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local Thursday 21 december 2023

Aruba Tourism Authority honored loyal visitors at Marriott’s Surf Club!

The Aruba Tourism Authority re- ity, and staff members of the Marri-
cently had the great pleasure of ott’s Surf Club bestowed the certifi-
recognizing Distinguished Visitors cates to the honorees, presented
of Aruba. These honorees were them with memorable gifts, and
respectively honored with certifi- also thanked them for choosing
cates acknowledging their years Aruba as their best-loved vacation
of visits, loyalty, and love for the is- destination, as their home away
land of Aruba. from home.

The honor certification is presented Top reasons for returning to Aruba
on behalf of the Minister of Tourism provided by the honorees were:
as a token of appreciation and to • Aruba’s great weather.
say “Masha Danki” to guests who • Aruba’s friendly people
have visited Aruba 10, 20, or 35 • Aruba’s beautiful beaches.
years or more consecutively. • Aruba’s restaurants.
• “Aruba is our home away
The three honoring levels are as fol- from home.”
lows:

Distinguished Visitor (10>years con- Distinguished Visitor of Aruba On behalf of the Aruba Tourism Au-
secutively visiting Aruba) The honorees were: Mr. Jesse Katof, son of Mr. & Mrs. thority, we would like to express our
Goodwill Ambassador (20>years Distinguished Visitors of Aruba Katof. sincere gratitude and appreciation
consecutively visiting Aruba) Mr. Adam & Mrs. Rachael Katof to the honorees for their continued
Emerald Ambassador (35>years from New York, United States. Ms. Kimberley Richardson repre- visits to the “One Happy Island”.q
consecutively visiting Aruba) senting the Aruba Tourism Author-

Ayo & Casibari: Aruba’s famous rock formations

and peace.

Casibari
Probably the busier rock formation site, the
Casibari is situated more in the center of the
island, much closer—and more accessible—to
(Oranjestad)—The Ayo and Casibari Rock terrain that consists of several giant boulders, the general public. Just like Ayo, Casibari is a
Formations are known locally as one of the resting neatly on top of or side by side each fenced area containing several boulders that
crucial sites to have in your “off-road” trip other, adding gorgeous natural architecture to lay on top or lean on each other. The best
itinerary. These naturally formed rock formations the surrounding “mondi”*. This is also one of the aspect of the Casibari Rock Formation is the
as just one of the few places on the island that few sites to contain prehistoric markings of our accompanying view when you climb up the
hold a rich history of our culture and of our indigenous ancestors. The Ayo Rock formation top of the round, flat bolder. For this position,
ancestors. contains stairs that lead you to the top of the you can see the majority of the island and
highest boulder, offering a breath-taking view the ocean in the south. Right in front of the
Ayo of the Aruban backyard. The Ayo is usually entrance, there is the Casibari Café and Grill,
The Ayo Rock Formation is located in the quiet, as it is situated farther away from the a great place to get refreshments and snack
northern part of the island, right on the road busier parts of the island. However, this is just before continuing your off-road adventure!
that leads you to the Black Stone Beach, and another charm of the site: the quiet area and
close to the Natural Bridge. The Ayo is a fenced the refreshing breeze offer a sense of comfort Both sites are open free to the public, 24 hours a
day. However, unless you are taking a trip with
a professional tour guide, there are no guides
at the sites to help you climb the rock. So, do
be careful when trudging on the boulders, and
make sure to befriend any roaming goats you
see along the way!

*Mondi: what we call our Aruban wilderness.
We don’t have forests, or deserts, but we do
have mondi! q