arubabeaches.net

Early morning sunrise in Aruba desert

Despite the fact that Aruba is a much frequented Caribbean vacation destination, there are still many people who don’t realize that Aruba is a very arid, barren and dry island. The landscape resembles more one of a desert area like US states of New Mexico, Nevada and Arizona.

Regardless the lack of rain throughout the year, there are a few things that make nice contrast. The rainy period (generally at the end of the year) and the beaches are nice contrast against cacti-filled hillside. The rainy period guarantees enough moist for vegetation to survive the dry parts of the year.

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Construction work at Arashi Beach

A while ago I wrote about the project to upgrade the beach-going experience at three specific beaches by Coastal Zone Management Aruba. Together with island officials, construction of the surrounding areas has commenced.

Arashi Beach, Baby Beach and a portion of Palm Beach are receiving an upgrade. The upgrade includes a good marking of public spaces and restricted areas, especially restricted by vehicles. Additionally public showers will be installed.

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Gated community Gold Coast Aruba

Construction at Gold Coast gated community at Malmok has advanced nicely the last few months. Certain areas are already being used. The entrance looks very nice I must say and the condos are very stylish and the outside color scheme is modern.

I am a critic of gated communities as I don’t really believe in the necessity for them. I’m more in favor of open, mastered communities which are equally good. However, Gold Coast Aruba has done an exceptional job in order to guarantee the Caribbean touch which so important in contemporary projects. More pictures after the jump.

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Path of Hurricane Paloma in the Caribbean [image by Stormpulse]

At the end of 2008 Hurricane Season vicious Hurricane Paloma threatened the Caribbean. It initiated near Honduras/Nicaragua and worked its way north east, aiming Cuba. It passed near the Grand Cayman Islands as it was becoming a category 1 hurricane.

Cuba was hit earlier this year by other hurricanes so this one wasn’t really necessary. Then again, hurricanes never are. The preliminary reports indicate mostly material damage. It formed no danger for Aruba or the coastal regions of the US.

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Exemplary 2008 US Elections

This is a strictly tourism website with some off-topic writing indirectly related to local tourism. But I would like to comment briefly on the historic elections on the 4th of November in the United States. Congratulations. Change is good regardless who won. We should do the same thing next year here on Aruba.

Aruba elections are scheduled for the fourth quarter of next year. As I don’t believe I can speak for others, I truly hope for some fundamental changes in the leadership of this island. We need smart and young leaders to take over this in order for us to move forward.

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Jewel of the Seas in Aruba

Regular customer Adventure of the Seas in Aruba

Tuesday’s is Royal Caribbean-day in Aruba as Adventure of the Seas docks at Oranjestad port. This ship has a capacity of 3100 souls, thus people pour down the streets of town. Not to forget excursions, golf and beaches.

Royal Caribbean’s itinerary has sent two ships at once to Aruba. Slightly smaller Jewel of the Seas also honored Aruba with a visit. In fact there were 3 ships in total visiting Aruba. There was a busy atmosphere in town.

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