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Affordable design for modern living.
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EQ ARUBA Salinja Cerca Strip Mall Salinja Cerca 9M North, Aruba T 297 586 3373
STORE HOURS Monday to Friday 10:00 - 19:00 Saturday 10:00 - 17:00
3/27/09 10:35:48 AM
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EDITORIAL 4
We proudly welcome you to the second edition of House Complete. The magazine’s team feels that with this second issue we are on the right path to realizing an interesting and entertaining real estate/lifestyle publication for Aruba. This issue contains thoughtful, informative articles that touch upon every aspect of being a homeowner on the island. We hope to make it easier for our readers to make educated choices in buying, furnishing and renovating a home, while keeping individual preferences, finances and lifestyles in mind. If you are already an island resident seeking to improve your home and enjoy island life, you will find a number of articles that cater to what you need to know. We are thrilled with the response to our first issue of House Complete. It was a learning experience for us and it has taught us hands-on how to best serve our readers. In editing our second installment of House Complete we have integrated suggestions and feedback from the first issue, and we are very pleased with the results. We hope you will enjoy this second edition as well. Publishing a magazine is an ongoing process and feedback and advice on what articles you would like to see, is more than welcome. The time is right for a magazine such as House Complete, and we wish to continue delivering the information you want, so please, do not hesitate to send us your comments, wish lists and suggestions. We would like to thank our advertisers for their cooperation and input and our readers for their enthusiasm. Cross Media N.V. René van Norel (publisher) and Alma de Vries (editorial director)
OUR TEAM PUBLISHER: Cross Media NV
DIRECTORS: René van Norel Marcel van Schie
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Alma de Vries
GRAPHIC DESIGN: Twenty Eleven Design Studio
PHOTOGRAPHER: Rosalie Klein
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Rosalie Klein Kitty Groothuijse Alma de Vries Heleen Bongers
PROOF READING: Aoife Cahill
HOUSE COMPLETE Email: info@crossmedianv.com www.arubahousecomplete.com For advertising information and rates: contact Cross Media NV via email or call 588-6988/563-6468
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Palma Real Resdidence
Complete Furnished 2 bedrooms house with 3 apartments In the Nicest area of the Island, in Palm Beach. Has two pools and 24 hour Security . Minutes away to the Hotels, Restaurants, Beaches. House and apartments are rented. GOOD INVESTMENT!!!
Opal 51
For rent at Sabana Liber
Beautiful, rustic property in North, near the Aruba Racquet Club. This 2-bedroom house has a large covered porch, front and back gate entrance, and comes with a separate apartment and outdoor jacuzzi. Built on 507 m2 of land. Constructed approx. 195 m2.
Beautiful Villa with four bedrooms, 2,5 bathrooms and great garden at luxurious villa park. Available by June.
USD 336.158
USD 650.000
USD 2.250 per month
CENTURY 21 Best & Solid Real Estate Palm Beach 4-G, Aruba Tel. (+297) 586 42 42
Santa Cruz 2 - Z, Aruba D.W.I phone/fax: 5858063
Fast Rent House Aruba NV Sabana Liber 265, Noord Tel: 587 - 1971 Fax: 587 - 3460
www.arubahouses.com
www.villakadushilargo.com
THE BIGGEST
www.renthousearuba.com
Boegoeroei / Washington
For Sale 2 bedrooms
The independent Real Estate Portal Aruba’s Ocean 105
Aruba’s Ocean 105 is a perfect vacation rental haven offering four brand new Apartments Villas, featuring 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a full-sized modern kitchen and a spacious living room. The Apartment Villas have a magnificent Ocean View. Ocean 105 is the perfect place to enjoy Aruba’s crystal-clear blue water and fresh ocean breezes just in front of your apartment villa. Come relax, swim, read, and have the best vacation of your life at: Ocean 105
Aruba Happy Rentals P.O. Box 5403 Oranjestad Aruba T +297-592 0287 / 594 4632
Rates starting from
USD 119 per night
www.arubahappyrentals.com
Better Homes Company is dedicated to making your building experience enjoyable and graftifying from the start of planning until the day you move in.
AFL. 160.000 Solito 100 Aruba Dutch Caribbean Phone: 582-8080
www.betterhomesaruba.com
Tanki Flip
Pavia
2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom, 2,153 sq. ft. built up house, with living room, dining area and fully equipped kitchen, Jacuzzi in bathrooms, guest quarter with bathroom, pool and gazebo, fully fenced, located in an up scaled residential area, close to Oranjestad.
USD 535.000 ERA Solito Real Estate P.O.Box 183 Concessielaan 8 Tel.: (297) 583.7400
To ensure quality and trust amongst the residents of Totolica Family Residences, the developer MVM has chosen to work with the best materials and professionals for this community. Moreover, each residence is delivered with a complete kitchen, bathroom and landscaped garden. Please come by and have a look at our finished model home! You will be amazed!
USD 109.000 KMB Realty Group N.V. Caya G.F. Betico Croes 153, Suite 6, Oranjestad, Aruba Phone: 583-3553
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CUNUCU HOUSES At a glance, Aruban homes appear to be a mélange of styles from Art Deco to the standard “Florida Ranch,” but what is popularly called a “Cunucu” or “Country House” is the traditional colonial home of the island, whose unique design is based on practicality.
20-21 GREEN PARADISE
Gardening on Aruba is great, especially when you enjoy the beauty of nature in all its varieties. Exotic plants grow fast and are not too demanding: some water and every once in a while a pruner or soil fertilizer will do the trick. Before you know it, your garden is green and luscious.
