Carnival Freedom, Aruba

Carnival’s Freedom called at Aruba this week. Cruise ship passengers enjoyed an “off-season” visit to the island. Here’s a photo of the ship approaching the harbor at Oranjestaad.

Carnival Freedom approaches Aruba.

Freedom was the only ship in port on this day, which meant easy access to tours, shops, and the beaches which are not very crowded at present. Either way, Aruba is one happy island with plenty to offer the cruise passenger, including shopping, water activities, even sky diving. Enjoy your visit.

Published in: on July 21, 2012 at 10:53 am  Leave a Comment  
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Road Changes, Aruba

There have been a lot of improvements in the roads throughout Aruba these days. I must say, they were needed, and they are being completed one after another. Among the changes on the way, a new traffic circle is going to be built at the airport. Here’s a shot from Bon Dia that illustrates where the circle will be, as well as the detours.

Detours while new traffic circle is built at Aruba’s airpot.

If you can read papiamento, you’ll be able to decipher the following article, which describes the project in some detail. There’s also another diagram at the bottom. Check it out.

Bon Dia article about airport traffic circle.

So, if you’re planning on a trip to the island in the next several months, be prepared for some possible delays, detours, and new directions. Bon dia.

Published in: on July 19, 2012 at 10:15 am  Leave a Comment  
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Ritz-Carlton, Aruba (July progress report)

Progress continues on the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Aruba. It appears much of the building’s main structure is in place. Now they’re filling in the walls, building the portico, and probably working on the interior systems. Here’s a look from the south:

Ritz Carlton, Aruba. Looking from the south.

Here’s another photo looking straight at what I would expect is going to be the main entrance on the inland side.

Ritz Carlton, Aruba, main entrance under construction.

Here’s one more photo, this time looking at the corner least finished.

Ritz Carlton, Aruba, construction work underway.

Sorry, but I couldn’t get a photo from the beach side. They have the area blocked with temporary walls. This will probably be the most expensive hotel on the island. Not in my budget, but you may enjoy your stay here. Remember, don’t forget the sunscreen.

Published in: on July 17, 2012 at 6:27 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Impromptu Book Signing, Aruba

Rita and her husband have read all my books, including the latest, Dark Currents. Naturally, they’re big fans of Aruba, too, and happened to be on the island last week. Since they toted Dark Currents all the way from Connecticut, it was time for an impromptu book signing at Scott’s Brats, one of my favorite joints on Palm Beach.

People are always smiling when they’re in Aruba. The island has that effect on you. So does a good book! Enjoy the reading.

Published in: on July 17, 2012 at 9:11 am  Leave a Comment  
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