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by Madelyn Miller

I just learned a new word that I want to share with you.

It’s Bonbini.

In the native tongue of Papiamento, that means welcome. Which is how everyone feels on the island of Aruba. Aruba has a unique blend of Spanish, Dutch and West Indian culture.

Even the name Aruba conjures up images of an exotic, faraway island paradise. Of pristine white beaches. And an endless stream of warm and sunny days tempered by gentle tradewinds. Of friendly islanders and old-world charm.

Aruba was discovered in 1499 by the Spanish. And I just discovered how wonderful an island it is. There is year-round great weather because of the cooling tradewinds. And there is something for everyone..singles, couples, honeymooners, families, mature travelers, gamblers and fitness and sports enthusiasts.

 I stayed at La Cabana all-suite Beach Resort and Casino. And as I talked with other guests in the pool…I asked them my favorite question…where .else do you like to go on vacation?

My theory is if they found this good a place, they probably know about others.  And almost all of them sort of looked at me as if I was crazy. They all had been to La Cabana before and kept coming back because they loved Aruba. And I probably will too.

Aruba is an island that is easy to love.  It’s easy to get to know, too. Just 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela, it is far enough from home for adventure—but small and friendly enough to feel like a second home.

Small? The island measures approximately 20 miles by six, with the luxury hotels lined up along the Southwestern shore. The shops and sights of Oranjestad, the capital, are nearby.

Many visitors never venture beyond these two areas, but I discovered the rugged northeastern coast has its own beauty, with Caribbean waters and secluded beaches. Aruba’s other city, San Nicolas, lies on the island’s southeastern tip. Inland Aruba presents a very unique Caribbean landscape of cactus, aloe and dramatic rock formations that seems desert-like.

SHOPPING

The big surprise is the sophisticated shopping. You’ll find some real deals on names like Gucci, Cartier, Waterford, Baccarat, Escada and Tiffany’s. Shoppers enjoy a considerable savings at most boutiques on Aruba, including hotel shops and at airport duty-free stores.

The greatest savings are on perfume, liquor, linens, jewelry, watches, cameras, designer fashions, crystal and china. Local handicrafts are also available. My best souvenir was from the grocery store. (a favorite place for souvenirs when I travel…so I can take a taste back home)  I bought a selection of all the spices I had never heard of before.

A great find is LES ACCESSORIES, owned by Agatha Brown, an award-winning American designer who designs, imports and retails her bags directly from her shop, alleviating mark-up and duty costs. Check out the leather purses handmade in Florence, Italy.

Another great place to check out is Mi Cushina.  Literally translated into “My Kitchen”, the quaint décor reflects its Caribbean atmosphere, including a ceiling made of coffee bags, light fixtures of old wagon wheels, and family photographs. They specialize in local cuisine and I’d suggest trying the fried fish with funchi (cornmeal) or stewed lamb with pan bati (a local pancake).

If you want to meet the natives, stop in at Charlie’s Bar & Restaurant in San Nicolas. I know it doesn’t sound like a local spot, but it’s a regular gathering place of the locals and a mini-gallery for artists, writers and musicians. You’ll find the “writing” literally “on the wall” as you step into this virtual archive of local history and memorabilia. Dine on their savory jumbo shrimp or Creole calamari.

My favorite things about Aruba were the calm, clear waters on the beautiful beaches, the perfect 82 degree weather almost guaranteed by the breezy trade winds, and the banana daiquiris.

To find out more: Call 1-800-to- aruba
http://www.aruba.com

La Cabana Beach Beach Resort and Casino 800-835-7193
Mi Cushina Telephone 48335
Charlie’s Bar and Restaurant telephone: 45086

Photos courtesy of Carol Lee and Laura Davidson Public Relations
-Updated 2-2 98-
 

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