Mini Cooper, Aruba

Some years ago, I owned one of the new Mini Cooper cars. It was a great machine, a roller-skate that was fun to drive. I was surprised to find a few of the original Mini’s here in Aruba. Such as this one at the Sky Dive operation.

The car is in good shape for living on a tropical island. I chatted with the owner and hope to do an interview with him for my Doin’ Time With Dan videos. Here’s another look at the car.

I imagine there are lots of relics rolling around the Caribbean, and not just in Cuba, either. There are a number of classic cars and pickup trucks here in Aruba, not to mention things like juke boxes, Coca-Cola machines, and so on. Sometimes the sights are not on the beach. Keep looking, you may find a diamond in the rough!

Published in: on March 5, 2012 at 4:12 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Taste of Belgium, lunch, Aruba

I posted about dessert at Taste of Belgium. Well, here’s a photo essay on the lunch there. First, let me say the service here is very good, professional, capable, friendly. That counts for quite a bit at a restaurant and this place gets it right. Now, on to the food. There were two of us, but we started with one salad, a chopped number with asparagus. It was crunchy-fresh delicious. Take a look:

I like my greens and that plate really hit the spot. Nothing was left out, just the way I like it. Moving on. There was a salmon wrap (not my thing) but reported to be tasty. Here it is:

Again, simply presented with the sauce on the side, highlighting a solid-to-the-tooth favorite. Finally, there was the ham and cheese shown here for yours truly:

Sorry to say, the ham was a little weak. However, the bread, the hard-boiled egg, the rest was well above my expectations. Thus, we were well satisfied. And I’ll be back to this place for all the reasons mentioned herein. Posts here at The Bent Page will be made accordingly. Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on March 4, 2012 at 5:12 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Visit Charlie’s Bar, Aruba

It’s nearly twenty years since I first set foot in Charlie’s Bar. It’s located in San Nicolaas, Aruba, a refinery town full of character at the edge of the Caribbean. It was founded in 1941 by Charlie Brouns, revamped by his son Charlie, Jr., and now operated by Charlie III. Join me inside this venerable institution for a look around.

Lots of stuff there to occupy your viewing pleasure while having a drink or a snack or both. The specialty is shrimp, served a couple of different ways. My favorite is steamed with garlic. They come with the heads on for those of you who like the juice. This isn’t a fancy place, drinks are shots and beer and the basics, nothing fuzzy or foamy. Given that Charlie’s began as a sailor bar, that’s to be expected. Enjoy yourself in Aruba and don’t forget the sunscreen. One other thing, try the Honeymoon Sauce, which is spicy hot and good on most anything.

Bon dia.

Published in: on February 5, 2012 at 2:05 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Cunard’s Queen Victoria

Cunard’s Queen Victoria made a stop in Aruba recently. She’s more of a traditional ship as far as her lines go. Less flash, probably more class. Take a look.

Cunard's Queen Victoria in Aruba.

I like the hull painted a darker color like that, along with the red for the below the waterline portion, gives a sense of gravitas to a ship. Either way, I’m sure it’s a magnificent floating palace for you to enjoy a vacation. Don’t forget to check where the lifeboats are!

Published in: on February 4, 2012 at 2:51 pm  Leave a Comment  
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