Hotel
Created by Fortis
Aruba Vacations 2005-2007
Aruba's brawny trade winds have a way of altering the sta … More
Aruba's brawny trade winds have a way of altering the stature of just about everything -- from the gnarled divi-divi trees on the beaches to the eerily sculpted boulders in the center of the island. Don't be surprised, by the way, if you find yourself tilting at a 45-degree angle.
Once you've adjusted your posture, however, you'll discover that Aruba is among the livelier, more developed islands in the region, with high-rise resorts, great restaurants and glitzy casinos lining its white-sand beaches. You'll find plenty of things to do, too: sunbathing, world-class windsurfing and waterskiing by day, and discos, cabarets, dinner shows and high-stakes gambling at night. What you won't see is an abundance of natural attractions. Nor is Aruba covered in lush foliage. It's about as close to a desert island as you'll find in the Caribbean, with stands of cacti and aloe vera dotting the dusty terrain. In fact, it is so dry, the goats eat the cacti in search of something resembling leaves.
Information by Northstar Travel Media LLC
Before I left Boston, I only knew the expression “Bon Bini”, which does not exactly mean “Hello, as we are used to it. I learned this from a kind older Aruban woman named “Gloria,” who works at an “information booth” adjacent to the Divi Phoenix. The day after my arrival, we had exchanged smiles and stories about where I was from, and she taught me a number of Papiamento expressions, 2 or 3 per day, whenever I passed by her booth while I was jogging on the walkway between the Divi Phoenix and the Holiday Inn resort.
Some of the expressions that Gloria taught me are fairly common and can be found in most resort magazine racks around the island. {I will offer more information on resort magazines in a future update.} I will NEVER be fluent in Papiamento, but I was willing to try. As I gradually accumulated more expressions, I began to see, toward the end of my vacation week, how much Papiamento has borrowed from other languages, like French, [Bon], Spanish, [ nochi], Italian,[ tardi], and even Latin, [culpa].
Trying to keep specific expressions in my mind required constant repetition practice each day. Each morning, as I passed Gloria’s information booth, she would have a huge smile on her face as we went over the expressions that I learned the previous day and the “new” expressions I had just learned that morning. As I slowly got over my fear of making mistakes, the big smile on her face would get wider with each correct response that I was able to remember the following day.
These were the phrases I learned and used most often. They were the easiest for me to remember and to practice repeatedly on other people I passed during my morning walk.
Day 1:
Bon dia = Good Morning—Generic hello.
Bon tardi = Good afternoon.
Bon nochi = Good Evening.
Day 2
Con ta bai ku bo? // Con ta bai? = How are you?
Danki, bon! = Very well, thank you.
Day 3
Passa bon dia = Have a nice day.
Ajo= Good-By
Danki = Thank you.
Day 4
Da nada. = You’re Welcome.
Da bien = That’s fine, It’s OK.
Te aworo = See you later.
Day 5
Unda bo ta biba = Where do you live? Where are you from?
Mi ta bon. = I am fine, I’m OK.
Por fabor = Please.
Day 6
Mi te comprede = I understand, I understand what you are saying.
Ta me culpa = It is my fault.
Mi te sorry = I am sorry.
Ta duel (?) mi = I too am sorry.
Some phrases I wish I had learned if I had more time:
I am not feeling well / I am sick.
Can you help me?
I am not sure about that. / I really don’t know.
You are very kind.
I think you are right.
I am not sure about that. / I do not agree.
I will see you tomorrow.
You are a good friend / teacher.
Can you explain it to me in English?
Where is:
The bathroom
The exit
Phone booth
Police station
As I gained more confidence with each passing day, the responses of local Arubans was very encouraging and enthusiastic. One local security officer to whom I greeted “Bon dia! Con ta bai cu bo?” quickly responded “ Bon dia! Danki bon.”
“You speak my language," he said. "Very good, very good my friend.” and he shook my hands vigorously. “Not many people want to try to speak Papiamento like you. Keep trying. Very nice of you.”
At a sandwich shop within my resort, I used the same expressions and the lady who was preparing our lunch responded, “ It is nice to hear you speak my language. There are many visitors who have visited me each year for 30 years in a row, and not once have they said “hello” to me in my language. You have only been here for two days, and you know enough to speak to me the basic expressions. You are really trying.”
