About Aruba
Aruba, the island
Aruba is located just north of the equator in the southern Caribbean which places it completely outside the hurricane belt. The island is approximately 20 miles long and about 6 miles at its’ widest point. The 70 some square miles is home to about 100,000 people. The median temperature from day to night and the difference between summer and winter is only 6 degrees. Therefore, weather is very near perfect throughout the year. The average annual rainfall is about 20 inches and usually occurs in short spurts during the months of November, December and January. Temperatures are around 82 degrees year- round with a pleasant trade wind cooling the land and keeping the water temp around 72 degrees. Remember the sun is strongest between 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Good sunscreen is highly recommended.
Being a coral, desert island, you won’t see much of the lush green of some of the other islands. Instead you’ll notice cactus with bright flowers and even brighter berries in season. The beaches and Caribbean are beautiful and inviting. The sea around most of Aruba is calm and clear. Water visibility can exceed depths of 100 feet. The northeast coast is in great contrast with high waves beating against the shore, forming jagged edges and environmental wonders such as the Natural Bridges. The largest one collapsed on September 2, 2005. There is a smaller one still standing nearby with a span of 72 feet.
Aruba, the currency
The local currency is the Aruban florin. Silver coins are 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents, one florin, 2&1/2 florins and 5 florins. Current exchange rates range between Af. 1.75 & 1.78 to one U.S. dollar. U.S. money is widely accepted in Aruba. Banks are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. except official holidays. Some branches are open during lunch as well. Take care when accepting change. Sometimes change will be given in Venezuelan currency. If it is not Aruban or U.S. currency, stores will not accept it.
ATM machines are available everywhere. CIRRUS and Plus System network logo can withdraw cash in Aruban florins. U.S. bank accounts will be debited in dollars at a favorable exchange. A service charge may apply. If you are expecting to use an ATM while visiting Aruba, it is important to see that your PIN will work in that country. Call 1 800 4 CIRRUS (247787) to verify.
Aruba, the people
Aruba became independent of the Netherlands Antilles on January 1, 1986. Aruba can now handle aviation, customs, immigration, communications and other such matters on its own, while the Kingdom is still responsible for defense and foreign affairs. Aruba is considered a very safe, stable and friendly Dutch Island within the Kingdom, but with ties directly to Holland. Since tourism is Aruba primary trade, the island now has all of the modern facilities that travelers have grown accustomed to. The people of Aruba are well educated, speak more than one language and seem genuinely happy. Most natives enjoy a high standard of living and almost everybody who wants to work is employed. Aruba is promoted as an upscale island, so you rarely see beggars, campsites or street vendors.
Aruba, getting around
It is a pleasure to drive in Aruba after you learn the road signs. There is no right on red. Don't switch lanes at intersections or traffic lights. Obey arrows on multi-lane roads. Traffic (except bikes) coming from the right has the right-of-way. Iguanas have the right-of-way. You must stop for them. Free-roaming goats belong to someone and the owner will materialize if a goat is injured. They are a source of food. Drive with caution. Remember roads can be very slippery when even slightly damp or when sand blows onto them. Aruban drivers are extremely courteous. Gas was close to Afl. 2.00 per liter in June 2006.
Aruba, the language
The official language is Dutch. All documents, government papers and school lessons are in Dutch. However, Arubans speak, read and write English, Spanish, Dutch and the native language of Papiamento. Papiamento is a combination of these languages. It is only spoken on the ABC islands. Most natives speak Papiamento at home and with friends. English is taught beginning in the fourth grade and Spanish is taught starting in the fifth grade. French is an optional language in high school.
Restaurants
Aruba, the casinos
Caribbean Stud Poker was born in Aruba in 1988. There are currently 11 casinos open to players 18 and older. A few are available 24 hours, but most open around 11a.m. for slots and 1p.m. for gaming tables. There are slots, video poker, blackjack, craps, and roulette. Most casinos have entertainment and restaurants.
Antiques
Antique Shop Louis the 15th. “Museum of Antiquities” located at Rococo Plaza Tanki Leendert Rd #4A. They are open Monday through Friday 9a.m. – 6p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10a.m. to 2p.m. There are 20 showrooms full of European furniture and decorations. Nancy will ship anywhere and she has layaway for no additional charge. She does discount some items if you take delivery on them right away. (297) 741-5640.
Restaurants
Generally, all restaurants add a 15% service charge to your bill. A small gratuity is still appreciated.
