What questions to you have about the island of Aruba? If you are planning on traveling there in the near future, you should be sure to have all your pressing questions answered before you finalize any plans. Perhaps you are simply curious about how the island got its name or the opinion Aruba locals have of American tourists. Doing some fun research will help you enjoy your trip more when you travel there. Aruba is probably not the least expensive place you could choose to visit, and you will want to make the most out of your trip. A look at an Aruba forum can be perfect for satisfying your curiosity about this Caribbean island.
You may be interested in the origin of the island. Where did the name come from? How did the Netherlands come to have control of the island and in what year? You could rent a history book on Aruba from the library, or simply conduct a few internet searches. Or you could visit one knowledgeable location like an Aruba forum where people from all over the country and even the world come together to ask and answer questions about the history of Aruba.
For those of you who are not history buffs, this is certainly not the only topic addressed in an Aruba forum. As an American visitor to the island, you may be curious about the ideas the natives have about the United States. Tourists need to be aware of any animosity a particular country or region may have against their native homeland. Fortunately, American tourists can rest assured that natives of Aruba do not generally have hostile feelings against the country. This general consensus was reached on an Aruba forum where previous visitors to the island as well as experts on the topic provide answers to the questions of potential tourists.
No matter what question you have concerning the country of Aruba, it can almost undoubtedly be answered in an Aruba forum. Knowledgeable people operate the forum, keeping it up-to-date and relevant. You can always scan back through old entries to see what may still be valid for today. Many threads, like facts about the origins of the island, will be relevant forever while topics about Aruba’s opinion of America may change over time. This is why it is important to explore both new and older posts. See what is offered today at http://www.in-aruba.com/forums.php.
You may think you have seen all the beauty Aruba has to offer by visiting the beaches, various shops and historical sites. However, there is more. The Aruba Butterfly Farm offers visitors a chance to be a part of an exciting habitat. It is a sight that is relaxing and educational as well as scientific and beautiful. Within a large mesh enclosure, you are able to be up close and personal with dozens of species at various stage of their life cycle.
At the Aruba Butterfly Farm you are immersed in a world of beauty. You are not observing form outside a glass window. You are on the inside actually entering their world. The vegetation alone is stunning, but look closer to see the life in it, on it and flying above it. Species you may never again have the chance to see such as the Blue Morpho are all around you. Don’t forget your camera as photo opportunities are endless. You even have the chance to handle some of the butterflies for a truly unique vacation photograph. Be sure to dress in a bright island color and wear some perfume to attract the most attention. Legend has it that if one lands on you, you will be granted a wish.
The Aruba Butterfly Farm is peace and tranquility. The sounds of the water features, the warmth of the surroundings, the calm pace and demeanor of the guides all add up to one of the most relaxing activities of your trip to Aruba. The tour itself is a learning experience for visitors of all ages. The guide will show the life cycle from egg to fully fledged flying beauty. All the while you are surrounded by stunning examples of every stage in the process. If you are there early in the morning, you may even get to witness the miracle of birth.
The Aruba Butterfly Farm is located in Oranjestad and is easily accessible from all the major hotels. A guide leads you through the farm, explaining interesting facts and pointing out sights you may otherwise miss. The tour is leisurely and proceeds at a relaxed pace. This gives you all the time you need to fully enjoy the experience. You pay a onetime entry fee and are free to return as many times as you would like throughout your stay in Aruba. For more information on Everything Aruba, visit www.in-aruba.com.
Over 90 million years ago, lava oozed through cracks, out of the earth’s crust to create rock groupings in what is now Aruba. There are three main groupings which include igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary. The cooling and hardening of the magma formed the igneous rocks whereas pressure and heat created metamorphic rock from that which previously existed. The sedimentary group came to be as a result of deposits of other rocks. The newest of the rock found in Aruba is limestone. Aruba’s Natural Bridge was comprised of limestone which had been shaped over centuries by the surf and wind. Thousands of years of pounding waves, rushing water and rain created what could be considered a once in a lifetime sight to see.
Aruba’s Natural Bridge was a wonder of nature. The coral limestone bowed to create an impressive span of the sea below it. At 100 feet long and 25 feet high, it was one of the largest of its kind in the world. This sight, next to the Andicuri bay was one of the most popular attractions in Aruba. Thousands of tourists have had their picture taken in foreground of this amazing sight. Businesses in the area thrived form the steady stream of visitors needing food and drink and souvenirs.
