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.

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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Sunrise at Baby Beach

When it’s cold outside and you’re feeling a little blue, or maybe just need a recharge from the Caribbean dawn, take a look at this video of the rising sun at Aruba’s Baby Beach.

Yeah, that’ll do it. Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on August 18, 2011 at 1:32 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Tux returns!

Arrived Aruba and the little stray cat that lives near my house returned in short order. Regular blog readers will remember his name: TUX. He’s a tough one, suffering at the paws of other strays and who knows what else. But he’s on the good food program now and will be bulking up. Here’s a quick video I made to practice with the new software.

Now that I’m in Aruba, I’ll be making some more interesting videos with excellent content. They will feature local characters, some of whom have shown up in my novels. So, stay tuned!

Published in: on July 29, 2011 at 1:41 pm  Leave a Comment  
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