Aruba is the smallest Caribbean island and lies just off the Venezuelan coast (see map appendix). It is about the size of San Francisco but with only 1/8 the population. Unlike much of the Caribbean-American region, Aruba has a dry climate and an arid, cactus-strewn landscape. This climate has helped tourism as visitors to the island can reliably expect warm sunny weather. It also helps that it lies outside of the hurricane belt. January through March seems to be the most popular time to visit but since it doesn’t really have a rainy season and the highs are roughly 82 degrees year round, you can visit anytime.

Aruba enjoys one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean region and the lowest crime rate. Low poverty and unemployment rates are also positives for Aruba. About half of the Aruban gross national product is earned through tourism or related activities. So when you add hot women to all of this Aruba is a wonderful place.

The total number of days in Aruba per year cannot exceed 180 days for visitors from the US, Canada and Europe. Bring a passport and make sure it is valid for at least three months. Departure tax is about US$35.00. You’ll land at Hato International airport just SE of the capital Oranjestad. Take a taxi from the airport to your hotel (about $15), or if you are staying at a big hotel (Marriott, Holiday Inn, Hyatt – see below) arrange for a (sometimes) free pickup with them. The country code is 297.

The Aruban guilder (also called florin), denoted by AWG, is the official currency of Aruba. The guilder has held a peg to the US Dollar since 1986 at the exchange rate of 1.79 AWG to 1 USD and that is where it is in January of 2008. The guilder cannot be exchanged outside of Aruba.

What about money?

ATMs (CIRRUS or Plus) will spit out florins (guilders) for you and an ATM in the Wyndam hotel will even give you American greenbacks. If you bring dollars with you try to make sure they are crispy new to ensure they’ll be taken. Also you might have a little trouble giving away the bigger bills.

Show me da women!

On the far end of this small island from where all the fancy hotels are in Oranjestad is the town of San Nicolas. There are 25-30 clubs where muchas chicas (lots of girls) - mostly from Columbia - come to work. They can only stay for ninety days so there is a constant influx of new girls. The clubs have their own rooms for dalliances with these very affectionate ladies. A session will run you $40 to 50. That’s $40 for the girl and $10 for the drinks, condom, and room.

It’s nice if you speak Spanish but as usual not necessary. My guess is she knows what you want and you know what she wants. You can use your fingers to agree on a price. …

… ARUBA CHAPTER CONTINUES …