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WORLD WAR 2 Aruba is a Dutch island and as such was protected by the Dutch. In May of 1940 the Germans marched into Holland and Aruba was left undefended. There was a large American Refinery on the island but the United States were neutral and had not entered the war so unless the German’s invaded Aruba the Americans remained neutral.
CONTENT THIS EDITION Cunucu Houses Arikok Nature Arikok Building A Man´s Home is His Haven Home Repair Rules of Staging Gender Makes the Difference Creating your Own Green Paradise Weird and Wonderful in Bed Relax and Renew Aruba Beach Club The Household Hearth Old Pictures of Aruba Money Saving tips Alto Vista Chapel Real Estate Jokes Gadgets Renewable Energy Memorable and Unique Buldings
6-7 8-9 10-11 12-13 14-15 16-17 18-19 20-21 22-23 24 26-27 28 30 31 32 33 34-35 36-37 38-40
38-40 UNIQUE BUILDINGS
The original idea of these cubic houses came about in the 1970s.. The city of Rotterdam asked Piet Blom to design housing on top of a pedestrian bridge and he decided to use the cubic houses idea. The concept behind these houses is that he tries to create a forest by each cube representing an abstract tree; therefore the whole village becomes a forest.
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THE CUNUCU HOUSE Classic architecture of the ABC islands At a glance, Aruban homes appear to be a mélange of styles from Art Deco to the standard “Florida Ranch,” but what is popularly called a “Cunucu” or “Country House” is the traditional colonial home of the island, whose unique design is based on practicality. Built to be cool in Aruba’s tropical climate, and constructed in stages as families grew, these elements contributed to the unique composition and design of a typical cunucu house.
Cool Inside
Walls of the original landmark houses that are over 100 years old are very thick, so as to maintain a cooler interior. They were constructed with Aruba’s ever present northeast wind in mind, which cooled the bedrooms as it passed through the house to exit from the cooking area, known as a bester, removing the heat and cooking smells from the rest of the house.
Construction
A newly married couple usually began with a main room, often a combined parlor, dining room and bedroom that had the peaked roof that typifies a classic cunucu house, a bester and a front porch. On the older, authentic landmark homes you can spot the fagon, the distinctive chimney that distinguishes the kitchen area. A second story of bedrooms, usually with dormer windows, is characteristic of a “Town Cunucu House,” which was usually the dwelling of a more affluent family. A Cunucu house often reveals the Dutch influence seen on Amis
Additions
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As the family increased, rooms were added on to the sides and backs, and a typical landmark building is a warren of small rooms, connected by doorways that obviously accommodated much shorter people than present day Arubans. Entrances usually have Dutch half doors or smaller, side by side louvered entrances and windows to allow the breeze to pass through, while interiors typically have tiled floors and cathedral ceilings in the principle room.
Nowadays
Today, you can still see around the island not only landmark cunucu houses that are lovingly maintained, but also new homes built in this classic style, as it is a part of the Aruban national character, which many find charming and wish to preserve. Many of the old homes have been renovated to accommodate current taste in homes, with larger, modern windows and walls removed to enlarge rooms.
Aruba’s Monument Bureau, as of five years ago, has 216 landmark cunucu houses registered, which must be maintained to a certain standard, with a minimum of changes from their original structure, to be considered of historic value, and they are subsidized by the bureau in maintaining the home.
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SAVE WATER, GET A CACTUS!
Succulent plants, like cactus, agave and aloe are typical of the vegetation of Aruba. The name “succulent” is derived from the latin word “succos” which means sap or juice. These plants have the ability to hold a large quantity of fluid in their body, an adaptation that makes them extremely suited for dry habitat with low precipitation, in other words desert-like habitats. Aruba´s Nature Cacti are spiny succulents that are native to the ‘Americas’. During evolution the leaves turned into spines, as this helps the pants lose less water to evaporation. Aruba has diverse cactus plants, such as the prickly pear, melon cactus and candle cactus. Not all succulent plants of Aruba are local however. Aloe for example was imported about 200 years ago as it was used in the medicinal industry. Aruban aloe sap was one of the best quality in the world during the time that industry flourished. Advances in chemical engineering meant that synthetic medicines could be made much cheaper and less labor intensive. Today aloe is still produced as a small industry on Aruba. The products are famed for their good cosmetic qualities and Aloe is used in sunscreen, lotions and shampoos.
In the wild cacti play an important role in the ecosystem. Candle cacti for example only flower at night. The heat of the day has led to an evolutionary change that protects the flower by flowering at night. In turn fruit and nectar eating bats visit these flowers at night and pollinate the cacti. Bats move back in the caves during daytime and their droppings are the basis for a unique cave ecosystem. Cacti are also an excellent food source for birds, ants and other invertebrates. Their fruit are tasty and locals also like to eat them as their own Aruban “bush taka”.
11 In the Garden Having cacti in your garden is a great way to add green in a sustainable way. Being desert plants makes them easy to keep. Watering intervals are longer than usual and this means that busy gardeners can keep a green garden within their schedule. In today’s world, and here on Aruba especially, we are using expensive good quality drinking water to water our garden plants. Making a conscious decision to save water is a sustainable way of living. Other benefits to having cacti in the garden are that, as was mentioned earlier, the flowers and fruits are excellent bird attractors. The aloe bloom especially attracts all types of birds from iridescent hummingbirds to colorful orioles and parakeets. All these qualities make succulent plants an excellent choice for the environmentally friendly garden.
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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN ARUBA’S NATIONAL PARK
Sustainability development is the way to go for a better future. People are getting more environmentally conscious and this reflects back also in designing buildings. The use of certain building materials and green energy can cut in maintenance costs.