During a conversation with our activities director, later in the week, another activities director from a near-by Divi resort joined our conversation. I stood up extended my hand to her, and at first, I just wanted to say “Hi, and disappear” but I looked in her eyes, and said “Bon tardi. Con ta bai ku bo!” Her eyes widened, and instead of just shaking my hand, she hugged me and kissed me. WOW! “ You speak my language, good for you. Not many people even want to try when they visit Aruba. ”
So just give it a try, it can't hurt.
More stories later as I get used to this log book.
Most of the pictures that were taken were taken in January of 2006. I plan a return visit in January of 2007. The pictures are my first try using a digital camera.
Once you've adjusted your posture, however, you'll discover that Aruba is among the livelier, more developed islands in the region, with high-rise resorts, great restaurants and glitzy casinos lining its white-sand beaches. You'll find plenty of things to do, too: sunbathing, world-class windsurfing and waterskiing by day, and discos, cabarets, dinner shows and high-stakes gambling at night. What you won't see is an abundance of natural attractions. Nor is Aruba covered in lush foliage. It's about as close to a desert island as you'll find in the Caribbean, with stands of cacti and aloe vera dotting the dusty terrain. In fact, it is so dry, the goats eat the cacti in search of something resembling leaves.
Information by Northstar Travel Media LLC
Before I left Boston, I only knew the expression “Bon Bini”, which does not exactly mean “Hello, as we are used to it. I learned this from a kind older Aruban woman named “Gloria,” who works at an “information booth” adjacent to the Divi Phoenix. The day after my arrival, we had exchanged smiles and stories about where I was from, and she taught me a number of Papiamento expressions, 2 or 3 per day, whenever I passed by her booth while I was jogging on the walkway between the Divi Phoenix and the Holiday Inn resort.
Some of the expressions that Gloria taught me are fairly common and can be found in most resort magazine racks around the island. {I will offer more information on resort magazines in a future update.} I will NEVER be fluent in Papiamento, but I was willing to try. As I gradually accumulated more expressions, I began to see, toward the end of my vacation week, how much Papiamento has borrowed from other languages, like French, [Bon], Spanish, [ nochi], Italian,[ tardi], and even Latin, [culpa].
Trying to keep specific expressions in my mind required constant repetition practice each day. Each morning, as I passed Gloria’s information booth, she would have a huge smile on her face as we went over the expressions that I learned the previous day and the “new” expressions I had just learned that morning. As I slowly got over my fear of making mistakes, the big smile on her face would get wider with each correct response that I was able to remember the following day.
These were the phrases I learned and used most often. They were the easiest for me to remember and to practice repeatedly on other people I passed during my morning walk.
Day 1:
Bon dia = Good Morning—Generic hello.
Bon tardi = Good afternoon.
Bon nochi = Good Evening.
Day 2
Con ta bai ku bo? // Con ta bai? = How are you?
Danki, bon! = Very well, thank you.
Day 3
Passa bon dia = Have a nice day.
Ajo= Good-By
Danki = Thank you.
Day 4
Da nada. = You’re Welcome.
Da bien = That’s fine, It’s OK.
Te aworo = See you later.
Day 5
Unda bo ta biba = Where do you live? Where are you from?
Mi ta bon. = I am fine, I’m OK.
Por fabor = Please.
Day 6
Mi te comprede = I understand, I understand what you are saying.
Ta me culpa = It is my fault.
Mi te sorry = I am sorry.
Ta duel (?) mi = I too am sorry.
Some phrases I wish I had learned if I had more time:
I am not feeling well / I am sick.
Can you help me?
I am not sure about that. / I really don’t know.
You are very kind.
I think you are right.
I am not sure about that. / I do not agree.
I will see you tomorrow.
You are a good friend / teacher.
Can you explain it to me in English?
Where is:
The bathroom
The exit
Phone booth
Police station
As I gained more confidence with each passing day, the responses of local Arubans was very encouraging and enthusiastic. One local security officer to whom I greeted “Bon dia! Con ta bai cu bo?” quickly responded “ Bon dia! Danki bon.”
