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Monday 3 February 2025 LOCAL
A10

Visit the historic museum at Fort Zoutman!

(Oranjestad)—Located in also became a bell tower.
the middle of downtown
Oranjestad, situated right The fort itself was originally
next to the government constructed to protect
building “Cocolishi”, is one the commerce bay of
of the oldest buildings of Paardenbaai from pirates
Aruba: Fort Zoutman. First and other disreputable
constructed in 1796, this characters roaming the
site has been used (or left Caribbean Sea. Unlike the
unused) in many ways and Willem III Toren, Fort Zout-
have survived eras of war man had a more tumul-
and attempted disman- tuous past, including the
tling. on-and-off reception of
unwanted members of the
When anyone refers to Fort English military several times
Zoutman, they are actu- (The Netherlands was at
ally referring to two sepa- constant war with England
rate buildings that, over the back in the colonial era). rently is.
years, have been merged:
the fort and the tower. Over the years, both the Despite its small size, The
fort and the tower had Historic Museum guards a
That’s right, the iconic 5-sto- functioned as different rich depository of the com-
ry, squared tower was not government center points, mercial, military and social
part of the original structure including a tax and stamps history of Oranjestad, offer-
of the fort, and is actually office. For some time these ing a glance into how the
called “Willem III Toren”. two buildings also housed social culture of the town
Constructed in 1867, this a police precinct and jail, came to be. If you are in-
tower was named after the and even experienced terested in history and want
then-reigning king of The abandonment until the to learn more about Aruba,
Netherlands, Willem III. Wil- Cultural Center Aruba then Fort Zoutman should
lem III Toren was originally Foundation (CCA) peti- definitely be included into
a light tower, but after a re- tioned for its renovation in your itinerary. day to Friday from 9am-
quest from Lieutenant Gov- 1964, turning the site into 6pm, and Saturday from Source: The Old Fort of Aru-
ernor Jan Helenus in 1866, it the Historic Museum it cur- The museum is open Mon- 10am-2pm. ba by Jan Hartog.

Dining in? Try making a local favorite

How to make “funchi hasa”

(Oranjestad)—A night in 4. Salt to taste
can be just as fun as a night
out on the town, especially Directions
if you got the right snacks to Bring water to a boil in a
munch on. One of the most medium-sized sauce pan.
famous Aruban snacks or Add in some salt and butter
appetizers is “funchi hasa” to taste in the boiling water
(fried polenta sticks). A su- and let this dissolve and
per easy meal that adults melt. Then, gradually add
and children will both en- the flour while stirring with a
joy. Here’s how to make it! wooden spoon. The mixture
will start to begin to harden
Before we start, get to pretty fast, so be careful
know the basics not to add too much. At flour brand that is sold in all Photo credit of fried funchi
So what is funchi hasa? this phase of cooking, you some butter or shredded supermarkets on the island. sticks: Jacqueline Felida on
Funchi, or Aruban polenta, want a goopy thick mix- cheese. Or, you can take You can also use yellow Pinterest.
is a popular side dish for lo- ture, but thin enough so it to another level of deli- corn flour from the brand
cal dishes, like soups, stews you can continue to stir to ciousness. PAN.
and fried fish. Made from a get all the lumps out.
corn flour, water and butter When your funchi is firm
mixture, this appetizer is tra- After reaching a semi-firm, enough, cut it into strips
ditionally eaten alongside yet flexible texture, grab a (size is up to you). Heat
a warm meal. However, lo- baking pan or any large, up some oil in a pan and
cals also like to fry sticks of deep plate, and pour the fry those babies up! After
funchi for a quick and filling mixture in. Be sure that this frying, you can top it with
snack. plate is wet or greased so some cheese or enjoy it
that the mixture does not with your favorite dipping
Ingredients (measured by stick to the bottom. Let sauce.
heart) this cool completely while
1. Polenta flour* it firms up for the last time. Note: We recommend the
2. Water Once it’s cooled you can FUNCHI FRESKU polenta
3. Butter enjoy it as is, topped with