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HOUSE COMPLETE 1
J U N E 2 0 0 9 ED. 03
Aruba´s living and realty magazine
www.house-complete.com
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EDITORIAL Dear reader, Before you open House Complete’s third edition, we have to warn you: reading this will take a long time! Chock-full with interesting articles, it also has a new, innovative feature which links our www.house-complete.com advertisers to their own websites. So while you browse through our monthly magazine on-line, you can click on any advertiser and go directly to their sites. Easy does it! In this third edition, an in-depth real estate article tells you which areas on Aruba are hot, which are hot-to-come and hot-to-go and living inside outside gets new meaning, if you know what I mean. We go back in time and look at the Lago Oil Refinery days and their invaluable imprint on the island and its economy. The Caribbean Ocean plays a featuring role in our nature close-up. On April 24 House Complete saw its official launch at Bingo Bar & Restaurant. The launch was truly as a launch should be: a few, rather short speeches, a toast, animated conversations, lots of great guests and quite a few drinks. The feedback we received from you was terrific, but even more important to us was your praise for our second edition. We are still aglow… We hope you will like House Complete nr. 3 just as much and please keep mailing and phoning your suggestions, criticisms and compliments. Have fun and till next month! 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 Jairo Everon
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Rosalie Klein Kitty Groothuijse Alma de Vries Heleen Bongers Minjanou Ponson
PROOF READING: Aoife Cahill
HOUSE COMPLETE Email: info@house-complete.com www.house-complete.com
For advertising information and rates: contact Cross Media NV via email or call 588-6988/563-6468
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Sabana Libre 23-H
For rent at Sabana Liber
Wayaca
Beautiful Villa with four bedrooms, 2,5 bathrooms and great garden at luxurious villa park. Available by June.
This is a house located at Wayaca in a nice and friendly neighborhood. The house consist of 3 Bedrooms and 2 Bathrooms. The house is built on a property land size of 636 m2 and the buildup area is 238m2. The house is very spacious and has also a spacious back porch and yard.
Palm Court Residence. Very well maintained home of 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living, dinning area, laundry room, fully equipped kitchen, covered deck, patio. Beautiful landscaped garden with a drip system, fully fenced.
USD 180.000
USD 290.000
USD 2.250 per month Fast Rent House Aruba NV Sabana Liber 265, Noord Tel: 587 - 1971 Fax: 587 - 3460
www.renthousearuba.com
Awg 320.400
Paseo Herencia Mall (297) 586 4900 desi@remax-arubarealestate.com
Advantage Realty
www.remax-arubarealestate.com
Awg 516.200
Call Muna at 593-4647 muna@mpgaruba.com
www.mpgaruba.com
THE BIGGEST
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
Boegoeroei / Washington
Salinja Cerca
For Sale 2 bedrooms This beautiful 2 story house has 4 bedrooms, 4-5 bathrooms, maids quarters, well maintained landscaped garden with a nice pool. Very close to high-rise hotels and the beaches.
USD 600.000 ERA Solito Real Estate P.O.Box 183 Concessielaan 8 Tel.: (297) 583.7400
www.erasolito.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
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10-11 CONTENT HUMMINGBIRDS Hummingbirds are among the most beautiful birds of Aruba. They may be small in size but their beauty more than makes up for this.
14-15 BEDROOM REFUGE
In todays high-tech world, in which we are constantly bombarded with so much information and things that need to be accomplished every day, it is important to have a place where we can go to relax and unwind at the end of each day.
THIS EDITION Aruba Real Estate Ocean Energy Hummingbird Bathrooms Bedroom refuge Island Paraidse Houses we Love Gadgets Home Décor Garden Design Ideas Crazy About Closets Aruban Escape Aruba History Aruba´s Hidden Treasures 10 Most Fascinating Places
6-7 8-9 10-11 12-13 14-15 16-17 18-19 20-21 22-23 24-25 26-27 28-29 30-31 32-33 34-36
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10 MOST FASCINATING PLACES
In any case, each of the sights, whether natural or manmade, are fascinating to contemplate and an expression of the glory of creation, whether by cataclysmic earthly forces or The Lago Oil Refinery the soaring vision has played a defining role in Aruba’s history, of human kind. touching and shaping all aspects of daily life for many Arubans during more than half a century.
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ARUBA HISTORY
International Collection
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H-235 Siribana
H-250 Seroe Biento
H-260 Esmeralda
4-bedr.,4-bathr., TVroom, maidr.
3-bedr.,3-bathr., spectacular view
3-bedr.,2-bathr., covered porches,fenced
Price US$ 425,000
Price US$ 430,000
US$ 495,000
H-265 Seroe Blanco
5-bedr.,4-bathr., equiped kitch
H-268 Pavia
2-bedr.,2-bathr.,full guesthouse,pool, equiped Kitchen
US$ 415,000
Price US$ 535,000
H-278 Tanki Leendert
H-281 Tanki Leendert
H-282 Ponton
H-284 Marawiel
H-285 Salinja Cerca
4-bedr.,5-bathr., jacuzzi
2-bedr.,2-bathr., 4x apts.
4-bedr.,3-bathr.,pool, fenced.
3-bedr.,2.5-bathr.,full apt
4-bedr.,4.5-bathr., maidr., pool
Price US$ 440,500
Price US$ 310,750
Price US$ 550,800
Price US$ 536,750
VISIT OUR WEBSITES FOR MORE PROPERTIES FOR SALE AND RENT www.eraaruba.com www.solitogroup.com www.erasolito.com
Price US$ 600,000
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THE INSIDE STORY FROM THOSE IN THE KNOW Internationally, the real estate market is a huge question mark that some are trying to answer, particularly concerning the Caribbean, where many are seeking to retire or acquire a second home. The fluctuation of real estate value as compared to the United States and Europe is far less in the Caribbean. Real estate pundits have considered the issue, watching as prices drop drastically across northern latitudes; many have analyzed the situation around the Caribbean basin and suggest this may be the time to invest in an island property, as several locations are following similar trends.
We asked the questions that most concern those considering purchasing property on the island regarding best deals, what to expect, and financing. Our sources were candid in their responses, and this is an amalgam of their observances:
Some observers have declared the Dutch Caribbean, in particular, is very much in fashion for 2009, and potential homeowners may find prices down some, but not nearly as much as the U.S. or Europe. Aruban realtors agree, but also assert this is the best time to buy in years. House Complete consulted a cross section of island realtors who are on the frontlines and best informed regarding the island’s real estate market. These include one of the longest established real estate firms in Aruba boasting the largest inventory of properties, another is up and coming, outspoken, and rapidly acquiring a diverse selection in their offerings, another is a small independent with their own ideas of the best way to profit from homeownership in Aruba. The independent suggests that villa rentals are becoming a thriving industry here, so when looking at a home which will see intermittent use, consider offering it as a vacation residence to at least pay the mortgage.
