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LOCAL Wednesday 9 OctOber 2024

Exploring the Mainstreet of San Nicolas

SAN NICOLAS— At Just 11 miles ria, all within walking distance from Aruba’s Carnival. See how are
southeast from Oranjestad you one another. Carnival has developed over the
will enter the city San Nicolas, also The Museum of Industry is situated past 65 years.
known as Sunrise City or Chocolate in the Water Tower in San Nico-
City. A city that is rich in authen- las and narrates Aruba's industrial The new San Nicolas
tic culture and island charm. San history which began in the 19th In the shadow of the refinery, an
Nicolas is Aruba’s second largest century. Here you will learn about art capital is quietly beginning to
city and was once a bustling com- gold, aloe, phosphate, oil and the grow. This is the new San Nicolas,
pany town dominated by the oil in- tourism industries which made San a place that is starting to become
dustry since the early 1930’s. Nicolas once a bustling business a magnet for all that is young,
center. Experience the touching cool and hip in Aruba. Indeed, brightening up SunriseCity.
Over the course of four decades, stories of those who were part of San Nicolas has all of the ingredi-
its demographics had changed this history. ents of an emerging cultural hub Must See, Do, Buy & Eat
immensely due to a stream of Afro- Nicolaas Store built in 1940 and — varied history, interesting archi- A little bit of everything can be
Caribbean and South American renovated in 2014 is the home of tecture, and, perhaps most impor- found in the main street. Stores
workers who came to fill the jobs in the Community Museum. The col- tantly, an urban layout that makes selling shoes, clothing, jewelry you
the oil refinery between the 1920’s lection is remarkable and spans it walkable. As you walk around, name it. Arts & crafts by Cosecha
until the 1960’s. To this day traces millennia. Ancient fossils stand next the streets are silent but the walls store & Creative Center, a design
of the multicultural influences in to tableaus of an authentically are loud, filled with bright, color- store in which you can immerse
culinary offerings and customs, recreated colonial kitchen and ful murals painted by a collection yourself in discovering genuine
housing and population are clearly bedroom and 19th-century bar- of artists from around the world. and locally made arts and crafts
visible in San Nicolas - more than bershop, just to name a few of the Thanks to the efforts of various art which reflect the diversification of
anywhere else on the island. items of old-time Aruba that has organizations in Aruba, such as Art the Aruban craft heritage and the
been preserved. A collection of Rules Aruba and Aruba Art Fair, artistic supply of artisans. Don’t miss
Flow of history artifacts and other objects of artis- San Nicolas has had quite the aes- out on trying the exquisite food of-
if you are looking for history San tic, cultural, historical, or scientific thetic makeover with regards to fered by the cafes and restaurants
Nicolas has it. Here you will find importance can be found here for vibrant street art. Each year more or just enjoy a peaceful walk ad-
three amazing museums, The Mu- the purpose of education or enjoy- and more stunning murals are re- miring the murals, mosaic benches
seum of Industry, the Community ment. placing broken down buildings and all the history San Nicolas has
Museum and the Carnival Eupho- Carnival Euphoria is showcasing with colorful art pieces that keep to offer.q

Enjoy one of the best views on Aruba at the top of the Hooiberg Hill

(Oranjestad)—If you are trict of the island, Santa these stairs in 1991. This
a regular hiker, or may- Cruz, the Hooiberg Hill is new project delivered the
be want to spice up your the second highest point newer staircase with only
morning work out session, on the island at 165 meters 587 steps. However, don’t
then you might enjoy one above sea level (or about be fooled—it may still be
of the most popular climb- 540 feet above sea level). a work out to get on top.
ing sites on the island: The The highest point is Ja- In addition, there is now a
Hooiberg Hill. Accompa- manota Hill at 189 meters gazebo placed halfway up
nied with a 600-step stair- (620 feet), located in the the stair for a little rest. The
case, this hill overlooks a Arikok National Park. view at this resting stop is
great part of the island, the also a sight to see.
Caribbean sea, and some- The staircase that run on
times even the Santa Anna the side of the hill was first The best time to climb the
mountain located in the built in 1951, when Mr. Edu- hill would be early in the
coastal state of Falcon in ardo Tromp constructed it. morning or right before
Venezuela, providing one At that time, the staircase sunset, as it may not be as
of the best views you can consisted of 900 steps. hot. However, the hill is of
get on Aruba. Over time, as the steps course open all day, every
faced erosion, the govern- day. q
located at the center dis- ment decided to renovate