Blogging to Aruba

Good news for US citizens living (or wanting to) in Aruba!

Dutch American Friendship Treaty recognized by the Aruba Courts
July 8, 2008
In a recent decision Extreme Sports/Kunder vs Ministry of Immigration the administrative court of Aruba (“LAR”) has declared local immigration statute non-binding vis-à-vis U.S. nationals. According to the Court, section 7 sub 3 of the National Ordinance on Immigration (“LTU”) conflicts with a higher regulation i.e. Dutch American Friendship Treaty.

More Delta SkyMiles® Changes

I received an email today from Delta. No great surprise really. I truly do understand. The part I do question though is their claim that they "hope" it is only temporary.

"Escalating fuel prices continue to impact our world economy, everyday life and the airline industry. Due to continued, unprecedented fuel costs, we will add the following fuel surcharge to Award Tickets originating from the U.S. and Canada, effective August 15, 2008:

$25 for Award Travel between the 50 states and Canada
$50 for Award Travel between the 50 states/Canada and all international destinations

This was a difficult but essential decision to ensure we are doing everything possible to offset the cost of fuel which has nearly doubled in the last year. This fuel surcharge will not impact any existing ticketed Award itineraries or any future Award Tickets issued prior to August 15, 2008, regardless of the date of travel. We hope this is temporary, and should fuel prices subside from current levels, we will reevaluate this surcharge.Thank you for your continued loyalty and support of Delta and the SkyMiles Program—now and always.

Aruba Restaurants

A recent post on the forum at Aruba.com "Whats going on with the food" made us realize that we are not the only ones who had similar experiences during our recent visit.

Though we stayed all inclusive at the Tamarijn which also entitled us to the privledge of dining at the sister resort the Divi Aruba, on a few ocassions we chose for variety, to eat outside of the resort.

Our Upcoming Trip to Aruba

Wow! Lots of activities for our upcoming trip.

C.'s first Aruba snorkel excursion was on the Tranquilo. This time we thought she might enjoy something a little less sedate and a lot less serious by taking the "Sail, Snorkel, Swim & Swing " with Jolly Pirates.

C. has never been to the Natural Pool. Jerry has driven there by Jeep two times previously, but let's just say that it is not one of his favorite things to do. For his dd, though, what will hopefully be a more pleasant experience, we are taking an excursion about the Aruba countryside, including the Natural Pool, with Aruba Off-Road Adventures. This will be in lieu of our customary one day drive around the island.

AA Reduces Flights to Aruba

Curacao falls outside
American Airlines’ economy measure
http://www.amigoe.com/english/ Tuesday, June 03, 2008
WILLEMSTAD – The two daily flights from Miami to Curacao are not as yet included in American Airline’s economy measures. AA will reduce the number of direct flights between New York (JFK) and Aruba drastically. American Eagle will cancel her flights from San Juan to St. Maarten and Aruba, and Bonaire will be left with 3 weekly flights.