Just north of the country of Venezuela, South America, lies the beautiful island of Aruba. This tiny country - which is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands - is amongst the Leeward Antilles of the breathtaking Caribbean Sea. Although small, this island is the home of a few world famous Arubans.
In the 1984 Summer Olympics, held in Los Angeles, California, Evelyn Farrell competed in the women's 100 meter foot race - commonly called the 100 meter dash. She finished her first-heat race in 11.94 seconds. Although she didn't advance to the finals, she set a record that will never be broken. She was the first female Aruban ever to compete in this event.
Major League Baseball is a very popular sport in the United States. In 1998, the career of famous Aruban, Sidney Ponson was launched as he first pitched for the Baltimore Orioles. Born in Noord, Aruba on November 2, 1976, he offered his 95 mile-per-hour fastball to many batters for over ten years. He retired from baseball only a few weeks ago.
Three years and 22.5 million dollars was what Sidney was worth to the Baltimore Orioles when he signed again with them for the 2004 season. Managing 14 wins and only 6 losses over the 2003 season gave good reason for Baltimore to want him back. Sidney played for seven teams throughout his illustrious career. Baltimore, St Louis, the Yankees, Twins, Rangers and Royals all used Sidney on the mound.
There is an oft-coveted medal that is awarded to the most noteworthy of Netherlanders. A breathtaking Knight's Cross - a high civil and military honor - is the equivalent of the "Order of the British Empire" to the people of The Netherlands. Sidney Ponson was one of three Arubans - who all played for Baltimore at one time - awarded the "Order of Orange-Nassau", also known as "The Orde van Oranje-Nassau".
Another recipient of The Orde van Oranje-Nassau is Gene Kingsale. Solito, Aruba was where Gene was born on August 20, 1976. He played baseball in the Major Leagues from 1996 until 2003. With a career batting average of . 251, this outfielder was an asset to the four teams he ultimately played for. Beginning with the Orioles and ending with the Tigers, Eugene Humphrey Kingsale also hit and caught balls for the Mariners and the Padres.
Gene's association with sports wasn't just with Major League ball. His skills and speed were an asset for The Netherlands when he participated in the 2004 Athens Olympics in Greece. During the 2008 Beijing games, Gene made his way to China as a member of the Netherlands Olympic team as well.
September 5, 1974 was the day another would-be star was born. Santa Cruz, Aruba is the hometown of yet another Major League Baseball player, Calvin Maduro. He pitched for the Phillies in 1996 and finished his five year career in June of 2002 with - who else but - the Baltimore Orioles. Baltimore must love Aruba! Calvin struck-out 140 batters as an MLB pitcher. Another Netherlands Olympian, he helped his country finish sixth - in the summer of 2004 - at the Athens Olympics. A true member of Baltimore's teams, Calvin now coaches pitching for the Aberdeen IronBirds, a Minor League Affiliate of the Orioles.
The island may be small - with under a hundred square miles of area and a little more than 100,000 inhabitants - but Aruba has managed to give the world some wonderful people. These famous Arubans are never-to-be-forgotten in the minds of many fans of Major League Baseball and the Olympic Games. They will forever be remembered on the little island paradise in the "Museo di Deporte" - Aruba's sports museum.
As Germany spread its troops across Europe, conquering all in their path, the pockets of resistance began to grow as well. Men and women went into hiding, taking any chance to sabotage and attack Axis powers. Boy Ecury was one of the heroes in these underground factions, helping to pave the way to liberation.
When Segundo Jorge Adelberto Ecury was born in Orajestad, Aruba on April 23, 1922, no one could have predicted where his life would lead. He grew up in a very large and affluent Catholic family, who sent him away to school in 1937 because of his rebellious spirit. Boy, as he was nicknamed, along with his brother Nicky eventually attended the Brother of St. Louis in Oudenbosch, Holland.
After graduating with a diploma in commerce, Boy moved around Holland, visiting many areas including Rotterdam. While he was there, the German occupation began after the Nazi's destroyed the city and took control in May of 1940. Another student from the Antilles, Luis de Lannoy, met Boy in the nearby city of Tilburg at this time, and the two became fast friends. It was Luis who first introduced Boy to the underground resistance, who all together crippled German troops at any opportunity.
By 1942 it was too dangerous for the swarthy Boy to remain in Tilburg, and he moved on to Oisterwijk to join their resistance party. Luis stayed behind, but the men kept in touch by sending letters whenever possible. The Oisterwijk Resistance Council, along with Boy, continued to sabotage the Axis army by blowing up their trucks with homemade bombs and ripping up railroad tracks. They would also aid any allie pilots, soldiers, or other victims of the occupation that they encountered. The force that drove Boy and his comrades was that they had nothing to lose in their resistance, since nothing was worse than the current domination.
When Boy heard that his old friend Louis had been betrayed and arrested in early 1944, he traveled to the prison in Utrecht to free him. He was unsuccessful, and although Boy managed to remain free, Louis was stuck in the prison to be tortured and interrogated for information. Luis finally escaped in September of that year during the bedlam of Mad Tuesday.
