Dawn, Aruba

Not a morning person? That’s a shame. However, if you are, you already know that sunrise can be as spectacular as sunset. Here’s one from the southern tip of Aruba.

Before dawn, the rest of the world has yet to have their morning coffee, to pick up the phone, and start interrupting whatever we early-birds are doing. That’s okay. To each his own.

I’ve always been a morning person, getting more writing done between five and noon than I do the rest of the day. Some of my friends work over night shifts. They’re eating supper when the rest of us are having breakfast. When we meet up, it’s an usual table setting.

Anyway, don’t forget that life isn’t so short as it is precious. Whatever your habits, make the most of every day.

Published in: on August 15, 2008 at 10:40 am  Leave a Comment  
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Roger’s Beach, Aruba

Near the southern tip of Aruba is an area known as Roger’s Beach. Crescent shaped, it curves out to the Caribbean, creating a handsome lagoon of bath-warm water. At the far end of the beach are a few small docks where fisherman moor their boats.

Like so many things in Aruba, however, there is a contrast between this beach and the refinery complex just about a mile away. You can be swimming or enjoying the sunshine here, and so long as you look to the south, southwest, you would never know that the refinery is just over your shoulder. Here’s a look at it, with the end of Roger’s Beach in the frame.

That view never bothers me. Refineries are a reality. This one doesn’t affect the beach very much. In fact this beach is typically less crowded than Baby Beach which is only another half mile further down the coast. So, give it a try. You might like it.

Published in: on August 14, 2008 at 11:04 am  Leave a Comment  
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Rooi Koochi Residence, Aruba

Some regular readers of this blog have asked me to photograph a housing development in Aruba that is more integrated with the island, as opposed to the large timeshare and condo projects. There is a small housing development called Rooi Koochi Residence, which is located about eight miles south of the airport, just past the town of Savaneta. This project is inland. However, from some of the homes on the upper side, it is possible to see down to the ocean.

The homes that are being constructed here are of good quality, at least as far as I can tell. Here is a photo of one under construction.

They’re getting ready to pour the ring beam and the front columns that I mentioned in previous posts regarding construction. Let me say here, I do not know the developers of this project, nor do I have any ownership interest in it. I have simply photographed it and placed these pictures on the blog to show a project that I believe is not only typical, but of good quality. The homes along the upper ridge of this development have been there for at least 4 years that I know and are lived in by people who keep them in very good condition. Here’s a look at one of them.

And then, looking down the cross street, you’ll see a home that was only finished about six months ago and beyond it is the ocean.

Whatever your choice for housing in Aruba, always use qualified professionals to help. Talk to as many people as you can, ask every question you can think of, and don’t be afraid to keep looking for what you truly want. There are many nice homes in a wide range of prices. These days there are plenty of real estate agents, most all of them with good reputations. Take your time. Paradise will be here.

An Island Away, Excerpt 5

Captain Upton’s voice filled his head. “Keep a firm hand on the wheel, or some mother’s son will turn it for you.”

An Island Away is the story of three people who have to figure out what they want, what they want from each other, and how they’re going to get it. Set in the refinery town of San Nicolaas, Aruba, this tale of flexible morality takes a hard look at the other side of paradise. It is available at Amazon.com, BN.com, as well as many bookstores and gift shops in Aruba.