It goes without saying that the fabulous weather and beautiful beaches of the island in the Caribbean called Aruba make it a favorite among travellers. Now there is yet more to see. The Aruba International Film Festival occurs in the summer, attracting international film celebrities as well as public figures. Past guests include the Academy Award nominated screen writer Guillermo Arriaga, the cinematic actor Richard Gere, and the Prime Minster of Aruba, Mike Eman.
In 2010, the festival happened from Jun 4th through June 11th. The following introduction of some of the featured films will give you a glimpse of what's on offer. Highlighted below are two interesting movies from the festival this year, Hachiko, A Dog's Tale and Boy Ecury.
A drama which has been directed by Leslie Hallstrom and written by Stephen P. Lindsey, Hachiko, A Dog's Tale is a warm hearted story. A main character is an Akita dog who has been abandoned at a train station. He is discovered by a professor, Parker Wilson. He takes the dog home but no one comes to claim him. The professor decides to name the dog Hachiko and gives him a home.
Accompanying his master to the train station each day on route to work, Hachiko soon displays his sweet, friendly spirit. One day, the professor says goodbye to his dog at the train station but does not return. He has passed away. However, the dog continues to go to the station every day for the next nine years.
This film revolves around the bonds of love between the man and his dog. It also features some interesting experiences with the people Hachiko meets on his daily travels to and from the train station. The lasting message is about loyalty and love. Hachiko is a Japanese tale that is the basis for this American adaptation.
Boy Ecury is a movie from the Netherlands. It was directed by Frans Wiesz and written by Arthur Japin. The premise for the film revolves around a boy from Aruba called Boy Ecury. His father who is a businessman sends him to live at a boarding school in the Netherlands at the age of fifteen. Then, World War II erupts and the Boy joins the Resistance. Eventually, he is captured and killed by the Germans, only days before the Liberation.
The film begins ten years later, following Boy's father, Dundun. He has arrived in the Netherlands to search for the body of Boy. However, the only details he has are that his son left this world with a smile on his face. Dundun is eventually introduced to Ewoud, the suspected killer of Boy. Unexpectedly, Dundun finds that his emotions for Boy are being projected on to Ewoud. This movie is based on a true occurrence. In fact, there is a statue commemorating Boy Ecury in Oranjestad. The story of Boy has also been adapted to television and a book.
The compelling features above are only a representation of what is in store at the Aruba International Film Festival. In addition to the beautiful weather and beaches, and celebrity guests, festival goers love the affordability. A lot of the films have ticket prices of around $7.00. There are more details on the Aruba International Film Festival on the Internet.
Just like any other country, Aruba's calendar is holiday-filled. Traditionally, it brags not only holiday celebrations but also international tournaments, regattas, and sporting events. Sports enthusiasts anticipate the upcoming event of the year which is the Aruba International Pro-am Golf Tournament. The said activity comprises of one professional team and four amateur golfers which will compete in the 36-hole event. It will take place at Tierra Del Sol, Spa and Country Club from August 26th-30th.
Tierra Del Sol is famous for excellent private accommodations for those who want to see and experience an extra-ordinary lifestyle. This resort has a distinctive taste which allows guests ocean and island view. The place is perfect for the tournament enhanced by the sweeping coastline view and the contrast of green landscape. It has a narrow course with nine holes at one area, providing a golfer constant wind conditions.
Golf, as a game has different perspectives. It may be a hobby or just a simple pastime. To some people, it is a good exercise. Others consider it a competition. Yet they say, patience is one of its essentials. Patient competition somehow, rings a contradicting truth. Such case is when one person finds it relaxing while another individual might think it as the most boring sport in the world.
Some people connect golf to billiard or bowling. It's not a like a particular game you'll be cheering for unless you know the rules fully well and its participants. It is said that loyal golf fans tend to be serious and wild as any football fan can be.
Although it is highly unlikely that everyone has seen golf on television like the famous World Cup, spectators of this sport also ranks well on television ratings. Cheers of golf fans seem like a collective silence compared to radical raves of soccer followers. They seem to consider silence as a sign of respect to the sport itself.
