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local Tuesday 31 OcTOber 2023
The Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins and its history

(Oranjestad)—The Bushiri- sioned by the Dutch West ing for more gold. About 25
bana Gold Mill Ruins is one India Company. Under the pounds worth was found.
of the most visited places leadership of Mr. Paulus
by tourists on the island, Printz, a three-year search At the same time, the Aru-
as it lies along the north- was conducted on Aruba, ban government took
ern coast line near the mini to no avail. Though they immediate actions, and
pool and on the way to the found some gold, it was informed Curacao that
Natural Bridge. Despite its enough to motivate a fur- gold was found. At first,
seemingly plain appear- ther search, and the assign- everyone could look for
ance, this ruin represents ment was discontinued by gold, as long as they sold
one of the most important Printz himself. it to the government. How-
histories of the island: The ever, after some time, the
Aruban Gold Rush. It wasn’t until 100 years lat- government decided to
er, in 1824, when a young implement stricter rules and ny Ltd. was no different, but the Bushiribana Gold Mill.
Built in 1872 by English com- boy found a lump of gold banned local search par- used a unique method that
pany Aruba Island Gold while out herding his fa- ties. involved grinding the rocks The gold mill itself had a
Mining Company Ltd, the ther’s sheep. His father took and letting the dust be short life-span: only 10 years
gold mill at Bushiribana it to a local merchant who Over the years, conces- blown away by the strong in service, but its structure
was constructed in the then sold the lump for $70. sion-holding had seen dif- northeast wind, leaving remained relatively solid till
area where most gold was Unbeknownst to the boy ferent companies from clumps of gold behind. The this day, and is now a his-
found by locals. The story and his father, they quite around the world, all of next step was melting the torical remnant.
of gold on Aruba actually literally struck gold, and which used primitive meth- gold and letting it attach
dates back to 1725, when as word got out, a gold ods to dig and carve out to quicksilver in order to Sources: Etnia Nativa & gold-
a first exploration for gold fever spread among the gold from the rocks. Aruba obtain pure gold. All these mineranch.com.
on the island was commis- locals who started search- Island Gold Mining Compa- processes were done at

Visit the island’s hidden natural pools

(Oranjestad)—Amongst enter. You would have to
the countless beaches sur- purchase a day pass, and
rounding the island that are receive a wristband as
well-known and frequently proof of payment. Once
visited, there are an addi- you’ve completed that,
tional two “hidden” natural you are set!
pools that are situated in
the northern coast of the is- If you decide to hike from
land, two ideal stops in your the entrance of the Arikok
tour itinerary. National Park, this is also
possible: do bring plenty
Conchi (Natural Pool) of protective clothing and
For many years, Conchi enough water and food—it
was the only natural pool could take you up to three
that we had on the island. hours to hike there!
Located in the Arikok Na-
tional Park, near Boca Keto However, when you even-
and the Daimari Ranch, tually do get there, you
Conchi—also known “Cura will be greeted with crystal
di Turtuga (Turtle’s Cove) or blue water surrounded by
just Natural Pool—is reach- a natural rock formation
able with any 4x4 vehicle that protects you from the
or by foot if you’re up for a wild waves on the other
long hike. However, since it side. Though the pool is lo- no suitable for swimming), er. Sounds scary, but if you
is part of the National Park, cated on the northern side the pool itself is very calm. Just like the Conchi, the look down on your right,
you must first get permission of the island (where the sea It’s also relatively deep, new natural pool is situated you’ll see a calm, crystal
from park management to is largely rough and largely and you can climb up the on the northern coast of blue little pool in the cor-
rocks and jump in! Aruba. However, this pool is ner. To get there, you have
much easier to reach with to climb down some stairs.
Cave Pool any type of vehicle, and Be careful when climbing
This relatively new pool ap- there is no hiking needed. down and follow the in-
peared just a few years This spot has also become structions of your tour guide
ago, when a part of the a regular stop for touring if you have one.
dried up coral floor broke visitors.
off and created a partition And just like Conchi, this
between the ocean and When you get there, may- pool also has a jumping
what is now the natural be you won’t be able to spot, and a rope to climb
pool that is hidden there. spot the pool immediately, back up the boulder.q
Because it’s still so new, because you will probably
there is no official name for notice the moon-shaped Picture of cave pool is cred-
it, but most people just call lagoon where wild northern ited to RockaBeach Tours
it the cave pool. waves crash into each oth-