New Buildings
Through European Union funding, Arikok National Park will obtain two new buildings that will be open to the public in July of 2009. These will be an administration building and a visitor’s complex. The administration building will house the park rangers and administration employees. The visitor’s complex is where visitors can enjoy local food and beverages, buy souvenirs that are only sold in the National Park, watch documentaries about Aruba’s nature and enjoy ever changing art exhibits of locals.
Modern Sustainable Design
The visitor centre has a modern design. The roof is shaped in the form of a row of triangles. The design of the building is in such a way that it allows the wind to blow freely into the building through the use of many louvers. The administration building and visitor’s complex are built in a sustainable way. The usage of South American hardwood is to have less maintenance as possible. In parts of the buildings the foundation is built into
a basin filled with water in order to cool some rooms. Underneath the floor with ventilation openings is a water basin. The wind will blow into the basin and cool the water and this cool air will go up into the room thus cooling the room without the use of air-conditioning.
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Green energy
Arikok National Park will make use of green energy by means of wind and solar power. The park will have one wind mill and two big solar panel grids. This system will provide the park with 5 kilowatts of green energy, which powers the office building and the visitor’s complex.
Improvement of the visitor’s experience
By providing the necessary information about Aruba’s flora and fauna we hope to inspire the visitors of the park and the public of Aruba to be more conscious about their behavior in and with nature. Aruba has endemic species that are endangered and need to be protected. Emphasizing on nature conservation we hope that visitors can realize the importance of nature in general.
There is the opportunity to rent park guides to go on hiking tours that start from the visitor’s complex. Within the complex there will be guides that provide information to the guests.
Writer: Jimmy Mijer / Photography: Pedro Gomes and Julio Beaujon
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Aruban residents are not on an eternal vacation as many think; most experience the demands and stress of work and career, particularly in the hospitality industry. The concept of one’s dwelling as a place to escape the pressures of the working world and fully relax, is here, as anywhere else, the epitome of the concept of “home.”
Pat Donovan, Marketing Director of the Westin Aruba Resort agrees completely. A 14-year resident of Aruba, he took the plunge and purchased his own home 4 years ago, “It was time to put that monthly payment into an investment, not just toss it away on rent,” he muses. “I think it was meant to be, as well, because just as I made that decision, a home belonging to friends that I truly admired came on the market, and the deal was made. I got exactly what I wanted, fully furnished; in the perfect location close to work-it really is my escape from the daily demands of my career.”
Unique Rain Forest patterned granite kitchen counters are accented with unique metal sculpted bar stools from The Jungle for casual dining, and a leather dining set continues the Latin American feel, which is punctuated by a granite base table and leather sideboard. Pat’s favorite room is his second bedroom, which he has converted into his “relaxation room” containing a huge collection of CD’s and a stellar sound system. “That is where I spend most of my time when home alone, reading, listening to music, or watching TV.” The foldout sleeper-sofa turns the room into a guest bedroom when he has visitors.
A MAN’S HOME
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Pat particularly appreciates glass handicrafts and is a collector. Glass sculptures, vases, plates by island artist Heleen Bongers and cut crystal decanters are proudly displayed, along with hand-painted wine bottles by noted Aruban artist Gustave Nouel. Typical of island living, he spends a great deal of his time in the outdoor areas of his home, relaxing on the palm-surrounded front porch, or cooking for friends at the magnificent custom built Colombian barbecue in the back. “I entertain quite a bit, and love to prepare barbecue at the pit, it was the clincher in my choosing this home. This is a very social and internationally mixed group in my neighborhood, really stimulating company, and it gives me great pleasure to have them over for a meal or cocktails.”
IS HIS HAVEN Contrary to how one imagines island décor, the walls of Pat’s abode are dark, Puce Green, Eggplant and Brick Red walls accent hand carved wooden furniture from Latin and Central America, and he continues this motif with unique artwork from the region. “I get island décor the entire day at work and everywhere I go in Aruba, I don’t need more of it when I come home” explains Pat. “This is MY space. I prefer the dark colors, I feel they are warmer and make the place cozier, more of a home; the Midnight Blue of my bedroom suits me perfectly. The unusual colors of the house and the style of décor had always appealed to me, so when the property came available, I grabbed it, and it really has become the perfect haven for me, a perfect fit for my lifestyle.”
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HOME REPAIRS YOU CAN’T IGNORE
Owning a house is expensive. That’s why so many homeowners procrastinate on repairs. Real-estate agents have a euphemism for this condition: it’s called ‘deferred maintenance’. Some fixes however, shouldn’t be delayed. Ignoring these problems can result in much more expensive repairs later on. And some postponed repairs can even become dangerous and cause injury. Here are five home repairs you better not ignore.
Water leaks – anywhere Water is probably the single most destructive force to a house, and a leak can go on for a long time without being noticed. Do you have a stain on your ceiling, a toilet that rocks, white powdery stuff that grows on your bricks or foundation or a musty smell in your house? Whatever the source, the culprit is water, and the damage can be severe. So, don’t leave it unchecked and hope the problem will disappear. You’ll risk rot, mold or termite infestations. Water can cause roofs to collapse or foundations to buckle. Leaving water damage unchecked may lead to all kinds of expensive repairs.
The fix: Stop the leak by any means necessary. Repair the damage and take the required steps to make sure the problem doesn't reappear. Minor roof leaks, for example, can be patched with roof cement. On Aruba corrugated iron is common as roofing material. Leakages occur if the plates aren’t placed or mounted properly. If your roof is aged and failing, you may need to have it replaced. That's expensive, but not as bad as replacing the trusses and underlying roof structure that can rot away if not protected.