All conceded that homes in a range of $150,000 to $350,000 are what are selling right now; one mentioned the region of Noord, which has many homes close to Palm Beach, not far from the beaches but without the exorbitant price tag of being oceanfront. A waterfront home recently sold for 1.4 million dollars, which is at least what one can expect to pay for this rare commodity.
Q: What sort of property is selling best in Aruba right now?
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Q: What should potential buyers realistically expect from a home in their price range, say $200,000-$250,000?
Our veteran realtor replies that a well-maintained property with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fencing and landscaping could be found almost anywhere on the island for this price, though our independent suggest adding a pool and other amenities if it is a part time residence and one would wish to garner some income by offering the property as a vacation rental. One should at least expect it to be “strategically located, in good condition and ready to live in.”
Q: Are people better off buying or building?
Our independent feels that either is a good choice on Aruba at present, but the larger agencies report so many properties are available buyers should spare themselves the headaches that can often accompany constructing a home. Completion would take a minimum of 7 months to a year, and that is “if you do not encounter problems: builder compliance, lack of material, etc. There is such diversity of homes being offered right now, it is highly likely most anyone can find exactly what they want, or close to it.”
Q: What area of the island do you think is now offering the best buy in home or property?
All concede that looking away from the waterfront is the best answer to get value for your dollar on Aruba. San Nicolas, which can offer some excellent bargains, is close to Baby and Roger’s Beach. Santa Cruz, Savaneta, Tanki Leendert and Paradera are home to charming suburban and rural locations and good value. There is no place on Aruba which is really very far from shopping or the beach compared to U.S. and European standards.
Q: What about financing?
Aruba has four major banking agencies, and for non-residents seeking mortgages there is a requirement of a 50% down payment. Interest rates are high compared to the U.S., though one bank recently lowered their rates to an unprecedented 7.9%, but temporarily. They recommend most foreign buyers look towards mortgage sources within their home countries, though one thought middle-income clients may have difficulties with the current financial environment. In other words, a vacation home in Aruba is likely best for those with the ready cash to invest. Permanent island residents should shop for the best mortgage terms possible. Condominium complexes and developer’s multi-home projects may assist with arranging financing. An alternative is to propose the seller hold the paper, with a substantial down payment. Some eager to sell their homes may be willing to tradeoff the initial cash gain for increased long-term income from the interest.
Q: Where do you see the market going over the next year?
All realtors agree that now and through the end of 2009 is the time to buy property in Aruba! As supply continues to outpace demand, and homeowners feel the pressure to sell their property, prices will become increasingly negotiable, and there are bargains to be had. All feel that as the world economy recovers, which it is showing signs of doing, prices will start to rise again. So if you have been seriously considering
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Energy is all around us, literally. The ocean that surrounds our beautiful island possesses huge potential for the generation of clean power. There are four main methods to convert ocean energy into electricity. The ocean waves, ocean currents, the difference between low & high tide and the temperature difference in the water. Not all of these technologies can be employed in Aruba. Generation systems are still under development but some technologies are reaching maturity and it is important for us to be aware of this. The ocean waves carry tremendous amounts of kinetic energy. This energy is often used for fun when we search for big waves to surf and for sure, anyone who has swum in the waves has felt the strength of this renewable energy source. The waves of the ocean are produced by the wind consistently blowing over the surface of the ocean. Because wind is generated by the differences of solar heating, wave energy can be considered a concentrated form of solar energy and therefore a renewable resource. In Aruba there are almost permanent north east trade winds. As a result, the ocean waves have high levels of kinetic energy which can be seen when visiting the north east coast, the big waves hitting the rocky shore creating big splashes of water. This is so powerful that it causes erosion and all the weird shapes like blowholes and bridgelike formations that are seen on that side of the island.
Wave energy can be harvested by different methods. The
most advanced technology nowadays has commercial generators rated at 750kW. The machines are 180m long and 4m in diameter. In Europe there are operational wave energy plants producing from 2.25MW to 4MW, and there are plans to build a 20MW plant for the near future.
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The currents in the ocean offer another form of
energy that can be used for generation of power using “wind turbine�-like designs that harvest these currents and can be rotated to a generator. Another form to harvest the energy from the sea is using tidal energy, a renewable energy source based on lunar gravitation. In this case the difference between low tide and high tide is used to collect water from the high tide in a dam, to be released at later stage in a low tide and generate electricity as a conventional hydroelectric power plant using turbines. This technology has been used in several tidal plants but it is only applicable in some parts of the world where the tide difference is at least 5m. The last of the known methods is the ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC). This principle uses the difference in the water temperature linked to the deepness of the ocean. The deeper you go, the colder the water gets. By using this temperature differential it is possible to generate electricity but this technology is still in its early stages.
Ocean thermal energy can be used though for cost effective cooling, dramatically reducing the power consumption of conventional air-conditioning equipment. This technology is proven, mature and technically feasible for our island. When it comes to clean renewable energy sources available in Aruba, the ocean is a key player in our quest for making our island a clean energy sustainable paradise. Written by Freddy Vargas
SEROE PATRISHI 59 TEL. 583-3163 WWW.FRIOMAX.COM
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HUMMINGBIRDS
THEIR BEAUTY AND COURAGE Hummingbirds are among the most beautiful birds of Aruba. They may be small in size but their beauty more than makes up for this. Their small size and quick hovering style make them difficult to spot. Depending on where the light hits them they will shine in iridescent colors.
The second species is the Ruby-topaz hummingbird (Chrysolampis mosquitus). Again the name gives away it’s coloring. These birds, especially the males, have red iridescent feathers on the head and neck with the throat colored yellow. The tail feathers are red and have a thin white lining. Sometimes they will spread these feathers when perched. The Ruby-topaz hummingbird is also a nectar feeding bird who will visit a variety of flowers both in the wild as well as in the garden. Besides nectar they eat minute insects sometimes found in the flower. Though On Aruba two species of hummingbird occur. The most commonly seen this species is more rarely seen of the two, the Spanish lagoon area is is the Blue-tailed Emerald hummingbird (Chlorostilbon mellisugus). As an excellent spot to find these beautiful birds. the name implies this is a green bodied hummingbird with a blue tail. It is found in most of the northern parts of South America and on AruBoth species have brightly colored males, with females having a more ba, throughout the island. As nectar feeding birds they visit flowers in or less drab grey coloring, making them less conspicuous. They both the garden, eating the occasional insect. make a small cup nest where usually two eggs are laid.
