CARIBBEAN VYBES
Paying tribute to the culture of the Caribbean, showcasing the beauty of our islands and empowering minds!
ARUBA - THE DUTCH CARIBBEAN
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Aruba is the “A” in the “ABC” islands. Along with Bonaire and Curacao, Aruba is part of the Dutch Caribbean. It is an island of 75 square miles in the Southeast Caribbean, lying outside the primary hurricane belt.
Aruba is is located 15 miles north of Venezuela. The 106, 184 population (from the UN report) all share the splendid mild tropical climate that Aruba is so blessed with.
History tells us that a Spanish explorer, Alonso de Ojeda, was given credit for the discovery of the island. His observation that he had found an “island of giants” was associated to his finding the remains of the personal belongings of the previous settlers that were larger than the average European during those days. Beliefs link Aruba with such Spanish phrases as “oro huba” which means “there was gold”.
However, The Spanish never found any gold on the island and considered it to be of no value. Another belief is that its name is derived from the Indian word “oruba” which means “well placed”. And then another possible origin of the name is from two Carib Indian words “ora” and “oubao” meaning “shell” and “island” respectively. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
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Like the other ABC islands, Aruba’s native tongue is Papiamento. It is not a dialect, as some believe, but a language derived from several other languages like Dutch, Portuguese, Indian, French, and Spanish. However, the island’s official language is Dutch, but almost everyone in Aruba speaks English, so it is not exactly necessary to learn Dutch. And while it’s cute to learn the Papiamento language, don’t strain yourself to speak it like a true Aruban. After all, you won’t make sense to other people once you leave the island.
The island’s capital, Oranjestad, was named after the Dutch House of Orange and is home to Aruba’s main harbour. The island’s modern harbour is capable of accommodating very large cruise ships and has a fully-automated cargo container terminal.
Aruba may be a small island in the Caribbean, but it has a modern airport which caters to several daily connections with the USA and many other South American destinations. Getting around the island won’t be a problem either. There are a lot of car rental companies plus motorcycle and bicycle rental companies available on the island.
Aruba is a top choice for vacation destination. Aside from that, it has one of the highest rates of repeat guests. People do not only choose Aruba to spend a vacation, they choose Aruba to spend the next one as well. What draws them back? The Arubans’ charm and hospitality are great factors. And of course, the golden white sand and fresh tropical breeze beckons! ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
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1. Year-Round Sunshine:
Aruba is known for its consistent warm weather, boasting an average temperature of 82°F (28°C). It lies outside the hurricane belt, which means it experiences fewer storms compared to other Caribbean islands.
2. Multicultural Population:
Aruba has a diverse population with over 90 different nationalities. This multicultural mix is reflected in its rich cultural festivals, cuisine, and daily life.
3. Unique Language:
While Dutch and Papiamento are the official languages, most locals speak at least four languages, including English and Spanish. Papiamento is a Creole language unique to the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao) and incorporates elements from Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, English, and African languages.
4. Desert-Like Terrain:
Unlike many Caribbean islands, Aruba has an arid, desert-like climate. It features unique flora such as cacti and the iconic divi-divi (or watapana) trees, which are shaped by the constant trade winds.
5. Arikok National Park:
Covering nearly 20% of the island, Arikok National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, indigenous plants, and historic sites, including ancient cave paintings and natural pools.
6. Colorful Architecture:
Aruba’s capital, Oranjestad, is famous for its brightly colored buildings that combine Dutch colonial architecture with Caribbean flair. The pastel-colored facades and decorative gables are particularly striking.
7. Submarine Excursions:
Aruba offers unique underwater experiences through submarine tours. These excursions allow visitors to explore coral reefs and shipwrecks without getting wet, providing a fascinating glimpse into the island’s marine life.
8. Carnival:
Aruba’s Carnival is one of the biggest and most vibrant celebrations in the Caribbean, lasting several weeks from January to March. It features parades, music, dance, and colorful costumes, culminating in the Grand Parade in Oranjestad.
These facts highlight Aruba’s distinctive cultural, natural, and historical attributes, making it a fascinating destination for travellers.
1. Eagle Beach:
Famous for its soft white sand and clear turquoise waters, Eagle Beach is consistently ranked among the world’s best beaches. It’s ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and various water sports.
2. Arikok National Park:
This vast park covers nearly 20% of the island and offers hiking trails, caves with ancient Arawak petroglyphs, unique wildlife, and stunning geological formations. The park also features natural attractions like the Natural Pool (Conchi).
3 Palm Beach:
Known for its bustling atmosphere, Palm Beach is lined with high-rise hotels, restaurants, casinos, and shops. The beach itself is perfect for water activities, such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, and sailing.
4. California Lighthouse:
Located on the northern tip of the island, this historic lighthouse offers panoramic views of Aruba’s coastline and the surrounding sea. It’s a great spot for photography and enjoying sunset views.
5. Alto Vista Chapel:
Built in 1952 on the site of the island’s first Catholic church, this charming yellow chapel is a peaceful retreat with stunning ocean views. It’s also a popular pilgrimage site for locals and tourists alike.
6. Butterfly Farm:
A delightful attraction for visitors of all ages, the Butterfly Farm offers an educational experience about the life cycle of butterflies. Guests can walk among hundreds of colorful butterflies in a tropical garden setting.
7. Oranjestad:
Aruba’s vibrant capital city is known for its Dutch colonial architecture, colorful buildings, shopping, dining, and historical sites. Don’t miss the National Archaeological Museum and the Fort Zoutman Historical Museum.
8. De Palm Island:
A private island that offers an all-inclusive experience with activities such as snorkeling, zip-lining, banana boat rides, and a water park. It’s a great destination for a day trip filled with fun and relaxation.
These attractions showcase the diverse experiences Aruba has to offer, from natural beauty and adventure to cultural exploration and relaxation.
I always wanted to visit but after reading this, I have now booked my flight! Thanks for the pictures and info!!