Live from Aruba!

Bon bini! That's "welcome" in Papiamento; the native language of Aruba. Aruba is a small island in the southern Caribbean just 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela. It is 19.6 miles long and six miles across at it's widest point. Arubans are multi-lingual. In Aruba's public schools they speak Dutch and English is spoken everywhere. Papiamento dates back to the 16th century. It was a means for Africans to communicate with their owners in the neighboring island of Curacao. It appeared in Aruba when the Spanish allowed entry by the first white settlers. Papiamento reflects the mentality, culture and language of the many who have inhabited the region, including the Arawak and Carib Indians, African slaves, South American traders, Spanish conquerors, Dutch merchants, Portuguese missionaries and French and English settlers.

I've known about Papiamento from my college days. I graduated with a friend from Curacao who spoke the language. He and I attended a trade show in Las Vegas. A gentleman walked down the aisle of the plane headed for his seat and my friend Allqn said; "This man is from my island." I said; "No way!" Sure enough Allan stood up; shook his hand and spoke Papiamento to him. That was my earliest exposure to the language.

Dave and I arrived today at 2:30 pm. Luggage intact and no other issues with Continental we taxied to our hotel; the Westin Aruba Resort. After check-in we were starved and made our way outside for a late lunch. The local beer is Balashi beer and is served in a 5-oz can. Needless to say; four swallows later; Dave asked for a beer on tap. We walked the beach and watched the sunset. Tonight we'll try our hand at the hotel casino. It's open from noon to 4:00 am versus Las Vegas or Atlantic City which their casinos remain open 24/7.

Tomorrow we'll start with beach time and enjoy our surroundings. Tomorrow evening we're taking in the Bon Bini Festival. The festival convenes every Tuesday at 6:30 pm out at Fort Zoutman. We're anxious to see, hear and taste the local flavors, music and artisans.



Sunset in Aruba! Pin It Now!