Closer Than You Think

If you’re staying at the Renaissance Hotel in Aruba, you’ll find a pool on what is the second floor. I posted about this location before, but couldn’t resist snapping another photo because there was a cruise ship just across the way. Take a look.

Imagine yourself sprawled on a lounger, drink in hand, a good book in the other hand, and this is your view. Quite nice. Then, when it gets a little too warm, you simply slip into the pool for a refreshing dip. Perhaps you hang out on the edge, watching the passengers come and go on the street below. Either way, it’s a comfortable spot, and much closer than you think.

Bon dia.

Published in: on February 6, 2011 at 10:57 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Balashi Chill

Aruba’s Balashi Brewery seems to have a hit on their hands in the form of their new brew named “Balashi Chill.” Here’s a look at the bottle.

As you can see, it is served with a slice of lime as in the case of other tropical beers. My friends at Charlie’s Bar report brisk sales with customers well-satisfied by the flavor. Because I’m not a beer drinker I can not personally report on this. However, that’s a good reason for you to swing down to Aruba and give Chill a try.

Bon dia.

Published in: on February 4, 2011 at 10:56 am  Leave a Comment  
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When the chips…

…are up, or down? I can’t remember. However, I did find this casino chip from the Casablanca Casino in Aruba while sorting through some old travel memorabilia. The Casablanca was in the Hilton Hotel on Palm Beach when I first entered. The hotel went on to become a Wyndham and now it is a Westin. Here’s look at the chip.

$25 that thing was worth. I’m sure I used it on the craps table back in 1994, when I arrived in Aruba for the first time. Gambling is one bad habit I’ve given up. Those casinos aren’t built by the winners. I’d rather spend the money on fine food.

Published in: on January 28, 2011 at 9:58 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Diversion Flying

No, I wasn’t flying to divert my attention from a writing project. My flying was diverted because the weather at the intended destination deteriorated and the wise thing to do was return to home base. As you can see from the photo above, the Susquehanna River has some ice and nearby Penn Valley Airport (Selinsgrove, PA) is surrounded by snow.

The airport is the dark strip of asphalt in the left side of the frame. Here’s a closer shot.

I landed there for a little break then took off, heading west for State College, but the ceiling got low. Hence, the diversion. I turned around and headed to Schuylkill County’s Joe Zerby Field. There I took another break before flying further south. On the way, I passed Reading’s Airport. It’s plenty big to accommodate all manner of flying machines. Take a look.

Reading is a controlled field, which means they have a tower with controllers directing traffic. I had no need to trouble them as I had plenty of fuel, knew where I was and where I was going. Hence, back to home base. Better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air then in the air wishing you were on the ground.

Published in: on January 18, 2011 at 3:42 pm  Leave a Comment  
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