The people of Aruba are a multi lingual bunch. Common languages that can be heard throughout the island and are learned in most schools are Dutch, English, Spanish, Portuguese and French. An official language is Dutch but the predominant language of Aruba is called Papiamento. This language is also spoken throughout Bonaire and Curacao. The language is a hybrid of several languages including Dutch and Portuguese. It is a Creole language that survives in the Caribbean, where many have faded over time.
Papiamento originated in Curacao, one of Aruba’s sister islands around 1500. The language began as a means of communication between African slaves and slave owners. At this time, the majority of the slaves entering the Caribbean were from Portuguese held trading stations on the western coast of Africa. This explains the combination of African and Portuguese influence. Over time, additional words and elements were added and developed by missionaries and merchants. The populations of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao began to grow in the 17th century. The island went through a series of ownership changes. Each occupying nation brought with them their own language. Their native language was the one constant among the people of the island. The name of the language is derived from the Portuguese word “papear” which means “to talk.”
The importance of Papiamento in terms of national pride has been growing over the last several years. Dutch is the official language. All official business is conducted in Dutch. The lang#mce_temp_url#uage used as the main one in school lessons is Dutch. For a time, islanders would speak Papiamento in informal settings and in casual contexts. In the mid 1990’s work was undertaken to give prominence to this national language. It was argued that this language should have the same esteem as Dutch, English and Spanish. By 1998, it has become a standard subject taught in Aruban schools. Students now learn to write and speak the language of their history. The trend has continued to include the availability of children’s books and dictionaries in the language.
Papiamento is a beautiful, melodic language. If you are planning a visit to Aruba and want to learn a few words or phrases, resources are available. To get you started, here are a few common phrases. One phrase you will hear throughout the island which is representative of their friendliness is “bon bini” which means “welcome.” To say good morning, you would say “bon dia.” To refer to your sweetheart, you would say “mi dushi.” For more information on the beautiful island that goes along with the beautiful language, visit www.in-aruba.com.
Many visitors to Aruba return year after year. Though the hotels, resorts and bed and breakfasts are always in demand, more people are now reserving an Aruba house, rather than the usual accommodations. They are free to enjoy the comforts of home, while being close to their favorite attractions. These homes are fully furnished and equipped. Most are located near popular beaches and shopping areas. Key features often include a private swimming pool or Jacuzzi, air conditioning and master suites. Terraces and balconies provide city and ocean views. Daily cleaning and babysitting services are available with many of these homes.
An Aruba house that is specifically for short-term vacation rentals is often filled with upgrades such as flat screen televisions, dishwashers, and plush furnishings. Deposits are generally required and cancellations must be well in advance of the arrival date. If the cancellation is within 30 days, a full night’s rent may be charged. Depending on your vacation goals, there may be homes available near the championship golf courses and national parks. Though many homes today use modern construction methods and rely on cement blocks, there are many older homes that serve as bed and breakfasts that are made from limestone and wood.
These homes have a unique mix of South American and Dutch colonial features. A grand styled Aruba house may be a plantation house converted into a small, luxurious boutique hotel. They create an intimate atmosphere and often consist entirely of one and two bedroom suites. The cuisine served in their restaurants has international flair. The location may be on the beach, with an extraordinary view of the sunset or overlooking the city. The rooms are usually decorated in a contemporary design or traditionally furnished, with tile floors brightly colored fabrics and balconies with garden or ocean views.
Conveniently located, yet in a secluded setting, an Aruba house is perfect for a romantic getaway. Packages often include private dining and champagne welcomes. Private beaches further the feeling of seclusion, yet are only a short walk from the thriving nightlife, restaurants and shopping areas. The concierge will provide superior service when assisting with your vacation needs. Breakfast may be included in the price as well as weekly cocktail parties. Seasonal specials are often offered, so always ask when making the reservations. If you can be flexible with dates, you will be able to take advantage of these rates.
Aruba is the vacation spot of choice due to its tropical nature and beautiful sandy beaches. There is nothing not to love about this tiny Caribbean island. Picture an average day in your tropical paradise, one that begins with a morning on the beach, an afternoon of high-class shopping and exquisite dining, and an evening of gambling and partying. If you are looking for the ultimate vacation getaway, Aruba is a prime option to consider. There are dozens of casinos in Aruba, many of which are associated or located inside of a hotel you might be staying in. You can visit several during your stay to determine which one is your favorite.
