Aruba

[Liathain]

Half-year job guarantee for refinery-personnel
21 Jan, 2010, 09:06 (GMT -04:00)

ORANJESTAD — The government and Valero signed an agreement yesterday evening through which the nearly 700 employees of the refinery in San Nicolas will keep their job up to and including June of this year. In addition, the government will cancel the 1 percent bbo-tax on export products as a result that Valero will abandon the case for arbitration, which they had instituted. Moreover, the American oil company will deposit 200 million florins with the Treasury. It was agreed that Valero would deposit another 10 million dollars ‘bonus’ upon a sale, according to Premier Mike Eman (AVP) this morning before the Amigoe.

With this deal, approx. 85 percent of the total amount, which the government had still wanted to receive from Valero, is recovered. In this, it regards the amount, which Valero still owes Aruba on bbo. For that matter, the oil company had already deposited the 200 million florins into an escrow-account, in anticipation of possibly losing the case for arbitration. In this case, a partial judgment had already been determined at the end of last year, through which Valero was still obligated to pay the outstanding dividend and foreign currency provision. This involved an amount of 35 million florins. However, Valero had appealed against this judgment. The oil concern did not have to pay any tax on profits due to the validity of the tax holiday.

It had already been announced last week that the government and Valero were holding intensive discussions again on the future of the refinery, which had closed last year.

After a day of new negotiations, the Premier, Ministers Mike de Meza and Benny Sevinger, Valero’s Vice-President regional refinery operations Martin Parish and general director Valero Aruba, Ray Buckley reached an agreement yesterday evening around eleven o’clock in the Administration Office. However, Eman states he is non-committal to some extent, as he wants to present this agreement to the parliament first. The agreement namely has consequences for the legislation. For example, the bbo-law must be amended again now that the 1 percent tax on export is cancelled. The IPC-law (tax facilities for settlement-NV’s) also requires amendment. Now that Valero’s tax holiday is about to expire, there is an agreement that the refinery will fall under this tax law again and that they will pay a tax on profits from seven to eleven percent (the ‘normal tariff’ tax on profits is 28 percent). In any case, it was agreed yesterday evening that Valero would pay 10 million dollars tax on profits per year, if the oil company does not sell the Aruban refinery. However, if the refinery is sold, the new owner must make an annual payment of 15 million dollars tax on profits. In addition, the government wants to regulate the determination agreement by law. Therefore, this agreement also requires the approval of the parliament. For that matter, the governing party has the majority in the States.

Premier Eman does not know why Valero has reached an agreement and renewed its interest in the Aruban refinery now, after years of conflict with the previous MEP-government. “It is not because the situation on the oil market has become more rosy and with that also the future of the refinery. In any case, the atmosphere during the negotiations had been more flexible, constructive, and not as hostile as it used to be.

http://www.amigoe.com/artman/publish/artikel_67838.php

Hopefully this will continue long after June, not just for the 'travelers' to be able to continue to sample San Nicholas's unique entertainment sector
but also for the general economic benefit of Aruba as well.
Time will tell.

[PogoStick]

I have always had a soft spot for Aruba. My very first Caribbean mongering experience was at the Pianito bar in SN. I liked the drive thru aspect of cruising the back alleys during the day.

I went there this afternoon and it is sad. With the refinery being closed, SN is just a shell of what it used to be. Friday afternoons were one of the best times to cruise. There were often over 100 chicas hanging out at the back doors. Not so today.

In over an hour of cruising I saw only a few chicas. Maybe a dozen total and more than half were ones I wouldn't touch...fat and ugly. Many of the back alley houses that used to have chicas were boarded up. The Pianito bar is closed for good. Even the signs are gone.

But there is still some action to be had. I saw one stunner on the main street outside of the Copa Cabana club but I couldn't find a parking place. On my next pass she was gone. There were a few decent chicas on the alley a block off main street. But it is not what it used to be.

I finally decided to try Elena, who was outside the back of Chesterfields. She is cute and friendly.

It started out OK with some nice kissing and touching. But then she wanted money up front. Sometimes this is a bad sign, sometimes not. I asked her how much and she said 1 hour, $100! I was shocked. If I want to pay that much for an hour I would just stay at my nice hotel and call a service rather than travel to SN and be in a tiny closet of a room. I asked how much for 1/2 hour and she said $65. I handed her $40 and she complained that it wasn't enough. I gave her $5 more...take it or leave it. She took it.

Overall, she wasn't bad...but nothing spectacular. But all the negotiations were kind of a turn-off and I wasn't as turned on as I could have been. She was sweet enough but I don't think I would repeat with her.

San Nicolas, especially day time drive thru is really a pure physical experience. You choose a girl based on looks and a quick conversation at the car window. Even at night in the bars, there are only a few chicas in each place and there is a pressure to close the deal quickly. The girls don't have to compete with 30 or 40 girls like in SXM or 150 girls at Campo. They only have to be better than the 2 or 3 girls in their bar. There is no incentive to really stand out from the crowd.