Boy aborted his mission and returned to Oisterwijk to rejoin the opposition. He and the others traveled around from place to place, searching for shelter in safe spots. Boy's dark-skin put him in even more danger than the rest, and so he was transferred away again, back to Tilburg in October 1944. Allied troops had surrounded the nearby area, and soon after were able to liberate Oisterwijk. Though Boy had a chance to be freed as well, he decided to stay and continue the struggle.
There was an underground commando group called the Knokploegen in The Hague, which Boy left Tilburg to join. Together with these onderduikers, or freedom fighters, Boy took many courageous risks on missions, such as the attempted assassination of a leader of the Dutch NSB party, who supported the Nazi's. The members of the resistance would endanger their lives daily in hope of making a difference in the war and some did not survive.
On November 5, 1944 Boy was heading back to his hiding place after attending mass for the day, when he was attacked and arrested in front of the German security police building. He, like Luis, has been betrayed by a previous member of the rebels who had been captured. Boy was sent to Scheveningan where the prison guards tortured and interrogated him the rest of the day. It was clear that Boy would not give away anything, and so was shot to death on the Waaldorpervlatke plain the next day.
Years later, Dundun Ecury traveled to the Waaldorpervlatke to retrieve the body of his son Boy to bring him back to Aruba to be buried. In 1947 there was a burial ceremony for Boy, where he was awarded military honors. The city of Oranjestad, where Boy Ecury was born, erected a statue in his honor in 1949 and later built a war museum in which Boy was granted a permanent exhibition to celebrate their hero. A Resistance Commemorative Cross from the Dutch government was posthumously bestowed to Boy in 1984 to thank him for his sacrifice on their behalf.
Boy's legacy continues past his death through his nephew Ted Schouten, a film maker who took interest in the uncle he had never met. He talked with his grandfather Dundun and wrote a book 'Boy Ecury, an Antillean Boy in the Resistance' in 1985 which was reprinted again fifteen years later. Franz Weisz, a famous Dutch director, approached Ted to make a film about Dundun's search for his son after the war which came out in 2003 in the Netherlands.
One of the well-known tourist hotspots in the Caribbean is Aruba. Aruba is known to be one good shopping destination where tourists shop for cheap goods. Jewelry in Aruba is also famous and individuals come to buy unique pieces of gems. Prices of items in Aruba are offered in reasonable and discounted price. Tourists have definitely enjoyed shopping around.
Long ago, Aruba is famous for mining gold and that is where it got its name. Ore (Gold) and Ruba (red) makes up the name of Aruba. It has also been under the Dutch government. Nowadays, one might wonder where the gold mines are. It has all long been gone and Aruba is now one famous tourist destination.
Aruba is famous for fine jewelries and many tourists women come to shop for it. There are many unique pieces of gems for fine jewelries that are in Aruba. Some of these pieces are never found anywhere. Famous shops abroad may have it but its generally sold at expensive prices. Aruba jewelries are known to many as one of the best. Some individuals wish to possess one.
From fine jewelries, women also shop around Aruba for cheaper apparels. From designer clothes to local apparels, tourist will find the best deals. There are many shops around Aruba. From big shopping centers to local shops on the streets, various products can be seen.
Aruban locals are seen selling in the streets and along the beach. Local shops to antique shops showcase local handicrafts and antiques. Aruban handicrafts exuding Aruban-Caribbean designs are made from wood, metal wares and ceramics. These unique pieces make good souvenirs and decorations.
Aruban shopping of tourists becomes more enjoyable because most products being sold are tax-free. This is the reason for the cheaper goods in Aruba. Aside from the tax-free and discounted prices, Aruban tourists are tax-exempted when they go home.
The shopping capital of Aruba is downtown Oranjestad. These is where many shopping tourist flock because the best bargains are found here. Many shops sell products where prices can be negotiated between the locals and tourist buyers. Friendly Arubans are easy to deal with when it comes to bargaining prices.
Wooden windmills and European structures are also found in Aruba. Why, Because Aruban culture has historical roots with the Dutch in Holland. Aruba belongs to the Netherlands Antilles group of Islands. Dutch cheese and wooden shoes that exudes Dutch culture are found in Aruba until this day.
The island of Aruba has the beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Many tourist come for these aside from shopping. Many individuals want to experience the rich Aruban culture and mingle with the friendly locals. Many tourists kept on coming back to Aruba because of the wonderful vacation experience.
Coming to Aruba for whatever reasons is an experience that many have enjoyed. A Caribbean cruise will never be complete if one hasn't visited Aruba. Many visitors were satisfied in finding the unique jewelry in Aruba to experiencing extreme shopping. They have also attained the perfect Caribbean vacation in their lives.
