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Welcome to the
Visit Aruba Newsletter!
This section will be updated regularly, so keep coming back...
News
Briefs for December 1-31, 1999
- Aruba
dries out after unexpected rainstorms
After
a week-long string of rainstorms, November 29 through December 5, which have no precedence
even in the memory of the island’s oldest residents, the sun finally shines over a
weather-weary Aruba.
- TWA offers daily
service from various U.S. gateways
The start of daily TWA service this past November 1, will not only
help meet the demand for airlift to Aruba from the Northeast and Southeast United States
but will provide further access to the island from the West Coast and Midwest.
- CONDOR flies Germany to Aruba
A
twice-monthly charter flight, linking Germany to Aruba, through a flight through Curaçao,
will help attract to the island more Europeans who are seeking an idyllic Caribbean
vacation.
- DeliFrance at
Certified Mega Mall
The sweet smell of fresh-made bread is one of the most
attractive aspects of the island’s new eatery Delifrance, located by the Certified
Mega Mall on L.G. Smith Boulevard.
- Radisson
Aruba Caribbean Resort ready to greet 2000
The
Bonaire and Curacao towers of the Radisson Aruba Caribbean Resort will officially open
December 24, 1999, inviting guests to celebrate the holidays in the comfort and luxury of
this newly renovated and upgraded property.
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As a cardmember you will receive your personalized VisitAruba Plus
card. Present your card at participating locations to take advantage of discounts and
special offers. The 2000 card is valid for UNLIMITED USE until December 1st, 2000. For
more details and ordering, see the VisitAruba Plus section.
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Aruba's DANDE celebration...
The word dande (or dandee) is derived from the original Papiamento word
"dandara", which means "parandea: (or to revel; carouse; to have a good
time).The celebration of dande began around 1880, after King William III declared the
slaves "free men".
Dande is usually performed by a group of 5-6 people (sometimes more) who accompany the
singer, door to door (mostly visiting family and friends), to sing and express their best
wishes for the New Year. The instruments used during the "paranda-sweep" are:
the violin, tambu, guitar and wicharo/wiri (metal rasp).These are the most important
instruments. Some groups also use a hand accordion.
Today, most districts have their own dande group, who performs until the second day of
the new year. While visiting different houses, the singer collects money in his hat while
performing. The money is donated as a token of appreciation for the entire ensemble.
Some people today still believe that if the dande group does not visit them on new
year's day, that they will have bad luck during the new year. Yet others hold the thought
that after the dande group leaves they set off fireworks in order to make the event more
meaningful.
Click Here To listen to some
typical dande!! 
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Great
Fireworks show at Ling & Sons Supermarket !
Every Year Ling & Sons celebrates the New Year with a
bang....the transition from 1999 into the new millennium will be extraordinary! On
the 30th of December 1998 we had 15-20 minutes of breathtaking fireworks!!!
Actually with quite a few bangs.........!! This year there will also be a typical 'Dande' band present as well as other attractions.
According to Mr. Clifton Ling, owner of Ling & Sons Supermarket, this year approximately half a ton of
explosives will light up the night sky with a brilliant glow of dazzling colors
and designs. It will take three days to set-up this show with 2000 aerial shells
varying from 2" to 8". Pyrotechnics effects used in the display include
products from nine different countries: Japan, China, Taiwan, Australia,
Brazil, France, Germany, Spain and the U.S.A.
The show will start at 9 p.m. on Thursday, December
30th. This great fireworks
show will mark Aruba’s entry into the new millennium, adding more spice to an
already exciting New Year’s
celebration in Aruba.
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Still
time to make New Year's reservations in Aruba.
A number of the island’s resorts
are still offering rooms this holiday season
along with an exciting array of activities.
At the Holiday Inn, it’s barefoot elegance around the pool for “the best party
of the millennium.” The Holiday Inn will feature dinner, live music, midnight
champagne toast and fireworks show, 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are US$150 per person,
kids under 12 are $62.50 (add 15% for service charge). More information is available by
phone, (297) 863600, ext. 14, or Fax: (297) 863478.