Two species
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Text: Diego Marquez Photography: Jimmy Mijer & Julio Beaujon
Territorial
One would think that hummingbirds are peaceful little birds that would do no harm. That is not the case in the least as these birds are territorial and especially the Ruby-topaz, which is pretty aggressive in defending it’s territory. It can occur that two fighting males will be so persistent that they will fight until they literally drop to the floor where one can easily pick them up. Blue-tailed emeralds and Ruby topaz’ will even fight bigger birds off, not even shying away from attacking birds of prey like the American Kestrel (Kinikini, Falco sparverius) or Crested caracara (Warawara, Caracara cheriway), by flying up and pecking them on the head and back.
Park Mascot
Arikok National Park unknowingly adopted a hummingbird as a mascot in the logo. Local Archaeologists suggest that the image drawn by the natives is not a Caracara, as was believed at first, but really portrays a hummingbird. Especially as the position of the tail feathers are analogous to how the Ruby topaz pictured here has its tail feathers.
Phone: 592 0287 www.arubahappyrentals.com info@arubahappyrentals.com
Home Maintenance
BATHROOMS Thinking outside the box
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When constructing your home or remodeling, one is presented with the opportunity to plan your house with the concept of it being a haven of harmony and tranquility; there is no part of the abode that can better disrupt this than poorly planned bathrooms.
The whole idea of building your own house is to have exactly what you want and need, and couples with families should give this extra thought, particularly with two or more children in the house. One of the most stressful portions of your day is preparing in the morning for school and work, and this is when the structure of the family bathroom, or preferably, bathrooms, comes most into play.
Firstly, plan a house with a separate bathroom for parents and children.
That morning bottleneck caused by the requirements of personal hygiene will likely not be handled well by a single bathroom. Parents also need their own private space for their intimate products; one does not want their curious eight-year-old digging through such things, which they will if they share the space with their parents. It is a good idea to establish with children that parents have a private place, and if not the bedroom, at least the bathroom.
When planning the bathrooms, seriously consider partitioning off the toilet.
Not only is this a timesaver, but even though many advice columns preach you have reached true intimacy with your loved one when you witness them performing basic bodily functions while you brush your teeth, is this really something you care to share on a daily basis? Keep the romance alive in your relationship by creating a space where significant others can enjoy their favorite bathroom reading material in relaxed privacy. If there are more than two children in the house, getting them ready and out in the morning can fray the nerves of even the most patient parent and installing a duo sink arrangement will speed things along. The additional cost when setting up the bathroom will not be that great, and it is worth every penny when balanced out with the money you will save on aspirin and tranquilizers. When planning, too many look at the bathrooms as an afterthought, which is a crucial mistake in creating the dream home that makes life enjoyable and not a daily trial. Be emphatic with your architect and interior designer, and make sure you have the facility that truly meets your needs.
BEDROOM 16
REFUGE
The word Ref•uge (ref’yooj), n. is defined in Webster’s dictionary as: 1. shelter from danger or trouble. 2. a place of shelter or safety. In todays high-tech world, in which we are constantly bombarded with so much information and things that need to be accomplished every day, it is important to have a place where we can go to relax and unwind at the end of each day.
Tips to turn your bedroom into a place of refuge Clear the clutter
If you want to create your own oasis of serenity, you need to get organized. If you have too many items lying around the bedroom, like unwashed laundry, dirty, smelly sneakers and stacks of outdated magazines, it will be difficult to create an atmosphere of peace. Take some time during the week-ends to clean up the clutter in your bedroom and (if you have the time) the rest of the house and organize a big yard sale. Want to create some peace in the hearts of others? Then donate part of the funds to a good charity. A good example of such an organization is “The Clown Doctors”, a non-profit organization with one aim: to paint a smile on the faces of children who are sick in the hospital (for more info, visit their website: www.clowndoctorsaruba.com.
Use your room only to unwind
Give your bedroom one purpose, and one purpose only: to relax and unwind. That means no laptops on the bed, no exercise machines next to the bed and big tv-screens in front of the bed. Use your bedroom only to decompress all the stress. You may use a small CD-player or mp3 player to listen to, while you are enjoying your quiet time writing in your journal, or reading a good book.
Keep the decoration personal and simple
Try to envision what a perfect place of refuge would look like for you. Check out ideas on the internet or get some home-decorating magazines for unique ideas on how to create an atmosphere of peace and quiet in your bedroom. If possible, you can take it a step further and change the color of your bedroom walls to a more neutral color, for example a pale yellow or champaign color and match this new color with uniquely framed photographs of your loved ones, some meaningful artwork and some indoor plants that will help create this special place of relaxation for you.
Invest in good bed linens
We usually spend as much as 6 to 8 hours each day - and a bit more on the week-ends - sleeping in our beds. So why not invest in a few good bed linens? Make sure that the bed linens not only look good, but feel good to the touch also. Avoid using synthetic materials; try to use more natural materials instead, like cotton. You can find some good bed linens out there at a sharp price, if you are willing to shop around a little. Finish the whole thing off with different sized decorative cushions in contrasting colors to create that special look you are aiming for.
Give your room a fresh scent
Your senses play an important role in how you feel at any particular time, so give your bedroom that final touch by using scented candles. Try to find candles that are made from natural, organic materials. They not only smell good, they are even better for your health. Remember to open the windows of your bedroom regularly during the week to allow the wind to refresh the bedroom and keep it smelling fresh and clean.
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ISLAND PARADISE
How to find your dream home on the island Whether you are looking for the perfect house to settle in on the island or planning to find that vacation home you have dreamt about for so long, it is important to keep in mind these following tips to guarantee smooth sailing from beginning till the end‌
Put your family first Take time at the beginning of the buying process to sit together with your spouse and kids to figure out what your basic needs and expectations are for this new house. By doing this, you will guarantee that everybody will be happy throughout the process of finding that perfect place for your family. Check out the market
Before putting together a budget and taking care of the financing of your new home, it is advisable to check out the local real estate market to form a general idea of what the current market prices are for the type of house you are looking for. A great way to start is by checking out the real estate site: www.casnan.com, where you will find over 1,500 listings of houses that are currently available on the market.
Put together a budget Once you have determined the basic specifications of your dreamhouse, for example: a beautiful villa with 2 bathrooms, 2 bedrooms, a garage, an open patio, a swimming pool and a garden, it is time to move to the next phase, which is the financing of your dream. Before stepping into this new phase, it is recommendable to seek out a professional real estate agent, who will not only help you find your dream house later on in the process, but will help you form a more accurate picture of what your total home buying costs are going to be. Many people often forget to take into account additional costs like for example local taxes and notary fees that need to be paid at the end of the process.
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Ready, set and Go! Now that everyting is in place,
it is time for the most fun part of the whole process: finding your dream house!! Allow a professional real estate agent to help you in this final part of the process, especially when you are living overseas. He (or she) knows the local real estate market like no other and he (or she) will be able to help you locate your dream house in no time…
Arrange your financing Before going to a fi-
nancial instution to finance your dream house, you need to ask yourself the question: “Can I currently afford buying the type of house I am aiming for?” A house is a long-term investment and once the house is bought, you will have to start paying taxes, home insurance costs, security costs (if planning to install an alarm system), garden maintenance costs, swimming pool maintenance costs, etc. Look at your housing budget and determine how your new house is going to fit into it. Financial experts like Fannie Mae recommend that buyers spend no more than 28% of their income on housing costs. If needed adjust your budget or rethink the price range of the house you are aiming for.
