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Caribbean Travel RoundupNewsletter - Paul Graveline, Editor |
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Our family paid zero for 12 days accommodation in this summer by exchanging homes with an American couple. Another family from our area, featured with us on a tv article on Home Exchanges(CFRN TV Sept 1 2000) went to the Grand Caymens for 53 days, trading with a family that came to Canada. Accommodation cost was zero. A "Home(Vacation) Exchange" involves a simultaneous swap or exchange of apartments or homes; you stay in their home or apartment while they stay in yours, all during the identical period of your respective vacations. You rarely meet the person whose home or apartment you're using, because you've passed them in mid-air, so to speak, when you began your vacation. On that carefully scheduled date, you flew to their home city, while they flew to yours. The Home exchange is also a much more frequent travel activity, supporting a number of fairly large exchange organizations. Why? Because, when all is said and done, it's the single most logical, reasonable, sensible, indeed brilliant, method of vacationing in travel today. Instead of leaving your home or apartment empty and unused during the time of your vacation, you derive a benefit from it, you treat it as an asset. You "trade it temporarily for an overseas home or apartment of equivalent quality, eliminating all costs of lodgings from your vacation budget." (Quote from Arthur Frommer, noted travel writer http://www.frommers.com/newsletters/09- 26-00/article3.html Neither of us spent a penny on accommodations expenses. But more important, we lived like a resident, not a tourist, in the place we've chosen. We enjoyed an incomparable experience utterly unavailable to the standard tourist. This was our 8th home exchange and find they are an excellent money saving idea. A final quote from Frommer"I've been on two vacation exchanges myself, have spoken with dozens of people who have also done so, and frankly, I've never heard a critical word about the experience, nor enjoyed anything other than an excellent stay myself. And bear in mind: each house or apartment serves as a "hostage" for the proper maintenance and upkeep of the other; you take awfully good care of the apartment or home in which you're staying, because you're so very anxious that they're exhibiting a similar attitude towards yours."
CANCUN, Mexico (October 4, 2000) -- The Marriott CasaMagna Resort in Cancun have made saving the local sea turtle population a fun and educational tradition, and through early November, guests at the resorts can release their own sea turtle. >From May through September, thousands of sea turtles arrive on the resorts' beaches to lay their eggs, which would naturally incubate in the sand until hatching. However, the recreational activities that take place on a resort beach hardly make it a safe place for baby sea turtles! Each night throughout the five-month season, the resorts' staff patrols the beach area to gather sea turtle eggs. The eggs are then transported off property for incubation still in their nests, to best preserve natural conditions. During the incubation period, researchers gather and study data. By early November (approximately 40-70 days later), the hatchlings emerge from their eggs and are ready to be released on the resort beach -- their nesting site -- with the aid of the resorts' recreational staff and families staying at the hotel. Tradition holds that the children name their tiny sea turtle babies, wish them luck, then set them free onto the resorts' beaches to find their way into the water. Since young sea turtles face threats to their survival from land predators, the turtles are only released at night. Resort staff uses the opportunity to educate children about the sea turtles and Mexico's environmental awareness initiatives to save them. "As a result of our Sea Turtle Release Program, 96 percent of these eggs will hatch. Prior to this program, only 40 percent of the eggs would hatch. So we're happy to be doing a real service to aid in the recovery of the sea turtle population on both Mexican coasts," states Dennis Whitelaw, general manager of the Marriott CasaMagna Puerto Vallarta. Mr. Whitelaw recently received Marriott's "Echo" award for promoting good ecological and environmental efforts in Mexico. The Marriott CasaMagna resorts' sea turtle programs are strictly carried out according to the procedures established by the National Institute of Fisheries and the Fishing & Marine Biology Station of the University of Guadalajara. Families can experience the Sea Turtle Release Program