Dawn at the Anchor

There are those places that make you think. For some people it may be a church, for others a cemetery. Maybe it’s in your car, parked in a quiet spot with a view. Perhaps sitting on a bench along a quiet street.

For me, it is this place on the southern tip of Aruba. There is the anchor standing there as a memorial. But there’s also the infinity of the sea beyond. The breeze can be brisk at this spot. The white noise hushes away distractions. For the half hour before and after dawn, I have the place to myself. Here I reflect on what I’ve been doing, on the people in my life, as well as a little about the past, present, and future. I’m a firm believer in quiet reflection, just letting the mind wander through it’s own convoluted passages. It doesn’t take long for a sense of peace to settle in. The perspective gained from this exercise refreshes the soul.

Published in: on August 21, 2008 at 10:38 am  Comments (1)  
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Modern Apartments, Aruba

This post shows a modern apartment building that is under construction in Oranjestaad, Aruba. In other posts, I showed cunucu houses, ruins, and things of that nature. It’s only right to show something a bit out of the ordinary. This structure is built directly across the street from the Caribbean Sea. There isn’t really a beach there, but at some points you could clamber down to the water.

The sign above gives you an idea of the finished product. There is to be one apartment per floor, with parking at ground level, two spots per apartment. Some people don’t like this sort of thing cropping up on the island. They think it is out of character or too large. I don’t have no opinion with regards to that. Progress is inevitable. Without progress, you’ll have decline. It is impossible to remain in a constant state. Here’s a look at the conceptual drawings of each apartment.

One way or another, those five apartments will be occupied. The location isn’t bad. It’s on the far side of town in relation to the new shopping mall and many new restaurants. However, that may appeal to someone who wants to live there as opposed to vacation on the island. It is also more accessible to the airport, a benefit to a local business person with off-island dealings.

Whatever your preference, the good thing about Aruba is that there are plenty of options.

Published in: on August 19, 2008 at 10:28 am  Leave a Comment  
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Island Solar Power, Aruba

The photo below shows the roof of the Dutch Marine Base located in Savaneta, Aruba. A few years ago, they installed these solar panels in order to power their motor pool facilities. I have not been able to go inside to check them out up close, but I’m told the system works very well.

This is a large installation of panels. About 10 times what I will put up for my own house. Still, it shows what can be done. Furthermore, since the system activated, the price of electricity on the island has increased significantly. Thus, the payback time has decreased, making it a better investment than originally anticipated.

At this time, there is a flurry of activity in alternative energy in Aruba. The local power company has a monopoly on electricity generation and distribution. They are not pleased with the clamor for private systems that are grid connected. No monopoly likes to have it’s authority and revenue questioned. There is talk of 500 permits being issued for grid-connected systems. This is a smoke and mirror approach that will only lead to special fees and taxes designed to limit the private sector and make private ownership of power generation too costly. Nonetheless, private individuals are installing systems that are OFF-GRID. It won’t be long before the flood gates are open. The cost of electricity in Aruba is blindingly high and the incentive to have individual systems is extremely rewarding. Thus, the private sector will not only reduce pollution but also give those people who put forth the effort a great return on their investment. Go for it.

Published in: on August 17, 2008 at 10:59 am  Leave a Comment  
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The New Pueblito Paisa, Aruba

If you’re looking for stick to your ribs kind of food, there’s a place in San Nicolaas, Aruba called The New Pueblito Paisa. This restaurant is operated by a nice Colombian woman who I’ve gotten to know over the years. The food, as you would expect, is Colombian, including the famous Bandeja Paisa platter, oxtail soup, and homemade fruit drinks. It’s on a corner of Helfrichstraat.

With an exterior painted like that, it’s hard to miss. I sat at the counter for many hours, writing, learning Spanish from the waitresses, and watching the people come and go. Pueblito is very popular with the refinery workers who phone in their orders. The best time for lunch is about 11:15, right before the big rush, or after 1:00 when it is over. Either way, the food will fill you up. For example, the other day I ordered the lomito platter, which is a steak pounded flat, grilled and sauced. It comes with fries, rice and a small salad. I took the photo after the salad was gone.

That was tasty! Filled me up for the rest of the day. The Chuleta Colombiana is a pork chop pounded flat, battered and fried. The batter has enough garlic to last three days. Excellent. Again, this isn’t the place if you’re worried about cholesterol or salt. But, if you’re working hard these meals will give you the energy to keep going. Of course, my desert is the beloved, and ice-cold, Coca Cola.

Notice that plate in the background is about wiped clean. More important, that can of Coca-Cola is frosty cold, exactly as it should be. Never accept less.

Published in: on August 16, 2008 at 10:24 am  Leave a Comment  
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