It all ended on September 2, 2005 when Aruba’s Natural Bridge collapsed into the sea below. After centuries of standing proudly, it was sadly and unexpectedly gone forever. Immediately after the collapse, rumors began to circulate. Some believed someone had deliberately sabotaged the bridge, others focused on the unusual hurricane that had glanced off the island the year before. None of the rumors were ever substantiated. It is believed that the bridge simply succumbed to centuries of pounding. The same surf and wind that created it had ultimately destroyed it.
Although Aruba’s Natural Bridge, the one everyone thought of when they heard the term, is now gone, many smaller ones still exist. At the same site is baby bridge as well as one at Warirui Beach near the ruins of the gold mine at Bushiribana. If you go further south, to Black Stone Beach, you can see even more. Perhaps the most famous after the lost one is the one at Seroe Colorado at Arikok Park. The location of this one is wonderful. After seeing it, you can cool off by taking a relaxing dip in the famous Baby Beach. To learn more about the Aruban sights of interest, visit www.in-aruba.com.
If you are looking for exclusivity, the Gold Coast of Aruba is the place to be. This elegant residential community is located in the midst of the prestigious Malmok area. Setting the standard for Aruban living, this master planned community offers a variety of living options. Two and three bedroom town homes, villas and condos provide options for many different lifestyles. For those looking for a vacation home investment, this development has become an outstanding option.
The Gold Coast community sets the standard for resort amenities within its gates. There are two swimming pools for the family and an additional one for children. Coming in 2010, a new clubhouse will provide even more amenities. This includes another swimming area, spa and salon, fitness center, tennis courts, as well as retail and social areas. If you are looking for great golfing, Tierra Del Sol, known as world class links, is just across the street. Fine shopping and exquisite dining is just down the street near the beaches.
The Gold Coast has recently announced a rental program that offers the same amenities to visitors. Units are made available by their owners so selection will vary at different times. But, any size unit can be available. All units have spacious living areas and private back yard terraces. The kitchens are fully equipped to allow for at-home dining when you want. Washers and dryers are also provided in the suite with an iron and ironing board. The master suite has either a king or queen sized bed, private bath, and a private balcony. The second bedroom also has a private balcony that they may share with the third bedroom. Another full bath is available to the secondary bedrooms.
Whether you are a visitor or someone wanting to become permanent, the Gold Coast would be a great choice. It allows for relaxed island living minutes from the beautiful Northwest coast beaches. Located on one of the Dutch protectorate islands, it is surrounded by the luxurious exclusive area of Malmok. Malmok is at the heart of the exclusive Northwest coast. Aruba is part of the island chain of West Indies in the Caribbean Sea. The island is approximately 77 square miles with a permanent population of around 100,000. Dutch, English, and Spanish are common languages along with Papiamento which is the official language of the island. Come take a look at Aruba at www.in-aruba.com.
Aloe Vera has been touted as something of a wonder product. It is used to ease sunburns and other skin maladies. The plant grows best in arid climates. It should be no surprise, then, that some of the best is grown in Aruba. Aruba is one of the world’s top producers and its influence can easily be seen throughout the island.
The uses of aloe vera go far beyond sunburn relief. The gel from the plant can be found in products such as yogurt and as a conditioner in tissue. The juice of the plant is often used to calm gastrointestinal woes. There are also a variety of medicinal uses. It is often used to treat wounds and burns. It has been found to aid in the healing process. It is also not only used in a topical way. Internal consumption has been found to improve glucose levels in the treatment of diabetes. It has also been indicated to lower lipids. Antifungal properties have also been discovered. Its application inhibits the growth of fungus. This application has been useful in the treatment of skin fungus in humans and in conditioning fish tank water. Future research is focusing on its usefulness in cancer treatment.
Aloe Vera is not actually indigenous to the Caribbean. It made its journey to the islands in the nineteenth century from Africa. Since then, Aruba has come to be the world’s top producer. It all started, however, on 150 acres near Hato. Now, close to two thirds of the island’s land is now involved in the growing and harvesting of the product. Traveling the island means seeing acre after acre of plants in various stages of growth. This original 150 acre plantation is still used today as part of a major manufacturing compound. Visitors to Aruba are invited to tour the factory to learn about the history of the plant and see how it makes its way from the ground to the store shelf.
Aruba’s weather is what makes it the perfect location for growing aloe vera. The plant was found to thrive in the sun and dry climate. The growing conditions have also been found to intensify the healing properties. Aruba’s product is considered to be one of the most potent in the world. This small plant has been a huge blessing to the island of Aruba. It is a major industry and has become part of the country’s identity. Discover more atwww.in-aruba.com.