this year at the Marriott CasaMagna Resorts in Puerto Vallarta and Cancun, with the "All-Inclusive Value Vacations" package. Up to two children stay and eat free when sharing a room with their parents, with rates starting as low as $215 per night. This offer is available now through December 20, 2000. The Marriott CasaMagna Puerto Vallarta Resort is nestled in a spectacular natural setting between the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains and Mexico's picturesque Bay of Banderas. The resort offers 433 guest rooms and 29 suites, plus a variety of facilities for adults and children, including: three lighted tennis courts; oceanfront pool; various water sports and beach activities; nearby golf; multiple restaurants; health club with whirlpool; and the "Club de la Casa" children's program. When not relaxing in the sun, guests can stroll through the old town of Puerto Vallarta and enjoy the sights of colonial Mexico, view folkloric shows and historic Mexican landmarks, or experience jungle adventures. The CasaMagna Marriott Cancun Resort is also popular with families and conveniently located just 10 miles from the airport and two miles from the shopping district. Each of the resort's 452 guestrooms and 38 suites features a private balcony overlooking either the Nichupte lagoon or the ocean. The resort boasts the "Club de la Casa" children's program; several restaurants; beach and water sports activities; nearby golf; an oceanfront pool, whirlpool and children's pool; health club with massage services and a sauna; and two lighted tennis courts. Guests can also explore nearby Mayan ruins at Tulúm or Chichén Itzá, visit the popular Xcaret water park or watch a traditional Mexican bullfight in Cancun's arena. The Marriott CasaMagna Resorts in Cancun and Puerto Vallarta are both members of Marriott and Renaissance Offshore Resorts. For additional information or reservations, call the Marriott Resort Desk at 800-223- 6388. Visit us on the web at www.offshoreresorts.com.
We are introducing The Virgin Voice, a new print and internet publication based in St. John, USVI. The first issue, which premiers October 23, 2000, will cover topics relating to the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, and be distributed in St. John, St. Thomas, St. Croix, Tortola, and Virgin Gorda, Puerto Rico is planned for November 2000. Global readers planning to visit the Virgins can also read Virgin Voices on-line (www.virginvoices.com on October 23rd)) and plan their itineraries. Our links to major Caribbean Internet sites like http://www.caribbeanchannel.com/ will be considerable from the onset as we build a strong on-line readership as well. Please call 340-693-8883 or e-mail yelruc@islands.vi with any questions.
I am a British TV Producer, currently looking for stories for a new series about people who sell up and leave the UK to fulfill their dreams. I am very keen to find a Caribbean story, and I would therefore be grateful if you could post this message below in your newsletter. Are you planning to sell up, leave the rat race and make a new life for yourself in the Caribbean? If so, I want to hear from you! I am making a documentary series for British television, following people over the next year as they try to make their dream become a reality. Perhaps you are planning to open a guest house, bar or restaurant in Barbados; or maybe you're starting a diving business in the Dominican Republic. I am interested in finding people who have recently changed - or are just about to change - their lives, as they sell up and search for fresh challenges and fulfillment on the island of their dreams. Please contact Kirsty McNeill at Ricochet Films on 020-7251-6966; or email: mail@richochet.co.uk
GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND -- The newest resort in the Bahamas, Our Lucaya, introduces its new name and an edgy new attitude to revive the true rhythm and spirit of the Caribbean for its December* opening. Formerly named The Lucayan Resort at Grand Bahama Island, it is the largest and most expensive Caribbean property in development at more than $400 million. The transformation to Our Lucaya embraces guests with a fresh Caribbean experience that engages the senses through its charismatic people, intuitive activities and spicy services -- leaving all island-goers feeling refreshed and energized. The vibrant, new island playground, sprawling along a seven-and-a- half acre ribbon of sun-drenched white sand beaches, is much more than its impressive 1,350 rooms, two acclaimed 18-hole golf courses, sensual spa, 14 cuisine collections and watering holes, imaginative children¹s center, casino and eclectic marketplace. Our