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WORLD NEWS Friday 18 august 2023
Exploring the Mainstreet of San Nicolas

SAN NICOLAS— At Just 11 in San Nicolas and narrates importance can be found
miles southeast from Oran- Aruba's industrial history here for the purpose of ed-
jestad you will enter the city which began in the 19th ucation or enjoyment.
San Nicolas, also known as century. Here you will learn Carnival Euphoria is show-
Sunrise City or Chocolate about gold, aloe, phos- casing Aruba’s Carnival.
City. A city that is rich in phate, oil and the tourism See how are Carnival has
authentic culture and is- industries which made San developed over the past
land charm. San Nicolas is Nicolas once a bustling 65 years.
Aruba’s second largest city business center. Experi-
and was once a bustling ence the touching stories The new San Nicolas
company town dominated of those who were part of In the shadow of the refin- San Nicolas has had quite
by the oil industry since the this history. ery, an art capital is quietly the aesthetic makeover
early 1930’s. Nicolaas Store built in 1940 beginning to grow. This is with regards to vibrant
and renovated in 2014 is the new San Nicolas, a street art. Each year more
Over the course of four de- the home of the Communi- place that is starting to be- and more stunning murals
cades, its demographics ty Museum. The collection is come a magnet for all that are replacing broken down
had changed immensely remarkable and spans mil- is young, cool and hip in buildings with colorful art
due to a stream of Afro-Ca- lennia. Ancient fossils stand Aruba. Indeed, San Nicolas pieces that keep brighten-
ribbean and South Ameri- next to tableaus of an au- has all of the ingredients of ing up SunriseCity.
can workers who came thentically recreated colo- an emerging cultural hub
to fill the jobs in the oil re- nial kitchen and bedroom — varied history, interesting Must See, Do, Buy & Eat
finery between the 1920’s and 19th-century barber- architecture, and, perhaps A little bit of everything can
until the 1960’s. To this day shop, just to name a few of most importantly, an urban painted by a collection be found in the main street.
traces of the multicultural the items of old-time Aruba layout that makes it walk- of artists from around the Stores selling shoes, cloth-
influences in culinary offer- that has been preserved. A able. As you walk around, world. Thanks to the efforts ing, jewelry you name it.
ings and customs, housing collection of artifacts and the streets are silent but of various art organizations Arts & crafts by Cosecha
and population are clearly other objects of artistic, cul- the walls are loud, filled in Aruba, such as Art Rules store & Creative Center, a
visible in San Nicolas - more tural, historical, or scientific with bright, colorful murals Aruba and Aruba Art Fair, design store in which you
than anywhere else on the can immerse yourself in dis-
island. covering genuine and lo-
cally made arts and crafts
Flow of history which reflect the diversifi-
if you are looking for his- cation of the Aruban craft
tory San Nicolas has it. Here heritage and the artistic
you will find three amazing supply of artisans. Don’t
museums, The Museum of miss out on trying the exqui-
Industry, the Community site food offered by the ca-
Museum and the Carnival fes and restaurants or just
Euphoria, all within walking enjoy a peaceful walk ad-
distance from one another. miring the murals, mosaic
The Museum of Industry is benches and all the history
situated in the Water Tower San Nicolas has to offer.q

Aruba’s most family-friendly beaches

(Oranjestad)—One of the like a parking lot, sun tent kids to safely play.
biggest concerns that par- rentals, chairs, bathrooms
ents have when travelling and a snack bar right at Eagle Beach/Palm Beach
with their children is a guar- the far left of the beach. in the hotel area
antee of their safety and Yet another highly popular
healthy enjoyment. There- Mangel Halto in Pos Chiq- beach site, Eagle Beach
fore, we thought it would uito and Palm Beach is where
be a great help to travel- Mangel Halto is situated most of our visitors go to
ling parents to list off some in the back streets of the tan, swim or play in the
the most family-friendly Pos Chikito city. Though white sand. Because they

beaches around the island. there are several stairs on are near the low-rise and
the sides of the beach cliff high-rise hotel areas, these
Baby Beach in San Nicolas leading you down, the best beaches are the most ac- beach near the Malmok
Baby Beach is one Aruba’s spot for families to hang cessible for visitors on foot. beach area further down Palm Island
most popular and visited out is across the bridge, These beaches also offer the hotel areas. Though it Ok, this one is technically
beaches, and for good rea- passed the mangrove trees many palapas free to use, may not be a very sandy not a beach, but a must-
son: This sandy and quiet near the entrance sign. but you can also rent chairs beach, it is relatively quiet visit attraction for family fun.
lagoon is a great place for Here, there are small and and tents. Much like Baby and tranquil. This is a great This small water park oasis is
parents to sit back and re- big palapas, perfect for Beach, these sites are one place for family to lay down located further down the
lax while their children play big and small families to of the best beaches for a big blanket and have a Mangel Halto Beach and
in the shallow shores of the set up their belongings. In your children to play and little picnic. This is also one is reachable by boat. This
beach. Beside the relaxing this area, the shore is also build sand castles. of the best places to snor- water park offers 6 hours of
atmosphere, there are also shallow, falling right around kel, as this area is filled with fun activities, food, drinks,
several services that may your knee before slowly Boca Catalina in Malmok little fish and corals, even and a chance to see pink
accommodate your stay, getting deeper: perfect for Boca Catalina is a small bay close to the shore. flamingoes up close! q