Flickering lights Do your lights dim when the fridge switches on or you crank up the microwave? You may have bad wiring or too many appliances hooked to one circuit. Either one can cause a fire. A lot of older homes have only one or two circuits in the kitchen. People will update the kitchen but still have all the appliances running off those two circuits. It's far safer to have at least four circuits: two for countertop appliances, one to run the dishwasher and another, dedicated line for the microwave.
The fix: You can try to distribute power-hungry appliances more evenly, by not running more than one at a time or by plugging some into another circuit. But the best fix is a cure: Get an electrician to check and upgrade your wiring. Electricity is dangerous and repairs should be done by certified professionals.
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Rodent invasion If you hear the pitter patter of little rodent feet, don't turn up the stereo to drown them out. Rats and mice love to chew through insulation and wiring.
The fix: Use traps and bait products or call in an exterminator.
Peeling paint Paint is like a home's skin. It is the first line of defense against incursions by weather influences. Because of the climate on Aruba, damaged coating and cracks are quite common if a home isn’t painted freshly every two to three years. Water that seeps into wood can lead to rot. Unpainted wood can quickly get too dry and crack.
The fix: Scrape off the old paint, sand the surface smooth and apply a coat or two of fresh color. Consider hiring professionals because outdoor painting can be an unpleasant task if you have to work in the sun. Use quality products to get the best and durable results.
Vermin intrusions Termites are called ‘witte mier’ (white ants) on Aruba. They are tiny, but can do a lot of damage to wood, plasterwork and even concrete.
The fix: When you spot small straight ‘corridors’ in the plasterwork, seek the help of professionals right away. Ask a local contractor to check your property and how to get rid of the termites.
Rules of Staging 18
When selling a house, it is essential to present it in such a way as to be irresistible to potential buyers. This is called “staging,” and should show off the property to the best advantage.
First Impresion Firstly, stimulate the interest of those coming to view the property from the moment they first see the house and surroundings. This means outdoor accoutrements; a charming garden, attractive fence or walls, all well maintained. Consider power-washing patios and walkways; make sure to weed and trim the garden. Repair the roof and remove old Christmas lights and decorations. Scrub, Scrub, Scrub Welcoming visitors into a clean house is of the utmost importance; “sparkling” clean is your goal. People will be examining inside your cupboards, under your sinks and in your closets. Pay special attention to odors; consider consulting a friend to come by for a “smell test.”
Neutralize Avoid overly strong colors and use neutral tones for the broadest appeal. Lighter walls make a home appear larger with less chance of disturbing a potential buyer’s taste in décor. Make sure windows are squeaky clean, and open the drapes and curtains to let in natural light throughout the home, as well as brightening up your presentation by turning on the lights. Clear the Clutter Nothing is more unappealing than a cluttered home. Buyers wish to see the house, not your personal belongings, which make it harder for them to see past your personality and appreciate the space. You want them to be able to envision themselves and their belongings in the house; to make it their own.
No! Yes!
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When preparing your home to tempt potential buyers, always remember this: You never have a second chance to make a first impression!
Furniture This is a good time to get rid of worn furniture, and also make the house appear less cluttered, store things away in cartons as far from the home if possible. Dated furniture sets can be broken up and moved about to give a more eclectic and fashionable appearance. Consider consulting your real estate agent or an interior designer for direction in placement that allows a smooth flow of traffic and lends an air of spaciousness. It is also possible to rent furniture to create an inviting home that will appeal to a wide range of buyers. ¨To Do¨ List Examine the walls: possibly new artwork or photographs can freshen up the rooms and provide a more contemporary look. Additionally, check for all small things that need repair; squeaky doors and hinges, chipped paint or molding, broken fixtures and other things that may have been neglected. A few attractive area rugs can hide stained or scratched flooring and provide a colorful accent. Replace old- fashioned or worn lighting fixtures; examine switch plates and outlets, these can be replaced for little expense yet make a big difference. A Warm Welcome The application of a fresh coat of paint in a neutral color can make a house look new again. Beige tones are ideal for large living spaces, pastel blues or greens appropriate for the bathrooms. When clients come to view the house, insure that ambient temperature is as comfortable as possible. Turn on air conditioners and try to arrange appointments for the times of day when the house is coolest.
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Designing the interior of a home can be a challenging feat. And in some cases, men and women are worlds apart, when it comes to interior decorating. Anyone that has decorated a new home with their spouse can tell you that it is not an easy job. Men want one thing, while women seem to want the exact opposite.
Gender makes the difference With the risk of being biased and gender prejudiced, there are main differences between men and women.
— Most men choose function over form and don’t worry too much about aesthetics. Women are more likely to appreciate form over function and go for style and design. — Men like things that just plain-old work. Women prefer pieces with embellishments. — Men like technology, and they like it as big as possible. For men there’s no better focal point of a room than a big screen television, planted directly in front of the couch. Women may be more apt to choose a decorative piece, such as a side table with a decorative piece of art or a painting on the wall above it. — Men usually enjoy sitting on a darker coloured sofa, preferably leather and very comfortable. Women are looking for more curvaceous shapes and delicate lines when they choose a sofa. They tend to like light- or bright-coloured upholstery better, especially accompanied by lots decorative pillows.
