CaribbeanTravel.com Directory - (Page 15) ARUBA ‘bonbini’ means WELCOME F or an island just 21 miles long, Aruba is packed with excitement. As if long, fun-filled stretches of white sand beaches and one of the sunniest climates in the Caribbean weren’t enough, Aruba has a cactus-studded interior desert that can be traversed by Jeep safaris and horseback, and a wave-lashed windward coast molded into natural arches and caves. Still, the real draws for most visitors are the manmade attractions: glitzy casinos, clubs and bars that stay lively into the wee hours of the morning, luxurious accommodations that range from high-rise to villastyle, a creative array of sports, and dining from fast food to gourmet. Add to that a friendly culture, the spirit of bonbini (welcome) and virtually no rain to speak of and it’s easy to understand the popularity of this fascinating island. Its charming capital, Oranjestad, dates back to 1797 and looks like a scene out of Holland. Its pastel-painted, gabled, buildings brim with boutiques and shops catering to cruise and island visitors with Delft Blue china figurines, Dutch cheeses and fashionable clothing and jewelry. Mornings along the wharf, locals come for fresh fish, often right off the fishing boats, while visitors bargain for local handicrafts and T-shirts. MIX OF CULTURES AND CUISINES Most locals speak English, although the official languages are Dutch and Papiamento, an Afro-Portuguese dialect blended with Spanish, Dutch, Indian and English. The cultural mix is also evident in island cuisine. European and Caribbean flavors meld at Madam Janette. Papiamento, a 175-year old Aruban manor, serves specialties such as tenderloin topped with melted gorgonzola, while Chez Mathilde draws Francophiles to its in-town mansion. Other favorite spots include casual Salt & Pepper for Spanishstyle tapas, Amazonia for all-you-can-eat Argentine meat, and Flying Fishbone for fresh fish served right on the beach. Near the former capital of San Nicolas, Charlie’s Bar is a funky hangout for visitors and locals alike. The partying crowd can take Kukoo Kunuku, a brightly painted tourist bus, for a circuit of Oranjestad’s clubs. Aruba’s beaches are as varied as its dining. The silky white sands of Palm Beach and neighboring Eagle Beach are alive with ARUBA GEOGRAPHY: Situated in the southern Caribbean, 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela; 19.6 miles long, six miles wide, 70 square miles. On the northwest coast there are seven miles of palm-fringed white beaches as well as some small caves with clear blue water. The northeast coast is rugged with high waves. LANGUAGE: Official languages are Dutch and Papiamento (a mixture of Spanish, Dutch and Portuguese with a bit of Indian, English, French and African). English and Spanish are widely spoken and understood. POPULATION: 103,459 (CBS/Population Registry Office, 2006). CLIMATE: Average annual temperature is 82ºF. The average annual rainfall is less than 20 inches per year (mostly in brief showers during November and December). Aruba is located on the outside fringes of the hurricane belt. TIME: EST +1. GMT -4 15
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