Remember to drop us a line once you have found that house you’ve been dreaming about for so long…
With you, every step of the way!
St. Cruz 12D
Alto Vista 76B
Safir 78
USD 390.000 AWG 694.200
USD 325.000 AWG 578.500 USD 319.000 AWG 567.820
Beautiful, well maintained Aruban home, fully aircontioned, 4 bedrooms with 4 bathrooms, 2 car garages, 2 porches, balcony with a very nice view. In the garden a built-in BBQ and a swimming pool. A must see!
Tanki Leendert 217
Nice house with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, maids room with a bathroom and a storage room in the back yard. Master bedroom has a built-in closet. The yard is fully fenced, landscaped garden, double carport and a side patio with a pergola.
USD 210.000 AWG 373.800
Beautiful Vacation Home! Located in the upscale residential area, close to golf course Tierra del Sol and the beaches. It’s fully furnished, has 3 bed rooms and 3 bath rooms, fully air-conditioned, fenced garden and a nice pool.
La Mirage
Beautiful 2 story house with 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, a closed car garage, a laundry room and a small patio. Huge glass doors and windows, high ceiling living, dinning and kitchen area. Very specious and modern.
Nice 2 story house in Santa Cruz with 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms, huge balcony with spectacular view, built on 11090 m2 property land. With a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment, maids quarters, well maintained garden and a closed garage. A must see!
Sabana Liber 392
A Nice Duplex in a good neighbor hood! This nice duplex has two bedrooms and one bathroom with a kitchen and living area. It is located in a nice and quiet neighbor hood.
USD 190.000 AWG 338.200 USD 99.000 AWG 176.220
Wayaca Residence
Noord 100X
USD 310.000 AWG 551.800
USD 280.000 AWG 498.400
The house is built on 846 m2 property land, it has 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, separate maid's room with bathroom. A car port for 2 cars, fully walls, beautifully landscaped garden with mature trees. Lot`s of room for a pool in the backyard!
Terra Avilla Noord
415 m2 of property land. This land is in a new residence in Noord called Montana / Terra Avilla.
USD 41.000 AWG 72.980
This beautiful Condo can be subdivided into 2 apartments with separate entrances. It’s fully-furnished and includes a kitchen with all appliances. This property features central air-conditioning has a BBQ and an alarm system and electric shutters on all doors and windows.
Call Muna Habash at 593-4647 www.mpgaruba.com muna@mpgaruba.com
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HOUSES WE LOVE
…Living harmoniously with the Aruban environment
When most think of their “Aruban dream house” they envision patios opening out to vistas over the turquoise Caribbean, but long-time residents and expatriate Americans Cindy and Marcus have learned over the years to appreciate and savor the predominate aspect of the Aruban environment, the desert flora.
BEFORE
AFTER
there were numerous deterrents to a potential buyer, but the work required did not daunt them, as they were entranced by the extensive property. “This is something I love to do,” confided Cindy, co-owner with Marcus of the Kukoo Kunuku Paranda Tours. “If I would choose anything else to do for a living, it would be refurbishing old homes.” It took about a year of extensive renovations to convert what Cindy and Marcus considered “very institutional décor,” into the cozy and warm abode where they love to relax on the weekends. A lovely interior is second to the wrap-around porch where they spend most of their spare time relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty of Aruba’s cunucu, which surrounds the house. Another of Cindy’s passions is gardening; her “relaxation and meditation, working in the garden is how I relieve stress.” Cindy’s efforts have produced pebbled paths through the foliage that lead to charming little cul-de-sacs where one can sit and enjoy the natural environs. Dozens of decorative birdhouses and feeders bring a diversity of avian species to nest in the indigenous cactus and shrubs that have been trimmed and encourage to flourish. The couple delights in waking up to birdsong in the mornings. Natural rock formations were left in place to further create that ambiance of environmental harmony between the house and its surrounding landscape. The dining room and entrance way is punctuated by vast wooden doors with glass panels that allow guests to linger inside or out and enjoy the garden. Large doors overlooking the greenery are a feature of most of the rooms of the house, including the bedrooms; like many in Aruba, outdoor living is an integral part of Marcus and Cindy’s lifestyle.
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One particularly interesting and unique aspect of the exterior décor they have brought inside is their “Flintstone shower,” as Marcus likes to call it. Using leftover slate employed to surface the back patio, he insisted on having it placed on the wall of the vast sunken shower. “I hate to admit,” Cindy says sheepishly, “I was utterly against it at the beginning, but Marcus wanted this to be all his own, and when they started making it, I could see it was going to look pretty good.”
Inside the house, one can find plenty of palm trees and tropical flowers, all artificial. “I don’t like cleaning up dead leaves, and I find that artificial does better indoors,” observes Cindy. “The overhanging porch doesn’t allow for much direct sun inside the house, and we have loads of natural garden outside, so I felt this was the best way to bring that atmosphere to the interior décor.”
The fantasy of the hammock by the sea can be realized, but only for a very few, as seaside properties are rare and high-priced. Renovating one’s attitude as well as a country home in need of repair may result in not only a great bargain, but an authentic island retreat.
Your next vacation in one of these private villas?
Prices starting at $ 500,- per week Private swimming pool From 1 bedrm. apartments to 4 bedrm. villas Visit our website www.renthousearuba.com or call for more information.
Fast Rent House Aruba NV Aruba Sabana Liber 265, NoordCall: +297 5871971 Fax: +297 5873460
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James the Doorman English design team Black + Blum introduce you to the perfect gentleman who always does his duty: James the Doorman. This charming new take on a traditional house tool comes in six different colors to complement any décor, and is constructed of heavy duty natural rubber, a perfectly civilized solution to the age-old door stop dilemma. No matter how liberated women are, they and everyone else still love to have someone hold the door open for them, and James the Doorman does it in style. Price: $19.95 at www.objekts.co.uk.
Mini Finger Plates for Finger Food Love those tasty little snacks at cocktail parties, but hate messy hands? Always caught red-handed when there isn’t a napkin to be found? Designer Ken Goldman has devised a practical and adorable solution“Fingerfood” Ring Plates. The consummate hostess will love providing her guests with these unique hors d’ouevres sized plates that fit on the fingers and allow one to balance a drink and snack easily. Made of ceramic and stylishly designed, they are sold in package of ten, and fit most finger sizes. Available at www.amazon.com for $10 a box.
