Aruba is a small island which can be found in the Caribbean Sea, particularly in the West Indies. The main attraction of Aruba is its white sandy beaches. It is blessed with sunny weather throughout the year. The average temperature throughout the year is approximately 27 degrees Celsius or 81 degrees Fahrenheit. It is therefore very appealing to Europeans and Americans.
Because of the popularity of this island as a main tourist destination, the standard of living of people here is very high compared to other countries and islands in the Caribbean and South America. The official language in this island is Papiamento or Dutch. However, English and Spanish are also widely spoken throughout the island. The majority of the tourists in Aruba are Dutch but a number of visitors from the US, Spain and other European countries also visit this island frequently.
Aruba is one of the most sought after tourist destinations for almost 30 years now. According to studies, this attractive island has the highest number of repeat tourists in the entire Caribbean area. Aruba’s attractions include its clear blue seas and white sandy beaches. Apart from these Aruba and the tourism industry of the island are very popular because of the lovely accommodation, great customer service and a number of recreational activities for tourists. Apart from relaxing on the sunny beaches, a number of visitors like to spend time in exploring the island. Water sports, adventure activities like bike climbing and shopping are some of the recreational activities one can spend time doing. Some of the activities include trekking, scuba diving, snorkelling, wind surfing amongst others.
Aruba has some of the world’s finest restaurants and entertainment spots for tourists. Regardless of the type of food one likes, one is sure to find a place they would love. The majority of restaurants are located near Oranjestad and the Palm Beach. One could try the local Aruban food or the South American like the Brazilian or Argentinian. For those not willing to experiment a lot, there are a number of restaurants offering the American cuisine as well as Chinese and Mexican. There are also a few sushi bars on the island for the sushi lovers. Seafood lovers will never be disappointed with the mouth-watering variety of food offered by this island.
For those who love gambling and are into games such as poker, blackjack, slot machines, roulette etc., the island has more than ten gaming locations. These are open twenty four hours a day and seven days a week. There are also a number of night clubs and bars all across Aruba. These are great for having a relaxed evening and having an entertaining night with the loved ones.
There are a number of other activities besides shopping and adventure which is sure to keep one entertained. One can take some salsa lessons or even enjoy a moonlight cruise. For those into fitness, there are high class gyms and sporting activities to enjoy.
Come summer and it is time for the entire world to go for a vacation and spend time with their family and friends. Be it any country or continent, summer is always special and it rejuvenates people who are sick and tired of their grinding jobs. Planning for a vacation is very important and you must make the arrangements properly if you want to have a hassle free tour.
Red Light District
The Other Side of Aruba
While many visitors to Aruba come for the beaches and day spas, others come for a different reason. Sint Nicolaas is the second capitol of Aruba and home to the main red light district on the island. This location, the oldest village on Aruba, was once a lively port during the old refinery days. Now its purpose is mostly to serve as a tourist spot. It is on the opposite side of the island from the current capitol city of Oranjestad. There are well over two dozen appealing bars to choose from, each with three to five Columbian or Venezuelan girls ranging in age from early to mid 20s. They stand at the entrance of the bars to entice potential customers. Each girl is on call all night long. It is important to mention that Aruba is a Dutch island, and prostitution is legal here.
Each bar in the red light district of Aruba operates from about 7:00pm to 2:00am, Monday through Saturday. Be careful outside the bars at night because there can be some shady individuals that could want trouble if you approach them. Ignore them and they will ignore you. The bars in San Nicolas have very reasonably priced beverages and other services. The United States dollar is accepted everywhere in Aruba, but use the local currency, Arabian Florins, for payment to the bar workers and the girls.
Each girl has their own private bedroom above the bar or cottage behind the establishment which they operate from. Every part of the girls’ employment is particularly regulated in Aruba’s red light district. Each girl is employed with a temporary work visa for 90 days. Before they are hired, they must undergo rigorous government regulations, including health checks and weekly screenings during their service in the red light district. Each bar has many women to choose from and they only take the top picks. If you find someone during your visit that interests you, you will be expected to buy a few drinks, pay the bar a fee which and the girl will take you to her room. Don’t forget to tip her in the morning!
Because the Aruba red light district is an establishment that operates in the evening and late into the night, it is wise to have a rental car instead of counting on the public transportation system to get you back to your hotel after the evening is over. Taxis and buses end their services long before you will be ready to leave.