ARUBANS IN THE NEWS- The NASA Atlantis Space shuttle (Launched May 11th, 2009) with the mission to work on the Hubble Telescope will have a computer designed by Aruban scientist Mr. Edward Cheung on board. The computer is a Science Instrument Command and Data Handling Unit that will be installed on the Hubble telescope by NASA astronauts. For more information please visit: www.nasa.gov.
- Team Aruba placed first place in synchronized swimming for age group below 12 years and age group 13-15 years during the Carifta Games 2009 held in Aruba, while the National Swimming and Synchronized swimming Team placed second overall. For more information please contact the Olympic Committee at (297) 582-0031.
RESORTS & APARTMENTS- ShermansTravel, a digital travel guide which informs travelers on vacation deals and destinations, recently reviewed the best in all-inclusive options, placing Occidental Aruba within the Top Ten of All-Inclusive Beach Resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico. The Occidental Grand Aruba Resort, located on Aruba’s Palm Beach, was said to be “an all-inclusive gem offering a blissfully cash-free adventure complete with world-class accommodations, idyllic beach and an opportunity to wine, dine and delight in numerous guest offerings”. For more information please contact Occidental at (297) 586-4500 or visit www.shermanstravel.com/top_tens/All-Inclusive_Beach_Resorts/Occidental_Grand_Aruba.
- Holiday Inn Resort introduced the Monday BBQ at the Iguana Pool Deck. Internationally known chef Jay McCarthy (Certified Culinary Professional) flew in to train the Holiday Inn staff as well as the local culinary school students in the art of grilling using special cuts and marinating in beer (in this case, using the local beer Balashi). McCarthy will be bringing the traditional Texas taste mixing it with his own Jamaican roots in the technique of smoking meats with different aromas. For more information please contact the Holiday Inn at (297) 586-3600.
- Hyatt Regency Aruba is now offering new refreshing drinks especially for summer time. “Novelteas” is the new promotion featuring a variety of fresh brewed Iced Teas shaken tableside with fresh fruits and juices. For additional information please contact Amy Ras at amy.ras@hyatt.com or call at (297) 523-4539.
- The Pirates Nest at the Bucuti Beach Resort Aruba introduced a new breakfast (Full American breakfast buffet is included in all room rates), a la carte lunch and a la carte dinner. For more information please visit www.bucuti.com or email at info@bucuti.com or call (297) 583-1100.
AIRPORT, AIRLINES & CRUISES - Aruba Airport Authority N.V. (AAA) registered another substantial increase in traffic in 2008. The number of Passenger Facility Charge paying (departing) passengers (“PFC passengers”) increased with 6.3% to 969,687 for the full year, setting a new record. The total number of passengers processed by the airport (including transfer, transit and general aviation passengers) grew with 7.4% and was just short of the two million mark. Total aircraft movements increased with 2.7% to 36,818 movements, including the more than 8,000 aircraft movements from the private and business aircraft at the Southside of the airport. These general aviation movements have also increased in 2008 over 2007 with 8.4% to 8,270 aircraft movements and passenger numbers were up 20.3% to 9.998 departing passengers. These high volumes helped further boosting revenues to AAA, which were up 16.1% compared to 2007.
RESTAURANTS & HANGOUTS - Nos Cunucu Bar & Restaurant has reopened to the public under new management. The restaurant offers a variety of local dishes and now with happy hour on Fridays from 6pm – 8pm with two for one price on house brands. They will be offering theme nights such as Salsa Night, Mariachi Night etc in the near future. Nos Cunucu is located at Tanki Leendert 145-K and can be reached at (297)745-4381. Also available for private parties, receptions and meetings.
GENERAL- Rancho La Ponderosa was recently recognized “as the tour of the season” for its horseback riding tours of the Aruban countryside. The award was presented to the Ranch partners Mr. Lucho Claro and Mr. Ramon Herrera, via De Palm Tours, from Princess Cruises for its consistency in providing the cruise passengers with an excellent overland adventure combining friendly, knowledgeable trail guides, picturesque trails and soft stepping gaited horses. The ceremony was held aboard a Princes Cruises ship in the presence of De Palm Tours and Princess Cruises representatives. For more information on Rancho La Ponderosa please visit: www.rancholaponderosaaruba.com or call (297) 587-1142.
- The Cinemas Aruba recently introduced its newly installed 3D movie technology to the Public with the showing of “Monsters vs. Aliens” and “Caroline”. The Cinemas converted all their equipment to digital and one screen at both locations to 3D format. For more information please visit: www.thecinemas.aw or call (297) 583-5736.
- The Aruba Post Office introduced three new stamps commemorating the Baranca Sunu Cave “Tunnel of Love” (175 cents), the “Fontein Cave” (200 cents) and the “Quadirikiri Cave” (225 cents). The new stamps are available at postal office locations in Oranjestad, San Nicola, Santa Cruz and Port of Call from April 1st till 31st of March 2010. For more information please email at philatelic@postaruba.com or call (297) 582-1900.
- It’s Turtle Season. The season of the Leatherback Sea Turtle, known as Driekiel is here, nesting on Eagle Beach with the first Driekiel laying her eggs on March 24th, says Edith v/d Wal of Turtugaruba. Richard and Edith, the two dedicated volunteers started monitoring the beach in the early mornings soon after that. Last year they spotted, monitored and protected (with red & white barricades featuring a sign with explanation) more than 48 nests of Driekiel on Eagle Beach and more on Boca Grandi and Parke Arikok. Let’s hope, says Edith, this year will be good as well. To contact Edith, write to turtugaruba@hotmail.com or wal@setarnet.aw. You can contact the turtle hotline at (297) 592-9393.
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