Sea Breeze Apartments, Aruba

Sea Breeze Apartments are located in the Pos Chikito area of the island, just a few blocks from Mangel Halto where there is some fantastic snorkeling. Years ago, I stayed here for several days. This week, I went back to visit an old friend who was staying there.

seabre1The Sea Breeze Apartments sit within a walled compound that ensconces the guest in quaint comfort. There are studio and one bedroom apartments for short and longer term stays. As seen below, there is a wood-fired BBQ, too.

seabre2There is also a large palapa hut where you can gather with your friends.

seabre3As you can see, this place is well-decorated and comfortable. It has a genuine feel as opposed to something that’s over-done. And don’t forget the pool, which is just big enough to cool off after lounging in the sun.

seabre4In the rear of the photo above, you can see one of the stand-alone apartments. The others are clustered around the central courtyard.

If you’re looking to get away from the high-rise hotel area of the island or for an experience different than renting a time share, try the Sea Breeze Apartments. You’ll be amidst a regular neighborhood, among other like-minded individuals, and generally enjoy a relaxing stay.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on February 26, 2009 at 10:42 am  Leave a Comment  
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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.