Page 16 - AHATA

a8 local
Wednesday 31 July 2024

Aruba Tourism Authority honored loyal visitors at Marriott Aruba Ocean Club!

The Aruba Tourism Authority re- The honorees were:
cently had the great pleasure of Distinguished Visitors
recognizing Distinguished Visitors Mr. George & Sherill Godfrey from
of Aruba. The honorees were re- San Antonio Texas, United States.
spectively honored with a certifi- Mr. Gregory & Mrs. Sarah Rodriguez
cate for their years of visits, loyalty, from San Antonio Texas, United
and love for the island of Aruba. States.

The honorary certification is pre- Mr. Jorgino Willems representing
sented on behalf of the Minister the Aruba Tourism Authority, and
of Tourism as a token of apprecia- staff members of Marriott Aruba
tion and to say “Masha Danki” to Ocean Club bestowed the certifi-
guests who have visited Aruba 10, cate upon the honorees, present-
20, or 35 years or more consecu- ed them with gifts, and thanked
tively. them for choosing Aruba as their
favorite vacation destination, as
The three levels of honor are as fol- their home away from home.
lows:
Distinguished Visitor (10>years con- The top reasons for returning to
secutively visiting Aruba) Aruba provided by the honorees • Aruba’s restaurants. Authority, we would like to express
Goodwill Ambassador (20>years were: • Aruba is very safe. our sincere gratitude and appre-
consecutively visiting Aruba) • Aruba’s people. • “We got married here in ciation to the honorees for their
Emerald Ambassador (35>years • Aruba’s beaches. 2015 on Renaissance Island” continued visits to the “One Happy
consecutively visiting Aruba) • Aruba’s weather. On behalf of the Aruba Tourism Island”.q

Aruban snacks and where to find them

ORANJESTAD — Want to taste main road). 2. Along the main road next to
something different for a change? the airport field.
How about some Aruban snacks If you are looking for something a 3. At the California Light House.
that you can find all around the is- bit more fresh and healthy, why not 4. At the Alto Vista Chapel.
land? Hop in your car, and go to try some coconuts, or shaved ice
these locations to find some of the from local vendors? These vendors These vendors may also sell other
most popular and tasty snacks that carry their little shop at the back of delights, like the beloved coconut-
are beloved by our locals. their truck, so they are ever-mov- based dessert “cocada” or pea-
ing around the island. However, nuts. All in all, in Aruba, you can
One of the staples of Aruban cui- there are a few spots where you always find some place to take a
sine and snacks is the Pastechi. main road that stretches from San can almost always find a coconut/ break and have a bite of some-
Pastechi is a Caribbean fried pas- Nicolas to the Hotel Area. You can shaved ice vendor: thing local, you maybe just might
try that is filled with cheese, meat, also find pastechis and krokets at 1. Right next to the Red Anchor have to look for them!q
chicken, veggies and sometimes local bakeries and snack shops, in San Nicolas, on the way to
even fish! Or perhaps you might like Bright Bakery in Piedra Plat, Baby Beach. Photo credit: wheninaruba.com
want to try a croquette, locally Huchada in Santa Cruz or Paste-
called a “kroket,” which is a crusty chi House in the city center. These
fried snack with typically a meat places may also sell other snacks
and dough mix filling. The Aruban and sandwiches too, perfect for
kroket is based on its Dutch coun- on-the-road lunch break.
terpart, the “bitterbal”. While you’re at it, why not accom-
These two snacks are typically pany your snack with a refreshing
found in all local snack trucks, “batido”? Batidos are fruit shakes,
which can be found all over the typically made with added milk
island, including on the side of the for some creaminess. However,
you can also ask to hold the milk.
Batidos are commonly found in
snack shops too. You may find
some batido shops next the flee
markets downtown, or if you’re on
your way to San Nicolas, at Mau-
chi Smoothies and Juice Bar in Sa-
vaneta (located at the side of the