Aruba Snack, Part 1

There are literally hundreds of tiny snack shops scattered about the island of Aruba. For a guy who loves road food (actually all kinds of food except for seafood), this is good and bad. It’s good because whenever or wherever you have an urge to boost the cholesterol level you’re free to pull in and load up. It’s bad because the cholesterol level pegs in the red zone and the belt continues to get shorter. (Wish I had one of those extensions like they have on airplanes.)

 The Sabor “snack shack” is only a few minutes drive from my house. It happens to be on the main road which has me passing it most every time I head out. It also happens to be located immediately adjacent to a nice guy who does some fine aluminum gates and fences if you happen to need that kind of thing at your own place. Anyway, I wheel in here from time to time for the local cuisine which they call “criollo” but I’m not sure that it is anything like “creole.” They sell “pastechi” which are sort of like giant empanadas, little sandwiches made to order, and cold drinks. The lady working here has a smile for all of us, including this unshaven, sloppy-looking writer who speaks some modicum of Spanish and Papiamento.

You didn’t think I was going to skip a chance to enjoy an ICE-COLD Coca-Cola did you? Of course not! Feeling refreshed, I’m ready to head back to the pens and paper and crank out another couple or three thousand words on the current novel, Under A Blue Flag.

You may have noticed the title of this post involved the term, “Part 1.” Slow by slow, I’ll put up some more of my favorite joints like this. I have to warn you. They’re not for the culinarily timid. The food is hearty even if it is not good for your heart. Don’t forget: Prepay the cardiologist and SAVE BIG TIME!

And I just remembered the rum shops. I have to get those posts up, too.

Published in: on August 4, 2008 at 11:44 am  Leave a Comment  
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Italica, Spain

Not far from Sevilla, Spain, are the ruins of the Roman city Italica. The site remains under excavation as there is plenty more to discover. It is an amazing place to visit, especially when you consider that this place was a long journey from Rome during the days of the Empire. In this first photo, you’ll see a piece of the amphitheater.

One thing I enjoyed about this site was the freedom to walk about the ruins. It is possible to get very close and thereby see the workmanship and wear of the structures. We walked along the main boulevard of the town, which like all things Roman was laid out in a grid. Villas were set back from this thoroughfare and divided into various neighborhoods. Here’s a view of some standing columns that were part of an important home featuring a central fountain.

I should also mention that this town had a properly functioning water supply and sewer system, two things that would be lost to history for centuries before being restored. Of course, the residents decorated everything, including the floors, like this:

To think that mosaic was hidden beneath the dirt for a thousand years! Amazing. But it survived, as did many more like it. I highly recommend a visit to Italica. It’s only a short distance from Sevilla. There’s plenty of parking, clean bathroom facilities, and plenty to see and learn. It would also be a good idea to do some reading on the subject to get the most out of it. The map/brochure that is given to you as you enter is in multiple languages and very well done.

Finally, there is a little gas station a few hundred yards up the road from the entrance. There ICE-COLD Coca-Cola can be had. Refreshing, delicious, satisfying.

Published in: on August 3, 2008 at 1:34 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Gold Mine Ruins, Aruba

There was a time in the early 1800’s when gold was mined in Aruba. It was nothing like the gold strikes in South America, but still, there were some thousands of ounces to be recovered. A massive stone building was constructed on the east side of the island. Here’s a look at what remains.

You can grasp the scale of the building by looking at the mini-van in the right hand corner of the photo. Those are big blocks they used. At any rate, these ruins are on the stop of most tours including the bus, jeep, and ATV programs that you will see advertised. This location is also not far from the natural bridge. Let’s have another look.

I’m not sure how that volcanic rock was cut. It must have been a difficult job. You can also see the size of the massive boulders on that pile of them to the right. Aruba is strewn with rocks like this, some of which are ten times the size of those. I’ll post photos of them later. For now, know that the gold has been taken from Aruba so there’s no sense bring your pans the way you might to Alaska. Still, the sun shines, the breeze blows, and the beaches are fabulous. Don’t forget your hat and sunglasses.

Published in: on August 2, 2008 at 2:27 pm  Leave a Comment  
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My Friend Rossy (Rosie)

Rossy likes to pronounce her name like “Rosie” as it would sound in English. She’s originally from the Dominican Republic, but lives in Aruba and works at a Dunkin Donuts shop. Here she is.

I’m looking a bit bedraggled after writing from the wee hours into the dawn. (Been working on the sequel to An Island Away at a furious pace.) I stopped by Rossy’s shop for a box of donuts to take to my friends who live in San Nicolaas. We hang out in the morning, usually between 6:30 and 8:00 when the breeze is fresh and the sun isn’t blazing.

Anyway, Rossy always has a smile for us. She’s also taught me a good bit of Spanish. Her good cheer is contagious and even if things aren’t going right, Rossy can put you in the right mood simply by telling you not to worry about whatever is bothering you.

So, let me say “thanks” to Rossy. You make the early mornings sweet.

Published in: on August 2, 2008 at 11:43 am  Comments (1)  
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