I think that I may have out grown SN. My experiences at Campo, SXM and Bangkok have taken my mongering to a higher level. I want more than just looks. That is too easy to find. I want personality, flirting and a little romance. That is hard to do from a car. SN is just a hard core Putaville. Pick a girl, do your thing and leave.

I will go back again at night when the bars are open. That way I can at least have a drink and a conversation to try to make some sort of connection with a girl and move on if it doesn't happen. But I think my drive thru days may be over.

On my way out I did see 3 real possible chicas coming out of Club Monaco. I think they were on their way to dinner. That will be my first stop when I go back. Hopefully I can make a connection with one of them and take her out for a TLN. The back alley quicky just doesn't cut it anymore. I need more.

I am not ready to give up on SN yet. I still love Aruba and want to be able to enjoy my hobby. Maybe when the refinery reopens, SN will get back to it's old self again. I hope so. Otherwise, Aruba may end up being a place to bring the wife. That would be tragic!

pogo

[PogoStick]

You may want to consider Jamaica. It's cheap, close, fun, laid back and you would be insane to rent a car. Feet and cheap taxis work well. PM for details of good hotels, locations etc.

pogo

Thanks Liathain for your well written report as it should be put in the reports of distinction catagory. With that being said, Cartagena will not work for me, as I know Cartagena very well, having lived there for up to 3 months a year for several years, before moving on to new territories. As far as taking my girlfriend, I really have no way around it, as I promised her we would go somewhere. We both have been to Santa Marta, and to San Andres, Colombia, on several occasions, so we have no desire to go back. We also have been spent alot of time in Panama, so I selected Aruba or Curacao as a place to go, since I know Aruba and Curacao has beautiful beaches and warm ocean waters. We both are beach bums, and spend everyday on the ocean waters snorkling, fishing, and if we are not doing these activities, we are on the beach enjoying the hot sun, while drinking pina coladas or cold beer!

If you have any other suggestions for a location, I am very open to it. My girlfriend is originally from Colombia, but presently lives in Panama, so any place we go, it has to be easy travel for her.

Thanks again!

[Liathain]

I would not take a woman to Vacation in Either Aruba or Curacao.

Neither location works well without a rental car & the list of interesting things to do will not last two weeks,
barely a few days at best, unless you spend everyday at the beach.

Male visitors go to these islands to hook up with the Campo or St Nick Ladies.
Not the local sights.

My vote would be Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.

The Old Walled City itself is a very historically interesting place to explore, with plenty of shops which women love.
We spent three partial days checking it out before hitting the beach or hanging out at the apartment’s pool area.

Part day trips to La Popa - La Candelaria Convent and the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas Fort are also great locations to visit.

You can also take a day trip to the Rosario Islands, 25 miles by a 600HP ‘Colombian Fast Boat’,
to the group of 27 tiny islands that also feature a ‘Colombian Marine World’ with good marine shows.

The trip also includes a buffet lunch and several hours on a private island to engage in beach time.
A Fantastic Day. We almost did it a second time.

Another great day trip is to the Botanical Gardens in Turbaco, a 60-minute drive south of the city via Taxi.
There is also the Mud Baths at the Totumo Volcano, another day trip you will need to hire a taxi for.

And of course there is the Beach. The water is warm and enjoyable to swim in.
Very different than the scene at North American or Caribbean beaches with vendors constantly cruising
by trying to sell you something, but they are polite and only trying to make a living.
Just say “No, gracias.” and they vanish.

The city is full of great places to eat to to suit any budget.

Nightclubs? More than you will ever need.

Do not stay in a Hotel. They are an overpriced rip-off:

You can rent an apartment from $65 a night on up, with all the comforts of home including:
security, wifi, TV, DVD players etc. and many also have pools.

Taxis are cheap and everywhere. I never considered renting a car there.
The money spent daily on taxis was next to nothing.

The list of activities is near endless.
Cartagena de Indias makes Aruba & Curacao look pretty sparse in comparison.

Just for a start here is a Cartagena de Indias things to do page to explore:
http://www.cartagenacaribe.com/en/wh...sdeinteres.htm

(Same report posted on Curacao page)

[Lucky Strike]

Curacao just seems to have more life to it in every possible way than Oranjestad. Oranjestad seems to be alot more laid back. If this is not the case, I hope someone will share that with me who has first hand experience, since I am just relying on information I have read from the internet.

CUR is more laid-back? i'm not so sure.
When it comes to "adult activities" Campo Alegre certainly has more "life" than anything you have in AUA. Regarding the typical tourist stuff, the high-rise hotel area in AUA is much more developed place. For $300/day you will have fun in either place.

[Oxymoron]

Blackhawk69

I always rent a car in Aruba.

You can either get one at the airport or some of the larger hotels.

It is not terribly expensive. Stay at a less expensive Hotel and then rent a car.

The best beaches are not in the Hotel areas, plus it makes it easy to hit the grocery store, shopping areas etc. Easy Island to drive on.

Later at night if your drinking hop on the bus.

