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local Wednesday 30 OctOber 2024

The Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins and its history

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

Visit the island’s hidden natural pools

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