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local Wednesday 3 January 2024

Visit the island’s hidden natural pools

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

Aruban snacks and where to find them

ORANJESTAD — Want to taste something dif- Pastechi House in the city center. These places
ferent for a change? How about some Aruban may also sell other snacks and sandwiches too,
snacks that you can find all around the island? perfect for on-the-road lunch break.
Hop in your car, and go to these locations to
find some of the most popular and tasty snacks While you’re at it, why not accompany your
that are beloved by our locals. snack with a refreshing “batido”? Batidos are
fruit shakes, typically made with added milk for
One of the staples of Aruban cuisine and snacks some creaminess. However, you can also ask
is the Pastechi. Pastechi is a Caribbean fried to hold the milk. Batidos are commonly found
pastry that is filled with cheese, meat, chick- in snack shops too. You may find some batido
en, veggies and sometimes even fish! Or per- shops next the flee markets downtown, or if Nicolas, on the way to Baby Beach.
haps you might want to try a croquette, locally you’re on your way to San Nicolas, at Mauchi 2. Along the main road next to the airport
called a “kroket,” which is a crusty fried snack Smoothies and Juice Bar in Savaneta (located field.
with typically a meat and dough mix filling. The at the side of the main road). 3. At the California Light House.
Aruban kroket is based on its Dutch counter- 4. At the Alto Vista Chapel.
part, the “bitterbal”. If you are looking for something a bit more fresh
and healthy, why not try some coconuts, or These vendors may also sell other delights, like
These two snacks are typically found in all local shaved ice from local vendors? These vendors the beloved coconut-based dessert “cocada”
snack trucks, which can be found all over the carry their little shop at the back of their truck, or peanuts. All in all, in Aruba, you can always
island, including on the side of the main road so they are ever-moving around the island. find some place to take a break and have a
that stretches from San Nicolas to the Hotel However, there are a few spots where you can bite of something local, you maybe just might
Area. You can also find pastechis and krokets almost always find a coconut/shaved ice ven- have to look for them!
at local bakeries and snack shops, like Bright dor:
Bakery in Piedra Plat, Huchada in Santa Cruz or 1. Right next to the Red Anchor in San Photo credit: wheninaruba.com