A handful of casinos on the island are open all hours of the day, but most are closed from about 4:00 am to 10:00 am. Slots open first during the late morning and tables become available for play in the early afternoon. These hours are simply estimates of what you can expect, as hours vary from casino to casino and are based on the season of the year. Be aware before you make any plans that although the Caribbean islands have different rules about many things than the United States, anyone under the age of 18 is still not allowed inside the casinos in Aruba.
All gaming on the island is conducted with US dollars. The slot machines are run on US coins or tokens you can purchase with larger bills. The tokens are given a value equal to that of simply using coins, so there is no advantage of one over the other. Many machines are equipped to take your paper currency directly as well. Nickel slots are present in all the casinos in Aruba and many also feature penny machines. If your preference falls in the category of sports betting, you can have access to that in many casinos as well, watching games from huge flat screen televisions.
While you are on your Aruba vacation, keep in mind that the style of betting is different from that in Las Vegas. The machines in Aruba tend to be tighter, and table minimums exist. These amounts are very reasonable, however. Craps tables tend to have minimums of $5 to $10 and many other kinds of games follow suit. No matter what game you love to play, you will surely find it in one of the casinos in Aruba.
Fun activities await your visit to the shores of Aruba. What are you most looking forward to on your tropical island vacation? Surely gorgeous beaches, pristine water and stunning weather every day are on your list of top reasons to visit a Caribbean paradise like Aruba. Apart from your outdoor activities, there are many great things awaiting you indoors as well. Of course, your trip will need to include proper dining experiences with a fun, tropical island feel. If this fits the description of how you picture island dining to be, then you need to look into the possibility of visiting Papas Beach Club Aruba.
Located in the capitol city of Oranjestad, Papas Beach Club Aruba is a perfect getaway for people seeking the complete island experience in a very comfortable and affordable way. There are always special events going on at the club, including a visit from DJ Jeroen and Guest every Friday night from 4:00 until 10:00 pm. In house entertainment is part of what makes Papas Beach Club such a hotspot for both tourists and local residents alike. Look forward to lounging back, dancing, swimming and whole lot of fun!
The whole idea behind Papas Beach Club Aruba is to incorporate an authentic island feel into your lounging and dining experience. You can enjoy a great selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, making the location a great family spot during the day. Lounge under the leaves of the nearby palm trees as you take your time enjoying your island experience. You can see the ocean from the club’s prime beachside location, which has both an indoor and outdoor section for your choice to be as comfortable as possible during your experience at the club.
If you are traveling to Aruba as a family, the nightlife is something you will certainly not want to pass up. The kids will enjoy having the hotel room to themselves, and you can come back to Papas Beach Club Aruba for the evening events that are always entertaining. Why would you choose to visit anywhere other than those with the most enjoyable and laidback atmospheres during your island visit? Papas Beach Club Aruba is very informal, so you can come dressed however you like, even in your beach garb if you want. Meet new people and bond with the friends and loved ones you are traveling with by visiting the fun and always entertaining Papas Beach Club.
If you have ever considered going sailing in Aruba, you might want to start getting serious about the prospect. Thousands of people each year flock to Aruba for the amazing sailing opportunities it provides. As one of the premier, and sometimes overlooked, islands of the Caribbean, Aruba boasts an array of activities for a vacation in paradise. For the avid sailor, Aruba will satisfy all your needs and provide an experience unlike sailing anywhere else in the world. But sailing in Aruba is also a perfect way to spend a day for someone entirely new to the hobby. Essentially, Aruba is the perfect place to spend a day in the sun, with wind on your face basking on the deck of a beautiful sail boat.
Since many people don't have their own sail boats, even many very passionate sailors, there are scores of sailing charter companies that will provide a sail boat, sailing lessons and captain as well as other features. Even for those who have a sail boat, it's sometimes not possible to sail the boat all the way to Aruba and back. That's another reason why there are many charter companies in Aruba that can provide all the equipment necessary to enjoy a day or two on the water just like you would if it were your own boat.
Sailing in Aruba can take place over the span of a day or even a week or longer. Charters provide boats in either case, but the cost goes up with the more time it is being rented. Depending on your skill level, a charter company might require you to take a skipper with you. Charters will often require skippers even in the case of experienced sailors who have not sailed in the Caribbean before.
The best time of year to be sailing in Aruba is January through March. The weather is best for sailing this time of year, unlike the summer months of rain and hurricanes. However, the first part of the year is the peak of tourist activity on Aruba. This means the waters will be filled with many more sail boats and prices will be substantially higher. Sailing in the off season is an option, however. That's because when the weather turns and hurricanes are a risk, Aruba doesn't experience as bad an effect since it is located outside the Caribbean hurricane belt. On your next trip to Aruba, consider sailing.