Tefal Quick Cup Enjoy a break in the day for a little lon- Magwear Magnetic Wristband Whether you ger with a hot cup of tea or coffee at the touch of a button and in only 3 seconds with the Tefal QuickCup. Advanced "Opti-Quick" technology saves you precious time as it circulates the liquid around a central element in a spiral movement, for instantly heated beverages and soups. Equipped with a filter, Tefal QuickCup also purifies tap water as well as consuming 65% less energy to heat than conventional electric kettles, as you only need to warm up single servings; no pre-heating is required. It can also be used to cool down your favorite refreshing beverage without watering down with ice. Available at www.amazon.co.uk for £48 ($71.56)
are a handyman, seamstress or just getting chores done around the home, you will find this practical device invaluable. Now you no longer need to have a mouth full of pins or nails to free your hands for the job to be done, the Magwear Magnetic Wristband provides a full supply at just where you need them. It's simply genius and the perfect companion for any home project. A 3”X 3” tray equipped with a super-strong magnet is held in place by an adjustable Velcro strap. $15.95 at www. amazon.com.
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Aquabot Turbo T2 Save big bucks on pool cleaning ser- Get personal with Message Tape... vices and be sure to keep your major investment a viable and healthy source of family recreation. You have spent a lot of money on your family pool; maintain it properly with the Aquabot Turbo T2. Quadruple functionality of the Aquabot Turbo T2 scrubs, power washes, vacuums and micro filters even free form pools in record time from bottom to waterline. Initial investment brings big returns by saving up to 50% on chemicals, water and energy, as well as 100% on using an outside pool service; you do the math! Sold by www.poolmerchants.com for $1,499.00
How we love these products that encourage communicational creativity! Message Tape offers endless possibilities for packaging, moving, parties, signage and allowing your naughty imagination to run wild! Pre-printed with white marks on black tape, a special pen provided allows you to black out the unwanted markings to create your message. "IF THIS BREAKS, MY MOTHER WILL KILL ME" or "I SAID THE OTHER WAY UP!" will certainly induce moving men, postal workers or your boyfriend to take notice. Message Tape comes in rolls of two sizes50m by 50mm and 30m of 33mm, priced $12.95 and $7.95, respectively, at www.latestbuy.com.
Quooker A great time-saving device for the busy household is Quooker, providing boiling water for pasta, eggs, hot beverages and what have you, directly from the tap. Developed in the U.K., it can double as your regular cold water faucet until you push and turn so it switches to instant boiling water kept in a 3 liter tank under the sink. No more burned or scalded hands from overheated and steaming kettles, as well as one less cooking utensil to purchase and wash daily. Hoorah! Another plus: Quooker utilizes a carbon filtration device for clean water, which lasts 3 years. Available at www.quooker.com in a variety of models starting at $750. 100 C/212 F
onstruction
nterior
Jamanota 19D Santa Cruz, Aruba
EcaiBA is there for all your home and business needs. We do construction as well as design and manufacture complete interiors for example for restaurants and bars. EcaiBA will partner with you to create a solution that you will love for years to come.
Ph: +(297) 732 5365 Fax: +(297) 585 5301 Email: ecaiba@gmail.com
HOME DÉCOR: WHAT’S HOT AND WHAT’S NOT 24
Today’s current financial crises has almost everyone very money conscious; this does not mean you cannot give your home a facelift. Point of fact, insuring that your abode is a place where you feel at ease and have pride in your surroundings is a sure cure for stress in the workplace and outside world. Today’s home fashion trends may actually assist those that are watching their budget to be fashionable without sacrificing financial security, though there are still plenty of trendy luxury items for those that have the disposable cash.
IN:
Mismatched Dining room chairs:
“What's In, What's Out with Homebuyers.” reports that stylish home decorators are “over the 'matchy-matchy' look and desire something very individual.” This means that great finds from thrift stores or inexpensive chains can be employed to produce a look that will make stylists from “House Beautiful” stand up and take notice. Subtle similarities such as height, color, or pattern provide a nice uniformity within diversity.
Grey has its day: Furniture.com has a one word answer to
2009 home décor questions, “Grays - Dove grays, smoky blues, dusty whites, platinums and silvers are coming on like gangbusters.” They do advise the fashion-conscious to take note; this new look has emerged fast and strong and is likely to burn out just as quickly. Possibly, in two or three years, the smoky look will be as 'over' as the recent chocolate brown/robin's egg blue combination is today. So if being trendy is part of the way you decorate your home, allow for the latest craze to descend on the decorating world, or be sure you have cash to spare.
“Going Green” gets luxurious: Using organic materials is not only eco-friendly, but now a new way to show off your status. New, organically produced luxury products are attracting the environmentally aware, but often carry high price tag. Green Fusion Design Center of California carries a line of natural silk like bed sheets by SDH Linens created from the processed wood pulp of Italian beech trees then colored with nontoxic dyes. “The Decorating Diva” considers them one of the top products of several such exclusive items that answer this new demand for eco-friendly products. Decorating Diva also believes the ultimate environmentally aware decorating practice is the prolific use of antiques, and pundits at Furniture.com agree; this is recycling at its best!
Intentional eclectic: Decorating Diva chimes in again with the observance that “Bringing your own flair to your home's décor, especially in this world in which so much is mass-produced, holds lots of appeal for 2009.” Mixing and matching ethnic styles and creating a multicultural mix is growing quickly in popularity. “Hollywood Regency, a 1930’s aesthetic of understated glamour which incorporates styles as varied as Baroque and Asian side by side is most definitely seeing a renaissance” they report. However, she also warns restraint; one does not want a giant mishmash as the result.
OUT:
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Indoor-outdoor carpeting: Homeowners, often when
Track lighting: Made popular during the 70’s when ultra-
modern décor was all the rage, track lighting, unless it is used to spotlight some artwork or a particularly outstanding architectural feature, is simply passé. Home décor pundits report that Gen-X house buyers are tearing them out and replacing them, so don’t install track lighting without a purpose.
The fixer-upper: Real estate agents have noticed that home
buyers are required to make large down payments, and in today’s financial climate, many have maxed out their credit cards. “They are looking for houses which are ready to live in; they do not want to make much of a further investment. They are just tapped out; they want to inherit new kitchens and bathrooms.”
trying to sell their house, think this is a quick fix for basements, balconies, screened porches and lanais. “The problem is that it looks cheap,” observe real estate agents. “What people should do is just paint a nice color on basement or patio floors and finish with an attractive area rug. There are nice, quality indoor-outdoor ones available, and that way it doesn’t give the impression you’re hiding anything.”
The 'Muppet' sofa: If you are standing in front of your oversized, overstuffed sofa and you can imagine it has googly eyes with a tuft of green spiky hair, teaching your kids their ABC’s, then you have a “Muppet sofa,” and it is time to dump it. Your sofa is one of the first things visitors notice as an example of your sense of style, is this how you wish to be perceived?