Sonesta Resort & Suites is currently
offering a 7th night free in all categories, valid for stays in December 24, 1999 through
January 8, 2000 (only on Millennium rates). Sonesta will also hold its “Festival of
Lights” on the 31st. This elegant party will be held at the Seaport Conference
Center, 8 pm to 1 am, and includes free flowing champagne, super premium open bar, gourmet
international buffets, and some of Aruba's best known bands (Crystal Breeze, Spices/Why
Not, etc.) Just before midnight all diners will gather outside on the Seaport Festival
Plaza where they enjoy a champagne toast and experience a spectacular fireworks display
put together specially for the party. Dancing will continue on in to the wee hours of the
morning. Tickets are US$ 175 for adults and US$ 75 for children, 12 and under. All adults
will receive a commemorative Millennium champagne flute and plate.
On New Year’s Eve at the Bucuti Beach Resort, a sumptuous buffet will be served in
the Pirates Nest restaurant. A champagne reception will also be held on the rooftop of the
Bucuti so that guests can view the island-wide fireworks display from 11:30 p.m. onwards.
Staff will be dressed in " Black and White" including bower hats and white
gloves, and guests will be encouraged to dress in black & white as well. Complimentary
champagne for all house guests and dance music (disco) will be provided. Upon returning to
their rooms, house guests will find a millennium survival kit containing: A bottle of
champagne, two "millennium" souvenir champagne glasses and a “millennium
survival kit” containing orange juice, vodka, bloody Mary mix, alka-seltzer, cheese
and crackers along with a card with a message from management.
La Cabana All Suite Beach Resort plans to ring in the millennium, Caribbean-style with a
gala on the resort's spacious outdoor pool deck on New Year's Eve at 8 p.m. A
special dinner buffet will include poached salmon with beurre blanc sauce, roast prime rib
au jus, and marinated Italian chicken breast, island specialties and other delicacies.
Attendees will enjoy an abundant flow of champagne, an impressive fireworks display
at midnight, dancing under the stars to the music of Aruba's popular Supermania Band and a
festive and colorful carnival show. Party-goers receive a special memento
plate. Event admission costs $99 per adult, and $59 for children under age 18, plus a
15 percent service charge. Millennium rates for La Cabana between Dec. 24, 1999 - Jan. 2,
2000 start at $282 per room, per night.
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New Year's Eve Cruise
Swing into the new Millennium with Tattoo! Aruba's most famous
party cruise is making this special New Year's Eve cruise one to remember. From 9 p.m. to
1 a.m. you can enjoy your Millennium warm-up with well-known Aruban live band JEM, DJ,
premium open bar - including wine and champagne toast, dinner, noise makers, party favors
etc. Dress Code: Black Tie Barefoot (casual elegant). You'll also get the best view of
Aruba's spectacular Fireworks. Boarding time: 8.15 p.m. For information & inquiries
email:info@visitaruba.com
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Another "Aruba First"
at Manchebo Beach Resort
The 88 year old Ike Cohen, owner of the Best Western Manchebo Beach Resort and also known as the grandfather
of tourism on Aruba is still in the forefront and on the cutting edge of the Hospitality
Industry. Mr. Cohen, to many known simply as Ike, has realized the increasing demand for
wedding ceremonies to be held in romantic places. Another new trend is the renewal of
wedding vows while in an exotic place.
Thus, in early 1999 he started planning the construction of a wedding chapel on the beach that could also
function as an open-air ballroom where receptions can be held. The architect was
instructed to design a building without a roof, no walls and no doors, but it had to blend
in with the beautiful white sand beach and the blue ocean in the background.
Once approved in late August the construction of the building, measuring 55' by 60', had
started and is now completely finished except for some of the finishing touches. The
bright white, light green and rose colors make it extremely attractive and the building
does create a soft and pleasant atmosphere to start such an important event.
As Ike Cohen said "marriage is such a great event in a couple's life that it needs
the greatest attention to ensure that this day will always be remembered". He also
said that "the government of Aruba is presently negotiating to make it possible for
citizens of all nationalities to have legal marriages performed after only a couple of
days on the island. The church ceremonies can then be held in our chapel"
Anyone who needs more information on the Wedding Packages can contact Mrs. Ingrid Tromp at
ingrid@manchebo.com. The hotel can look after all
arrangements from limousine, flowers, photographer, beautician/hairdresser, wedding cake
and all other wedding requirements. Each wedding will be tailor made to satisfy the
couples' individual wishes.
With the inaugural flight of Delta Air
Lines Aruba offers its smile to visitors from Atlanta
Hearty
applause and cheers heralded the arrival of Delta’s 737-800 as it approached the gate
at the Queen Beatrix International Airport, successfully completing the airline’s
first direct flight to Aruba from Atlanta on Wednesday, December 1, 1999. The sold-out
flight is to be the first of many such flights to the island with Delta Air Lines now
offering daily, non-stop service through April 30, 2000 (after which Delta will fly
Atlanta – Aruba – Atlanta two times weekly, Saturday and Sunday).
