One of my friends here in Aruba is a member of the Aruba Flying Club. Late this afternoon, he invited me to meet some other members of the club and have a look at their plane. Here’s a photo of us, hanging out beside the Cessna 172 that was just back from a lesson.
The guy on the left is the one who re-started the club after it had ceased operation many years ago. The next fellow is a resident instructor. Then there’s my pal, and I’m last.
Thanks to the many commercial flights that come to Aruba every day, there is plenty runway. There’s also a tower to keep an eye on the traffic. This all makes it safer for new pilots. One challenge to flying in Aruba is the constant and gusty trade winds that buffet the island. You may not notice it in a jetliner, but it takes plenty of skill and quick reflexes in a 172. Training in these conditions provides valuable experience.
I’m grateful to my friends for the introduction to their club. I look forward to flying with them in the future.
Bon dia from Aruba.
I ride past this church during my morning bicycle trek. My extended stays in Aruba give me opportunities to see many places like this not only from the outside, but also the inside during services and festivals. When you’re out there traveling, don’t forget to check into some of the sites that are not only off the beaten path, but part of the local culture.
This place is different from your average rum shop in that it doesn’t have a busy trade. It’s mostly just a few guys talking early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The selection of beverages is small, too, a few different soft drinks, a few types of beer. Pastechi are on sale in the morning, but I’m not a fan of those. Either way, when I pass by on my bike around 7am it’s a relief to pop in for a cold bottle of water or juice. Thus, if you’re cruising about the island and want to meet some local people, don’t hesitate to give a place like this a try.
As you can see, more than one showed up. In fact a whole gaggle of them did.
This gang munched away to their hearts’ content. Now, if I could only teach them how to paint, I’d be all finished up here at my shack.
The Bent Page 
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