Page 11 - AHATA

Thursday 31 OcTOber 2024 locAl
A10

Blackstone Beach

(Oranjestad)—Named after visit the Blackstone Beach.
its most recognizable fea-
ture, the Blackstone Beach Blackstone Beach shows the
almost represents the op- more natural side of Aruba:
posite of the typical Aru- the stones that cover the
ban beaches. For one, it has beaches and the shape of is relatively easy to access. This beach forms part of the current is very strong and
black sand and is covered it has been crafted for thou- Once you get passed the Arikok National Park and is can easily stray you further
in black smooth stones. Sec- sand years via volcanic erup- Ayo Rock Formation, take therefore a site that is pre- in the wild ocean. However,
ondly, it lies on the northern tions, coral reef movements the Andicuri road leading up served. This is why it is also you can still enjoy a spec-
side of the island, away from and wave activity of the rural to Andicuri Beach. There, you relatively untouched by tacular view of the stones
the white sandy beaches of northern part of the island. can park your car and take a commercial influences. De- and the northern ocean that
in the southern region. So, if Located further east to the 1km hike towards Blackstone spite being called a beach, stretches out in front of the
you feel up for something dif- Natural Bridge and Andicuri Beach. do note that it is not advised beach and take a picture
ferent—or if it’s opposite day, Beach, the Blackstone Beach to swim in the water, as the with your friends or family!q

Ayo & Casibari: Aruba’s famous rock formations

(Oranjestad)—The Ayo and ings of our indigenous an-
Casibari Rock Formations cestors. The Ayo Rock for-
are known locally as one mation contains stairs that
of the crucial sites to have lead you to the top of the
in your “off-road” trip itiner- highest boulder, offering a
ary. These naturally formed breath-taking view of the
rock formations as just one Aruban backyard. The Ayo
of the few places on the is- is usually quiet, as it is situ-
land that hold a rich history ated farther away from the
of our culture and of our busier parts of the island.
ancestors. However, this is just anoth-
er charm of the site: the
Ayo quiet area and the refresh-
The Ayo Rock Formation ing breeze offer a sense of
is located in the northern comfort and peace.
part of the island, right on
the road that leads you to Casibari
the Black Stone Beach, and Probably the busier rock
close to the Natural Bridge. formation site, the Casi-
The Ayo is a fenced terrain bari is situated more in the
that consists of several giant center of the island, much
boulders, resting neatly on closer—and more acces-
top of or side by side each sible—to the general pub- the Casibari Rock Forma- taking a trip with a profes- along the way!
other, adding gorgeous lic. Just like Ayo, Casibari tion is the accompanying sional tour guide, there are
natural architecture to the is a fenced area contain- view when you climb up no guides at the sites to *Mondi: what we call our
surrounding “mondi”*. This ing several boulders that the top of the round, flat help you climb the rock. Aruban wilderness. We
is also one of the few sites lay on top or lean on each bolder. For this position, you So, do be careful when don’t have forests, or des-
to contain prehistoric mark- other. The best aspect of can see the majority of the trudging on the boulders, erts, but we do have mon-
island and the ocean in the and make sure to befriend di! q
south. Right in front of the any roaming goats you see
entrance, there is the Casi-
bari Café and Grill, a great
place to get refreshments
and snack before continu-
ing your off-road adven-
ture!

Both sites are open free to
the public, 24 hours a day.
However, unless you are