Taxi Rates, Aruba

When you arrive at the Queen Beatrix Airport in sunny Aruba, you’ll probably be in a hurry to get to your hotel, timeshare, or other accommodation. Of course, there are plenty of taxis waiting. You’ll find a stand with a booth just outside the terminal where you’ll be handed a slip of paper specifying the rate for your trip in the cab. Here are the rates as of February 2012:

Taxi rate slip showing rates from Queen Beatrix Airport.

Taxi rate slip showing rates from Queen Beatrix Airport.

There you can see the most common destinations and amount you will pay in US dollars. Most cabs are very clean, operated by independent people, and a fun way to arrive in style. Enjoy your visit to One Happy Island.

Published in: on February 1, 2013 at 12:12 pm  Leave a Comment  
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737 Flight Deck

Today, I took an excellent flight from Miami to Aruba via American Airlines. Absolutely fantastic crew from the Captain, to the co-pilot, to the cabin staff. Truly good people doing a great job. The meal was darn good as well; more on that in another post. I had the opportunity to chat with the pilot a few minutes. Here’s a look at the flight deck:

Flight deck of a Boeing 737.

Flight deck of a Boeing 737.

I noticed the llama on the console there and the pilot explained he got in Lima, Peru during a trip there. Here’s a close up:

Llama on the console of 737.

Llama on the console of 737.

I thought that was a nice touch. The pilot explained it was the turbulence indicator. “If it falls over, we have to slow down.” So, another great flight in the books. Thanks again to American Airlines for delivering me safely to my destination.

White Dog Cafe, Wayne, PA, USA

After hearing many good things about the White Dog Cafe, it was time to have lunch there to check it out for myself. First thing, plan on either using valet parking or doing a little walking. I don’t mind the walk, so I parked several blocks away and strolled in. While this place is located in an upscale strip mall, it has a distinctly decorated interior that you’ll find curious to the eye. Lots of framed images of dogs. So, let’s get to the food. Think upscale Main Line eatery. Started out with the mushroom soup as you see here:

Mushroom soup at White Dog Cafe.

Mushroom soup at White Dog Cafe.

No doubt about it, the soup is the real deal, poured from the cruet at your table. Tasty, a little sweet, and subtle mushroom flavor. Next came the main courses, including a homemade pasta you see in the next photo.

Home made ravioli at White Dog Cafe, Wayne.

Home made ravioli at White Dog Cafe, Wayne.

Inside that ravioli was butternut squash with smoked bacon, cranberries, and lots of other goodies. Note the glass of sangria alongside. The table next to me ordered burgers, leading to a case of burger envy on my part. Hence, I ordered the double cheddar version for myself. Here it is:

The double cheddar burger at White Dog Cafe, Wayne.

The double cheddar burger at White Dog Cafe, Wayne.

You see the two kinds of cheddar perfectly melted over that beast. The usual fixings, tomato, grilled onion, and pickle as well. The fries are in the cup and needed some work. A little soggy. This lunch cost some money, but it truly is home made. Excellent service. Fine people watching. Bring plenty of cash. Enjoy every meal! (PS: Parking is a nightmare. Use the valet or find a spot several blocks away and walk in.)

Published in: on January 19, 2013 at 12:37 am  Comments (1)  
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Riverstone Cafe, Exton, PA (USA)

Sunday Brunch is one of those old institutions I used to enjoy very much. Started way back in college, but that’s another story. Anyway, stopped in to the Riverstone Cafe in Exton, PA for a brunch this week. I found it fresh, tasty, and with plenty of options. The great service made the meal a joy. Here’s a look at some of the offerings, including oysters on the half shell:

Brunch selections at Riverstone Cafe.

Brunch selections at Riverstone Cafe.

Of course you also see that salmon there with all the trimmings. As mentioned, here’s a look at the desserts:

Dessert selection at Riverstone Cafe Sunday Brunch.

Dessert selection at Riverstone Cafe Sunday Brunch.

Well, now that I ate too much, I get to spend plenty of extra hours in the gym. Enjoy every meal!