“You speak my language," he said. "Very good, very good my friend.” and he shook my hands vigorously. “Not many people want to try to speak Papiamento like you. Keep trying. Very nice of you.”
At a sandwich shop within my resort, I used the same expressions and the lady who was preparing our lunch responded, “ It is nice to hear you speak my language. There are many visitors who have visited me each year for 30 years in a row, and not once have they said “hello” to me in my language. You have only been here for two days, and you know enough to speak to me the basic expressions. You are really trying.”
During a conversation with our activities director, later in the week, another activities director from a near-by Divi resort joined our conversation. I stood up extended my hand to her, and at first, I just wanted to say “Hi, and disappear” but I looked in her eyes, and said “Bon tardi. Con ta bai ku bo!” Her eyes widened, and instead of just shaking my hand, she hugged me and kissed me. WOW! “ You speak my language, good for you. Not many people even want to try when they visit Aruba. ”
So just give it a try, it can't hurt.
More stories later as I get used to this log book.
Most of the pictures that were taken were taken in January of 2006. I plan a return visit in January of 2007. The pictures are my first try using a digital camera.
Day 1
New Journal Entry
Before I left Boston, I only knew the expression “Bon Bini”, which does not exactly mean “ Hello, " as we are used to it. It really means " Welcome." For example, "Welcome to my country, " or "Welcome to my home. " I learned this from a kind Aruban woman named “Gloria,” who works at an “information booth” adjacent to the Divi Phoenix Resort. The day after my arrival, we had exchanged smiles and stories about where I was from, and she taught me a number of Papiamento expressions, 2 or 3 per day, whenever I passed by her booth while I was jogging on the walkway between the Divi Phoenix and the Holiday Inn resort.
Some of the expressions that Gloria taught me are fairly common and can be found in most resort magazine racks around the island. {I will offer more information on resort magazines in a future update.} I will NEVER be fluent in Papiamento, but I was willing to try. As I gradually accumulated more expressions, I began to see, toward the end of my vacation week, how much Papiamento has borrowed from other languages, like French, [Bon], Spanish, [ nochi], Italian,[ tardi], and even Latin, [culpa].
Trying to keep specific expressions in my mind required constant repetition practice each day. Each morning, as I passed Gloria’s information booth, she would have a huge smile on her face as we went over the expressions that I learned the previous day and the “new” expressions I had just learned that morning. As I slowly got over my fear of making mistakes, the big smile on her face would get wider with each correct response that I was able to remember the following day.
These were the phrases I learned and used most often. They were the easiest for me to remember and to practice repeatedly on other people I passed during my morning walk.
Day 1:
Bon dia = Good Morning---Generic hello.
Bon tardi = Good Afternoon.
Bon nochi = Good Evening.
Day 2
Con ta bai ku bo? // Con ta bai? = How are you?
Danki, bon! = Very well, thank you.
Day 3
Passa bon dia = Have a nice day.
Ajo= Good-By
Danki = Thank you.
Day 4
Da nada. = You’re Welcome.
Da bien = That’s fine, It’s OK.
Te aworo = See you later.
Day 5
Unda bo ta biba ? = Where do you live? Where are you from?
Mi ta bon. = I am fine, I’m OK.
Por fabor = Please.
Day 6
Mi te comprede = I understand, I understand what you are saying.
Ta me culpa = It is my fault.
Mi te sorry = I am sorry.
Ta duel (?) mi = Me too ! I am also ... ( sorry).
Some phrases I wish I had learned if I had more time:
I am not feeling well / I am sick.
Can you help me?
I am not sure about that. / I really don’t know.
You are very kind.
I think you are right.
I am not sure about that. / I do not agree.
I will see you tomorrow.
You are a good friend / teacher.
Can you explain it to me in English?
I am lost. Can you help me find..................
Where is:
The bathroom
The exit
Phone booth
Police station
As I gained more confidence with each passing day, the responses of local Arubans were very encouraging and enthusiastic. One local security officer to whom I greeted “Bon dia! Con ta bai ku bo?” quickly responded “ Bon dia! Danki bon.”
“You speak my language," he said. "Very good, very good my friend!” and he shook my hands vigorously. “Not many people want to try to speak Papiamento like you. Keep trying. So very nice of you.”
