Palomarga Raceway, Aruba

If you like to combine drag racing with Caribbean sunshine, then make a visit to Aruba while the races are going on at the Palomarga Raceway. There are some scheduled races going on right now and the competition is going to first class. Take a look at the track as seen from the air. The lanes are on the left of the frame, then the stands, then the pit area near the top of the photo.

That’s quite a track. Maybe you have a car you want to send to Aruba and race it yourself. Either way, it’s an exciting activity you might not expect in a place like Aruba, something different to do while you’re here enjoying the sun and water sports. Check the schedule and head down to Palomarga. Don’t forget your earplugs.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on August 25, 2011 at 12:22 pm  Leave a Comment  
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De Palm Island, Aruba

De Palm Tours operates an island attraction just a few hundred yards off shore of Aruba. In the next photo, you’ll see it from above.

You’ll find plenty of activities on De Palm Island. Snorkeling, water slides, beaches, and snacks all await your arrival. A small boat takes you from the main island out here and runs regular service back and forth all day. Bring your swimsuit, your towel, and a smile. You’ll have a great time.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on August 24, 2011 at 11:49 am  Leave a Comment  
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Helicopter Flying, Aruba

For several years, I’ve wanted to take the helicopter tour of Aruba. I know the island very well from ground level, and I’ve seen it when arriving and departing via commercial aircraft. However, it was time to see it from about 500 above ground level. In order to stay on budget, I combined a bit of sight-seeing with a real estate photo mission. Worked out perfectly. So, here’s a video showing takeoff from the Seaport Marina, flying north along the low- and high-rise hotel area to the Marriott Complex. Next, we turned inland toward Paradera then south to Spanish Lagoon and my neighborhood of Savaneta. From there it’s inland toward the windmills at Vader Piet, an important location in my next novel, Hacha’s Gold. Finally, a turn north and west, past the Palo Margo raceway and along the coast to the heliport. Check it out.


The pilot did an excellent job of orbiting around the sites I wanted to photograph. There is a fair amount of traffic in and out of the Queen Beatrix Airport, which is very close to where we were flying. He had to juggle the control tower’s orders while navigating to and from my requests. The flight wasn’t cheap, but it was worth every cent. If you’re in Aruba, don’t miss the chance to see the island from up there.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on August 21, 2011 at 11:06 am  Leave a Comment  
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Quiet Streets in Spain

During my travels, I enjoy walking quiet streets, having a chat with the old folks lingering on porches or tossing a treat to the odd stray cat. While in Spain this was particularly interesting because of the contrast between the old buildings and the new. Some of them date to medieval times, some from a few years ago. The town of Jerte showed this juxtaposition very well as you’ll see in this next video. It’s not brilliant footage, just documentary images of what was and what is. Take a look.

There was that friendly elderly couple on the bench and a cat, too. These elements add great authenticity to any place, including a native perspective on visitors like myself who are just passing through. Enjoy the journey.

Published in: on August 20, 2011 at 5:06 pm  Leave a Comment  
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