So, how can couples overcome this discrepancy in interior tastes? Most men do not know much
about interior decorating and need a woman’s touch to design an aesthetic home, but with some functionality in mind. Here are some ideas that may help: •One idea is to allow the men to fulfil their need for functionality by giving them areas where they are the star of the show. Let them take care of the garage where they can organize their tools and other toys. The deck or patio is where men deem themselves grill-master. Why not let them handle the grill and patio furniture. Let them go ahead and wire the family room together with their television and surround-sound stereo. •Let the women handle the bedrooms. Bedspreads and curtains are functional items, but with a woman’s choice of adornments, they bring a sense of style to a room. Living and dining rooms are also rooms best suited for a woman’s creative eye. Some furniture and interior decorations may not seem to have much purpose to some men, but are necessary to balance the room and make it feel like home. •Another option, easier said than done, is to compromise. Try allowing men to pick the functional attributes of the home, while enabling women to decide how it all comes together in a creative and stylish way. Let the men have some say as to ‘what works,’ while the women can use these suggestions to determine ‘how it works.
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CREATE YOUR OWN GREEN PARADISE Gardening on Aruba is great, especially when you enjoy the beauty of nature in all its varieties. Exotic plants grow fast and are not too demanding: some water and every once in a while a pruner or soil fertilizer will do the trick. Before you know it, your garden is green and luscious. Considering the rather desert-like vegetation of Aruba, the contrast with cultivated gardens is stunning.
Every perfect garden starts with a design. Decide beforehand how much space you want to be ‘green’ and cover the rest with crushed stones (gravel), tiles, wood or concrete. Get expert advice about what to plant on which spot, because not all plants love sunshine all day. In temperate climates trees are great for creating shade in your garden. On Aruba most domestic trees don’t grow very fast. And they usually have big thorns. On the other hand, in the long run they don’t need much water. Plants originating from the rainforests in Latin-America (Ficus benjamini), also grow on Aruba at a fast pace. Keep your pruner close by! And speaking of gardening equipment: the quality you choose affects how much fun it is to work in your garden. So, go for quality and durability because it´s not only plants that grow fast, weeds do too!
Palm trees come in different shapes and sizes, but they all love Aruba! They add that tropical touch that you need for the perfect garden. Image yourself lounging in a hammock hung between your palm trees or hanging out on comfy garden furniture.
Does life get any better?
Before you can start enjoying, you need to plant your favorite palm trees. The surface of Aruba consists of diorite, marine sediments and very hard rocks. In some parts you need a jackhammer to create enough space for the plants to flourish.
23 Non-domestic species like the banana tree is also a growth-champion. When watered regularly you’ll eat your first crop in about 6 months. Fruit trees like mango, tangerine, grapefruit and orange have beautiful leaves and some blossom with exotic scented flowers, but they are vulnerable and need more nurturing than the domestic Lamoenchi (sour lime).
If you like flowers, they come in all different shapes and colors. Oleander, with flowers from white to burgundy red, is very easy to grow. They don’t mind the nearly constant trade wind. Jasmine, known for its oriental fragrance, is also suited for the climate on Aruba. These are just a few examples. The variety of exotic flowers and plants is huge and you’ll love visiting a garden center to pick your choice of tropical plants, furniture and accessories.
Weird and wonderfu 24
Hold parliament
Don’t want to get out of bed in the mornings? Neither did Louis XIV of France (1638 – 1715). Louis XIV is popularly known as the Sun King (in French: also of mistresses. any European monarch to date. So it must be healthy to stay in bed! Nowadays, with all the wireless appliances, everybody can hold parliament in bed. Take your laptop, blackberry or palmtop to bed and conference away while you stay in bed. And if you’re not video-conferencing, you can even stay in your pajamas all day.
Make … art
Tracy Emin’s place of rest almost won her the Turner Prize when she put it on show at the Tate Gallery. Her bed then generated a lot of media exposure since it was covered in stains and surrounded by items such as a pair of worn knickers – nice!
Share with pets
Napoleon Bonaparte’s wedding night turned a touch sour, as he and his wife Josephine tried to consummate their marriage. Her trusty dog almost bit his leg off when he realized he might miss out on some precious bed space in favor of the French Emperor. What the story doesn’t reveal is the type of dog that nearly got a nice juicy piece of Napoleon’s leg. Was it a French Puddle or a French short tempered types. And they even show some resemblance!
Stage a peace protest a two week-long Bed-In for Peace in both Amsterdam and Montreal to protest against the conflict in
contribute to world peace.
ul things to do in bed Not sleep intentionally 17-year-old,
Randy
Gardner
holds
the
(264 hours to be exact). Four days in he began footballer.
Snore away
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Poor Mrs Walkert! Her husband Kare Walkert of Kumla, Sweden, has the Guinness Record for the loudest snore at 93 decibels. That’s as loud as a garden tractor! We’re guessing she sleeps in the guest room.
Be inspired Doctor Jekyll & Mr. Hyde and Frankenstein, were the products of dreams – we’re so happy they passed those nightmares onto us!
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The medical profession is daily diagnosing an increasing number of ailments due to stress; today’s lifestyle of balancing high-powered careers with parenthood is taking its toll on both parents. The rise in popularity of day spas is a testament to everyone’s need to take some time to relax; when planning your dream home this can be integrated into the design. Some may be able to afford a separate spa area, but designers of bathroom fixtures have recognized the need for devices that provide the same relaxing elements of spa equipment and now incorporate them into standard tubs and showers. One can start or end their day with the few extra minutes that can energize, relax and renew, even if they have not the additional budget or space to set aside for a personal spa.
New formats in bath tubs offer the luxury of a deep soak or the exhilaration of a hydro and air-jet massage. Showers can sport multiple heads with powerful body sprays, which provide the ultimate wake-up stimulation or end-of-the-day relaxation. For an even richer spa experience there are showers with combination steam units, providing a completely relaxing environment, with the additional health aspect of sweating out those stress-induced toxins. Calculate the cost of membership and frequent visits to a day spa and you will find such specialized bathroom fixtures are now quite affordable. Looking forward to returning home after a demanding day is even more appealing when you know utter escape and relaxation await you!
