Zeerover’s, A quick visit

Zeerover’s fisherman’s wharf is in Savaneta, Aruba, DWI. This is the kind of place that hasn’t changed much in the past fifty years. Here the daily catch comes in, and if you like, they’ll fry it up for you while you wait. Then you can have a seat, an ice-cold drink, and gaze upon the Caribbean while you eat. There’s also a pool table if you like the challenge. Here’s a video that shows you how to get there from the main highway, heading south. Then there’s a look inside.

During your visit to Aruba, take the time to stop in to Zeerover’s and as many of the other local joints as you can. It’ll add a new dimension to your vacation. Bon dia.

Published in: on September 28, 2011 at 10:50 am  Comments (1)  
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Zeerovers from the Air

During my latest helicopter flight over Aruba, I managed to grab some still photos of some favorite locations. This one is of Zeerovers, the fisherman’s wharf in Savaneta.

Zeerovers is located to the left of the frame where you see the boats docked. This place is great for a cold drink, watching the fisherman land their catch, and the men with knives filet it with amazing skill. They’ll also fry up some of that fish for you, too. There’s an exciting scene in my next novel, Hacha’s Gold, here as well. Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll be posting more of these photos from the air so stay tuned to The Bent Page.

Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on August 23, 2011 at 10:14 am  Leave a Comment  
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Zeerovers Update

Zeerovers is an Aruban institution, a sort of fisherman’s wharf cum road house that can be found in Savaneta, one of the oldest settlements on the island. I’ve posted about it before and thought it was due for an update. The owners have rebuilt the seating areas out over the water, added some new dock space, and continue to host locals and visitors in a low-key atmosphere. Here is a photo of the new docks.

zeerovers1_082309I like this kind of place. You’re on the water without being in the sand. You’re close to friends new and old. And you have the opportunity for a game of dominoes, or pool, or just a chat. You might see the catch of the day coming in, or feed a pelican, or watch the local tom cat stalking around. There is no programed feel to the place, just a regular joint where you can put your feet up, kick back, and relax. Sounds just right, doesn’t it?

Bon dia from Aruba.

Published in: on August 24, 2009 at 8:37 pm  Comments (1)  
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Pool Table with a View!

In the town of Savaneta on the island of Aruba, you’ll find a place called Zeerovers. In Dutch, Zeerovers means pirates. However, this place is more of a fisherman’s hangout than a pirate’s nest. Best of all, you can shoot a game of pool on this table, with that view. (Click to enlarge.)

Up for a game? The locals play rounds here: winner continues on the table while the loser waits for his next chance. Just to give a brief orientation, here’s a look at the exterior from the road that fronts the place.

The little wooden building out front is a lottery shack. If you’re feeling lucky, you can buy a chance at winning the Aruba lottery. It only takes two florins and a dream, just like anywhere else. I’d skip that and go straight inside where you’re guaranteed a cold drink, friendly company, and fresh fish if the catch has been landed. I’ve been coming to this place off and on for about six years now. It is a location frequented by one of my characters in An Island Away. I wanted to use as much original material in the book as possible, including places like this that are not so much off the beaten path as they are overlooked. As you drive by here, you might never realize what happens on the other side of those buildings. Here’s a look at where the fishermen land their catch.

That man is good with a knife. He can filet a fish faster than you can line up your cue stick on the pool table. There’s also a cat that lurks around here. I couldn’t find him when I took these photos, probably because there was no fish to be had. He must be the biggest cat on the island, certainly weighing more than 20 pounds. Feasting on all the cast offs keeps him pleasantly full, but he’s always up for more. Local residents as well as buyers from restaurant and hotel kitchens come here for the catch of the day. Some sport fisherman will bring the results of their own efforts, too. Wahoo, mahi, and grouper are just a few of the varieties that you’ll find. Here’s one last look, this time a reverse angle on the pool table showing the walk-up bar and jukebox.

If no one is playing pool then someone is usually dancing. Hey, with that view, what difference does it make? You’re bound to have a great time.

Published in: on July 11, 2008 at 9:13 pm  Leave a Comment  
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