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local Thursday 3 OcTOber 2024
Visit the island’s hidden natural pools

(Oranjestad)—Amongst di Turtuga (Turtle’s Cove) or of protective clothing and
the countless beaches sur- just Natural Pool—is reach- enough water and food—it
rounding the island that are able with any 4x4 vehicle could take you up to three
well-known and frequently or by foot if you’re up for a hours to hike there!
visited, there are an addi- long hike. However, since it
tional two “hidden” natural is part of the National Park, However, when you even-
pools that are situated in you must first get permission tually do get there, you
the northern coast of the is- from park management to will be greeted with crystal
land, two ideal stops in your enter. You would have to blue water surrounded by
tour itinerary. purchase a day pass, and a natural rock formation
receive a wristband as that protects you from the
Conchi (Natural Pool) proof of payment. Once wild waves on the other
For many years, Conchi you’ve completed that, side. Though the pool is lo-
was the only natural pool you are set! cated on the northern side
that we had on the island. of the island (where the sea
Located in the Arikok Na- If you decide to hike from is largely rough and largely it the cave pool. waves crash into each oth-
tional Park, near Boca Keto the entrance of the Arikok no suitable for swimming), er. Sounds scary, but if you
and the Daimari Ranch, National Park, this is also the pool itself is very calm. Just like the Conchi, the look down on your right,
Conchi—also known “Cura possible: do bring plenty It’s also relatively deep, new natural pool is situated you’ll see a calm, crystal
and you can climb up the on the northern coast of blue little pool in the cor-
rocks and jump in! Aruba. However, this pool is ner. To get there, you have
much easier to reach with to climb down some stairs.
Cave Pool any type of vehicle, and Be careful when climbing
This relatively new pool ap- there is no hiking needed. down and follow the in-
peared just a few years This spot has also become structions of your tour guide
ago, when a part of the a regular stop for touring if you have one.
dried up coral floor broke visitors.
off and created a partition And just like Conchi, this
between the ocean and When you get there, may- pool also has a jumping
what is now the natural be you won’t be able to spot, and a rope to climb
pool that is hidden there. spot the pool immediately, back up the boulder. q
Because it’s still so new, because you will probably
there is no official name for notice the moon-shaped Picture of cave pool is cred-
it, but most people just call lagoon where wild northern ited to RockaBeach Tours

Aruba: The island of Aloes

ORANJESTAD – Aloe vera, a succu- ful laxative, and it is also the origin
lent plant species, is renowned for of the industry of aloe in Aruba.
its incredible properties for the skin.
It is widely distributed and usually According to the website of Roy-
grows in tropical, semi-tropical and al Aruba Aloe, Aloe vera was in-
arid climates on the planet. But this troduced in Aruba around 1840,
plant also had a very prominent when most of the island’s inhabit-
role in the history of Aruba, and its ants were farmers of little means.
significance to the island’s econo- Dutch Governor Van Raders intro-
my endures to this day. duced the plant after it had been
introduced in other islands of the
The leaves of Aloe vera contain a Caribbean to cultivate and har-
good amount of gel which when vest the aloe to produce the laxa-
used topically, is great for the skin. tive.
Traditionally, Arubans use this gel
to treat minor burns and other skin Around 1920, about two-thirds of
ailments, or just to keep skin supple Aruba was aloe fields, earning our
and looking bright and nourished. island the nickname “The Island of
Aside from the gel, aloe contains Aloes.” The impact and relevance of
a bitter, yellow substance (called aloe is visible all around Aruba.
aloin) which is a gentle but power- Under Commander Jan Helenus However, by the time the oil indus- While most homes will have a few
Ferguson (1866-1871), aloe experi- try arrived on Aruba, it changed plants for personal use and deco-
enced a boom, which is why there the labor market on Aruba, shifting ration, houses are also decorat-
is a road named after him, which away from agriculture. It would be ed with aloe motifs, and at some
goes through the aloe fields. In the after World War II that aloe would point, aloe even featured on post
19th century, Aruba was the main make a comeback. And eventu- stamps. Around 1920, about two-
supplier of aloin for laxative, which ally, as science learned about the thirds of Aruba was aloe fields,
was imported abroad to the United amazing properties of aloe gel, earning our island the nickname
States and Europe. The aloin from the industry shifted from produc- “The Island of Aloes.” And in 1955,
Aruba and Curaçao was known to ing laxative to producing skin care. the aloe became a part of Aruba’s
be one of the best in the world and An interesting fact is that in 1951, coat of arms, symbolizing prosper-
was more expensive, which meant the production of Aruban aloe ity for the island.q
that at the time, it had significant amounted to around 30 percent
economic impact, particularly for of the total global production! Images from the archive of the
the local farmers. National Library of Aruba.