Make your
bathroom a place of escape and relaxation
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Aruba Beach Club:
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The foundation of a revolution When Raymond Maduro founded Sun Development and built the Aruba Beach Club over thirty years ago he was a visionary. Timeshare resorts are to some extent now a staple of Aruba’s tourism industry, and while other islands are suffering greatly from the present global financial difficulties, Aruba’s timeshare industry has kept the numbers of arrivals noticeably higher for the island than other destinations.
Though there are several such facilities presently located along the Palm Beach and Eagle Beach areas, many of them constructed by Sun Development, Aruba Beach Club, or “ABC” as it is affectionately referred to by its owners, is still as popular as ever, and when prime weeks come up for resale they are usually snapped up quickly, often by those that already posses several. Such is the case for Warren and Sandra Drews of St. Charles, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Aruba is their winter escape, and they purchased two weeks at the ABC on their first visit to the island, when the resort was selling at pre-construction prices. Their two daughters, Casey and Diane, have literally “grown up” on Aruba every winter, and the time spent on the island soon increased to six weeks each winter, from mid-January until the end of February. Now that their daughters are grown and on their own, Warren and Sandra have acquired additional units, eleven weeks in total, for the children to use with family and friends so they can all be together in Aruba.
Aruba Beach Club
This history of building on their vacation ownership is quite actually quite common, as three generations of families gather on “their island of Aruba” to be together for treasured quality time. Warren and Sandra spend a considerable amount of their retirement on windjammer cruises, but Aruba is “their home away from home” for the winter.
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“We have been to nearly every Caribbean island, and nowhere else did we experience the authentic, warm-hearted hospitality we have in Aruba. This was a deciding factor in making it our mid-winter home,” confides Sandra. The “extended family” of other timeshare owners they have befriended over the years is also a major factor. They look forward to seeing their friends every year and spending time with them lazing around the pool or beach; a regular evening ritual for the Drews family is gathering on their oceanfront terrace with family and friends to share wine and the magnificent Aruban sunsets. “We always feel safe on Aruba; we know we can rely on the weather, and being in an oceanfront unit with immediate access to the beach and pool are key factors in our staying with the ABC,” reports Warren. “It is well run and maintained with a friendly and familiar staff. We love the
restaurants that are now located in the ABC and Casa Del Mar, so dining out is convenient. We also love how the beach is spread out and very quiet, we never feel crowded or get a sensation of hustle and bustle; this is exactly what we come to Aruba for, that feeling of total escape.” A key point that often keeps timeshare owners within this element is the sense of community, which the ABC and other facilities foster with websites and member forums that are visited daily by the owners when they are back home. Being a part of a vacation community has become an integral and essential part of their lives; Aruba Beach Club maintains this, making the investment in a unit more than a property purchase, but actually access to a special association that enriches their lives, not only while on vacation, but all year round.
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Household
Hearth:
Though many may not be familiar with the induction method, it is far from being some radical new technology. Widely used around the world by both professionals and homeowners, the technology for induction cooking has recently been improved enormously, and costs have drastically dropped with a new wave of equipment geared to residential use. Induction cooking is now a viable consideration when coordinating your “dream kitchen.” Induction is a completely different method of applying heat to food, which is the definition of cooking, and differs from a microwave. An induction-cooker element, what we normally consider “the burner” is a powerful, high-frequency electromagnet. Sophisticated electronics in the "element" under the unit's ceramic surface creates a flow of electricity within the metal of which the pot or pan is comprised, so heat is generated directly in the pot or pan, not in any part of the cooker. This means no chance of grease fires from spillover, and results in a cooler kitchen, as well as instantaneous control over temperature. Unlike electric stoves, the elements do not get hot, which can cause burns, and there is no open fire as with gas burners; important concerns for families with small children are eliminated.
One important point: Induction stoves require cookware of a “ferrous” nature, either iron or steel, which most uniformly distributes the heat via the magnetic field created. Copper, glass, ceramic and aluminum pots and pans will not work well. One great advantage While furnishing the kitchen and exploring the options in major of many of the new induction cook tops is they create a field over appliances, the question of initial investment and consumer costs the entire surface, accommodating all size pots and unusual conare basic, but the aesthetics of your lifestyle shouldn’t be ignored. figurations. Ease of preparation for daily meals is important to today’s busy Supermom; those that love to prepare gourmet meals and enter- If ease of preparation and kitchen safety are extremely important factors tain regularly will wish to consider all the possibilities, which now in choosing your new stove, definitely explore the world of induction include not only gas or electric, but induction cooking. cookery before finalizing your selection.
Gas, Electric or Induction?
The difference is in the details
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Chevrolet Ultimate Automobiles
Tanki Leendert
Solito Oranjestad
Wan Boy Supermarket
Kitchen cabinets supplied by:
Solito #120 s Tel.: 582-0129 s Fax: 588-0799 sales@eurokitchendesign.com s www.eurokitchendesign.com
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Old Pictures of Aruba
Aruba in WW2 Aruba is a Dutch island and as such was protected by the Dutch. In May of 1940 the Germans marched into Holland and Aruba was left undefended. There was a large American Refinery on the island but the United States were neutral and had not entered the war so unless the German's invaded Aruba the Americans remained neutral. The Lago Refinery at the outbreak of WO II was producing high octane gasoline for the British war effort so this refinery was of vital interest to the British. The Dutch had escaped to England and set up a government in exile in London and it was decided that England, with the permission of the Dutch Queen would send the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders to Aruba to defend the island and the refinery in the event of an attack by German troops.