At a sandwich shop within my resort, I used the same expressions and the lady who was preparing our lunch responded, “ It is nice to hear you speak my language. There are many visitors who have visited me each year for 30 years in a row, and not once have they said “hello” to me in my language. You have only been here for two days, and you know enough to speak to me the basic expressions. You are really trying.”
During a conversation with our activities director, later in the week, another activities director from a near-by Divi resort joined our conversation. I stood up extended my hand to her, and at first, I just wanted to say “Hi," and the quickly disappear, but I looked in her eyes, and said “Bon tardi. Con ta bai ku bo!” Her eyes widened, and instead of just shaking my hand, she hugged me and kissed me. WOW! “ You speak my language, good for you. Not many people even want to try when they visit Aruba. ”
So just give it a try, it can't hurt.
More stories later as I get used to this log book format.
Most of the pictures that I have posted were taken in January of 2006. I plan a return visit in January of 2007. The pictures were my first try using a new digital camera.
Day 1
New Journal Entry
January 13 to January 27, 2007
Aruba's Dutch heritage is always present, and nowhere more so than in the capital of Oranjestad, characterized by pastel-coloured gabled buildings, and a windmill brought piece by piece from Holland, now used as a restaurant. There are 4 museums here open to the public: the Historical Museum, the Geological Museum, the Archaeological Museum and the Numismatic Museum. The first is housed in the Fort Zoutman, the oldest building on Aruba (1796) with the Willem III-Tower having been added in 1868. The Bonbini Festival is held every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. throughout the year in the courtyard of the Historical Museum and offers the opportunity to get an insight into local customs, music and cuisine as well as a chance to get to know the islanders. Oranjestad has a daily market in the Paardenbaai (Schooner Harbour) where traders sell fresh fish straight from the boat, and fruit and vegetables from the mainland are available. The capital is also famous for its shopping district, centered on Caya Gilberto François (Betico) Croes.
One of the roads north from the capital runs inland, passing the Bubali Bird Sanctuary. Bird watching and natural wildlife tours as well as archaeological and geological trips are available in various languages. On the northern tip of the island is the California Lighthouse set in an area of desolate sand dunes. Off this coast is the wreck of a German freighter from World War II which is now the home of countless exotic fish and a very popular spot for scuba divers. The Chapel of Alto Vista at Alto Vista is another popular site on the north coast.
There are several systems of caves on Aruba. Fontein was once used by the Arawak Indians who were the original inhabitants of the island. On the walls of the caves are ancient drawings thought to be part of the Indian sacrificial rite. Nearby, the caves at Guadirikiri are a haven for bats. Arikok, which has been designated a national park, has by far the best preserved Indian drawings on the island. Also interesting is a visit to Frenchman's Pass, where Arawak Indians defended Aruba against the French in 1700.
Inland - in fact almost in the geographical centre of the island - is the old settlement of Santa Cruz, named after what is allegedly the place where the first cross was raised on Aruba. Hooiberg (Mount Haystack) looms out of the flat landscape of the interior to the northwest of Santa Cruz. A series of several hundred steps leads up to the 541 feet (165 metre) peak, from where it is possible to see across to Venezuela. Northwest of Hooiberg is the old town of Seroe Patrishi with historical graves dating as far back as the early 18th century. Further north is the town of Noord, noted for its Church of Santa Anna, the oldest church on Aruba, with its beautiful 100-year-old hand-carved oak altar. The road from Noord turns north to the California Lighthouse. North from Santa Cruz, turning back towards the coast, the road to Casibari and Ayo passes spectacular boulders, the result of some unexplained geological catastrophe. The road continues to the coast at Bushiribana, centre of the island's former gold-mining industry. Gold was discovered here in 1824 and actively mined until the beginning of World War I. Kettles and ovens used in the smelting process have been preserved. Gold was also mined at Balashi in the south.
