(Francesca & Co. Travel)

ARUBA,
where happiness lives

"BONBINI"

Palm tree

Our favorite island, of course, is Aruba. It is definitely an island of contentment. A real vision of paradise with powdery white beaches and clear blue waters. Aruba is located 12 degrees from the equator, is 16 miles long and is not your typically lush, green island but an unbelievable desert island full of cactii and divi trees. It is almost always a breezy 82 degrees and the native Arubians are equally delightful. Rent a car or jeep and explore this treasure on your own. Beautiful beaches!! Always remember to take your underwater camera and sunscreen!!!

Beaches, Map, Must Sees & Must Dos, Amusements & Sports, Getting Lost, Restaurants, Helpful Tips

Divi Tree

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Map of Aruba

Aruba is a self governed Dutch Caribbean island with a population of approx. 95,000 people who speak several languages, including English. The American dollar is welcome everywhere. Aruba is a safe island both day and night. The stores close for lunch. Dress code is casual chic. We have met some of the friendliest people with such warmth and gracious hospitality in Aruba.

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MUST SEE & MUST DO

Natural Bridge

  • Natural Bridge--which is Aruba's natural landmark, carved out of coral rock
  • Alta Vista Chapel--the Stations of the Cross lead to this beautiful chapel, built in 1780
  • St. Anna's Church & Cemetary--this particular church is done entirely in mahogany wood and the cemetary has above-ground tombs
  • Jeep Tour--if you don't want to explore on your own, this is an extremely adventurous tour and they also visit the ruins, the rock formations and the caves

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ARUBA AMUSEMENT AND SPORTS

Casinos!!! Our two favorites were the Alahambra and the Crystal. Guess yours will depend on which you win the most money!!
Other interesting spots include: the Cyber Cafe--for all you internet junkies out there who can't live without their email no matter how beautiful the landscape. Also check out the local grocery store, Hong King--this is handy if you've grown accustomed to the local foods and spices and chocolates that you may not find at home.

Windsurfing

Tierre del Sol is a great golf course that fits the natural landscape. There are other activities for those who are less inclined to just lay there and let the sun feed on their immobile bodies. There is horseback riding at Rancho El Paso, windsurfing at Fisherman's Huts, snorkeling and scuba diving, and parasailing among many other watersports. The trouble is finding time to fit everything and still RELAX!!

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TWO HINTS FROM THE LOCALS WHEN GETTING LOST

  1. If you think you have gotten lost when touring the island, don't stop to ask the car in front of you if they have a license plate with the letter "V" on it. Aruba codes their plates; "A" for Arubian, "V" for visitor, and "TX" for taxi. Chances are if you ask the "V" cars their going to know about as much as you do!!
  2. Follow the wind direction. The flowing divi trees always blow in the direction of the hotel zone!

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RESTAURANTS

The food in Aruba is exceptional. Therefore we can only mention a few of our favorites.

  1. El Gaucho--($$$) Highly recommended, memorable steak house
  2. Carlo and Charlies--($$) Best tortilla soup and popcorn shrimp
  3. Charlies Bar--($) Everyone who snorkels at Baby Beach, stops here for a cold beer and shrimp
  4. La Trattoria--($$$) Located at California lighthouse, Italian, best for sunset dining
  5. Cafe Baci--($$) Wyndham Hotel, pizza, pasta etc, Best Service, Ask Miro, the bartender, to fix you a white chocolate kiss drink
  6. Boonoonoonoo's--($$) Real Arubian food in an original, old mansion downtown, try the pumpkin soup
  7. Franggipani Terrace--($) Costa Linda Hotel, great for brunch
  8. Ruinas Del Mar--($$$) Hyatt Hotel, so romantic, ask to be seated by the pond
  9. La Petite Cafe--($$) downtown, a winner! recommended by friends, your entree is placed in front of you on a sizzling stone, they cook the last few minutes in front of you, try shrimp and steam and caffe amore
  10. Iguana's--($)cute and fun, with Mexican food and good island drinks

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Sunset by the Cabana

HELPFUL TIPS

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Beaches, Map, Must Sees & Must Dos, Amusements & Sports, Getting Lost, Restaurants, Helpful Tips

Enjoy your stay!!



The world is a book, those who do not travel, read only a page.  St Augustine

Frani Hahn, Travel Consultant, Baltimore, MD, 410-435-0405, Tel, 410-433-7744, Fax

Email: frani@francescatravel.com

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