From the start we can see it is
unlike other Caribbean islands. Cacti,
some six to nine metres tall, dominate
the landscape, along with the
ubiquitous divi-divi tree so teased by
the tradewinds it resembles flowing
hair. Inland the ground is virtually
desert, in places reminiscent of the
lunar surface. There are no tropical
jungles here, or plantations yielding
luscious fruits for your breakfast
table. Instead garden produce is
brought from neighbouring
Venezuela by boat and sold dockside in the island's capital, Oranjestad.
Aruba's only sizeable town, Oranjestad is a colourful mix of old Dutch gabled
architecture and modern North American, both with a Caribbean flavour. At
times we are hard pressed to remember where we are. What we do know is
that we love it all.
We love the long stretches of
pale pebble-free beaches. We love
the low humidity, and that
constant fanning by tradewinds
keeps temperatures at an ideal 26-29 deg C (80 - 85 deg f) year
round. We love that the sun shines
every day and hurricanes simply
never come this way. And we love
the upbeat atmosphere born of
prosperity.
From the start we can see it is
unlike other Caribbean islands. Cacti,
some six to nine metres tall, dominate
the landscape, along with the
ubiquitous divi-divi tree so teased by
the tradewinds it resembles flowing
hair. Inland the ground is virtually
desert, in places reminiscent of the
lunar surface. There are no tropical
jungles here, or plantations yielding
luscious fruits for your breakfast
table. Instead garden produce is
brought from neighbouring
Venezuela by boat and sold dockside in the island's capital, Oranjestad.
Aruba's only sizeable town, Oranjestad is a colourful mix of old Dutch gabled
architecture and modern North American, both with a Caribbean flavour. At
times we are hard pressed to remember where we are. What we do know is
that we love it all.
We love the long stretches of
pale pebble-free beaches. We love
the low humidity, and that
constant fanning by tradewinds
keeps temperatures at an ideal 26-29 deg C (80 - 85 deg f) year
round. We love that the sun shines
every day and hurricanes simply
never come this way. And we love
the upbeat atmosphere born of
prosperity.