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INNENHU TB
IS
YS
HET
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ART GALLERY & INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO LAN
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furniture - curtains - objects- art- jewelry & gifts
BINNENHUYS
Avenida Milio Croes 26 Dakota Tel: 00297-5823374 By appointment: 00297- 7349166 www.hetbinnenhuysaruba.com
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Garden design ideas How to create a tropical garden on Aruba Did you ever get the chance to walk through a tropical rainforest in one of the Pacific Islands, Australia, Africa or perhaps a bit closer to home: South America? In most of these jungles you can find rare and beautiful trees, shrubs and flowers you don’t get to see any place else. Do you dare to believe that you can recreate this on a smaller scale in your own backyard, here in Aruba? If so, read on, because here follow some unique garden ideas that will help you on your way to transforming your backyard into your own private tropical ‘jungle’.
Take it one step at a time
Unless you have a huge budget to spend on your entire garden that allows you to hire a professional garden designer to help you achieve your plan in no time, it is better to start small and take it one step at a time. Look for a nice spot in your backyard where you can start, and take it from there. Envision what you would like to achieve and put it
on a piece of paper. Next, try to get some expert advice - for example at your favorite garden shop - concerning the type of trees, shrubs and flowers that are available on the island and the ‘tender loving care’ they will need from you: type of potting soil, vitamines, quantity of sunlight and of course water.
Use your imagination
Planning a tropical garden is much the same as planning other types of gardens. You want to think about layers of plants, including trees, shrubs, flowers and ornamental grasses. There are many types to choose from, so use your imagination. One easy way to build up your tropical garden is to use some taller plants to enclose a small clearing, and layer it with some smaller plants and flowers. Place your favorite
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lounge garden chair on a nice spot and you have created your very own tropical getaway. One important reason why many people like to create a tropical garden, is because of the many different colors they can choose from for their garden design. Some people like their color scheme simple: they choose just a few colors that coordinate, and some people simply go wild when choosing their colors and end up using every color from the rainbow. Allow your own creativity to be your guide when making your decision.
Be flexible and creative
If your garden does not have great soil, there is no need to worry. You can build small parts or larger areas, by using a combination of raised bedders, fences and beautiful terracotta pots. Nowadays these pots come in all shapes, designs and colors imaginable. And if you do not have a great backyard, you can still create your own special tropical mini garden inside your home. Just choose a nice spot, for example on your veranda or living room, where there is a soft breeze and where it is nice to sit down and relax, and transform this area into your tropical garden paradise.
Put your final touch
If you want to take your garden project to the next level, you can also consider putting in garden pavers. You can pave just a small part or a larger area of your tropical garden, depending on your budget. Pavers are easy to install, easy to maintain and they come in many different colors. Give your tropical garden the final touch by using art that you have made or have collected from your far away travels and combine these with nice garden sculptures, fountains and unique benches that you have bought on the island.
CRAZY ABOUT C LO S E T S
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!
Perhaps “Crazy without Closets!” would be a more appropriate title for this piece, according to an article published in the New York Times on June 1, 1878. Its purpose was to explain the causes behind the closing of the Woman’s Hotel in NYC that year. The failure of the enterprise was NOT, as assumed by Judge Hilton, who was examining the case in civil court, due to the fact that young men were not permitted across the threshold, but rather “the absence of rocking chairs, foot-stools, hooks and closets-articles which are even more necessary to the comfort of women than husbands or lovers,” according to the author.
It then goes on to explore the origins of the “female passion for closets, a distinguishing characteristic of the sex.” Ask any woman, and they will admit, it’s true, they are utterly addicted to a proper place to store your stuff. Ask any real estate agent, and they will tell you it is the woman of the household who makes the final decision regarding the purchase of a home, and the two primary assets of that home they will look at first are the kitchen and the closets.
The advantage of contracting an architect and building the house of your dreams is having the advantage of incorporating vast amounts of closet space into the design. If presenting an elegant home without clutter is your end desire, sufficient storage space is required. Fine quality garments are best maintained by proper closets, but aside from that, sufficient storage is also needed for the ridiculous amount of “stuff” that modern households with multiple members seem to accumulate.
Aruba Beach Club
When building those closets, cedar wood is the best choice for its insect resistant and repellant properties. Recognizing the need for organizing closets to accommodate all aspects of the wardrobe, shoes, long and short garments, accessories and miscellanea is an important part of devising the storage space that is a pleasure to use. Full-length mirrored doors add the perfect touch, particularly to check one’s appearance from tip to toe after dressing, and also will make a bedroom appear more spacious.
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The 1878 article describes how a gentleman actually brought about his wife’s demise by building a house without a single closet and refusing to install wardrobes or armoires when a doctor so suggested as a palliative for her deteriorating health. Aruban women must be of a hardier constitution, as the traditional Aruban home usually has not a closet to be found, something that has fortunately changed with modern times!
Aruban
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Becoming a part of the community
n December of 2007, Leonid and Adriana Kozlov became the proud owners of a vacation home in Aruba, which they visit at least six times a year, spending perhaps a total of two to three months on the island. Leonid is one of Aruba’s “celebrity” residents; a principle dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet who defected to the west in 1979. Since then, he has been a star and creative director for a number of ballet companies, including the National Ballet Company of Australia. He has lived and performed all over the world as well as Broadway, and finally settled in the New York metropolitan area with a residence in New Jersey. In 1992 Leonid enjoyed his first vacation on Aruba, and has been dedicated to the island ever since. During his first visit he purchased timesharing and then returned annually. In 2000, his new wife Adriana joined him, and grew to love the island equally. “I find the life so simple and beautiful here,” explains Leonid. “My sister said to me, “What happened to you? You used to go everywhere, and now you only go to Aruba!” One day when we came for vacation we decided to look around, we were just curious. We saw this house advertised in the paper, so we decided to take a look.” That curiosity eventually became an episode on House Hunters International airing in September of 2008, putting Aruba and the Kozlovs in the spotlight, a place to which they are accustomed. They looked at other offerings, but this first house was exactly what they were seeking. “This is not a tourist area, here we live among Arubans. We feel this is our little world, not just a beach; very quiet, very relaxed; the life we would like to have in Aruba. In 48 hours we bought the house. Right now we are like alcoholics-or Aruba addicts. We come as much as we can; we just can’t get enough of being here.” During their time on Aruba, the Kozlovs are anything but sitting around doing nothing. They brought with them to Aruba their dedication to dance, and almost immediately involved themselves with the local dance community. In January of 2008 they recruited several young island dancers to be in the chorus of the first production of “The Nutcracker Suite” in Aruba.