Aruba International Pro-Am Golf tournament allows the young people to keep their interest in the sport. It is a natural part of survival which flows to every young sportsman who thinks golf will be around for centuries. The languid strikes and flexibility make the player physically and mentally fit. It is quite beneficial to old businessmen who don't have enough time for any exercise or body workouts. They can play the game even at work.
Golfing also provides great opportunity to meet new friends. Tierra Del Sol golf clubs offer a wide variety of affordable alternatives such as golf stores both for amateur and professionals, coffee shops and bars where players can rest after a tough match. Golf is a very expensive sport but Aruba clubs has more affordable options. These products also boast good quality and durability.
Many seniors have been resorting to this activity after retirement from jobs. They move to places accessible to golf courses. Florida and Arizona are two of some popular retirement states where golf courses are spread out. However, numerous fans of the said sport fly to Aruba just to witness the most-awaited competition every year. The Aruba International Pro-Am Golf Tournament is indeed a great experience for everyone, whether you're a golfer, or not.
Last August 14, 15 and 16 of 2009, the first Aruba Rembrandt Regatta was held. Its participants prepared and competed with their yachts, beach catamarans and also with their sunfishes. The three days action, fun and competition last year was indeed a success.
There were more than thirty-seven sailing vessels plus a crowd of national and several international competitors who signed up for the event last year. It was open to all cruising, raising and open class yachts. It also allowed open sailboats in the beach cat and sunfish class. Although the wind condition was not that stable at that time, the Rembrandt Regatta was still exciting.
The eligible participants together with their boats were only allowed to enter after completing the form on the event's first two days. The racing class' was required to obtain a 2008 or 2009 CSA digital rating certificate. On the other hand, the cruising or fun class' was only required to fill out a form. This has allowed cruising or live-aboard boats to enjoy the event.
This August 13, 14 and 15 of 2010, the second Rembrandt Regatta will be held on Aruba. Once again, full preparations is now being done by the organizing committee together with Cafe Rembrandt. Although the courses and sailing instructions are yet to be provided during the registration, the organizing team has prepared some other things. They are also in preparation with several different sponsors as well as the Dutch Marines just to make sure that the event will even become more successful than last year's Rembrandt Regatta.
To make the event more convenient, a shuttle bus has been made available in between Oranjestad and Regatta locations for people to ride. To make the event more fun, Mount Gay Rum made a challenge for line honors. They will be awarding a special wooden cup to whoever wins the challenge that they will be announcing during the event. The special wooden cup will contain five liters of Mount Gay Rum at the Beach Party on Eagle Beach.
On the 14th of August, a 1K and 2K swimming competition will be held at around 5 pm at Eagle Beach. The Earplugs are already expected to perform on the regatta site. It is going to be followed by a beach party night that is going to be full of music.
On August 14 and 15, the bar, ice cream parlour and restaurant will already be opened. By 10 am, people can already purchase any Mount Gay mixes and other forms of refreshments from the bar. They can also buy whatever snacks they need from the place. Ben and Jerry's ice cream can already be bought too. Tents will also be made available for the participants and spectators as well.
This years Aruba Rembrandt Regatta is still about to happen. Music lovers will definitely enjoy the three evenings of songs and people who love to party will certainly love the event's beach parties. Other than that, the participants will surely get the experience of action and fun that they have been waiting for since the previous year's Rembrandt Regatta.
Despite the popularity of Aruba romantic getaway, most people find that it is not nearly as crowded and industrialized as they expect it to be. There are certainly areas that are considered the hub of activity as Palm Beach, but that is really a very small part of this 70 square mile island. There are conservation and building programs in place that prevent overdevelopment. Aruban hospitality is known worldwide. People are friendly, the atmosphere is casual, and most of the local population speaks at least two if not three languages, plus Papiamento, the local tongue. Many of the hotel and resort owners study hotel management in Europe.
