Page 8 - aruba-today-20240425

a8 local
Thursday 25 april 2024
Ayo & Casibari: Aruba’s famous rock formations

(Oranjestad)—The Ayo and
Casibari Rock Formations
are known locally as one
of the crucial sites to have
in your “off-road” trip itiner-
ary. These naturally formed
rock formations as just one
of the few places on the is-
land that hold a rich history
of our culture and of our
ancestors.

Ayo sible—to the general pub- can see the majority of the
The Ayo Rock Formation lic. Just like Ayo, Casibari island and the ocean in the
is located in the northern is a fenced area contain- south. Right in front of the
part of the island, right on ing several boulders that entrance, there is the Casi-
the road that leads you to However, this is just anoth- Casibari lay on top or lean on each bari Café and Grill, a great
the Black Stone Beach, and er charm of the site: the Probably the busier rock other. The best aspect of place to get refreshments
close to the Natural Bridge. quiet area and the refresh- formation site, the Casi- the Casibari Rock Forma- and snack before continu-
The Ayo is a fenced terrain ing breeze offer a sense of bari is situated more in the tion is the accompanying ing your off-road adven-
that consists of several giant comfort and peace. center of the island, much view when you climb up ture!
boulders, resting neatly on closer—and more acces- the top of the round, flat Both sites are open free to
top of or side by side each bolder. For this position, you the public, 24 hours a day.
other, adding gorgeous However, unless you are
natural architecture to the taking a trip with a profes-
surrounding “mondi”*. This sional tour guide, there are
is also one of the few sites no guides at the sites to
to contain prehistoric mark- help you climb the rock.
ings of our indigenous an- So, do be careful when
cestors. The Ayo Rock for- trudging on the boulders,
mation contains stairs that and make sure to befriend
lead you to the top of the any roaming goats you see
highest boulder, offering a along the way!
breath-taking view of the *Mondi: what we call our
Aruban backyard. The Ayo Aruban wilderness. We
is usually quiet, as it is situ- don’t have forests, or des-
ated farther away from the erts, but we do have mon-
busier parts of the island. di! q

Aruba to me

Last but not least: check out our my 89 year old mom found that
website, Instagram and Facebook driver's card. I got online and con-
page! Thank you for supporting our tacted the taxi company to see if
free newspaper, we strive to make they were still driving. I was told, yes
you a happy reader every day they were. I said we were coming
again. in March and hoped to meet the
driver.
For today we received a lovely
message from our awesome visitor On March 28th, I called the driver
Lainey Cross from and they agreed to take us to the
Bethel, Maine, USA. airport despite it being their day
off, as it was good Friday. This was
She wrote to us saying: “14 years done as a surprise for my mom to
ago my 75 year old mom traveled see the driver again. On Friday
to Aruba alone. Because of work, morning it was a happy reunion
I was arriving 4 days later. She told for the driver and my mother and
me what a wonderful experience a pleasure for me to meet the
she had had with a taxi driver. On person who took such good care
the way to the resort the driver of my mom. That person is Jasmin
ORANJESTAD — You are back and your vacation memory. Isn’t that asked if she would like to stop any- Lampe. I am honored to mention
we would like to portrait you! By a special way to keep your best where? My mother replied that she her by name. Jasmin like so many
inviting you to send us your favor- moments alive? Please do note: By would like to get a few groceries. others on the island go above and
ite vacation picture while enjoying submitting photos, text or any oth- Once at the grocery store the driv- beyond to make meet their visitors
our Happy Island. er materials, you give permission to er accompanied her inside and needs. That's what Aruba Means to
The Aruba Today Newspaper, Ca- pushed the cart for her. When ar- me.”
Complete the sentence: Aruba to ribbean Speed Printers and any of riving at the resort, the driver wait-
me is ……. Send your picture with its affiliated companies to use said ed for her to check in, then lugged Thank you for sending us this won-
that text (including your name and materials, as well as names, like- the groceries in to our room and derful message sharing what Aru-
where you are from) to: news@aru- ness, etc. for promotional purposes help put them away. ba means to you with us and our
batoday.com and we will publish without compensation. Prior to arriving in Aruba this year readers!q