Torpedo at Eagle Beach
Unexploded torpedo fired on 16 Feb. 1942 by U-156 at the Arkansas, berthed at Eagle Pier. Inspected by Dutch, left, and US Army Officer, Cap. Robert Bruskin. Four Dutch Marines were killed when trying to take it apart and it exploded.
The Aruba contingent arrived on the island on September 3, 1940. They made camp at Saveneta and were then assigned to defend the two refineries on the island, The Eagle (Shell) refinery in Oranjestad and the Lago (Esso) refinery in San Nicholas. The Highlanders were in Aruba at the request of Holland's Queen defending vital British war suppliers but they lacked for any armament with which to defend the island. It is dubious as to whether or not they could have repelled a German attack. The Cameron Highlanders remained in Aruba until February 13, 1942 when they were replaced by the U. S. Army 498th Coastal Artillery Battalion. The 498th Coastal Artillery Battalion took up residence at the camp in Saveneta that had been vacated by the departing Highlanders. American troops remained in Aruba for the duration of World War II.
Wanted: Old photographs of Aruba. Please send your pictures to: info@crossmedianv.com
House Complete is requesting everyone who has old pictures of Aruba, to email them to the editor. We are searching for pictures from the past of Aruba, pictures that capture the time they were taken. Only with your cooperation ‘Old Pictures of Aruba’ can be complete! We thank you in advance.
Air conditioning and your energy bill: money saving tips
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Air conditioning is a way of life in Aruba’s tropical climate, but you may feel the cost will be the death of you! Here are a few practical tips to allow you to enjoy cool comfort without a heart attack when you see your electric bill at the end of the month. First, install and use a programmable thermostat, which will shut your air conditioner off when optimum temperature is reached, and don’t set it below what is just comfortable. Make sure that drapes and shades on the areas where sun most streams into the house are kept closed; make sure doors and windows are shut while using the unit. Indoor Units: Do not place large pieces of furniture in front of the air conditioner, this will reduce the flow of cool air to the rest of the room or house. Aruba is a dusty place; inspect and clean filters and intakes regularly, a dirty filter makes the air conditioner work harder, consuming more electricity. Outdoor units: Trim shrubs and trees around the unit that might obstruct the airflow. Keep it clean and dust free with a regular hosing, and make sure it is level.
Regular maintenance is essential for best efficiency and extended life of your air conditioner, have a qualified technician inspect and service units annually to save the cost of replacing, and the stress of a breakdown just at the most unexpected and inconvenient times.
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Alto Vista Chapel Opinions may differ as to the nature of spirituality, but for the first time visitor, coming upon the Alto Vista Chapel, isolated on Aruba’s rugged north coast against a breathtaking backdrop, one is surely struck by the simple structure nestled in the glory of nature.
Aruba’s first church was built in 1750 under missionary Father Antonio Silvestre; constructed on what was sacred ground to the Caquetio Indians. As missionaries dedicated in converting the island population, the site imbued the chapel with religious and spiritual power to the indigenous people, thus attracting them to the faith. The second and third churches constructed on Aruba were the Santa Anna, built in Noord in 1777, followed by the San Francisco Church in 1813. Both of these are impressive cathedral type structures for a small island, a symbol of the devotion of the community and more in keeping with what was fashionable in church construction in Europe.
Though neglected for many years, the Alto Vista Chapel has a certain mystique and is on almost any tour’s itinerary. Its present pristine condition is largely due to the vigilance of Shon Kita Henriquez-Lacle, who made it her cause to have the little chapel refurbished to its original glory in 1952. A few years ago, Valero Refinery donated all the materials to have the chapel once again refurbished; refinery staff, both linemen and management personnel, dedicated weeks of their time to the task.
Maintained daily by dedicated parishioners, the path to the chapel contains several stations and during major holidays there is a community pilgrimage to worship.
Real Estate jokes
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Congratulations on your new home
A client bought a new home and the broker wanted to send flowers for the occasion. They arrived at the home and the owner read the card; it said "Rest in Peace". The owner was angry and called the florist to complain. After he had told the florist of the obvious mistake and how angry he was, the florist said. "Sir, I'm really sorry for the mistake, but rather than getting angry you should imagine this: somewhere there is a funeral taking place today, and they have flowers with a note saying, "Congratulations on your new home".
Main Entrance
A broker was dismayed when a brand new real estate office much like his own opened up next door and erected a huge sign which read 'BEST AGENTS.' He was horrified when another competitor opened up on his right, and announced its arrival with an even larger sign, reading 'LOWEST COMMISSIONS.' The broker panicked, until he got an idea. He put the biggest sign of all over his own real estate office. It read: 'MAIN ENTRANCE'
Young Broker
A young broker had just started his own real estate office. He rented a beautiful office and had it furnished with antiques. Sitting there, he saw a man come into the outer office. Wishing to appear the hot shot, the broker picked up the phone and started to pretend he had a big deal working. He threw huge figures around and made giant commitments. Finally he hung up and asked the visitor, "Can I help you?" The man said, "Yeah, I've come to activate your phone lines."
Talking Frog
Good times, bad times, Agents will be advertising. In good times agents want to advertise; in bad times they have to. Two women were walking through the woods when a frog called out to them and said: "Help me, ladies! I am a real estate agent who, through an evil witch's curse, has been transformed into a frog. If one of you will kiss me, I'll be returned to my former state!" One woman took out her purse, grabbed the frog, and stuffed it inside her handbag. The other woman, aghast, screamed, "Didn't you hear him? If you kiss him, he'll turn into a real estate agent!" The second woman replied, "Sure, but these days a talking frog is worth more than a real estate agent!"
