Page 13 - AHATA

A9
LOCAL Wednesday 2 april 2025

Blackstone Beach

(Oranjestad)—Named after in black smooth stones. Sec- visit the Blackstone Beach.
its most recognizable fea- ondly, it lies on the northern
ture, the Blackstone Beach side of the island, away from Blackstone Beach shows the
almost represents the op- the white sandy beaches of more natural side of Aruba:
posite of the typical Aru- in the southern region. So, if the stones that cover the
ban beaches. For one, it has you feel up for something dif- beaches and the shape of
black sand and is covered ferent—or if it’s opposite day, it has been crafted for thou-
sand years via volcanic erup-
tions, coral reef movements
and wave activity of the rural
northern part of the island.
Located further east to the
Natural Bridge and Andicuri
Beach, the Blackstone Beach This beach forms part of the current is very strong and
is relatively easy to access. Arikok National Park and is can easily stray you further
Once you get passed the therefore a site that is pre- in the wild ocean. However,
Ayo Rock Formation, take served. This is why it is also you can still enjoy a spec-
the Andicuri road leading up relatively untouched by tacular view of the stones
to Andicuri Beach. There, you commercial influences. De- and the northern ocean that
can park your car and take a spite being called a beach, stretches out in front of the
1km hike towards Blackstone do note that it is not advised beach and take a picture
Beach. to swim in the water, as the with your friends or family!q

Visit the historic museum at Fort Zoutman!

(Oranjestad)—Located in the Willem III Toren was originally ings also housed a police
middle of downtown Oran- a light tower, but after a re- precinct and jail, and even
jestad, situated right next quest from Lieutenant Gov- experienced abandonment
to the government building ernor Jan Helenus in 1866, it until the Cultural Center
“Cocolishi”, is one of the old- also became a bell tower. Aruba Foundation (CCA)
est buildings of Aruba: Fort The fort itself was originally petitioned for its renovation
Zoutman. First constructed constructed to protect the in 1964, turning the site into
in 1796, this site has been commerce bay of Paarden- the Historic Museum it cur-
used (or left unused) in many baai from pirates and other rently is.
ways and have survived eras disreputable characters Despite its small size, The His-
of war and attempted dis- roaming the Caribbean Sea. toric Museum guards a rich
mantling. Unlike the Willem III Toren, depository of the commer-
Fort Zoutman had a more cial, military and social his-
When anyone refers to Fort tumultuous past, including tory of Oranjestad, offering
Zoutman, they are actually the on-and-off reception of a glance into how the social
referring to two separate unwanted members of the culture of the town came to
buildings that, over the years, English military several times be. If you are interested in
have been merged: the fort (The Netherlands was at con- history and want to learn
and the tower. That’s right, stant war with England back more about Aruba, then Fort
the iconic 5-story, squared in the colonial era). Zoutman should definitely be
tower was not part of the included into your itinerary.
original structure of the fort, Over the years, both the fort The museum is open Monday
and is actually called “Wil- and the tower had func- to Friday from 9am-6pm, and
lem III Toren”. Constructed in tioned as different govern- Saturday from 10am-2pm.q
1867, this tower was named ment center points, including
after the then-reigning king a tax and stamps office. For Source: The Old Fort of Aruba
of The Netherlands, Willem III. some time these two build- by Jan Hartog.