Blogging to Aruba

Morgan’s Island Water Park Progress

Link: Morgan’s Island Water Park Progress

Aruba Hyatt vs. the Radisson Part 2

Link: Thoughts on the Hyatt vs. Radisson

Are There Hurricanes in Aruba?

"Hurricane climatology of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba page 17

The Leeward (ABC) Islands

Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao are on the southern fringes of the hurricane belt. They are not outside the hurricane belt as many consider. History learns that roughly once every 100 years considerable damage is experienced by tropical cyclones passing over or just south of the islands. Although the hurricane experience level for the islands may be regarded as nihil, well known is the minor hurricane which passed just south of Curaçao on September 23, 1877 causing an estimated structural damage of US$ 2 million, mainly to the coastal section of Willemstad. A nunnery was completely washed away (remnants still visible with low tide), many ships were lost and at least 70 persons drowned. The lowest barometer reading at Willemstad was observed at 23/15:30 UTC with 995.4 millibars. A ship sailing south of Curaçao reported a lowest pressure of 988.8 millibars.

In this context the most significant events in the past few years were related to tropical storms Joan in 1988, tropical storm Bret in 1993 and tropical storm Cesar in 1996. Tropical storm Joan, which past just south of the islands on October 16, 1988, caused an estimated structural damage of approximately US$1.5 million, mainly by blown off roofs and by rough seas pounding exposed harbor and beach facilities. ...

On the average, once every 4 years a tropical cyclone occurs within a radius of 100 miles, but mostly passing to the north of the islands without causing serious bad weather. ..."

National September 11 Memorial

National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center

We must never forget the victims on Flights 11, 175, 77 and 93.

Patriot Day

Display your flag
Display Flag at Half-Staff

Patriot Day is observed on September 11th.

Patriot Day was signed into law on December 18, 2001 as a day to remember those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on our country.

On Patriot Day, Americans should fly their flags at half-staff and observe a moment of silence to honor those individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks.

Marriott Aruba Boutique Service, Brand Name

Aruba Marriott Resort opens Tradewinds Club, an intimate hotel experience wrapped in a resort setting

PALM BEACH, ARUBA (September 1, 2008) The Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino officially opened the Tradewinds Club, a new concept designed with today’s modern traveler in mind, on September 1. During the current $40 million renovation the necessary enhancements were made to turn the 8th floor of the Aruba Marriott Resort in to the Tradewinds Club. This hotel within a hotel initiative, introduces a boutique hotel experience in a resort setting that provides for personalized service and exclusive amenities.

New water-park at Hooiberg, Aruba

link: New water-park at Hooiberg, Aruba

Guadirikiri Cave Aruba

The caves are worth a visit, but be forewarned that Guadirikiri Cave is not for anyone with respiratory issues. The temperature inside is unbearable. Think Aruba heat with 105% humidity and no wind. The Arikok National Park ranger served as a guide and gave us a very informative tour of the cave.

Imo if you can stand the heat, for overall features, Guadirikiri Cave is the best on the island with Fontein coming second.

Airfare to Aruba

Just some of my musings on airfares to Aruba...

The fares for our flight next June became available in the beginning of August. We tracked the fare price with the online fare tracker Yapta.

We booked three weeks later when the fare had gone down from $1260 to $615.

Now two weeks later the fare is back up to $962 yesterday and $914 today.

We booked the fare at $615 feeling it was a reasonable price.

Will the fare go back down? I hope so. If it does not, we have a ticket price we can live with.

Aruba's donkeys find peace at sanctuary

link: Aruba's donkeys find peace at sanctuary

Photos of Donkeys in Aruba's Arikok National Park.