Aruba celebrated Delta’s inaugural flight with special guests, Atlanta Mayor Bill
Campbell and Brian Jordan of the Atlanta Braves, together with VIPs, Delta Vice-President
Mike Bell, Delta Operations Manager Amy Martin, Delta ACS System Regional Director Bob
McCoy, Delta SJ/Aruba Station Manager Antonio Jareno, Tony Vallecillo of Delta Aruba y
Delta Vacations Marketing Director Michael Dickman. The Aruba team, headed by Minister of
Tourism Dr. Lili Beke y Minister of Transportation Junior Croes, with ATA Director Jan van
Nes, Aruba Airport Authority Director Director Simon Arends y Aruba Hotel and Tourism
Association Vice-President Alex Kloszewski offered a special “bonbini” to all
visiting VIPs.
Using a Boeing 737-800, offering first class and economy class, Delta will fly to Aruba
leaving Altanta at 11 a.m. and arriving in Aruba at 3:51 p.m. The Aruba flight for Atlanta
will depart 4:55 p.m. and arrive 8:01 p.m.
With
the inaugural flight complete, Delta signs on as the fifth commercial airline to offer
service to the island from U.S. gateways. (Air Aruba, American Airlines, Continental and
TWA comprise the other four.)
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Aruba dries out after
unexpected rainstorms
After a week-long string of rainstorms, November 29 through December 5, which have no
precedence even in the memory of the island’s oldest residents, the sun finally
shines over a weather-weary Aruba. Weather
observer, first class, Kenneth Wolff, of the island’s Meteorological Department,
reports that unusual disturbance in middle and upper layers of air lingered unexpectedly
in our area, resulting in the recent downpour. Though the weather system has now moved off
to the west, unstable, humid air still remains, resulting in scattered rain showers
predicted through Friday, December 10.
“As a result of El Niño, the last four or five years we had much drier years than in
the past, now La Niña seems to be responsible for the sudden change in weather,” he
explains.
In total, Aruba received a total of 310.6 mm
(about 12 inches) of rain since November 29, accounting for half of the rainfall Aruba
normally receives in a year.
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TWA offers daily service from various
U.S. gateways
The start of daily TWA service this past November 1, will not
only help meet the demand for airlift to Aruba from the Northeast and Southeast United
States but will provide further access to the island from the West Coast and Midwest. TWA
flights to Aruba, are now available from the gateways of Los Angeles and St. Louis as well
as New York (JFK), Boston and Fort Lauderdale, feeding into a flight through San Juan,
Puerto Rico, using a MD-80 aircraft (145 seats).
Vice President of Strategic Planning for TWA, Jack Stetzer, was on
the island for the inaugural celebrations, commenting that demand for the first
TWA flights to Aruba have exceeded expectations. Minister of Transportation Junior Croes
helped welcome TWA VIPs to the island and expressed his wishes for the continued success
of Aruba's new ties to the U.S. through TWA.
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CONDOR flies Germany to Aruba
A twice-monthly charter flight, linking Germany to Aruba, through a
flight through Curaçao, will help attract to the island more Europeans who are seeking an
idyllic Caribbean vacation. The inaugural flight was accomplished November 02, 1999, in
the presence of Minister of Transportation Junior Croes, Aruba Tourism Authority Director
Jan van Nes and Longhaul General Manager Jozef Kohl.
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After successful first flights, TAM
is temporarily grounded
The
efforts
to once again realize airlift Brazil to Aruba reached fruition with the first flight of
the weekly TAM charter, Sao Paolo, Brazil, to Aruba, achieved November 14, 1999.
Unfortunately, the charter service was short-lived, with the decision made to suspend TAM
service to Aruba for the winter season. Preliminary
results from the first flight had boded well for the future of the charter with a pool of
important tour operators, including Agaxtur, CVC, Flot, RCA, Soletur and Transatlantica,
finding success selling most of the available 117 seats -- 111 economy and 6 business
class. Unfortunately, room availability proved limited with few hotels able to confirm
reservations for Brazilian travelers. As a result, TAM service to Aruba will be suspended
until April 2000.