Lucaya balances the vacation desires of romantics, athletes, escapists, adventurers and those who prefer to simply swing in sheer solitude in palm-slung hammocks by the way, a word created by the incredibly insightful Lucayan Indians. Those same original island inhabitants captured the attention of Christopher Columbus some 600 years ago as he noted in a journal, "They are so ingenuous and free with all they have. Anything they possess, if it be asked of them, is never refused." Today, that genuine graciousness surrounds guests of Our Lucaya through an island staff whose passionate personalities have not been tamed in training, but thrive with an inner pride. From lyrical greetings by hostesses like "morning, morning" to beach attendants who serenade and waiters who cannot help but dance with diners, Our Lucaya comes alive. Our Lucaya lies just 55 miles east of Miami, a mere 35 minutes via air from Florida and less than two-and-a-half hours from New York. The resort spearheads the resurgence of Grand Bahama Island, one of the largest in the archipelago of 700 Bahamian Islands. In hindsight, the island was fortunate to stand still in time as other Caribbean destinations developed, perhaps too aggressively. The time warp preserved the island¹s sweeping mangroves and breathtaking beaches. Our Lucaya guests arrive at the 372-acre resort, the natural aquascapes of turquoise tides punctuated by 250 colorful wind ribbons along the shores strike the senses. Seaside huts soaked in shades of island fruits play gatekeepers to bougainvillea-draped, elliptic pools so imaginative one features waves and waves of aqueduct waterfalls. Another is infinity edged and seemingly slips into a vast ocean of water. In sharp contrast to the tropical flavor of the resort, a traditional colonial-style MANOR HOUSE welcomes arriving guests. As visitors readjust their mental state to "island time," staff rush bags through a maze of underground paths and magically place them in rooms so no sunning time is wasted. The enticements and distractions at Our Lucaya are endless as resort "experience managers" direct guest dreams, whether it¹s in search of solitude or a wild ride. Perhaps a guest wishes to throw a beach barbecue for new-found friends, discover "low-as-you-go" limbo and fire eaters poolside, cook with a chef, or jam with an all-guest band -- at Our Lucaya it happens and don't be surprised when the staff adds to the fun. Moments are shared virtually at Our Lucaya. A digi-photographer roams the resort shooting guest experiences, which are then e-mailed with a personal message within the hour as a virtual postcard to mom or an envious husband. The ocean is popular fare from swimming with dolphins in the open Atlantic through the Underwater Explorers Society (UNEXSO) and diving limestone caverns and coral reefs to kayaking mangroves or simply sailing and fishing, both brackish and deep sea. Grand Bahama Island boasts the most preserved eco-systems in the Bahamas. Not sea horses, but quarter horses and Appaloosas await surfside riding enthusiasts. Of course, just lying on the beach, getting hair braided to rival Bo Derek or strolling the shore in search of seashells is acceptable, and often preferred. Kids love the three beachside swimming pools, especially the one with the giant sugar mill waterslide. CAMP LUCAYA, the Bahamas¹ first free- standing center for children includes coconut bowling, a just-for- kids garden and tykes-only gecko pool. The Marine Explorer¹s Club, co- sponsored with UNEXSO, teaches ocean and marine experiences to youngsters. All guests delight in a kids Junkanoo parade every afternoon. If escaping from reality (and the wee-ones) to sun-drenched romance, Our Lucaya harbors secret hideaways such as an authentic lighthouse, serving only one private dinner-for-two at sunset, and remote spits of beach isolated from the world. Even a couple¹s suite is utopia with butler service to fulfill passions -- like a room awaiting with one hundred lit coconut candles surrounding a silver tray of mango and whipped cream or even a masseuse to share the art of his and her massage. For those tying the knot at Our Lucaya, the GREAT LAWN AND GAZEBO edges the sugary shore backdropped by the brilliant blue seascape. As a whimsical prelude to the real reception, island tradition dictates newlyweds take a wedding promenade around the serpentine pool for all guests to applaud their marriage. (And of course, get an up-close glimpse of the bride.) Our Lucaya pleases romantic fantasies and frivolities. SENSES SPA, 13,000 sq. ft., also rejuvenates the mind, body and spirit with Bahamian-inspired signature treatments such as "peace," "relief" and "joy" -- utilizing ingredients purely indigenous to the island and its sea (such as: the gammalami and cuscuate bush tonics). Each self-indulgent masque and wrap are specific to slimming, softening, detoxifying, purifying or polishing. "Aqua" influences include submerged massages, rain massages and hydro baths in seaweed, sea salt or algae. Senses Spa touts a 12,000 sq. ft. fitness center providing every popular form of physical punishment available. A sun- warmed lap pool allows the overly-ambitious to swim off the pain. A special Our Lucaya treat -- personal trainers tailor take-home tone- up programs. Another relaxing, or frustrating (depending on the player), diversion is the resort¹s golf. Our Lucaya features the Caribbean¹s finest links -- OUR LUCAYA LUCAYAN COURSE, a legendary Dick Wilson design and the heralded OUR LUCAYA REEF COURSE, the newest challenge from Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Named the "Top 100 Golf Resorts in the World" by The Golfer, "Number One in the Bahamas" by Links and "Top Three in the Caribbean" by Golfweek, the 6,824-yard Lucayan Course features intense bunkering and relentless doglegs. As the first Bahamian course to open since 1969, the Reef Course boasts 6,920 yards of links-style grounds with water coming into play on 13 of 18 holes. It will play host to the SENIOR PGA TOUR¹S new OUR LUCAYA SENIOR SLAM tournament between champions Tom Kite, Raymond Floyd, Hale Irwin and Doug Tewell this Dec. 2-3 and for the next two years. The exclusive Butch Harmon School of Golf, one of only two in the world, teaches Tiger Woods wannabes the techniques Harmon currently coaches to the most prolific golfer today. The new 30,000 sq. ft. casino, debuting late spring 2001, features 30 daring tables -- including Baccarat, Caribbean Stud Poker, Blackjack and Roulette -- as well as more than 400 slots and sports gaming. A sure bet to strain the purse strings, Our Lucaya¹s Village Market Promenade is riddled with stores from the rare to the ridiculous. And really cool, one store offers guests the chance to purchase Our Lucaya favorites like dinnerware, bed spreads and lamps Š new, of course. Across the street is the charming Port Lucaya Marketplace with 80 outlets to buy a straw bag, indulge in a duty free diamond or sip a cold brew. All the senses are tantalized at the 14 dining and spirit venues at Our Lucaya. Whether it is the visual dramatics and whimsy of WILLY BROADLEAF¹S five cuisine destinations like the Mexican courtyard, African village and Egyptian market coupled with its worldly fare or IRIES Hemingway- ish mansion, dining is indeed an experience at Our Lucaya.
October 2000 Visit Aruba can be called “paradise discovered” for most seasoned Caribbean travelers. You will not find an undiscovered tropical island when you arrive on Aruba. Instead you will find a clean, modern, delightful, safe and very tourist oriented Caribbean island. As one part of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao), Aruba is an autonomous island that is one of the islands which make up the Kingdom of the Netherlands Antilles. Of all the islands in the Caribbean, the Dutch island of Aruba is at the top of the popularity list as a North American tourist destination. Only the United States Virgin Islands can surpass Aruba as a premier destination for visiting vacationers to the Caribbean. Time share resorts in Aruba are the reason so many people return year after year. If you have already made the decision to buy a time share on Aruba then you will most certainly return to your piece of paradise every year. But not everyone who visits Aruba has a time share or uses someone else’s time share week. The hotels that occupy the southwestern shoreline of Aruba are well known in North America. It also helps that the southwest coast of Aruba contains the best beaches on the island. But you will pay dearly for many of these superior hotels. Hotels with names such as Hyatt, Marriott’s Ocean Club and Wyndham are where you will get the best there is to offer in terms of accommodations but with a price to go with them as well. However, there is more to Aruba than staying at some of the best hotels in the world. Located right next door to some of these extravagant resorts are many more affordable choices. These less expensive hotels can offer the same beaches that their expensive neighbors offer. Remember, all beaches in Aruba are public and no hotel owns any beach. Although a certain hotel advertises that they are on Palm Beach, Palm Beach is actually not occupied by the hotel at all! Getting There and Back The flying time from Miami is about 2 and a half hours. Aruba is serviced by American Airlines, Air Aruba