Locating Aruba in the map may take you a long time because it is a small island surrounded by the enormous deep blue Caribbean sea. It is a tropical land in the southern part of the coast, which was developed for water activities like wind surfing, scuba diving and jet ski riding. However, what Arubans took pride most is their bars. The best bars in Aruba are a haven for tourists day and night. Let's take a sneak peek to the bars in a paradise-like island.
Night life is very popular hobby in all ages. It comes in any reason like escaping way from a family's feud, acquaintance meeting with long lost colleague or friend, rejuvenating self from the stressful work shift or just let the night pass with some jam. Some may drink their heart out; others may drowning the consciousness to numb absences or perhaps, taste the bitterness of liquor in their dried throat. In times like these, a bar is what you need and bar is where to go.
Aruban bar is located mostly in downtown, accessible to local people, tourists and bar hoppers. Some are clean, others are filthy. Bars are often complemented with discos or live bands. But most of all, liquors in any sizes, alcohol contents and mixes are the highlight. There are plenty of bars to choose from. Local owners intended to open this sort of business because apart from the idea that Aruba is one of a tourist spot, this became a culture that they lived on.
From beers to cocktail drink are served for the satisfaction of a drinker. Cost to these drinks varied depending on the drink asked but still affordable for a vagabond. Mixes of lemons, tropical drinks and wines are anticipated to the bartenders, flaring wine bottles here and there. Another sort of entertainment for bar hoppers.
The exotic foods are very superb. Sizzling dishes with smoking hot toppings often complement the chilling drinks. Sumptuous as it could be, the serving can just cost a few dimes and food arrangement is great. Cooks are in great precision to get the searing flavor of an off coast dishes. Seafood is their best specialty and once tasted, you may just want to ask for more.
Live bands are even showcased in some special cases. Reggae, jazz and hip hop often beat the dance floor that makes the whole night out a very perfect on. The disco lights encourage the people to kick their feet on the rhythm of music. No wonder, you would really enjoy and won't resist the indulgence to go with the beat.
Throughout the night, though everybody is enjoying the great party, local police still do their job to insure peace and orderliness of every bar. Securities in every establishment kept on guard with the vicinity. In case of accidents, local hospital/ rescue are always ready of any abrupt incidence. The local government insures every tourist is safe day or night.
Overall, the best bars in Aruba became such delight for a traveler. A great mixture of beautiful culture, foods, drinks and bars you can always look forward going back. Save the next exploration to Aruba, a paradise one can be proud of, a haven of joy and jammed packed exciting scenery.
Visiting the best restaurants in Aruba is one of the main reasons for making this particular resort your destination. There is information available, from the AAA and other critical review organizations, and from travel sites on the Web. For fine dining purposes, Aruba is known to be a great place to spend a vacation.
Known for friendly service and excellent food, whether local, ethnic dishes like goat stew or international cuisine, this city aims to please and to make your vacation relaxing and rewarding. It is less important, perhaps, to know the most highly rated establishments, since so many are so very good. However, there are stellar restaurants that stand out even in this talented community.
Italian cooking in Aruba is said to be just as good as that found in the home country, French cuisine like it just flew across the ocean, and sushi is as good as you can get in Japan. For specific specialty houses, ask at your hotel; the concierge will know and can make reservations for you.
The Aqua Grill is noted for the fresh catch of the day (many choices will be on the menu, of course). Gasparito's is renowned for authentic Aruban food (which includes steak), and is also known for its art gallery and the history it has acquired over more than twelve decades. Favorite foods may be found at Gianni's Italian Restaurant, the Flying Fishbone (where you dine on the beach), and Smokey Joe's, where its BBQ ribs are eaten outdoors in truly casual style.
If you prefer making the choice of casual to formal (though still relaxed) in a four diamond setting, there is the Radisson Aruba. With an onsite martini bar, the poolside bar, and three restaurants. The Radisson excels year after year in quality of food and service. Even the room service is outstanding, being available day and night, with a full menu until 1:30 am. The Gilligan's Beach Grill offers casual beachfront seating, and the Laguna offers its famous buffets for breakfast and dinner, alongside the freshwater of a quiet, cool lagoon.
The hotel's signature dining room is the Sunset Grille, where 'epicurean artisans' make award winning dishes and pride themselves on unique, eye pleasing presentation. Open from six in the evening to eleven, the Grille performs to the highest industry standards in both cuisine and service. Waitstaff is trained to be knowledgeable about every dish offered in the premiere restaurant.
Steaks are famous in Aruba, where the El Gaucho has become known for its charo grilled Argentinian steaks. As with all the more popular places, reservations are recommended, maybe even from your home computer. Also, when dining in Aruba, check your bill or ask at reservation time about the gratuity, which is often automatically added to the total when the check is presented. Otherwise, the standard percentage rates of 15 to 20 percent apply in this city.
Of course, adventurous tourist have long known that the best restaurants in Aruba may be true local hangouts, where the fishermen go. Great meals have been stumbled on by accident, cooked and served by the owners in the quiet, intimate front of their home. You never know.