Page 12 - AHATA

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local Saturday 28 June 2025
Blackstone Beach

(Oranjestad)—Named af- visit the Blackstone Beach.
ter its most recognizable
feature, the Blackstone Blackstone Beach shows
Beach almost represents the more natural side of
the opposite of the typical Aruba: the stones that cov-
Aruban beaches. For one, er the beaches and the
it has black sand and is shape of it has been craft-
covered in black smooth ed for thousand years via
stones. Secondly, it lies on volcanic eruptions, coral
the northern side of the is- reef movements and wave
land, away from the white activity of the rural northern
sandy beaches of in the part of the island.
southern region. So, if you
feel up for something differ- Located further east to the
ent—or if it’s opposite day, Natural Bridge and Andi-

curi Beach, the Blackstone This beach forms part of the and can easily stray you
Beach is relatively easy Arikok National Park and is further in the wild ocean.
to access. Once you get therefore a site that is pre- However, you can still en-
passed the Ayo Rock For- served. This is why it is also joy a spectacular view of
mation, take the Andicuri relatively untouched by the stones and the northern
road leading up to Andicuri commercial influences. De- ocean that stretches out
Beach. There, you can park spite being called a beach, in front of the beach and
your car and take a 1km do note that it is not ad- take a picture with your
hike towards Blackstone vised to swim in the water, friends or family!q
Beach. as the current is very strong

Why You Should Not Miss Aruba’s Free City Center Street Car Tour

of 9 stops approximately luxurious yachts and Aru-
200 meters apart from each ba’s blue waters.
other; all stops are clearly
marked. The tram will bring The “Tram van Oranjestad”
you close to different mu- starts from a balloon loop
seums, historical plazas, near the Port of Call and
monuments, the Protestant serves the downtown area
church, Aruba’s high- end and ends at Plaza Nicky.
mall, retail shops, and a va- The first ride starts at 10:00
riety of local and interna- am sharp with intervals of
tional cuisine restaurants. 25minutes. The last trolley
The “I love Aruba” trade- departs from the cruise port
mark also belongs to that at 5:00pm. Don’t miss this
list. The third stop on the tour of the beautiful Aru-
route is close to a 5-minute ba’s City Center– it is free
walk to the famous Renais- for all!q
sance Marina showcasing

ORANJESTAD - Aruba’s a single-deck one with 42 referred to as our “main
City Center Street Car - seats and a double-decker street” has been devel-
or as we call it in Dutch; with 64 seats. The line was oped into a pollution-free
“Tram van Oranjestad’ - is inspired by the popular pedestrian mall. The dou-
a single track tram line in battery-powered streetcar ble-decker offers you a 360
Oranjestad, the capital operation at the Grove in degree view of the down
city of Aruba. It was inau- Los Angeles, USA. Aruba’s town area with a picture
gurated on 22 December streetcars are powered by perfect scenery of the is-
2012, being the first and so hydrogen fuel cells, which land’s clear blue skies. Who
far the only passenger rail are charged by the island’s would not enjoy a ride on
service on Aruba and the year-round trade winds. this beautiful and naturally
rest of the Dutch Caribbe- air-conditioned vehicle?
an. There are two trolleys, Caya Betico Croes, mostly The tour consists of a total