and various other commercial carriers. Air Aruba is currently on the verge of bankruptcy so I cannot recommend choosing them until the dust settles. There are also numerous charter flights to Aruba from the United States but excessive delays are very normal with these types of charter flights. Flights are also available from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Aruba. The airport in Aruba is very modern and even contains a U.S. Customs and Immigration terminal. You will clear U.S. customs right in Aruba for your flight back to the United States. Beware that there is a $37.00 (US) departure tax per person upon leaving Aruba (one of the highest departure taxes in the Caribbean). Transportation (Bus, Taxi y Carro) Rental cars can be obtained from all the major U.S. companies as well as many local rental companies. All of the rental agencies have booths right outside the main terminal at the airport. No special driver’s license is required for those traveling from North America. Driving is on the right side of the road and the road signs use international markings. The speed limits are all in kilometers so beware. Public buses operate every half hour between the capital, Oranjestad, and the entire southwest side of Aruba. This is the least expensive way to get around the most developed side of the island. Hygiene Aruba has the second largest desalinization plant in the world so the drinking water is pure. There is no need to watch what you drink or eat here. Aruba is essentially free of tropical diseases, such as those found on the Venezuelan mainland only 15 miles to the south. Still, mosquitoes are present, so it is always a good idea to use insect repellent when spending time outdoors. No special shots or vaccinations are required for your trip to Aruba (as long as you do not venture onto the South American continent to the south). Entry Aruba is a foreign country so you will need a passport. Birth certificates and/or voters’ registration cards with photo ID can be used if necessary but these can sometimes provide more problems that you want on your vacation. So just spend the time before your trip and get your passport. Languages Aruba is Dutch so the residents speak Dutch. However, Arubans are proud of the variety of languages that nearly everyone speaks - sometimes in the same sentence. You will find that most people speak Dutch, English, Spanish, Papiamento and Portuguese. You will not find a language barrier in Aruba! Money (Dinero) U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere. The official currency is the florin (Afl) which is called guilders. The exchange rate of guilders to dollars is fixed at 1.77 to one U.S. dollar at banks. However, at retail stores, hotels and restaurants dollars are converted at 1.80 guilders to one U.S. dollar. At supermarkets and gas stations the conversion is 1.75 guilders to one U.S. dollar. ATM machines are provided throughout the island. Your Cirrus, Master Card and Visa cards can be used as long as they have only a 4 digit PIN. Your money from the cash machines will be given in the local currency (i.e.. guilders). Credit cards can also be used at the casinos. Island Orientation The capital of Aruba is Oranjestad and is located in the middle of the southwestern coast. This is also where the cruise ships dock. If you go northwest from Oranjestad you will first encounter the low rise hotels (no more than 3-5 stories high). Past these hotels are the high rise hotels (you cannot miss them). When someone gives directions they may say, past the high rise hotels, close to the low rise hotels, etc. and use the hotels as reference points. Southeast of Oranjestad is the airport, desalination plant and refinery in San Nicolas. The northeast coast of Aruba wild and fairly undeveloped. Most of the natural part of Aruba is found on the northeast coast while the more developed part of Aruba and nearly all of the beaches are on the southwest coast. Places to Stay - Hotels (Hoteles) The cheapest place to stay on Aruba is at a friend’s time share condo. The normal weekly fee is about $500 for the “maintenance” . This fee will give you a week of lodging on Aruba. All of the time share condos will be located in great locations so you cannot beat this method or price for an accommodation. If you do not know of anyone with a time share condo on Aruba then it is time to look for a hotel. When you book your hotel look for package deals. Breakfast can sometimes be included along with your room Check out the web sites of the major chains to get their normal price and then call the toll free number to get the best deals. We use our travel agent who always has beaten any deal we can