here, and keep writing.

Bon dia.

Published in: on November 24, 2010 at 9:34 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Essoville Rum Shop, Aruba

Essoville gets its name from the days when Esso owned the Lago Refinery on the southeast end of Aruba. It’s a collection of homes and business with a few churches, schools, and yes, a rum shop thrown in. What’s a rum shop? Well, most of them are simply long bars shaded from the sun inside a shack. Essoville is a little more grandiose as it sits inside a regular building but is open to the breeze thanks to several large doors. Here’s a look from the outside. Click on the photo to open it in a separate window and see the whole span.

Hard to miss the place. Going inside, you’ll see the simplicity of the establishment.

Not much to it but friendly company and a variety of beverages including, rum, whiskey, beer, and even wine. During my touring of the various rum shops throughout the island, I found the beer at the Essoville Shop the coldest. Some of it will have ice floating in it. At any rate, enjoy your beverages responsibly and check out some of these local places in Aruba to experience the true Caribbean.

Bon dia.

Published in: on November 11, 2010 at 5:44 pm  Leave a Comment  
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