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local Tuesday 21 March 2023

11-year-old Fabio Alexander fights for his

dream of playing soccer for Real Madrid

excited to play in Madrid food, transport and a few
and even meet some of tours, plus uniform and en-
the professional players, if try for the tournament for
I’m lucky,” Alexander ex- the plus one. However,
pressed. even with all these things
covered, it’s still very ex-
To make this dream a real- pensive and we still have
ity, Alexander’s parents has to pay for Alexander and
to cover the travel costs his plus one’s flight,” Meriño
(Oranjestad)—Fabio Al- the Real Madrid Founda- the dream that a lot of kids, to Madrid. Bon Dia Aruba explained.
exander Montilla is an tion World Challenge Tour- adults and soccer fanat- talked with Alexander’s
11-year-old boy with a love nament 2023. ics have: playing soccer in mother, Claudia Meriño, The tournament will take
for soccer. He currently Madrid for the foundation who explained more about place from March 31st to
plays for the local club Last year, Alexander was of one of the biggest soc- the costs. April 8th. If anyone is inter-
RCA and Team Dreyer, with a part of the Real Madrid cer club in the world, Real est in contributing in Alex-
whom he recently to Co- Foundation Clinic that took Madrid. “It’s a big sum, but we are ander’s dream, Claudia is
lombia with to play in the place in Aruba. Through working hard to make his available through phone
Future Soccer Cup Tourna- this, coupled with his talent, “I’m very happy that I re- dream come true. It’s not call at 7307325. “Any help
ment (FSC). In March, Fabio dedication, discipline and ceived an invitation. It’s cheap, we have to play or contribution, no matter
Alexander had the once love for soccer, Alexander going to be a once in a for everything. They are of- how big or small, will be
in a lifetime opportunity to received an invitation to lifetime experience that I fering a package that in- greatly appreciated,” Mer-
play in Madrid, Spain, in travel to Madrid and realize will never forget. I’m very cludes accommodation, iño finalized.q

Aruba’s underwater wonderland

ORANJESTAD - Exploring the underwater won-
ders is something you should definitely do dur- Antilla shipwreck
ing your stay in Aruba. The underwater world Antilla is a 400-foot-long long ship, built in 1939
has everything to offer that makes a snorkel in Hamburg, Germany. Antilla came to Aruba,
trip so exceptional; an impressive, colorful sea because it had to find a neutral port. When
life with exotic fishes, turtles and beautiful cor- Germany invaded the Netherlands on May 10,
al reef. The historic shipwrecks, located on the 1940, the crew decided to let their own ship
Aruban seabed are also worth a visit. Aruba is sink, to prevent it from falling into the hands
known for its white beaches and blue oceans, of the Dutch Navy. Antilla lies on its portside in
which means there are many fascinating under Malmok bay, and the sunken word war two ship
water spots, where you can take your snorkel- is now one of Aruba’s most popular snorkeling
ing gear and we selected the top spots for you. and dive spots. However, the ship wreck can
only be reached by boat. The ship is visible from
Tres Trapi the surface and during your snorkeling trip you area marked until where it is recommended to
Tres Trapi means tree steps in Papiamento, Pa- be surrounded by hundreds of tropical fishes, snorkel and on the beach you will find different
piamento is together with Dutch the official lan- but the ship wreck alone is already impressive facilities. It is a perfect beach to spend your day
guage spoken on Aruba. The beach is called enough. snorkeling and relaxing.
Tres Trapi because it is accessible by the tree
steps carved into the rocks. Tres Trapi is a small Baby Beach Mangel Halto
rocky beach, located on the north-western Baby beach; a white beach, with a crystal blue Mangel Halto beach is located in Savaneta, on
side of the island, approximately 5 to 10 minute ocean. The beach is located on the southern the southern-west part of the island. The beach
drive from Palm Beach. From the unique steps part of the island. On the way to the famous is different from the other beaches in Aruba; it is
you can easily walk over the beach into the beach, you will drive through the old capital of beach full of mangroves. You reach the beach
clear and turquoise blue ocean. While snorkel- Aruba, San Nicolas. The old Aruban culture can by a bridge through the mangroves and then
ing you will encounter all kind of tropical fishes be still felt and experienced here, so do not hes- you will have several entrances to the sea.
and sea stars. The kind of starfish you will find in itate to get out of your car and walk around for There are diverse spots where you can enjoy a
the Aruban waters is the red cushion sea star. a while. Baby beach is a child friendly beach, perfect beach day, wooden stairs made to en-
This is a starfish that is commonly found in the since it is shallow and the water has a pleas- ter the water and a dock to sit on and enjoy the
shallow waters of the Caribbean sea and if you ant temperature. The name therefore fits well view. Mangel Halto is also worth a visit for the
are lucky during your snorkeling visit to Tres Tra- with the beach. Baby beach is an excellent snorkeling experience. Inside the bay, the water
pi, you may come across one of the green sea beach for snorkeling, especially if you want to is clear and you find many colorful fish. Outside
turtles. Respect the animal, keep your distance go with small children, because the water re- the bay is a bit more challenging for beginners
and enjoy the view. Also remember; it is a once mains shallow and there are still many under- because of the wind and the waves, but the
in a life time experience. water wonders to see. In the ocean there is an coral is alive and it is just like snorkel heaven.q