find. The best bet for a good deal on Palm Beach will be the Holiday Inn and Radisson hotels. Beware of the Wyndham Hotel because they overbook and will deny your reservation without any notice (personal experience). A relatively inexpensive and good hotel on Eagle Beach is the Amsterdam Manor. It is a very good buy for the money. I would not recommend the La Cabana hotel right next door. It is the largest hotel on the island and claims to be an all-suite hotel (although it is not). We found La Cabana to be noisy, overcrowded and the rooms sub-standard. In the heart of Oranjestad is the Sonesta Hotel and Sonesta Suites. Good deals can be found during the off season at either of these two choices. An added bonus for staying here is the free boat trip to their private island 10 minutes away. There are all-inclusive packages available at some of the hotels on Aruba as well. These packages are at the Holiday Inn (recently refurnished), Bushiri Beach Resort, Allegro (older high rise in need of renovation), La Cabana (crowded noisy hotel), and the Tamarijn Aruba Beach Resort (older hotel). At the Fisherman’s Huts area (the wind surfing area) are located some very small inexpensive places to stay. The names sometimes change for these places so you will need to look at these places before you actually get a room there. Beaches (La Playa) All beaches on Aruba are public and can be used free of charge. There is no charge to use a beach on Aruba. Nudity is prohibited on Aruba but topless sunbathing is permitted. The private islands provide more seclusion than the hotel beaches. Private De Palm Island has a beach as does the private Sonesta Island. The most popular and active beach on Aruba is Palm Beach which contains the high rise hotels. Eagle Beach is another favorite beach and this is where the low rise hotels are. At the southeastern corner of the island you will find Baby Beach which is a local family oriented beach with very shallow and calm water. Rodgers Beach, next to Baby Beach, has a fantastic view of the oil refinery but not much else. Boca Grandi is located on the windward side of the island and is very windy and undeveloped. Eating (De Comida) Aruba has a wild spectrum of places to eat. The typical chains are here as in Taco Bell, Wendys, McDonalds and Kentucky Fried Chicken. Then you have the tropical party type places such as Carlos’N Charlie’s, Hooters and Iguana Joe’s which are a lot of fun. With the next step up in price you have places like The Buccaneer where you dine next to large aquariums and the Mill Restaurant where you eat inside an authentic Dutch windmill. Then you have the top tier of restaurants such as the Petit Cafe, Pago Pago and L’Escale where you receive the finest of selections of foods at the grandest of prices. A very good place for an excellent authentic Cuban lunch or dinner is Cubas Cook’n located near downtown Oranjestad (ask your hotel for directions). Prices are reasonable and the food is very good. Most hotels offer some type of buffett, be it breakfast, lunch or dinner. Prices can be high so make your choice carefully (breakfast $15.00, dinner $27.00, etc). The dining on Aruba is diverse but tends to be expensive. The overall quality of your meal will be very good essentially where ever you choose to dine. Sports (Deportes) SCUBA! The crystal clear waters that surround Aruba are a diver’s paradise. Sunken wrecks litter the southwest coast for beginner and intermediate dives. On the more challenging (rough) northern coast, more advanced dives can be found. Snorkeling is best on the southwest coast, from Baby Beach on the Southeast end of the island to the northwest corner of the island near the California lighthouse Two very good snorkeling areas are located on either side of Malmok beach past the high rise hotels. Mountain bike riding is popular on the island at the extreme northwest end of the island and on the wild northern side of the island. The main wind surfing area on Aruba is located near the Fisherman’s Huts just past the high rise hotels on Aruba’s southwest coast. Lessons and board rentals can be obtained from the small shops that line the road. Even rock climbing is a popular activity on Aruba and is practiced on the cliffs past the Baby Beach area on the southeast side of the island. Running (Correr) Running is a very popular activity on Aruba. For pleasant training runs you have several choices. There is a paved bike path/sidewalk that runs from Oranjestad to the end of the high rise hotels. This is a distance of about 8 miles one way. Cruise ship passengers should depart the cruise ship dock and turn left to run. Just keep the sea on your left going out toward the high rise