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Spotted
in Aruba
U.S. actors Johnny Depp and Sandra Bullock were recently seen vacationing on the island,
stopping in at the Butterfly Farm.
Also, as featured in “Caras” magazine, the hottest couple
in Latin America at the moment, Actress Araceli Suar and Director Adrian Suar spent their
time on the island, vacationing with their young children. In “Caras,” Araceli
states, “We had visited the island last year and we were delighted to return [this
year]. We can relax here, take in the sun, play on the beach with the kids…it’s
`super tranquilo.’
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After recent rains Aruba
experienced flooding in low-lying areas
The deluge of rain did bring flooding to the island, with roads and business in low-lying
areas experiencing flooding up to about two feet of water.
Hardest hit in the resort area was The Mill Resort which was forced
to resettle its guests temporarily in other hotels.
However, efforts to relieve flooding have been successfully and The Mill assumed its
normal operations on Saturday, December 11.
Aruba’s Department of Public Works, DOW, worked throughout the week to pump water
from various areas to the sea. Pumping efforts, however, went astray for the Butterfly
Farm, with DOW relieving the district of Noord by pumping water to Bubali Plas Bird
Sanctuary, which is in close vicinity of the farm. Damage to the plant life at the farm,
and therefore, to its butterfly population, has forced The Butterfly Farm to temporarily
close its doors.
With the flooding now alleviated in all areas, DOW will now begin the task of fixing roads
damaged by the torrential rains.
The rains did exacerbate beach erosion, which had already been experienced to a degree
with the surge of Hurricane Lenny, especially in the area of the Divi Tamarijn. However,
according to Marine Biologist Byron Boekhoudt, much of the beach will be successfully
reclaimed through natural processes that predominate with the normal flow of currents.
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New Dining
Options
Offering lunch, dinner and drinks in a
techno-chic atmosphere, Bar.com is now open by the high-rise hotels (across from the
Allegro, next to the China Buffet). On the menu for lunch are thin crust pizzas (including
“white pies”), fresh salads and ½ pound burgers. Dinner features “global
fusion dishes” with offerings such as the Zee Rover, Aruba’s catch of the day in
a spicy Indian Masala sauce, and Bankok Bolognaise, for a mix of Thai and Italian.
Diners can choose to network over good drinks and good food or over the internet with
access available through four iMacs. Bar.com is open every day but Sunday (Monday, open
for dinner only).
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DeliFrance at Certified Mega Mall
The sweet smell of fresh-made bread is one of the most
attractive aspects of the island’s new eatery Delifrance, located by the Certified
Mega Mall on L.G. Smith Boulevard.
A large selection of sandwich stuffings are offered on freshly baked bread, from baguettes
and croissants to nutbread, Ciabatta and Italian sourdough.
General Manager Peter Passenier brought the DeliFrance chain, which has already proven
successful in Europe and Asia, to Aruba. Passenier contends what really makes Delifrance
special is the fact that the different breads are truly authentic with, for example,
croissants being made from French flour and the flour for the Italian Sourbread actually
originating in Italy. All breads are also free of chemicals and contain no animal fat.
DeliFrance is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering eggs for breakfast and a diverse menu
of hearty sandwiches and soups for lunch or dinner.
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Radisson
Aruba Caribbean Resort ready to greet 2000
The
Bonaire and Curacao towers of the Radisson Aruba Caribbean Resort will officially open
December 24, 1999, inviting guests to celebrate the holidays in the comfort and luxury of
this newly renovated and upgraded property.
A total of 240 rooms will be available beginning at US$250 a room, which includes
breakfast for two.
As
a special value-added bonus, those guests staying for a minimum of four nights will
receive free entrance to the resort’s New Year’s celebrations, including buffet,
live entertainment and dancing. According to Marketing Director Pat Donovan,
everything is moving according to schedule with both towers scheduled to open on the 24th
along with the fitness center, pool/Jacuzzi, sundry store, beach bar and grill and Laguna
restaurant (offering unique “wok stations,” where diners can choose an
assortment of delicacies to be stir-fried, as well as an a la carte menu). All the
landscaping will also be in place, both in front of and behind the resort.
The grand opening of the resort, with the completion of the Aruba tower and main lobby,
the Sunset Grill, meeting and convention facilities, business center and tennis courts, is
scheduled for April 24, 2000. The full service spa, the first of its kind in Aruba, will
make its debut in August.
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News courtesy of ATA Newsletter Editor:
Doreen Boekhoudt
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