Page 16 - AB

a11
local Friday 7 June 2024
Exploring the Mainstreet of San Nicolas

renovated in 2014 is the home of
the Community Museum. The col-
lection is remarkable and spans
millennia. Ancient fossils stand next
to tableaus of an authentically
recreated colonial kitchen and
bedroom and 19th-century bar-
bershop, just to name a few of the
items of old-time Aruba that has
been preserved. A collection of
artifacts and other objects of artis-
tic, cultural, historical, or scientific
importance can be found here for
the purpose of education or enjoy-
ment. San Nicolas has had quite the aes-
Carnival Euphoria is showcasing thetic makeover with regards to
Aruba’s Carnival. See how are vibrant street art. Each year more
Carnival has developed over the and more stunning murals are re-
SAN NICOLAS— At Just 11 miles anywhere else on the island. past 65 years. placing broken down buildings
southeast from Oranjestad you with colorful art pieces that keep
will enter the city San Nicolas, also Flow of history The new San Nicolas brightening up SunriseCity.
known as Sunrise City or Chocolate if you are looking for history San In the shadow of the refinery, an
City. A city that is rich in authen- Nicolas has it. Here you will find art capital is quietly beginning to Must See, Do, Buy & Eat
tic culture and island charm. San three amazing museums, The Mu- grow. This is the new San Nicolas, A little bit of everything can be
Nicolas is Aruba’s second largest seum of Industry, the Community a place that is starting to become found in the main street. Stores
city and was once a bustling com- Museum and the Carnival Eupho- a magnet for all that is young, selling shoes, clothing, jewelry you
pany town dominated by the oil in- ria, all within walking distance from cool and hip in Aruba. Indeed, name it. Arts & crafts by Cosecha
dustry since the early 1930’s. one another. San Nicolas has all of the ingredi- store & Creative Center, a design
The Museum of Industry is situated ents of an emerging cultural hub store in which you can immerse
Over the course of four decades, in the Water Tower in San Nico- — varied history, interesting archi- yourself in discovering genuine
its demographics had changed las and narrates Aruba's industrial tecture, and, perhaps most impor- and locally made arts and crafts
immensely due to a stream of Afro- history which began in the 19th tantly, an urban layout that makes which reflect the diversification of
Caribbean and South American century. Here you will learn about it walkable. As you walk around, the Aruban craft heritage and the
workers who came to fill the jobs in gold, aloe, phosphate, oil and the the streets are silent but the walls artistic supply of artisans. Don’t miss
the oil refinery between the 1920’s tourism industries which made San are loud, filled with bright, color- out on trying the exquisite food of-
until the 1960’s. To this day traces Nicolas once a bustling business ful murals painted by a collection fered by the cafes and restaurants
of the multicultural influences in center. Experience the touching of artists from around the world. or just enjoy a peaceful walk ad-
culinary offerings and customs, stories of those who were part of Thanks to the efforts of various art miring the murals, mosaic benches
housing and population are clear- this history. organizations in Aruba, such as Art and all the history San Nicolas has
ly visible in San Nicolas - more than Nicolaas Store built in 1940 and Rules Aruba and Aruba Art Fair, to offer.q

Best spots to view the sunset

(Oranjestad)—Today we sible to locals and tourists, Manchebo Beach or at
celebrate Valentine ’s Day, the California Light House Eagle Beach, which stretch
and what can be more ro- hill not only offers a tremen- along the entire western
mantic than surprising your dous view of the sunset, but coast of the island starting
partner with a date watch- also a breath taking scen- from behind Bucuti & Tara
ing the sunset. Aruba’s sun- ery of most of the island. In Beach Resort up to the
set leave many speechless, the distance you can spot Amsterdam Manor round-
and luckily, the best spots all the hotels, the west- about. The sunset on these
to view the sunset are en- ern shoreline and the wild beaches is truly breathtak-
tirely accessible and easy waves that crash on the ing; the sky and ocean look House. A favorite for surf- reach the top to enjoy this
to find. Here are some of northern side of the island. so big and spacious, and ers and body boarders, the incredible scenery.
the best places to view the paired with the orange/ Arashi sky stretches out for
sunset on the island. Manchebo & Eagle Beach pink hue of the sunset, the miles, lending a spectacu- Casibari Rock Formation
Speaking of the western white sandy beaches and lar canvas for the sun to If you’re a rock climber, you
California Light House shoreline, the best spots the soft sounds of waves create a masterpiece of or- might enjoy watching the
Of course, being one of the for viewing the sunset on crashing—it can only be ange, pink and purple hue. sunset on top of the Casi-
highest point easily acces- the beach has to be either described as an experi- bari Rock Formation. It’s no
ence!* Hooiberg Hill Yosemite, but it does offer
These last two options are a fun little exercise to get to
Arashi Beach for more active couples. If the top. But if you prefer not
Another beach that has to you and your partner like to to get your hands a little
be considered as another hike, the Hooiberg Hill may dirty, you can always use
great spot to view the sun- be a great place for you to the stairs in the back.
set. Arashi Beach is the last get your daily workout in
beach you will find along and enjoy a beautiful view Editor’s note: This spot may
the western coast line, just of the sunset and the island be my personal favorite, if
before you drive up the as a little reward. Climb on you couldn’t already tell…
hill to the California Light top the 587-step stairs and q