my Travel story has been published

my Travel story has been published on the Travel Coach network, check it out;

https://thetravelcoachnetwork.com/2020/05/11/a-dream-come-true/

2020 March update from Aruba

This morning at 8am I went to visit the Palm Beach hotel area, to take some pictures of the ocean, and surroundings and I kept my distance from anyone around me, just in case..
That time of day is always my favorite time to go for a walk; is not too hot, not too crowded, and very quiet. All things I need to stay sane.
Shops were open as usual, people were jogging, restaurants all open, and hotel-/ beach staff was present at work. No sight of gloves, masks, nor any other indication that these are scary times in the world.

Hospital currently holds 2 people in quarantine for around 2 weeks, these men arrived to Aruba from the U.S.A. and have tested positive on the Corona virus.
Yesterday the Aruba government closed the flights from Europe to Aruba, till the end of this month.
by then will re-evaluate the situation.

 the tel. nr. (+297) 2800101 is the number to call when being in Aruba "one happy island" in case you have a fever and have problem breathing. Do not go to a doctor if you suspect you have Corona virus. Just call that number, they will explain you what to do, and stay where you are, in isolation.
Be safe, wash your hands, use common sense, take care.

Boutique hotel in Aruba

arubaconnections@hotmail.com

Located at walking distance from the ocean, you'll find this Boutique hotel in Aruba. This small scale hotel, offers you all that you need, including a beach lounge at Palm Beach, daily cleaning, pool, free parking, free Wifi.

Contact us for questions/ promotions.    

Greek night in Bistro Suikertuin Aruba

Greek night in Bistro Suikertuin Aruba.
See link to make a reservation;
https://www.facebook.com/suikertuin/

Located in Oranjestad, just pass Que Pasa and walk towards El Gaucho.
Indoor and/or outdoor breakfast, lunch/ brunch, dinner.

+297 582 6322

Real Estate in Aruba

so many great listings, where to start?

the best is to check the website for yourself, see link;www.arubahouses.com if you are interested to buy a condo, house, piece of land, or rent long term in Aruba, please contact me via;miriam@arubahouses.com
Yearly property tax is just 0.4%, I know, hard to believe it can be that low. Rental income is high, so it is easy to make money with your investment #Aruba.

Retire in Aruba

Do you want to #retire in #Aruba?
See this link where you can read about the process:
https://www.dimasaruba.aw/en/applicants/living/retiree-interest-rate-earner/
Basically you need proof of income, to start with.

Aruba is a small and friendly hurricane free island, and real estate prices are great. see link;
www.arubahouses.com and/or email me your inquiries;
miriam@arubahouses.com
English is the international spoken language on the island, and the sun shines every day of the year.
You will love it here. See you there :-)

de Palm island- Aruba

This unique coral island, just off the coast of Aruba, offers something for everyone! Just bring your towel, swimwear, camera and enjoy. de Palm island, the place to be.

Includes:
Breakfast & lunch buffet, open bar, snorkel gear, guided snorkel tours, beach relaxation, snorkeling, biplane, air-jumpers, water park, unlimited banana boat rides, salsa lessons, beach activities and more.

Available upgrades:
Sea Trek, Snuba, private beach cabanas, VIP Palapas, temporary tattoos and massages.

www.depalmtours.com/de-palm-island

Such a fun morning, Aruba mermaid photoshoot, getting over my shyness

 @zwemmenmetleo

 Leo also teaches children to swim with a mermaid tail

Rumor has it; Mermaids will visit Aruba

Today I hope to witness a Mermaid sighting.
Somewhere in Aruba on a sandy beach, location is a secret, there is a change we will be able to see a Mermaid in the ocean. Mermaid sightings are very rare nowadays, because less people believe in them. I believe, so I have a chance in spotting them. I will wear anything I have Mermaidy, to see if my sisters will come to shore.

I will bring my camera too and will post anything interesting here on this blog, once mermaids are seen. If this week they do not show, I will go back tomorrow and update you.

AppsVillage now available for Aruba Connections

AppsVillage now available for Aruba Connections.

See link to our app via Facbook;

https://www.facebook.com/arubaconnections/?hc_ref=ARQxTJtAL26z0oGitOxULsv5ACbbhKBi7E-HT_vLwKLIBRsWjpDz52Vc3HobkiZ_dDo&fref=nf

Flip Flop Festival April 30, 2018 Aruba

Flip Flop Festival Welcomes The World Famous Reggae Artist Alborosie Official Page. He Will Be Rocking The Stage With Hit Tracks Such As: Kingston Town, Poser, Respect, Still Blazing, and many more.

Jamaican Dancehall singer BEENIE MAN referred to as the world's "King of Dancehall" will also be performing at the Flip Flop Festival 2018! Are You Ready to dance to Girls Dem Sugar, Who Am I, Sim Simma and many more.

order your tickets via;
https://www.facebook.com/flipflopfestivalaruba/

Real Estate tips for buying in Aruba

Buy land, a condo or a home on Aruba.

