Ruins, Part 2

I’m working on a scene for my next novel, Under A Blue Flag, that takes place in this ruined house.

Ruins are great places for dramatic scenes. They’re abandoned, forgotten places where a character can meet his destiny or decide what it will be. If you remember some of those other posts I put up about atmosphere, you’ll know that ruins are also great for that purpose. They’re moody, full of history, reminiscent of the past, and sometimes pessimistic about the future.

The abandoned cunucu house shown in the photo above is actually in an area on the island of Aruba known as Paradera. My characters end up here after a series of wrong turns. I don’t want to say too much more out of fear of revealing too much. Under A Blue Flag ties in directly to its predecessor, An Island Away. Nonetheless, I’m writing the sequel to be a stand alone volume so that it is not necessary (but it would be a good idea) to read the first book.

Published in: on September 3, 2008 at 6:58 am  Comments (1)  
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Owls in Aruba

Given that Aruba is a desert island, the wildlife is limited as compared to more tropical locations. However, there are quite a few interesting birds to  be seen, including these burrowing owls. You have to look at this photo very carefully to spot the owl on the rock in the center of the photo.

The owls are very skittish. I took this photo from about 100′ away, which is why the resolution is poor. If you get much closer, they fly away. Notice the burrow beneath the rock in the lower left of the picture. That’s where they nest. I’m always extremely careful not to disturb the next or the owls themselves. There aren’t many of these guys left on the island. The good news is that conservation efforts are helping.

Published in: on August 30, 2008 at 11:33 am  Leave a Comment  
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Stop and Go, Oranjestaad

It’s been a while since I wrote a post about Coca-Cola. Therefore, take a look at the Stop & Go snack stand located in Oranjestaad, Aruba.

This place was built using a steel shipping container that normally would be carrying cargo back and forth between someplace else and Aruba. Now it is a great place to stop in for an ice-cold Coca-Cola. They sell other soft drinks, pastechi, as well as other little snacks. It is located behind the Renaissance Mall in downtown Oranjestaad, across the street from Chez Matilde. You can’t miss it.

From time to time, I borrow a table at the various places inside the mall and do some writing there. People passing through serve as inspiration for characters. Then, after I’ve cranked out about two thousand words, I’ll head out to the Stop & Go for a refresco as my Spanish-speaking friends would say. In the heat of the Aruba afternoon, an ice-cold Coca-Cola is just the thing to refresh and renew.

Published in: on August 29, 2008 at 12:13 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Island Tour, Aruba

If you want to see the island of Aruba without doing the driving, you can hop aboard one of these former military trucks and go for half or full-day tours.

There will be music playing between the running commentary about the island. You’ll bounce over the rough roads, see the sights, and sometimes stop at a place like this:

The Urataka Center is actually a local joint, a sort of cross between a snack shop and a barroom. They make good pizza here as well as other fast food. It is on the way to and from the Arikok National Park. During the day they see plenty of tourists, but later in the afternoon and early evening there are more locals having their after-work beverages.

If you surf through my blog under the category of Aruba Sights, you’ll see the California Lighthouse, Baby Beach, the natural bridge, the gold mine ruins, and some other locations to which these tours will take you. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen and take plenty of water!

Published in: on August 23, 2008 at 11:36 am  Leave a Comment  
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