ORANJESTAD (September 1, 2019) – Sundays I write about the most relevant and interesting happenings on the island in my newsletter.
This weeks edition features the top news headlines in Aruba.
Subscribing to my newsletter is an ideal way to stay up to date with what’s going on in Aruba – whether you’re living on the island, miles away or your first visit!
If this is your first time reading my newsletter – welcome!
New Post Stamp Collection Featuring Aruban Medicinal Plants
The local post office released new post stamps featuring traditional medicinal plants in Aruba.
It’s a set of four collection stamps worth 90c, 130c, 220c, 500c.
Here’s how they look like…
Oregano & Malohi (Lemongrass)
Oregano
The popular oregano plant in Aruba is often used for seasoning, but it’s also used by natives to relieve headaches.
Oregano is also used for its different medicinal properties including: antibacterial, detox, antifungal and increases energy levels.
Malohi
This plant is abundant on the island, it’s better known as lemongrass.
The leaves are used to make tea for treating fever and common colds.
It’s also used to treat combat fatigue and as a natural relaxer.
Senna and Mentha
Senna
Senna is also known as Sennablad on the island, it’s primarily used for its laxative and purgative properties. It doesn’t grow everywhere on the island, but it’s available at local pharmacies.
Dry senna leaves have been used since ancient times as laxatives, and they remain an important plant in both traditional and conventional medicine.
Mentha
The leaves of the mentha plant are cool and spicy. It’s often used in essential oils, to cook, and has therapeutic properties.
Locals use mentha to help with diarrhea, upset stomach and indigestion.
All the plants on the post stamps are available in nature, or in local pharmacies. And they are used for different purposes, including medicinal.
The original envelope including all the four post stamps costs $7.00 – Stamps are available at the post office locations in Oranjestad, San Nicolas and St.Cruz.
Fast Ferry Project Delayed
The fast ferry service between Aruba and Curacao (and eventually Bonaire) is still in the pipeline, but without final date for construction.
Traveling by ferry between the island is something we all want to do once, but we have to wait on fulfilling this dream, because the project is still on hold.
concept harbor for fast ferry
According to the transport Minister, several laws and policies still need to be put in place before any development can continue. A memorandum of understanding has already been signed between the two islands. However, before the fast ferry project is formalized, certain aspects have to be completed, these include but are not limited to:
- a new operator has to be selected (Fred Olson, Agua Liner or Waterbus)
- more funds are needed
- a new ports authority has to be formed ( San Nicolas Port Authority)
- Policies and service agreements
The fast ferry service is a strategic plan to increase tourism and economy between the two Governments of Aruba and Curacao.
This means the progress of the fast ferry project also depends on the Government in Curacao.
New CEO at Airport in Aruba
The new CEO of Aruba’s Airport (Joost Meijs) was presented to the public this week. He is the successor of the airports long time former CEO, James Fazio.
Joost Meijs was previously the CEO of Eindhoven Airport in the Netherlands), but now he’s the new leader of the Aruba airport as of September 1, 2019.
He will be responsible for overseeing the airports redevelopment project “Gateway 2030”. The project includes adding new gates, removing various steps inside the check in halls, new facilities, more restaurants, bars, and several new upgrades.
It’s a big project that will make Aruba’s airport the most unique in the Caribbean region – a five year capital investment program worth over 300 million US Dollars.
The airport has already transformed from the planning phase, and is now in the construction phase of the project.
“I look forward to contribute to new successes of the international airport of Aruba and I am really impressed by all that has been achieved so far by James Fazio and his team,” said Joost Meijs.
The successor of James Fazio was carefully selected by Royal Schiphol Group, which is a partner of Aruba Airport Authority, the organization that operates Aruba’s Airport.
Did you know you can use the Skyscanner app to find cheap flight deals to Aruba? Download for here for Iphone or here for Android.
Food & Wine Pairing Dinner At Hilton Aruba Resort
Sunset Grill has a special food & wine pairing dinner following the resorts 60th year celebrations of hospitality in Aruba.
The wine selection and variety of culinary dishes are going to be one of a kind. Featuring the wines from Rodney Strong Vineyards and 4-course dinner from Executive Sous-Chef Katia Soujol and Executive Chef Matt Boland.
Event Schedule
- 6:30 PM – 7:00 PM Welcome Reception at Mira Solo Lobby Bar
- 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Wine Pairing Dinner at Sunset Grille
Are you looking forward to a night with Rodney Strong?
Date event September 13, 2019.
Price per person $99.00 – limited seating, more details or reservations email shareska.gutierrez@hilton.com
New in Aruba – Tito’s Tuesday at Ricardo’s Restaurant
Things are heating up with Ricardo’s restaurant new weekly event “Tito’s Tuesday” held on the beach.
The new event features special prices on Tito’s Handmade Vodka drinks with your choice of mixers.
Tuesday is a fun day at Ricardo’s.
Enjoy music by DJ’s, live MC, exciting beach games, delicious BBQ and Tito’s vodka drink.
Tito’s is every week Tuesday
What are you doing on Tuesdays in Aruba? Go to Ricardo’s for Tito’s! (every Tuesday from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM).
Ricardo’s restaurant is located on the beach, behind Aruba beach club resort on Eagle beach. d
Read more details and see pictures and video about Tito’s Tuesday at Ricardo’s here.
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