Very often we hear from our clients that they were told that non-residents cannot buy land, a condominium or a home in Aruba. We can tell you that these stories are not true. All non-residents can buy land or a house in Aruba going through the same process as the Aruban residents. They can buy a home on property land as well as on long lease land.

Long Lease land

Besides property land you can buy a house which is built on lease land. This land is owned by the Land of Aruba and the lease is for 60 years.

A yearly fee is paid for these lease rights. After the 60 years, the lease period will automatically be extended with another 60 years. The only thing that might happen when the lease period is extended is an increase in the yearly fee.

Most of the houses situated in Arashi, Malmok, Tierra del Sol, Topaz, Safir, Esmeralda, Ruby, Opal, Salinja Serca and Palm Beach are built on lease land. Many non-residents have bought there and will keep buying in those areas although the homes are built on lease land!

The reason they keep buying houses in those areas is because of their locations. These areas are close to the spas, golf course, tennis courts and shopping malls. Another huge advantage is the distance to the ocean.

Condo projects

Currently there are several condo projects in development on Aruba. For more information about these projects, you can contact us and we will be more than happy to assist you. 

Taxes

The most attractive fact when you are thinking of buying a house in Aruba is that the costs related to the ownership of a house or land are very low.

The only yearly tax you have to pay is called land tax. This land tax is usually based on the selling price. The first USD 34.000 is free of tax. On average you pay USD 4 per USD 1.000.

Aruba carnaval 2018

woe, wow, wow, Carnaval in Aruba is getting better each year. The costumes, people, music, sounds, colors, dances, security, police, cleaners, the complete package. Looking forward already to the Carnaval parades next year :-)

see this Facebook link to some beautiful Aruba carnaval pictures;

https://www.facebook.com/pg/arubaconnections/photos

Instagram

do you know that Aruba Connections is also on Instagram?
Follow this link to:
www.instagram.com/arubaconnections

Aruba newspapers

hello all,
there are many of you, asking me about news in Aruba.
we have local papers, in Papiamento, Dutch news papers, and also English newspapers, see link:
http://www.onlinenewspapers.com/aruba.htm

In Aruba we speak 4 languages; Papiamento, Dutch, English and Spanish.
Read about the Papiamento, via this link;  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papiamento

Help me please. Researching how to link my Instagam, Facebook and blog postings

researching how to link my Instagam, Facebook and blog postings.

who can help me?

Boatfest Aruba 2018

Boat Fest 2018, Januari 14, 2018, Oranjestad, Reflexions Beach (next to Barefoot restaurant)

Ladies and Gentlemen prepare your Yachts, Boats, Paddle Boards, Floats, because Boat Fest is ON!

The Annual Boat Fest will be hosted on Sunday, January 14th, 2018 at the Surfside Beach. The Festivities kicks off at 12pm.

As is accustomed there is a Stage packed with Awesome local and international acts.

*line up*
Top Rankin
Nutzbeatz
Renzo
Yeimy
Menasa
Fab
MC Don T
Mystical Connection
special guests
Hosted by MC Samil

For the people just coming to Chill Out at the Beach.
There will be a Bar (Bring Your JUG), BBQ, The Awesome Chill Slide etc.

All Captain's stay pending for the Captain's Meeting !

Aruba Carnival Dates 2018

This schedule covers the dates for all the mayor carnival events.

January 6 – Torch Parade in Oranjestad – 8:00 PM

• January 14 – Balloon Parade in San Nicolas – 2:00 PM
• January 19 – Children & Youth Queen Election – Entertainment Center – 7:00 PM
• January 20 – Tumba Contest – Aruba Entertainment center – 8:00 PM
• January 21 – Children Calypso & Road March Contest – Carnival Village – 6:00 PM
• January 22 – Pre Finals Caiso & Soca Monarch – Carnival Village – 7:00 PM
  
• January 26 – Carnival Queen & Mrs. Carnival Election – in Oranjestad – 7:00 PM
• January 27 – Children’s Parade in Noord – 2:00 PM
• January 27 – Final Caiso & Soca Monarch – Carnival Village – 7:00 PM  
• January 28 – Transfer of command – Government Main Office – 10:00 AM
• January 28 – Grand Children’s Carnival Parade in Oranjestad – 2:00 PM
• February 1 – Hebbe Hebbe Fest – Parkinglot Post Office oranjestad – 8:00 PM
• February 3 – Jouvert Morning & Pyjama Party in San Nicolas – 4:00 am
• February 3 – Aruba’s Grand Lighting Parade in Oranjestad – 8:00 PM
• February 4 – Grand Children’s Parade in San Nicolas – 2:00 PM
• February 4 – Buring of Momito at Carnival Village in San Nicolas – 7:30 PM
• February 8 – Lighting Parade in San Nicolas – 8:00 PM
• February 10 – Grand Carnival Parade in San Nicolas – 12:00 AM
• February 11 – 64th Grand Carnival Parade in Oranjestad – 12:00 AM
• February 11 – Burning of King Momo (ending of Grand Parade) 7:30 PM