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\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThis small island is a true jewel for tourists seeking out a tropical destination with a touch of European flair. Although many nationalities have shaped the culture, the Dutch influence is particularly present in the language, the architecture and the windmill-turned-restaurant. Aruba has a wonderful culinary reputation and a bold and exciting nightlife with numerous clubs, evening shows and casinos. Oranjestad, the island's capital, is a paradise for shoppers. <\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSun seekers will rejoice. Aruba's coast is surrounded by beaches of pure white sand which are particularly rugged and beautiful on the northern side. The unusual shape of the divi-divi trees, trunk bent by constant trade winds, is also a symbol of the island. Inland Aruba is more reminiscent of a desert landscape with cacti, aloe and dramatic rock formations.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOther favourite dishes include stews of goat, beef or comcomber<\/b> (vegetable). Aruban BBQ<\/b> is popular with ribs, chicken or steak, topped generously with their own spicy BBQ sauce. Local ingredients were combined with imported products, such as Dutch cheeses, to create dishes like Keshi Yena<\/b>(stuffed cheese). <\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMany hip restaurants have mixed international culinary influences with the island's Aruban kitchen to create fusion food trends. <\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe island is famous for its pure drinking water<\/b>, nicknamed Balashi cocktail. The Balashi National Brewery makes the Balashi Malta<\/b> (a sweet, non-alcoholic drink) and Balashi Beer<\/b>. Palmera Rum, Aruban Coecoei liquor<\/b> (derived from the agave plant, rum and cane sugar) and Ponche Crème<\/b> (a potent eggnog mixture) are some of the ingredients used to mix cocktails such as the Aruba Ariba or the Aruba Sunset.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAruba's folklore is strongly present also in the music and dance<\/b>. The island's first popular songs were of European influence, like the waltz<\/b>, which is still evident in the rhythm for Aruba's national anthem. Latin music is common as well, such as the Gaita and Aguinaldo groups<\/b> heard during Christmas. Calypso<\/b> sounds rule the Carnival, and New Year's Eve is accompanied by the traveling Dande musicians<\/b>. Traditional Aruban music is known as Tumba<\/b> is heard only in the ABC islands. <\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tArt was often defined in the paintings<\/b> of hobbyist who often occupied spots in Aruba's upper echelon of society. Realistic renderings of island landscapes were dominant. The Dutch amateur artists influenced local Aruban artists but today the younger generation of artists, often having studied abroad, express themselves in a more contemporary voice. <\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe architecture found on the island was a tell tale sign of one's social standing. Farmers often built the countryside house known as Cunucu<\/b>. This rectangular stucco house displays a peaked roof with orange tile and is positioned to best utilize the cooling flow of wind. Society's upper crust (merchants, clergy, government officials and the like) favoured the manor house<\/b>. These manors are best identified by their porticos, colonnades and European ornamentation. These mansions can be admired in downtown Oranjestad.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe terrain and vegetation are unusual. The south western coast offers kilometres of pristine beaches. The northeast coast is much more rugged and wild. But most surprising is the desert inland with cacti and dramatic rock formations. The watapana, or divi-divi tree, with its trunk bent by constant trade winds, is also a symbol of the island.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe last decades saw the birth of tourism industry. On January l, l986, the nation left the Netherlands Antilles to become a Status Aparte within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSoccer and baseball<\/b> are the most popular sports in the country.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFor monthly average temperatures please refer to your destination of choice.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tInternet dial-up access can be found in hotels or Internet cafes. Cable TV is available in most hotels. Aruba publishes several newspapers in Papiamento, English and Dutch.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDutch porcelains, figurines, hand-embroidered linens and cheese<\/b> make wonderful gifts. <\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOne of the most successfully locally-grown crops remains the aloe plant. Lotions, suntan creams, hair care products and fragrances<\/b> are made locally and make great buys to bring home. <\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tStamp collectors will rejoice with the many stamps series<\/b> created by the island's most respected artists to commemorate local events, holidays and flora and fauna. The post office always keeps recent and past series on hand. <\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe many unusual materials found in nature have influenced the types of handicrafts created here. The djucu nut<\/b> is polished and accented with gold filigree to create unique jewellery pieces<\/b>. It is interesting to note that the djucu plant does not grown on Aruba, but the nuts washes up on shore from nearby Venezuela. Pottery craft<\/b>, decorated with scenes of divi-divi trees and cunucu houses, is very popular, as are tables, benches and plaques<\/b>created from Aruba's Kwihi tree.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRestaurants usually include a 10% to 15% service charge on the bill, make sure to inquire first. Taxi drivers may be tipped 10% to 15%, porters should receive $2 per bag and maids $2 a day. <\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe departure tax of around US $37<\/b>, per person, is usually included on your plane ticket, but if not added it will be payable at the airport Please verify.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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