Madame Janette(Best Restaurant In Aruba 2005)
Madame Janette offers fine dining in a casual atmosphere. They use exotic fruits, herbs and vegetables in their creative meals. The dishes exhibit an original flavor with a touch of Caribbean. We had a wonderful meal under an outdoor canopy. The vanilla ice cream, with pineapple soaked in rum, had us licking our lips in anticipation of the next bite. There were ceiling fans to keep the air circulating. The evening entertainment was great music with no real space to dance, but the servers said to feel free. There is an impressive wine list and the service was on top of things without making us feel rushed. We hope that you will have a wonderful dining experience. We returned for dinner June 2006 and again in 2007. It was still the best service, great music, and gourmet food in large portions. http://madamejanette.arubahost.com
Flying Fishbones
Flying Fishbones combines gourmet European cuisine with Caribbean charm. We dined on the water's edge. There is a rock placed strategically in front of the setting sun. A perfect photo opportunity! Sink your toes in the sand as you sink your teeth into the freshest seafood. The ambiance is beyond belief. There is a rustic bar between an indoor dining area and the outdoor seating. There are strolling musicians for your entertainment. The service was impeccable. This is truly a tropical must try dining experience. This restaurant is located in Savaneta, just a little south of our home.
www.flyingfishbone.com
Driftwood
The Driftwood specializes in fresh fish. There are at least three; "catch of the day" choices. You can dine in a rustic, informal atmosphere. This restaurant is located on a back street in downtown, Oranjestad. It becomes busier around 7:00PM. Try the onion relish on the table. Very interesting. Watch the local papers for a coupon for a free glass of wine with dinner
www.driftwoodaruba.com
Matthews
We walked along the beach and stopped by here for the breakfast buffet. The food was good enough for all you can eat that we have come back again and again. With a roof overhead and the sides open the salamanders and birds dine right beside you.
www.casadelmar-ara.com
Tomato Charlie's
This is an inland pizza joint at the Costa Linda Resort. We tried salad, pizza, burger and beer. The beer was cold and the food was decent, but the service was awful. No website necessary.
Pirate Nest
We walked up the beach in front of Divi Village one evening and found Pirate Nest. This little outdoor bar on the beach offered endless hot wings and two for one specialty drinks during happy hour.
Sushi Ya
Sushi Ya is located near the water downtown. It left everything to be desired. This being one of our favorite foods, we were sorely disappointed. It took more than a half hour to be served drinks and an hour and 20 minutes to be served dinner. By the time we were fed, we were so tired and to add insult, the sashimi was not even cold. We’ll keep looking. On our last visit to the high-rise area, a second location had opened.
Pinchos Grill and Bar
This bar and restaurant is situated on a floating pier about one mile north of the airport at the Aruba Surfside Marina. Be careful not to drop anything as the waiters told us they don't want to go swimming. The food was tasty, plentiful and served quickly. The cocktails left a lot to be desired. There was live music early in the evening.
Benihanna
Best/least expensive sushi and sashimi on the island as of January 2008. Service was excellent, but the wine list left something to be desired.
Japenga
Best experience and atmosphere for sushi and sashimi. $$$$
Sekura
Yet another disappointment when it comes to Sushi or Sashimi in Aruba. Not only was it difficult to find right downtown, but the service was horrible, with bar tenders and wait staff more interested in watching and flirting with the young ladies than checking on our needs. After an hour and a half, they had not started our Sashimi Deluxe platters and had only been by twice to check on us (the second time was after we summoned them). For some reason, we did pay for our drinks and went home without dinner.
Blossoms
We found it!!! Great Sashimi at Blossoms, located in the high rise district at the new Aruba, Resort, Spa, Casino. There is a Japanese section, a Chinese section and a Sushi section. Service was perfect and there was a special sparkler on top of a birthday dessert.
Texas de Brazil
For the person with a never-ending appetite. You are given a disk. Red on one side, green on the other. There is a wonderful salad bar. Plaintain bananas and a potato dish are served family style. Strolling carvers visit with sumptuous meat. Tenderloin, lamb, ribs, sirloin, chicken legs, pork chops, etc. If you want more, turn green side up, if you need a break. Look for a coupon in your bag from the airport. There may be a coupon for a special adult beverage. We enjoyed their signature steak best.
Other Attractions
Hooiberg
Hooiberg is a place of elevation. Steps all the way to the top. Remember to take plenty of water!
Casibari
Casibari is the home of rock formations. Natives believe these rocks actually GROW!
Quadrikiri
Quadrikiri is a multi-chamber cave on the back coast in Arikok National Park. We only entered the first two chambers. They were big. We didn't notice the bats, but we were told they were there. We will take a giant flashlight or maybe even a guide the next time. With a little coaxing, we may even venture a little farther.
Ostrich Farm
We found the Ostrich Farm entertaining informative. We saw huge eggs Ostrich & Emus of every age & size. We fed them & sat on them. We understand that if they decide to run, they can travel in excess of 50 MPH.
Butterfly Farm
If you decide to visit the Butterfly Farm, we suggest early in your trip, as your ticket allows you as many visits as desired during your stay. We also suggest you go early in the morning, as this is when the butterflies emerge from their cocoon. It is a very short tour but you can stay as long as you like. Take your zoom camera.
Important Phone Numbers |
|
| Customs | 582-1800 |
| Immigration | 582-3322 |
| Emergency | 911 |
| Police (San Nicolas) | 104 |
| Police (Oranjestad) | 100 |
| Hospital | 587-4300 |
| Medical Center | 524-8833 |
| Electric | 523-7147 |
| Water | 525-4600 |
