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| Know Your Island ABCs | ||||
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story and photos Frank Greco A chain of three small sister islands, located in the south Caribbean off the north coast of Venezuela, are known the world over as the ABC Islands. These islands are a popular destination, because they provide consistent tropical weather, outstanding beaches, a vibrant culture, and a multitude of activities and attractions. Combined with a locale outside the hurricane zone, the ABC Islands are an ideal year-round vacation spot. The ABC islands - Aruba, Bonaire (pronounced bone-air) and Curacao (pronounced Cure-a-sow) are close in proximity and very diverse. Aruba is the liveliest and most popular of the three islands, attracting the highest number of visitors. It boasts long stretches of white sand beaches, large hotel complexes, casinos at every turn and a remarkable tree that grows along the shoreline called a “Divi Divi.” What makes the Divi Divi trees so unique is that they always bend in a southwesterly direction. Put it this way: They’re always pointing towards the beach, no matter where you are in Aruba. The tree’s trunk and branches appear to be formed by an outcropping of entwined roots. Trade winds that blow across the island from the northeast have formed the Divi Divi, now Aruba’s icon. These trees make fabulous photo subjects. One of the best ways to explore Aruba is by motor scooter. The roads are very easy to navigate, even in Oranjestad (meaning Orangetown), the capital city. It is a town of many notable sights, but Oranjestad attracts more shoppers than sightseers. The downtown core is lined with malls, boutiques, handicraft vendors, restaurants, many jewellery outlets and beautiful architecture. A word to the wise: This area becomes very crowded during cruise ship arrivals. The ABC Islands are noted for having some of the largest ostrich farms outside of Africa. These gigantic birds are raised mainly for their meat and a visit to this farm can be an educational and fun experience. When they see food in your hands, they will swarm you, but don’t worry. The ostriches are only interested in the food while you pose for a memorable photo with them. Aruba abounds with amazing reefs and underwater sights for the snorkeller and diver including the Antilla shipwreck - a German freighter that was scuttled in the 1940s. The Antilla is the largest wreck in the Caribbean (122 metres long) and sits in shallow waters, no more than 18 metres deep. Located off the northwest coast, the ship’s foot beam is visible above the water. As soon as you jump in the water and see the ship, an eerie ghostly feeling overwhelms you. The water is so clear that the bottom of the ship can be viewed from the surface. The ship is intact and snorkelling its length is simply breathtaking. Located approximately 80 kilometres from the coast of Venezuela is Bonaire, the smallest of the ABC Islands. Considered one of the world's best snorkelling and diving destinations, locals say that you can snorkel anywhere you can fall into the water. Bonaire does not get as many visitors as her two sister islands, yet more than 50 per cent make a return visit. The island provides a relatively unspoiled and serene landscape, ideal for a tranquil getaway. Because the island is noted for its pioneering role in the preservation of nature and marine environments, visitors can experience the best of both unspoiled worlds. Curacao is the largest of the ABC Islands and provides a more colourful approach to tourism. The capital city is Willemstad, recognised by the beautiful Dutch-influenced architectural structures, pastel-coloured buildings that seem fairytale-like. A walk around the city and the main harbour area is a treat. The Otrobanda district, located along the harbour, is where most tourists congregate to experience the picturesque setting, the spectacular view of the Queen Juliana Bridge - one of the highest bridges in the world (towering 57 metres above sea level), and the many trendy shops, restaurants, boutiques and the local way of life found throughout the narrow alleys. The Queen Juliana Bridge is a daunting structure and a drive across this bridge requires steady nerves. The bridge has four lanes and low guardrails. The views are spectacular at this elevation, but a turn of the head to glimpse at either side may cause less experienced drivers to get the jitters, and a sensation that the car is driving on air. To capture spectacular photos of the bridge, Willemstad or other attractions in Curacao, try a helicopter tour. Blue Skies Helicopters is unique and innovative in providing tourists an unbelievable tour of the island called the “Top Gun” experience. They warn that the tour is not for the fainthearted and they are so right. I booked the Top Gun experience and took to the skies with George Tielen (one of the owners, a former Navy Aviator and police pilot). I did not know at the time that one of George’s prized possessions is his “World Champion Precision Flying Award!” The liftoff was extremely smooth and the pass under the Queen Juliana Bridge was breathtaking. When we hovered 152 metres over the town of Willemstad, I snapped a few stunning photos and then came those fateful words from George: “Are you ready for your Top Gun experience?” I said “Yes” eagerly, but before I could finish, he banked the helicopter hard right and we dropped in a matter of seconds to no more than two metres above of the water. My stomach was in my throat; in fact, it left my body. He then told me to hang on, but to what? Strapped in my seat, I was wideeyed as he skimmed the water along the coastline at full throttle. George managed to hover over a pod of stingrays and even flew the helicopter backwards as we followed a sailboat. We came so close to the boat that they could have handed us a hamburger from their grill. From there, we flew inland and skimmed the tree line at full throttle, banking sideways left and right. We were so close that I am positive we were pruning the treetops with the blades. Here I asked him a silly question: “How do you know if you’re getting too close to the trees?” In his usual jovial manner, he said, “Well, Frank, when I hit the branches, I know I’m too close!” He then proceeded to skim the trees and fly low. To my dismay, we were heading straight for a rocky hillside that looked impossible to clear, but at the last second, George miraculously pulled up, skipped over the hill and took us up to a higher altitude. It felt like I was taking off on an Olympic ski jump – my stomach was still behind my ears. This is truly a thrill and best described as a 40-minute white-knuckle adventure, one that I will never forget. One of the most picturesque and phenomenal complexes on the island is the Lodge Kura Hulanda and Beach Club, located on Curacao’s west end. It is nestled into a relaxing tranquil setting and like the Top Gun experience, this luxurious resort will take your breath away. General Manager Delno Tromp showed me one of the most exciting attractions of the complex, the Tree House. Have you ever wondered what it's like to live in the treetops under a canopy of luxury? Well, this multi-roomed house with surrounding balcony looks like it’s out of the movie George of the Jungle. It is jaw-droppingly gorgeous both inside and out. At a rate of a few thousand dollars per night, every amenity is at your beck and call. One of the restaurants at the Lodge Kura Hulanda is Christoffel Terrace overlooking the Cliffside coastline. Combined with their fabulous cuisine, this establishment provides the best, unobstructed views of the warm Curacao sunset. The ABC Islands welcome their visitors with splashy hues of colour, friendly people, many activities and picturesque tranquil environments. Each island has its own unique characteristics, but the one thing they have in common is their proud Dutch heritage. It influences everything a tourist experiences. GL |
ABOVE The Divi Divi trees grow along stretches of beach and make perfect picture subjects An aerial view of Willemstad, with its pastel-coloured buildings and Dutch-influenced architecture that astound all visitors.  Blue Skies Helicopters calmly hovering over the town of Willemstad, Curacao before the "Top Gun" Experience.  The Travel Guy, Frank Greco, recommends that you explore Aruba by motor scooter. The roads are very easy to navigate even in Oranjestad (meaning Orangetown), the capital city.  Spectacular sunset views await visitors to the ABC islands.
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