Aruba

in the Arikok National Park there is a cave with an attractive name

unfortunately the famous natural bridge collapsed in 2005

in winter many cruise ships call port at Oranjestad, unloading droves of tourists

or leave your money in the casino

pelicans have taken possession of the rocks north of Malmok

but for some going back down can also be a challenge

600 steps bring you to the top of the Hooiberg

at 165 meters the Hooiberg is Aruba's second highest hill

at the rugged eastern shore the Atlantic waves pound the rocks

Aruba became a constituent country in the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1996, thanks to the relentless efforts of Betico Croes, the Libertador di Aruba. Initially the country planned for full independence but this ideal has been postponed indefinitely.

Arawak people left their petroglyphs in the Ayo Rocks, indicating that by 2000 BC humans already lived on the island.

The Dutch West Indies Company had the local Arawak and conscripts farm the land and raise livestock to feed the many slaves on Curacao.

In the 19th century Aruba saw its own gold rush and ruins of old gold mills can still be found at Balashi and Bushiribana.

Aruba has strong historic connections with Venezuela and Colombia, dating back to the fight for independence from Spain.

In the 20th century refineries to processVenezuelan oil were built and brought wealth to the community.

Nowadays Aruba's main source of income is tourism, mainly from the USA. Tourists are drawn to white sandy beaches like Eagle Beach, that stretch for many kilometers in front of upscale hotels.

We visited Aruba several times between1995 and 2003.

this is what the tourists to Aruba come for, long stretches of warm white beaches

Oranjestad is the capital of Aruba and the local center of activities

the Alto Vista Chapel in the north sits on the site of the original church from 1750

for almost 500 years donkeys roam freely in Aruba's hinterland

the white Arashi Dunes north of the California Lighthouse

the Ayo Rock formation sports 4000 years old petroglyphs