Official Travel News from Aruba

An Aruba/Harvard Workshop dedicated to the concepts of environment, energy and developmental Sustainability was held at the Dr. Edward Cheung Innovation Center in Aruba, with key administrators, Ministers and seven noted professors from Harvard, TNO energy think tank and TU Delft, one of the leading technical universities in Holland.

The visiting professors took a brief break from the morning sessions to be introduced to local media by Prime Minister Mike Eman and Minister of Finance, Communications, Utilities and Energy, Mike de Meza.

Giovanni Trim is a talented entertainer, popular at nume­rous Aruban resort happy hours. This past year he released an international video that is receiving wide acclaim. His original composition, “I Believe in Miracles,” hit high on the charts in 32 islands in the Caribbean, and his CD was picked up for distribution by Tempo Records in the U.S. Those who appreciate the unique regional sound of reggae with contemporary innovations will very much enjoy this collection.

A small group of annual island visitors that make Aruba their home for most of the winter wanted to “give back” to the island which has provided them with such rewarding moments and opportunities to make friends from all over the U.S., and Aruba. 25 years ago, Friends of the Handicapped Foundation (FOTH) came into existence with the express purpose of raising money for the nume­rous organizations here that assist the mentally and phy­sically challenged, and now FOTH includes the aged and ill in their annual ceremony of award contributions.

The buzz about De Palm Tours’ new Baby Beach Jeep Safari says it is a hit. This popular excursion takes you through the island’s land and sea gems, with stops at sites including the Ostrich Farm, Donkey Sanctuary, Arikok National Park, and Aruba’s caves.

Lunchtime on this tour is no bag lunch—it’s a visit to the popular Hollywood Smokehouse Diner. Located in a historic building on the sunrise side of the island in San Nicolas, De Palm guests can enjoy the local barbecue joint’s famous pulled pork or smoked chicken breast. After lunch, it’s off for snorkeling and lounging at Baby Beach.

“Rockin’ the Fakkel” declared the tee shirts of the Aruba Trading carnival group as they made their way through the streets of Oranjestad for the inaugural parade of the 2012 Carnival season – Aruba’s 58th. Carnival is a tribute to good times, and the Fakkel rocked Aruba on Saturday night, January 7.

A bright, full moon shone down on the ten groups with their bands and followers, sometimes numbering over 1000, dancing down L.G. Smith Boulevard with this first casual, fun event finally ending well after midnight. The various groups revealed their themes for the several parades, jump-ups and contests that will take place over the next six weeks.