Page 9 - AHATA

a8 local
Tuesday 26 March 2024

Exploring the Mainstreet of San Nicolas

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

Aruban snacks and where to find them

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