Aruba, One Happy Island

And are they ever. This is the most fun loving place. The peaceful Arawak Indians were attacked by the warring, cannibalistic Caribs whose words, ora–shell and, oubao–island are probably where the name Aruba came from. Gold was discovered in 1824 and successfully mined until 1913, and then an Exxon subsidiary built the world’s largest oil refinery in 1929. When it closed in 1985 it was an enormous shock but was reopened by Valero in 2004.

There are over 40 nationanalities here, with 75% island born. Bon Bini – welcome – is everywhere and Arubans go out of their way to help you. They are very proud of their unique language, Papiamento, a combination of Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, English, African and Indian words. It is even taught in school. It is only spoken on the ABC islands, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. Part of the Netherlands Antilles, it became self governing in 1986.

Aruba is 19 miles long, 6 wide with the coral cliffs on one sided eroded by the violent Atlantic winds and the other with miles of perfect white sand beaches. It is only 15 miles to Venezuela.

We went to Palm Beach on the kuku kanuku bus, and were instructed to shake our rattles in time to the very loud music and yell at the people on the sidewalks. We stopped at the California stone lighthouse on the tip of the island where we saw the wild goats running around. We passed the Aruba Aloe Plant where much of the world’s aloe is grown and exported. We passed divi divi trees which are sculpted by Tradewinds, and lean away from the winds. Once again we enjoyed the warm blue Caribbean water, watching wind surfers and many water activities.

The port of Orangestad is very Dutch. There are lots of Delft crafts in the stores.