Aruba Kite Surfing, video

Kite surfing is one of Aruba’s most popular sports. The steady trade winds and a tranquil lea shore make for ideal conditions. Here’s a video of a couple of kite surfers in action.

That guy did a nice jump there, plenty of hang time. There was also a woman who kite surfed from Venezuela to Aruba last year, a distance of about 17 miles. If you’re going to enjoy the spot where this video was taken, you better do it soon. There is talk of building a new Ritz-Carlton Hotel on that spot.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on February 24, 2009 at 11:22 am  Comments (1)  
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Cool Cats

During a book signing event at the Hyatt Hotel and Resort in Aruba, I spotted these cats taking in the shade beneath the flowers on the veranda.

hyatt_cats1They had several guests wrapped around their little paws. Food and water was left for them, which they indulged in liberally before stretching out for a nap. They have it pretty good for a couple of strays. I hope they find a decent home and stay out of trouble.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on February 22, 2009 at 12:28 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Screaming Eagle, again

Screaming Eagle, the restaurant, is one of Aruba’s best. That’s just my opinion, but after several visits during the past year, I can say that the place has earned the title. It is located in the low-rise hotel area and features both indoor and outdoor seating. Here is a look at the exterior and the interior, photos gleaned from the restaurant’s own website.

se_exteriorQuite nice with those tensile fabrics overhead. And here is the bar.

se_barThey also offer the option of “eating in bed” but that’s not my thing so there is no photo here. Instead, let’s talk about the food. My wife started with the escargot, which she reports as very good. My friend began with calamari sauteed instead of fried. It was an interesting twist and tasty. I went with a plain old shrimp cocktail that met all expectations. Then came the entrees. My wife went with the grilled scallops shown here.

grilledscallopsMy friend’s wife choose the garlic shrimp, seen below.

garlicshrimpMy friend selected the red snapper filet.

redsnapperFinally, I choose the broiled veal chop.

vealchopThat was one delicious piece of meat, broiled to perfection with a flavorful sauce that did not overpower the natural essence of the underlying chop.

Everyone at the table thoroughly enjoyed the meal, all the way down to the desert which was an edible chocolate cup filled with orange sorbet and topped with whipped cream. Very nice indeed. Service here is highly trained, friendly, and accommodating. If you have limited time in Aruba and want to enjoy a first class meal, I highly recommend the Screaming Eagle.

Of course, now I’m over budget for the month as this place is not inexpensive. So I’m back to soup and sandwiches at home with maybe a foray out to one of my working man joints if a treat is to be had.

Bon dia from Aruba.

One Happy Coca-Cola Bottle

Coca-Cola can still be had in the 8 oz. bottles here in Aruba. There is a local bottling company and they strictly adhere to the formula. The Coca-Cola is perfectly refreshing, wonderfully effervescent, and never too sweet. Here’s a look at the local bottles.

cokaaua2cokeaua1

Here on one happy island, that’s a happy sight. This bottle was photographed at the world famous Charlie’s Bar, my local and place of mystery and intrigue. Don’t forget, enjoy Coca-Cola ICE COLD. That’s the way it’s meant to be served.

Published in: on February 19, 2009 at 12:17 pm  Comments (1)  
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