As a result, even the largest establishments are efficiently run, while holding onto a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Whether you are considering taking your vows, indulging in a tropical honeymoon, or looking for a destination for a special vacation, an Aruba romantic getaway is just a short plane ride away. If you prefer, you can spend a few days on the island as a stopover from one of the cruise ships. Many of them provide the option to disembark from one ship and join another several days later. This allows you to have two vacations in one.
Although children can be fun, there are many accommodations that are for adults only. They are often located in quiet, secluded areas with access to their own private beach and facilities. Most have specialty Aruba romantic getaway packages that include champagne on arrival and discounts on spa services and tours. If you prefer something a bit more livelily, try one of the resorts that are located within the capital city of Oranjestad. They are located within walking distance to many restaurants and casinos. There is an upscale, duty-free shopping center not far away and the beach is just down the block.
From colonial or modern to eco-friendly, there is a variety of decor and atmosphere to choose from when deciding on your Aruba romantic getaway. Rent a car or catch a bus to one of the local beaches where you can catch a few hours basking in the sun, or kayaking near the shore. For dinner, sample international cuisine prepared by some of the best chefs in the world, or order dinner in and watch the sunset from your balcony. Dance the night away at one of the popular clubs, or spend it stargazing on the beach. Whatever your preference or mood, the choice is yours.
On Friday and Saturday, the 8th and 9th of October in 2010, the Aruba Sea Jazz Festival will take place. It follows on from the tradition of the Aruba Jazz and Latin Music Festival which ended in 2001. For two evenings, concert goes will get to enjoy an eclectic and masterful group of performers. Past acts have included Michel Camillo, the Emmy and Grammy winning pianist and composer. Some other musicians and bands which have appeared include Debert Bernabela, Antonio Bello Blues, Randal Corsen, JEM and Robert Jeandor and the Solo Banda Show.
This year promises to be as exciting as in the past. You might be wondering what to expect. To answer this question, there is an introduction below to two star performers, Marcus Miller and Isaac Delgado. Both will be performing at the festival this year.
A live show from Marcus Miller will be a highlight. This acclaimed musician received a Grammy in 2001 for the Best Contemporary Jazz Album. He was born in 1959 in Brooklyn, NY. However, he spent his early years in Jamaica, NY. Born into a musical family, he started playing instruments at an early age. Wynton Kelly, famed jazz pianist for Miles Davis, is a relation of Millers. By the time he was thirteen, Miller played several instruments, including the clarinet, bass guitar and piano. The bass guitar was his favorite. As well, Miller started composing music around this time.
He has worked with an extremely wide range of performers in his career. These include Aretha Franklin, David Sanborn, Grover Washington Jr. And Roberta Flack. Miller has played on recordings by Maria Carey, Elton John, Frank Sinatra, LL Cool J, McCoy Tyner, Bryan Ferry, Joe Sample and Bill Withers. He has even toured with Miles Davis for two years.
Miller's superior musical ear makes it now surprise that he is also an accomplished producer. He collaborated with David Sanborn for Voyeur, an album which was awarded a Grammy. Following this first project, Miller worked with Sanborn on other albums, including Close Up, Up Front and Inside, which earned another Grammy prize.
Another big attraction this year is a performance from Isaac Delgado. He started performing professionally in 1983 with the Orquestra de Pancho Alonso. This gave him his first experience with recording and touring. Then, in 1987, Delgado joined the group Galazia as a vocalist. In 1988, he joined NG La Banda as lead vocalist. The band released three albums from 1990 to 1991 and was awarded an EGREM prize.
Delgado launched his own band in 1991. The group's first album was entitled Dando La Hora and won an EGREM award in 1992. The next album from the group, Con Ganas, won two EGREM prizes in 1993.
These are just a small representation of the performers at the Aruba Sea Jazz Festival this year. It is an event that has much to offer. In addition to the great music, concert goers will be able to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and climate that Aruba is known for. A big bonus is that the festival is reasonably priced. An early bird festival ticket costs just $20 for one night and $35 for two nights. This deal is available until the 30th of Sept.