In the southeastern part of the island is Aruba's 2nd-largest town, San Nicolas, which owed its prosperity to the oil refinery, once one of the largest in the world. To the east is the area known as Seroe Colorado, notable not only for several fine beaches but also for being the home of the local iguana community. Aruba's principal attraction is its beaches; these include Arashi Beach (near California Point on the northwest tip, particularly good for snorkeling), Spaans Lagoen and Commandeurs Baai, Bachelor's Beach (good for windsurfing), and the particularly shallow areas of Baby Beach and the 'Grapefield' (all on the south coast). Near Baby Beach, at Seroe Colorado, is Rodger's Beach, where the surf is a little stronger. Beaches on the north coast include Boca Prins, Dos Playa and Andicouri. r. So, too, is the surf on this coast, but visitors are warned that it can be very rough.
Local advice concerning conditions for surfing on the island at any particular time should be followed carefully, but there will usually be one beach somewhere to suit all levels of skill and courage. Another favourite pastime is exploring the surrounding shallow water with specially equipped submarine vessels.
Not all of the coast is completely deserted; for instance, much of Palm Beach, the 7 miles (11 kilometres) of sand and palm trees on the west and southwest shores of the island, has now been developed into a unique hotel resort. Low-rise resort hotels are more common on Eagle Beach, located between the point to the west of Druif Bay and south of Palm Beach. Visitors after more isolated relaxation will need to seek out some of the more remote sunbathing and swimming spots (of which there are plenty) or turn their attention to the Cunucu: a land of cactus, windswept divi-divi trees, old villages and hamlets and unsignposted dirt roads stretching across the often mysterious landscape. The distinctive shape of the divi-divi trees (also known as watapanas) has become Aruba's unofficial trademark; blown by the northeasterly trade winds, the trees are forced to grow at alarming angles. The island can easily be driven round in a day, and cars can be hired without difficulty.
Day 1
New Journal Entry
January 2009
We really are looking forward to another opportunity to visit many of our favorite places in Aruba and to discover some new ones. We know that there have been many improvements and changes at the Divi Phoenix Resort, where we will be staying, and around the local area as well. For example, The Hard Rock Cafe, just opened this month, and we know that there are many more new shops and restaurants to visit at the local malls.
We love the Flying Fishbone Restaurant for its unique sunset dining experience, but this year we will probably try another restaurant that also has a sunset dining feature, that is within the local area and is closer to our resort.
Check back to to this posting for our trip report and photos, when we return at the end of January.
Linda (View Linda's trips)
I love Aruba!!!!! I go every year and I stay at the Hyatt Regency.
Posted 3 years ago.
Report AbuseLinda (View Linda's trips)
I love Aruba!!!!!!! I go to aruba every year for 12 days at the same time. As a matter of fact i just got back, and allready I can't wait to go back. I stay at the Hyatt every year!!!!!!!
Posted 3 years ago.
Report Abusemonika (View monika's trips)
wooo. i want go there too
Posted 5 years ago.
Report AbuseJ.B. (View J.B.'s trips)
You have some beautiful pictures to share with us. They're all breathtaking. You two DO look like Newlyweds, so joyful and loving. I should make plans to go with my husband as well! :)
Posted 5 years ago.
Report Abusefoodpoisoningsux (View foodpoisoningsux's trips)
Excellent pictures. It looks like the both of you had a wonderful time!
Posted 6 years ago.
Report Abusesaving myself the trouble (View saving myself the trouble's trips)
Aruba is one of my dream trips and now since I've seen these pictures I know I'll HAVE to go!!! They were so beautiful especially the sunsets and the Fishbone Restaurant pictures. When my husband and I go we'll have to eat there right on the sand with that beautiful sunset & music. But for now in this moment, thanks for taking me there. Stacy.
Posted 6 years ago.
Report AbuseEdgar (View Edgar's trips)
Thanks for posting, I enjoyed the trip summary.
Posted 6 years ago.
Report AbuseSnazzyK (View SnazzyK's trips)
Cool trip idea. Love it!
Posted 7 years ago.
Report AbuseBrian Buschmann (View Brian Buschmann's trips)
very nice trip
Posted 7 years ago.
Report AbuseFortis (View Fortis's trips)
Thank you. I guess using another map as a photo image is what I will probably have to do until a good island map is avaliable listing the major cities and towns like Oranjestad, Sarnavetta, Noord, and a few other towns.
Posted 7 years ago.
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Unscheduled - Noord
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