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LOCAL Monday 8 January 2024

Ayo & Casibari: Aruba’s famous rock formations

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

ORANJESTAD — You are
back and we would like to
portrait you! By inviting you
to send us your favorite va-
cation picture while enjoying
our Happy Island.

Complete the sentence: Aru-
ba to me is ……. Send your
picture with that text (includ-
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publish your vacation mem- for supporting our free news- beautiful vacation in beauti-
ory. Isn’t that a special way paper, we strive to make you ful Aruba is almost over, but
to keep your best moments a happy reader every day in 11 months we will return to
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again we will stroll Eagle
Please do note: By submitting For today we received a Beach,
photos, text or any other ma- lovely message from Karen watch the most beautiful
terials, you give permission and Donald Feldman from sunsets, and be together in
to The Aruba Today News- Lynnfield, Massachusetts; paradise.
paper, Caribbean Speed Craig Feldman from Man-
Printers and any of its affili- hattan; Tracy, Doug, Holden Those who question if para-
ated companies to use said and Tenley Campbell from dise exists have never been

materials, as well as names, Manhattan; and Julia Frank to Aruba.”
likeness, etc. for promotional from Montreal, Canada.
purposes without compen- Thank you for sending us this
sation. They wrote to us saying: wonderful message sharing
“Aruba to me is our home what Aruba means to you
Last but not least: check out away from home. We love with us and our readers!
being greeted at the Costa