Escape Leonid brought important young dancers of international status to star in the production, including Kiril Kulish, who is now a smash hit as Billy Elliot on Broadway. Their next production starred a young Aruban dancer in the key role of Clara. Leonid also facilitated a troupe of young island dancers to participate in his annual International Youth Dance Festival in New Jersey in October of 2008; they proudly returned with several medals. “One of my friends told me, “Leonid, you are not a man to just sleep on the beach,” he observed. “I and Adriana are people that need to get involved with the community, need to make a contribution and feel as if we are part of a family. Here we find this can happen. One man told me he thinks that Arubans have a “gene for dancing,” which works very well with me.”
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The Kozlov house has a definitive Art Deco décor and presently, minimalist, as they grow into their Aruban life. When New York artist Sir Shadow participated in the 2008 Aruba Wine, Food and Art Festival, they hired him to create two jazz themed murals in the living and dining rooms. When they aren’t arranging some spectacular dance event for Aruba, the Kozlovs spend most of their time in the backyard patio enjoying the surrounding nature and tranquility with lush fruit trees and palms as their companions, or visiting the island’s art galleries. Eventually they hope to see their Aruban home become their principle residence, from which they will commute to New York.
Faradaystraat # 10
L.G. Smith Blvd. # 534
Paraguana # 7 A
Sabana Liber # 23
New listing. This nice ocean front house with ocean view located in the Spaans Lagoen area, consists of 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, maids’ room with bathroom, storage, covered patio and landscaped garden with double garage. The total constructed area is 401 m2 built on a lot of 1275 m2 of lease land.
Two story, nice, well maintained house in Malmok area, with view overlooking the ocean, in a very quiet and upscale neighborhood, with much possibilities. Just minutes away from the beach and 5 minutes driving to high-rise hotel strip and restaurants.
This beautiful house is surrounded by nature with big rocks and a nice pool in the back yard. The house has 4 Bedrooms-and 4 Bathrooms located at Tanki Leendert. The property has a 1 Bedroom apartment in the back yard. The house as a sauna, terrace, pool deck and a theater.
Great deal. Reduced price. Nice 3 bedroom/ 2 bathrooms home, with carport and pool, in Palm Court Sabana liber, great neighborhood….built up size is 176 m2.
US$ 1,590,000.00
US$ 480,000.00
US$ 190,000.00
Advantage Realty Desiree Johnson
Broker/OwnerRE/MAX- Advantage Realty (297) 586 4900 / (297) 586 4904 Paseo Herencia Mall Palm Beach Across from Holiday Inn Aruba desi@remax-arubarealestate.com
Nobody Sells More Real Estate...
Nobody!
www.remax-arubarealestate.com
US$ 895,000.00
Awg. 1,593,100.00
Awg. 2,830,200.00
Awg. 854,400.00
Awg. 338,200.00
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The Lago Oil Refinery
has played a defining role in Aruba’s history, touching and shaping all aspects of daily life for many Arubans during more than half a century. The arrival of the company had an enormous impact on the island, as it went from a quiet backwater to a modern society in just a few years. When the Lago announced that it would close, the island’s future shot into jeopardy. Oil concerns had been searching for suitable harbors in the vicinity of Lago Maracaibo for some time before their choice fell on Aruba. Crude oil is found in that Venezuelan lake, but for practical, economic and political reasons one looked for refineries outside the country. Curaçao and Aruba were perfect choices, as they were situated favorably as bunkering stations en route to the Panama Canal. The natural harbor of San Nicolas on the leeward side of the island, protected by a coral reef, was ideal.
The Lago Oil Refinery’s humble beginnings...
...and dramatic finale
The American Lago Oil
and Transport Company started its transfer station of oil products in Oranjestad in 1924, but it went operational in San Nicolas three years later. The refinery complex was finished in 1931, with expansions in 1938 and 1942. The refinery underwent modernization and reorganization once in 1945 and the refinery process was steered by computers, closed circuit televisions and other electronics by the 1970’s. Although the government had to grant enormous concessions concerning fiscal taxes to the Lago, benefits soon became apparent: a better administration, better roads, education, improving social legislation, culture and sports. During the final few years that the refinery was working at its full capacity, the Lago generated 115 million florin in salaries and local purchases. In 1949 the Lago had 8,500 employees, a whopping 16 percent of the population. However, after 1950 the company started its automation process, which led to the laying off of many employees. Separate villages for staff members had been built on Seroe Colorado. These were guarded communities and the hundreds of Americans who worked on Aruba were protected by their own police force, strangely enough. But as time went by, the top jobs went to local people until 70 percent of the total work force of Lago was local.
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Aruba’s name was firmly put
on the map during the Second World War: one in every 16 gallons of gas of the Allied Forces had been refined here and the island became a most vital target. But the German torpedo attacks were not successful. Later it would become apparent that Aruba had miraculously escaped a disaster: a ship carrying 3000 tons of dynamite was in the harbor during the first attack! In 1984 Lago management decided to close the refinery after Venezuela canceled its preferential treatment for Aruba due to OPEC measures. A shock wave went across the island and a veritable exodus and brain drain began. The future of the island looked bleak indeed. Fortunately, however, people with foresight steered the island towards tourism and three decades later we are virtually still afloat because of that wise decision. 24x14_hollow_blocks_atco_color.pdf
5/20/09
2:41:30 PM
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Discover Aruba’s hidden treasures If it is pure gold you are looking for, come join the club!
I am talking about an unique ecosystem that you will be able to discover when you venture out into the deep, from just a few feet beneath all the way to about a hundred and fifty feet below. We live on a planet that is mostly covered by water and you get to experience a whole new world hidden just beneath the waves, when you go armed with the latest diving equipment and the proper knowledge and training. You don’t have to go too deep to find yourself surrounded by schools of exotic fish hovering just above the reefs. And when you look down you will see a vast array of sea creatures, that come in all kinds of unique shapes and vivid colors that magically seem to blend into one. On the reefs that shelter 1, corals and sponges live side by side in perfect harmony. Soft corals dance graciously on the motion of the waves, while the somewhat smaller animals hide for protection inside the reefs. You never really know what you may encounter on one of your diving trips. You may come across a whole family of lobsters hiding underneath a slab of coral or when you are taking a closer look inside the anemones, you may find some tiny shrimps waving their antennas at you. And when you least expect it an Eagle Ray may glide by, moving effortlessly through the water. In an ecosystem so diverse you are certain to have an encounter with a Moray Eel or an octopus and it is not uncommon to find a beautiful sea turtle crossing your path. Special thanks to S.E.Aruba Fly ‘n Dive
Beside all this, we have over 200 species of fish ranging from the whaleshark to the illusive frogfish and the more trained eye may even get to experience the pleasure of finding a seahorse or nudibranch. Besides reef diving, this island offers you also the possibility for wreck diving. This beautiful island has a great variety of marine life, from the mangroves - which are the nurseries of our reefs - to the sand flats where an upright wreck creates a safe haven for the marine life. These areas are often frequented by pelagic fish that come in to feed on the unwary reef-fish. On the bottom of the sea you may find a great stingray - all covered by sand - waiting patiently for its prey and from above barracuda fish will sometimes follow you around, while you are
floating graciously by without the pull of gravity. While diving, you get the chance to feel at one with this underwater environment. For the relatively brief time that you are able to stay beneath, you get to form an idea of the beauty and complexity of this underwater world that you get to share with anybody that dares take this plunge with you into the deep. The island of Aruba has much to offer the underwater explorer, so come and join us in this great adventure and help us discover some of Aruba’s pure gold: our hidden treasures under the sea. Written by Jerry A. van Daalen
We create the ideal enviroment for your house. A perfect getaway! Tel: 592 6208 - 733 3623 Ask for Tim
Not just a pool...
