Column 50 for August 13

Last fall I wrote a column titled "Islands in the Stream" about the Bahamian Island of Bimini. I guess I have an affinity for islands! In July of this year I wrote about my experiences in Ireland, and followed that up with a column about Cuba. Maybe I’m on a roll?

Let me introduce you to Aruba. A little island just 12 degrees north of the equator, and 19 miles north of the Venezuelan coast. Part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands! After a three and a half-hour direct flight from Atlanta, you land at Queen Beatrix International Airport, near the capitol city of Oranjestad.

Aruba is one of the sister "ABC" islands, consisting of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. You’ve seen Andruw Jones TV spots urging you to visit Curacao? Aruba is an island of impressions, and an island of contrasts.

Besides the beauty, one of the first things to strike a visitor is the language. Dutch is the official language, and is used for all classroom instruction. In the fifth grade, students begin to learn English. A year later they begin with their Spanish studies. In the homes of most of the 90,000 Arubians, the local language of Papiamento is spoken. High school graduates usually move to Holland or the United States to continue their education.

Papiamento is a mixture of Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, African, native Indian, and even a bit of English. This language began in the 1500’s to enable slaves to communicate with their owners. A nice, flowing language. Bon Bini is "welcome." Masha Danki is "thank you." Have a good day is "pasa un bon dia."

Most of us think of an island in the Caribbean as lush and tropical. Aruba is a desert island by contrast. Cactus right up to the shoreline. Constant tradewinds, with maybe less that 20 inches of rain a year. Divi divi trees that always point west. You said you wanted sun for your vacation? The southwest shore is white sand with calm, warm emerald clear water making Destin look ordinary. The northeast shore is volcanic cliffs and crashing waves, yet just 6 miles from the beaches on the other side.

I did the usual tourist things last week, walk on the beach, take lots of pictures. But there were special things too. Like viewing the ocean bottom at 150 feet down from a real submarine. Snorkeling on a WWII German freighter. Dinner at the Minister of Protocol’s home. Sailing on a 78 foot 1925 "windjammer."

Unexpected surprises too, like meeting officers from the Italian missile cruiser Vittorio Veneto (and getting a salute), discovering the $17 island "Fantasy Tour" by Jackie, and finishing my vacation by dining at The French Steak House and having a huge Churrasco steak that melted in my mouth.

I may be getting carried away here… maybe not…. Hmmm let’s see, maybe a little "referral commission" from our local travel agencies wouldn’t hurt my budget at all! I had a great time. You can check out some pictures at www.mindspring.com/~tomiswho/aruba/aruba.html.

Take care. Te aworo. tomiswho@mindspring.com