hotels. Once past the Holiday Inn you must run on the side of the road (facing traffic of course). After going northwest about 1 mile from the Marriott (and past the wind surfing area) you get onto a less traveled paved road that goes to the California Lighthouse. It is about 1 mile to the lighthouse on this less traveled paved section of road. The total distance from the beginning of the high rise hotels to the lighthouse is about 5 miles For the best trail running on Aruba, take the paved road toward the California lighthouse from the high rise hotels. Then just before you reach the California lighthouse on the paved road turn left. There is no pavement here - just some faint dirt roads that lead you to the most spectacular running on Aruba! Head west on this flat, desolate, uninhabited stretch of land. The island then delicately curves northward in a broad expanse of blazing red soil and rock. Run as far as you want! I have run for about an hour before I came to the small peaks that are on the distant horizon. Many small rocky uninhabited beaches dot the shore line in this area. You may encounter some jeep safaris and you will most likely see mountain bikes riding in this area. Be sure to bring water with you. There are no facilities out here and the intense heat of the day will explain the desert-like quality of this glorious part of Aruba. Shopping (De Compras) Oranjestad is the heart of Aruba shopping. There is no sales tax in Aruba so shopping is another popular past-time on Aruba. The shops in and around the Seaport Mall and the Sonesta Hotel have everything you dream about. Jewelry, clothes, cameras, watches, electronics, native crafts, Cuban cigars, a casino, and even a Haagen Dazs ice cream store can be found there. While strolling the shops and waterfront of this popular stretch of town you can even sip one of the colorful umbrella drinks that seem to ooze with Caribbean flavor. If you exit the island side of the Seaport Mall and turn right (go north and turn right) you come to the normal Aruban shops. There are many more shops along the streets once you venture away from the malls. Cruise ships will bring more shoppers to the downtown area but the size of the shopping area seems to absorb them without any problems. Crossing the very busy street in front of the Seaport Mall is easy if you cross at the crosswalk which sometimes boasts a helpful crossing guard during busy periods. Casinos Aruba is a gamblers paradise. The casinos are not as big as Las Vegas or Atlantic City but the casinos are modern and very popular with tourists and locals alike. Most of Aruba’s night life can be found at the casinos. Other Activities There is a submarine called the Atlantis VI based on Aruba which can dive to 150 feet under the water. There is an underwater explorer that goes down to 5 feet for those less hearty too. De Palm Tours can take you on a tour of the island in their large motor coaches. There are also jeep safaris from ABC Aruba Tours that you can take with a group of like-minded people. These trips are done in a convoy and usually tour the more wild and scenic places on the island. Mi Dushi is a sailing ship that can take you on a sunset sail or a snorkeling adventure. You can even rent Harley Davidson motorcycles at Big Twin Aruba and cruise the island. If you have lots of time and really like sailing you could take the Monsoon sailing yacht over to Venezuela. This is an all day trip and is a true sailing passage as the trade winds down here blow about 20- 25 knots all the time! Once in Venezuela just remember not to drink the water or get left behind. Carnival in Aruba You will never experience so much color, music or dancing at any other time of the year than at Carnival time in Aruba. There are many days of activities that lead up to the grand parade through the streets of Oranjestad on the Sunday before Lent. Be sure to arrive early to get a grandstand seat, bring your sunscreen and enjoy the sights and sounds of Carnival Caribbean style. Carnival in Aruba is a family affair. This carnival is not the bacchanal affair that is found in Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans. No, this is carnival time in Aruba so you can bring the entire family for fun, celebration and dancing in the streets. Aruba is not a primitive, undiscovered tropical destination. It is a diverse, well developed, yet very safe, cosmopolitan island. The beaches are excellent, the hotels are modern and the restaurants are very good. Aruba can be expensive or relatively inexpensive, depending on your own individual taste and choice. As they say on Aruba, Bon bini (Welcome)!
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