Hi Aruba community and thank you for this forum. I'm looking forward to becoming a member of the island community. I will be living in Noord and am hoping to find a good Ashtanga yoga studio as well as a recommendation on where I can buy a bike and car (used). Actually any referrals (dentists, health food grocery stores, etc.. would be excellent as I will not know anyone on the island! Is there a classifieds posting online? Thanks all!

Nicole

Nicole,

Welcome to the boards. I live in Savaneta, which is 3/4 of the island from you, but not as far as it sounds.

As for autos, I bought one from the Nissan Dealer but know people who have had good experiences with the Chevrolet and Hyundai dealer (may be owned by the same people).

Grocery stores, there are many. I'm a fan of Ling & Sons, who seems to have the best vegetables. But Kong Hing, in my opinion, has a better variety of wines and liquors. There are others and give them each a try to find what you like at prices that can vary greatly.

My bicycle, a mountain bike that is, came from Tri-Bike Aruba in Santa Cruz. You have to talk to the fellow in the back office. Some of the up front guys are more mechanics, aren't the best with English and don't seem very interested in setting you up properly. But the guy in the back office is into the sport at all levels and will fix you up. I'll be doing a post about this on my blog in a few days.

I'm not into Yoga, sorry, can't help you there. But maybe you could talk me into it and get me away from Charlie's Bar. (Uh... second thought, no chance of that just now.)

Good luck and keep us posted.

44

Aruba's Novelist in Residence (sometimes)
http://www.bentpage.wordpress.com/

Thank you SO much for the advice! I'll keep you posted!

We are in Aruba about 4 monthes/year & have a house in San Miguel which is part of Noord. We will be in Aruba for the month of October.

I have been thing about having our dental work done in Aruba since we don't have insurance for dental here in the states. The prices in Aruba are cheaper. We are planning on using a dentist that our neighbor uses. I don't have the name now, but will have it when you arrive.

As for grocery stores, I (Tom) use 2 - 3, depending on what we need, with Ling & Sons being farther down my list. Karen gets a break from grocery shopping while in Aruba, but if she goes she does like Ling's.

We bought our car from Tropic Car Rental 2 years ago & have had good luck with it. If you are living on the island full time, you might want to consider a new vehicle.

Hope to meet you in Aruba!!

Tom & Karen
Next Trip:

Jan. 5 - Mar. 31

I've finally made it here and thank you Tom and Karen for the help. Any health food stores here, specific to selling vitamins and anything organic etc?

I'm still on the search for a car and am grateful for your advice. It's beautiful here right now and I'm so glad I finally made it. (btw, I've brought along my dog from the US who is also fitting in nicely).

We don't know of any healthfood stores. Did not see any listings in the Aruba phone book. Maybe check with the gyms to see if they know of any. Also check out the Botica's (pharmicies).

The dentist we are going to try is in the Sun Plaza building (by the grocery stores). Prices are much cheaper than what we pay in U.S. Can't remember their name, but are on the first floor in the north end.

We will be back in Aruba Jan. 5, probably staying 3 months.

Tom & Karen
Next Trip:

Jan. 5 - Mar. 31

Nicole,
Just curious...
What made you decide to move (by yourself) to Aruba? Had you ever been to Aruba before, etc??

Randi

Thanks Tom and Karen. I found a GNC for vitamins and am actually finding enough healthy food at the IGT grocery store. I've settled in and appreciate your help with this board!

I'm on the run from the law... that's a joke of course; but if I understood how to use this board and send personal messages I'd email rather than bore an entire forum with not much exciting information other than the fact that there are beautiful beaches, nice people and it's much less expensive than my last sunny home in Los Angeles.

nicole
click on the user's name and click "send a private message"
andrea