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G A DG E T S Itsa Beach Bag
This “must have” makes a perfect gift for an island resident or visitor. Nothing makes an afternoon on Aruba’s beaches more pleasant than the Itsa Beach Bag. It unfolds to become a lounge cover with six pockets for your I-pod, reading material, sunscreen, snacks and cold drinks. 100% soft cotton terrycloth, it stays secure with ties, comes in a variety of vibrant colors, and conveniently folds up to become a stylish hobo bag. Order at www.theitsa.com
Book Clock from Present Time
For those that prefer to keep diplomas or art on their walls, the Book Clock designed by Sjoerd van Heumen for Present Time offers a stylish alternative that uses vacant bookshelf space. In black or multicolor, the compact clock is 8”x 8” wide and tall, and 6” deep. It runs on a single AA battery, which is not included, and costs $28. Order at www.heliotropehome.com.
Liquid Image Camera Mask Wow!! Hands-free underwater photography with this highly inventive device; a combination diving mask and either a 3.1 or 5.0 mp digital camera in one! Contains 16 MG of internal memory and utilizes an SD memory card to capture all those amazing underwater moments. Viewfinder crosshairs are seen through the right hand lens of the mask. Requires 2 AAA batteries to operate, and comes with editing software and computer cable to download your pix. Find specifications and ordering information at www.liquidimageco.com.
Chalk Talk Mug
“Good Morning-Don’t forget the day cleaning!” or a simple “I love you” can make anyone’s day brighter as you leave a personalized message on a Chalk Talk Mug. An especially finished surface allows one to write and erase endless messages using ordinary chalk. “I’m sorry, I have a headache” might adorn that evening mug of hot chocolate; or perhaps “Bring this to the bedroom-I have the whipped cream ready;” who knows what fun you can have?! A 10 oz mug costs $7.99. Order at www.kitchenkapers.com.
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Chinavasion Pseudo-security cameras If you don’t have the big bucks required for an actual video surveillance system, these pseudo-monitors from Chinavasion may discourage a would-be burglar at a fraction of the cost. Average price for each unit is $15 retail and features a flashing red light below the “lens,” which gives the impression of an active recording device, or at least a remote monitor. Motion detectors trigger a sweeping arc when ever someone comes near, further encouraging the illusion of a high-tech security system. Employs two AA batteries, which you will want to make sure are fresh to keep up the deception. Can be purchased in quantity direct from www.chinavasion.com at considerably lesser wholesale prices!
Myvu Personal Media Viewer
No need to squint at a DVD screen to pass the time watching your favorite films on the beach, or wherever, just plug in your Ipod and lay back while working on your tan with the Myvu Personal Media Viewer Shades. Available in a variety of styles they feature Ultimate Ears ear buds for superior sound and a high density viewer for crystal clarity of picture, they are compatible with a diversity of media platform; available with accessories at www.amazon.com.
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RENEWABLE E N E R G Y
IN ARUBA
For many years the world has relied on fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas for its development. Fossil fuels and oil were relatively easy to get. The energy stored in them is so great that it was the foundation for our economy and are widely used for almost everything in our normal lives. They power our cars and most ways of transportation. Imagine how it would be if we didn’t have cars, if when we take vacations and would like to travel abroad would have to sail for weeks instead of a couple of hours in an airplane. Fossil fuels don’t just serve us for transportation, they also supply the generators that produce the electricity that powers everything around us, from the appliances in your house to the factories that produced those appliances, the lights that illuminate us at night and where our food is cooked; most of our energy needs are supplied directly or indirectly by oil. But there is a great problem due to instability in the areas where oil is extracted and limited accessibility to new oil wells, an ever increasing demand of energy and also the rising trend in world population. The price of oil is fluctuating out of control impulsed by the above mentioned factors as well as for speculators and the effects of supply and demand. Besides that, fossil fuels are a non-renewable energy source which means that there is limited availability of this resource and for nature to replenish them it will take thousands of years; far beyond our lifetime and the one of our next generations. Another issue of fossil fuels is that in order for us to get their energy we need to burn them and in this process more and more carbon emissions are released into our environment causing serious problems after decades of releasing these noxious gasses, also linked to the green house effect and the global warming.
The changes in the oil price affect the world’s economy and in countries where the dependence on foreign oil is greater the economic damage increases. In our island we are very acquainted with this effect, we are 100% dependant on foreign oil and the price of everything is linked to it. A few months ago the price of crude rose to US $145 the barrel and the price of water, electricity, gasoline and food rocketed to unseen levels. We came to realize the hard way that we couldn’t be relying exclusively on oil for all the needs in our society
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Aruba is blessed by having abundant renewable energy sources which already have helped us succeed in the tourism industry for many years. The island is known internationally as a sunny island, with warm and shiny days where one always feels fresh by the constant marine breeze and with beautiful beaches were you can relax and have a great time with friendly local people.
The sun, the wind and the ocean are renewable sources of clean energy that are virtually unlimited and until now are untapped in our island to produce energy. Aruba is moving in the right direction by installing a wind farm consisting of 10 wind turbines which will produce 18% of the electricity of the island; this is a large scale project but there are several options for individuals to also benefit from these free sources of energy, the technology now is mature enough and the systems are technically and financially interesting currently available in the market. Solar panel installations and small wind turbine systems, all grid-connected, offering lifetimes of more than 20 years and providing a significant reduction in the energy bills. Our sun, wind and ocean bring an edge to our island, these locally available renewable energy sources give us an advantage that many countries wish they could have. It is the energy of today and the future. Aruba could be in the forefront of this development and project itself as an energy self-sufficient and environmentally friendly, happy island. Special Thanks to Freddy Vargas.
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