Aruba - An Introduction
Written: Jun 21 '00 (Updated Nov 08 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: beaches, nature, friendly people
Cons: prices are a bit high
The Bottom Line: Great beaches, friendly people and some nice secluded places make for a great vacation spot.
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| tortillaboy's Full Review: Aruba |
Con ta Bai?
I went to Aruba in August a couple years ago, for work. Tough assignment, I know, but someone had to do it. I was there for 3 weeks, working at the Coastal plant, on the southern part of the island by San Nicholas. I stayed in a housing trailer owned by Coastal, just up the hill from Baby Beach.
I could write forever on the things I liked about this place. Since I traveled alone, I had a view of the island that I would think most people don't have. I favored the windward side of the island, Rincon with its amazing waves and rugged cliffs, Natural Bridge, the caves, Chapel at Alta Vista, and the old abandoned pirates hide-out/gold smelter were some of the cool things to see there.
The beaches on the 'calm' side are, of course, gorgeous. I visited the beaches around the hotels and resorts (Eagle , Manchebo and Palm Beach), and saw why this place is a favorite of many people. The blue water, clean sand and gentle breezes made sunbathing feel like heaven. Although I didn't stay in any of these hotels, I see that they would be wonderful. When I go back I plan on staying in Costa Linda resort, on Manchebo Beach. A note that my be of some interest to you: Although sunbathing topless is illegal in Aruba, for the sake of accommodating the less inhibited tourists, the officials simply don't enforce this on the beaches around the resorts. Families that are concerned with this might enjoy Baby Beach.
Snorkeling at Baby Beach was an amazing experience. Understanding that this was my first experience with snorkeling, so I'm no expert, but wow! those fish and the reef all around was breathtaking. Read my review of Baby Beach for more detailed info..
The island is arid and the assortment of cactus and lizards were pretty cool too. I climbed to the top of Hooiberg and took some great pictures.
Read my review called "No Hay Here" for more detailed info. on Hooiberg.
Papiamentu (like a mixture of Dutch and Spanish) is the language of the island, although most speak Spanish too. English is common among the 'touristy' places, but down in the bars of San Nicholas, you will need some help.
In short, A great island to visit. One tip - Eating out will be expensive unless you venture off from the beaten path, so get a book on Papiamentu, if you don't speak Spanish.
Check out the pictures I took in Aruba :
http://www.tortillaboy.com/aruba
:^)
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
tortillaboy
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Member: Steve
Location: Pueblo, CO
Reviews written: 72
Trusted by: 93 members
About Me:
I was born, I grew up, and now I write at Epinions. :^)
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