A Good Run

SanNic44 · 09-30-2009, 10:10 AM

Well, it was another good run, as my pals and I used to say.

It seemed hotter than before this August and September, but the breeze remained steady with rare exception. No hurricanes passed to the north and that was a blessing.

In the mean time, we met several new acquaintances and renewed old friendships around the island. It's fascinating the people you meet from all over the world in Aruba. Some are just passing through, others are putting down roots, still others are making a pilgrimage to a well known shrine. This is one of my favorite reasons for making Aruba a permanent stop on this life's journey.

We tried a few new (new for us) restaurants, most notably Ellioti's, which was very good and convenient to boot. On the local side, Cafe Capri, Hot Take-Away, and Brasa y Leñas were all great for down scale quality chow. Old favorites like Casa Vieja and The Sultan maintained there reputation. The Sultan has a new owner, we will be trying that out upon our next return.

Hotel-wise, I discovered (thanks to a good friend) Buffam's Tropical Haven, which I hope to make a loitering spot of mine. They have only 3 rooms to rent but a home-style atmosphere, nice pool, and location that's close to everything. Good folks run the place and I look forward to hanging out there when time permits. (Yes, I'll bring the pastry from Huchada, which by the way, added several pounds to me this trip.)

Hyatt Sunday Brunch and Sole Mare also proved reliable.

The BB-parties were great. It's a blast meeting people that you only "read" on the boards. Several of the get togethers were well attended and faces old and new were to be seen. This tradition should continue for good reason.

I made another video of the departure from Queen Beatrix Airport. Flying over the island it occurred to me that the hotel strip is not as large as it seems. In fact, it's a smallish part of a small island, and dare I say that the impact of such may be a bit overstated. May I also suggest breaking away from that spot (after some fun in the sun and on the beach). Go for a roam, a drive about, a trek into the hinterland. Stop at a rum shop, or a little store, or a place that you might otherwise ignore. Viva la differencia!

As for San Nicolaas (my favorite town) things are sleepy now that the refinery has gone cold. No flares, no smoke, no carousing on Van Zeppenfeldstraat (okay, maybe a little). This is sad, as are the weeds that are growing over Charlie's grave.

Then again, paradise reclaims its own, and for this we smile.

Bon dia.

44

The takeoff video can be seen at:
http://bentpage.wordpress.com/2009/09/30/takeoff/

DANNYO · 09-30-2009, 10:14 AM

So I guess this means your not going to be on Aruba October?We will meet some day.
All the best
DANNYO

SanNic44 · 09-30-2009, 10:20 AM

DannyO,

Return in late Nov early December.

Si dios permite.

44

MARK68 · 09-30-2009, 10:42 PM

SanNic44,

I truly enjoyed reading all your posts and info on the forums and bentpage, especially the "local joints". I hope to meet up for a few sometime in Nov. or December.

*Andrea J.* · 09-30-2009, 11:01 PM

loved it
thanks dan

andrea

DANNYO · 10-01-2009, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SanNic44

DannyO,

Return in late Nov early December.

Si dios permite.

44

Maybe next year.

TEAMARUBA · 10-01-2009, 07:21 PM

Met you and the better half at the hyatt last december at a book signing, will definitely try to see about crossing paths in december. We are heading down for a super long weekend on dec.2. Your posts are very informative for life outside the box at the other home we call aua.

peterharman · 10-29-2009, 08:45 AM

I love to read stories in these category, I can now visualize how beautiful Aruba is. Thanks for your story SanNic44.

09-30-2009, 10:10 AM	#1 (permalink)
SanNic44 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Savaneta Posts: 728	A Good Run Well, it was another good run, as my pals and I used to say. It seemed hotter than before this August and September, but the breeze remained steady with rare exception. No hurricanes passed to the north and that was a blessing. In the mean time, we met several new acquaintances and renewed old friendships around the island. It's fascinating the people you meet from all over the world in Aruba. Some are just passing through, others are putting down roots, still others are making a pilgrimage to a well known shrine. This is one of my favorite reasons for making Aruba a permanent stop on this life's journey. We tried a few new (new for us) restaurants, most notably Ellioti's, which was very good and convenient to boot. On the local side, Cafe Capri, Hot Take-Away, and Brasa y Leñas were all great for down scale quality chow. Old favorites like Casa Vieja and The Sultan maintained there reputation. The Sultan has a new owner, we will be trying that out upon our next return. Hotel-wise, I discovered (thanks to a good friend) Buffam's Tropical Haven, which I hope to make a loitering spot of mine. They have only 3 rooms to rent but a home-style atmosphere, nice pool, and location that's close to everything. Good folks run the place and I look forward to hanging out there when time permits. (Yes, I'll bring the pastry from Huchada, which by the way, added several pounds to me this trip.) Hyatt Sunday Brunch and Sole Mare also proved reliable. The BB-parties were great. It's a blast meeting people that you only "read" on the boards. Several of the get togethers were well attended and faces old and new were to be seen. This tradition should continue for good reason. I made another video of the departure from Queen Beatrix Airport. Flying over the island it occurred to me that the hotel strip is not as large as it seems. In fact, it's a smallish part of a small island, and dare I say that the impact of such may be a bit overstated. May I also suggest breaking away from that spot (after some fun in the sun and on the beach). Go for a roam, a drive about, a trek into the hinterland. Stop at a rum shop, or a little store, or a place that you might otherwise ignore. Viva la differencia! As for San Nicolaas (my favorite town) things are sleepy now that the refinery has gone cold. No flares, no smoke, no carousing on Van Zeppenfeldstraat (okay, maybe a little). This is sad, as are the weeds that are growing over Charlie's grave. Then again, paradise reclaims its own, and for this we smile. Bon dia. 44 The takeoff video can be seen at: http://bentpage.wordpress.com/2009/09/30/takeoff/ __________________ Aruba's Novelist in Residence (sometimes) http://www.bentpage.wordpress.com/

09-30-2009, 10:14 AM	#2 (permalink)
DANNYO Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Marriott Surf Club Posts: 937 Images: 1	So I guess this means your not going to be on Aruba October?We will meet some day. All the best DANNYO __________________

09-30-2009, 10:20 AM	#3 (permalink)
SanNic44 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Savaneta Posts: 728	DannyO, Return in late Nov early December. Si dios permite. 44 __________________ Aruba's Novelist in Residence (sometimes) http://www.bentpage.wordpress.com/

09-30-2009, 11:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
Andrea J. Aruba since 1979 Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: eagle beach alto vista chapel arashi beach amsterdam manor beach bar LePonderosa or Gold Mine Ranch about 30' off shore @ eagle beach..ahhhh Posts: 4,203 Images: 40	loved it thanks dan andrea __________________ Aruba Jan 21 for 2 weeks!

09-30-2009, 10:42 PM	#4 (permalink)
MARK68 Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 70	SanNic44, I truly enjoyed reading all your posts and info on the forums and bentpage, especially the "local joints". I hope to meet up for a few sometime in Nov. or December.

10-01-2009, 07:21 PM	#7 (permalink)
TEAMARUBA Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: EAGLE & PALM BEACH ORANJESTAD PADDOCK - MADAME JEANETTE SOLE MARE KUKKO KUNUKOO Posts: 32	Met you and the better half at the hyatt last december at a book signing, will definitely try to see about crossing paths in december. We are heading down for a super long weekend on dec.2. Your posts are very informative for life outside the box at the other home we call aua.

10-29-2009, 08:45 AM	#8 (permalink)
peterharman Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 16	I love to read stories in these category, I can now visualize how beautiful Aruba is. Thanks for your story SanNic44.