The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Great Barrier Reef off the east coast of Australia is the world’s largest coral reef and one of the world’s natural wonders; both in World Heritage as well as National Heritage lists. Consisting of more than 600 islands and coral cays, the reef covers over 300,000 sq. km. A huge diversity of sea life inhabits the reef; green turtles, several varieties of whales and dolphins, dugong, approx 4000 types of mollusk, 1500 different species of fish as well as 200 beautifully colored avian species. The Great Reef Marine Park is host to more than a two million tourists each year. Reef sailing, scuba diving and snorkeling is very popular, and several experienced operators offer packages to accommodate the skill and tastes of all visitors.
Cape Town, South Africa
Some call Cape Town “heaven on earth.” This singular settlement at the tip of the African continent is comprised of small roads surrounded by huge mountains, which convey a sense of how marvelous and dominating nature can be, as well as one’s small place in universe.
The Cape’s Dutch heritage is reflected in the architecture. The black clouds that surround Table Mountain at all times are a remarkable sight. Cape Point, Signal Hill, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Robben Island, Rhodes Memorial and the beaches are some of the famous tourist attractions. Located on the shore of Table Bay, Cape Town is also noted for its natural floral kingdom and stunning harbor. Popular tourist attractions include wine tasting day trips plus whale and dolphin watching.
of the most
Taj Mahal, India
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The Taj Mahal is one of the man made Wonders of the World. A stun ning mausoleum constructed by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favorite queen, Mumtaz Mahal, who was grief-stricken at her death. It is located in Agra, and was built of white marble with semi-precious stones as inlaid ornamentation. A symbol of his love, it is considered to be the pinnacle of Mughal architecture. It took thousands of craftsmen and artisans nearly twenty years to complete. Masons, stonecutters, carvers, inlayers, calligraphers, and painters were brought from the entire empire for the project, as well as from Iran and Central Asia. Upon his death, Shah Jahan was also laid to rest in the Taj Mahal. One of the world’s great tourist attractions, it receives nearly two million tourists every year.
Canadian Rockies, Canada
The majestic Canadian Rockies are the northern extension of the North American Rocky Mountains. Considered a visitor’s wonderland, they are the playground of western Canada and are older than the American Rockies. The Canadian Rockies house five national parks, of which four, along with other provincial parks, form the combination of natural reserves that comprise the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It consists of hundreds of thousands of square miles of beautiful mountain landscapes, lakes, canyons, waterfalls, glaciers, peaks, limestone caves and many fossils; a haven for walkers, hikers and campers. Mount Robson is the highest peak; climbing it is considered a challenge. There are a number of resorts designed to harmoniously blend with the forest landscape offering a unique natural experience.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu, or ‘Old Peak,” is considered one of the most enigmatic ancient sites in the world. According to legend, it was a sacred place in ancient times. The Incas are credited with the creation of the extraordinary city gods and they erected many stone structures that demonstrate prodigious architectural and artistic skills. Located two thousand feet above the Urubamba River, the ruins consist of baths, temples, palaces and approx 150 houses, all very well preserved. The gray granite structures, some of which weigh more than 50 tons, are so perfectly sculpted that even today, they are considered nothing less than architectural genius. Rediscovered by a Yale archaeologist in 1911, their ethereal beauty, remarkable workmanship and fascinating history attracts millions of tourists each year.
fascinating places in the world Deciding which are the ten most beautiful places in the world is arguably a very subjective choice; every person has their own idea of what is beautiful. This list is a consensus by experienced travel writers; they agree the selections were difficult and some may not agree with their choices. In any case, each of the sights, whether natural or man- made, are fascinating to contemplate and an expression of the glory of creation, whether by cataclysmic earthly forces or the soaring vision of human kind.
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The Pyramids, Egypt
The pyramids are massive structures with square bases and four triangular sides rising up to a point. There is still great curiosity and speculation associated with the pyramids and their formation, as their construction is considered remarkable and monumental, considering the time and technology when they were built. It is believed Egyptians started building them after 2700 B.C. and their purpose was as tombs for the Pharaohs. The most well-known and the largest pyramids of Egypt are those at Giza, which are said to be the largest ever built. The Great Pyramid at Giza took 23 years to complete with a work force of 30,000. About 118 pyramids have been identified and are very popular as tourist destinations with people around the world.
Petra, Jordan
The finale of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was filmed in the dramatic ruins of Petra, considered by UNESCO as “one of the most precious cultural properties of man’s heritage.” An archeological site on the slope of Mount Hor, Petra is considered one of the new wonders of the world and is famous for its rock cut architecture. Petra, in Greek, means “cleft in the rock.” Nabateans constructed it as their capital city around 100 BCE and it flourished under the Roman Empire. A rapid decline began with the Arabian trade being taken elsewhere, than an earthquake in 383 AD caused great destruction, crippling its water system, so it was abandoned. It remained hidden from the western world till 1812 when it was discovered by Swiss explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt.
Great Wall of China, China
The Great Wall of China, or “Long Fortress” in Chinese, is a man-made structure built over two thousand years ago, which took almost 100 years to complete. The vastness of this project spotlights the immense capabilities of man, and it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Construction began in the 5th Century B.C. It is actually many walls put together and stretches over 4,000 miles with the original purpose of protecting the Chinese Empire from the Xiongnu people in the north. One of the most famous walls is that built between 220–206 BC by the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang; little of it remains. Most of the remaining wall was built during the Ming Dynasty.
The Iguazu Falls, ArgentinaBrazil Border
Iguazu Falls, where the upper Iguazu River falls into the lower, are considered the most beautiful and dramatic waterfalls in the world. Located at the border of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay, they offer visitors diversely different views from each side; and can be explored when entering the surrounding national parks. Iguazu Falls have the greatest annual flow of any waterfall in the world. Legend has it that a god planned to marry a beautiful aborigine named Naipí, who fled with her mortal lover Tarobá in a canoe. In rage, the god sliced the river creating the waterfalls, condemning the lovers to an eternal fall. They were first discovered by Spanish Conquistador Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca in 1541, and one of the Argentinean falls is named after him.
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