Page 9 - AHATA

A9
LOCAL Friday 22 august 2025

Ayo & Casibari: Aruba’s famous rock formations

(Oranjestad)—The Ayo and Casi- or lean on each other. The best as-
bari Rock Formations are known pect of the Casibari Rock Forma-
locally as one of the crucial sites tion is the accompanying view
to have in your “off-road” trip itin- when you climb up the top of the
erary. These naturally formed rock round, flat bolder. For this position,
formations as just one of the few you can see the majority of the is-
places on the island that hold a land and the ocean in the south.
rich history of our culture and of our Right in front of the entrance, there
ancestors. is the Casibari Café and Grill, a
great place to get refreshments
Ayo and snack before continuing your
The Ayo Rock Formation is located off-road adventure!
in the northern part of the island, Both sites are open free to the
right on the road that leads you to public, 24 hours a day. However,
the Black Stone Beach, and close unless you are taking a trip with a
to the Natural Bridge. The Ayo is a professional tour guide, there are
fenced terrain that consists of sev- no guides at the sites to help you
eral giant boulders, resting neatly climb the rock. So, do be careful
on top of or side by side each oth- when trudging on the boulders,
er, adding gorgeous natural archi- view of the Aruban backyard. The Casibari and make sure to befriend any
tecture to the surrounding “mon- Ayo is usually quiet, as it is situated Probably the busier rock formation roaming goats you see along the
di”*. This is also one of the few sites farther away from the busier parts site, the Casibari is situated more way!
to contain prehistoric markings of of the island. However, this is just in the center of the island, much
our indigenous ancestors. The Ayo another charm of the site: the quiet closer—and more accessible—to *Mondi: what we call our Aruban
Rock formation contains stairs that area and the refreshing breeze of- the general public. Just like Ayo, wilderness. We don’t have for-
lead you to the top of the highest fer a sense of comfort and peace. Casibari is a fenced area contain- ests, or deserts, but we do have
boulder, offering a breath-taking ing several boulders that lay on top mondi!q

Dining in? Try making a local favorite; How to make “pan bati”

(Oranjestad)—If you’re ever up for an Aruban snack, try making another clean kitchen towel.
Aruban classic appetizer called Pan Bati. Similar to a pancake both in
appearance and cooking, this is a super easy meal that adults and chil- Traditionally, pan bati is cut in triangle pieces, and is often eaten as a
dren will both enjoy. Here’s how to make it! side dish with soup, fried fish or stews. However, it is also casually enjoyed
with some butter and cheese on top!q
Ingredients:
2 cups of all purpose flour
1 cup grams of fine cornmeal (we recommend the Harina PAN brand)
2 tbsp baking powder
1 1/3 cup of milk
1 pinch of salt
2 tbsp of granulated sugar
Oil for cooking

Instructions:
Add all the dry ingredients in a bowl first, and stir until well mixed. Then
add the milk and beat until reached a pancake-like consistency. If more
moister is needed, add some water until reached desired consistency.

In a hot pan with oil, pour in enough batter to cover the bottom of the
pan. Just like pancakes, flip the pan bati when one side turns golden
brown. When your pan bati is ready, place on a plate and cover with a