Bring a small cooler in case you decide to hit some remote beaches.

Plus if you have a car you can hit the alleys in SN around 11AM while your GF sleeps.

Oxymoron

[PogoStick]

In your situation, Pos Chiquto would be tough. It is a wonderfull area but very limited in anything but peace and quiet.

I would probably recommend that you stay in the high rise area. You can easily walk the entire area and any kind of food/bar/casino/beach etc you want will be right there. But it is generally a bit more expensive, especially on the beach. The low rise area would be a good second choice.

Check out a couple of the off beach hotels like Brickell Bay or the Mill. There is still beach access at either place but you have to walk across the street. Also do a search on Kayak to see if there are any good deals out there. Priceline is a good option as well. I have picked up the Holiday Inn and the Marriott for under $100.

To explore the island you can take the bus and only use taxis for specific destinations.

Treat your girlfriend to a spa day and head to SN for a treat for yourself. For a one shot deal a taxi is OK. If you were going to SN daily that would be a problem...but once is no big deal.

pogo

When I was referring to partying, I was referring going out nightly to the conventional bars and discos. Since I am with my girlfriend, the chances of having the opportunity to stray away for other women is very slight at best, and she most certainly is not into that type of lifestyle at all, and if she knew I was, I would be nutless! lol

I am looking for a place to stay that will be close to restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and so forth, where I will not be having to spend over twenty five dollars or more a day on taxi fares, as this is just throwing money away for the most part, unless alternatives can't be found. Looking at the taxi info. provided by Liathain, it looks like it would be twenty dollars or more, no matter where I went one way.

Lastly, is it best I have accomodations closer to St. Nic or to Oranjestad, or are both these places about similar when it comes to conventional bars/discos, shopping, and restaurants? Looking at a Aruba map, St. Nic is looks like it is out in the middle of no-where.

I really like the place "Sea Breeze", recommended to me by Liathain, but I am trying to determine the cost to travel by taxi to Oranjestad, or to St.Nic.

Thanks again!

[Black Hawk69]

For those of you considering staying at the Seebreeze apartments, that have to rely on taxi's to get around, I received confirmation that it is a $22.00 dollar taxi fare to the city of Oranjestad.

[Liathain]

This is likely the cheapest way to get around.

http://aruba-guide.info/getting.around/buses/

http://www.visitaruba.com/about-aruba/

Google: Aruba Bus and many pages with schedules & maps can be found.

I always purchase a Map prior to going to a new location.

You can get one from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Laminated-Arub.../dp/386609342X

Where ever you elect to stay the management people at the front desk
will be able to direct you to the nearest bus stop.

Keep a lot of small bills and change in your pockets
as they only accept exact change.

I saw on some schedules that the buses run late into the night,
but you might want to take a taxi just to get home quicker.

Good Luck.

[Mel365]

Looks like a great hotel--thanks for the tip.
Mel

[Mel365]

I never took a taxi in Aruba , However looking at the rates that were posted I would guess that a one way trip from anywhere near the airport would be 20 dollars and from the low rise hotels 25 each way.
Have you looked at a map of Aruba. St Nicks is near nothing.

If you like swimming try to get to Baby Beach, it is shallow and calm ,particularly if your chica does not swim it is great.

Please post what is going on in St Nicks. there has not been a good report in many months.

Please pm me about your vision, I might have a solution.
Mel

[Lucky Strike]

Black Hawk69, IMHO it all depends on what you mean by "and at night the nightlife, as we both like to party" and your ability do rent a car.

If your meaning of "partying" is primarily what this forum is about - i.e. trips to San.Nic. daily/nightly, then you might want to stay closer to that type of "action" as other posters suggested. But spending 10 days in a relatively remote location - well, i don't know about that...
If you're looking for more "conventional" night life, with occasional trips to San Nic, and considering your other requirements (beach, clean, secure, night activities, WiFI and under $100/night) I'd suggest some of the conventional hotels/timeshare condos on Palm or Eagle beach. Especially if this is your first time on the island and you not quite sure what to expect. You can find deals on Ebay and other internet travel sites. They are farther away from SanNic, so if you drive or take a bus- it's additional 15-25min each way (i din't care about that.) Also, if you neither drive nor willing to take a bus (during the day only, but its' pretty comfortable, with AirCo. NOT a Greyhound!) and call en escort -then it doesn't matter where you stay.

Usually you can find smth. for RENT on Ebay, @ well under $100/night - 4 Divi hotels/timeshares (Village, Phoenix, Golf, Dutch Village), Casa Del Mar, Costa Linda, Playa Linda, etc. You can find reviews on tripadvisor.com. IMHO they all fit your requirements: established hotels, all have plenty of beach, security, AirCo, etc AND are chica-friendly. The Aruban maybe the exception, 'cause they have several different "types" of rooms on the same property. Divi Dutch village is the lower-end, Costa Linda seems to have best rooms/beach. Playa Linda is in the middle of "conventional" night life zone. WiFi , i believe is $35 for a week just about everywhere. If you're near Palm beach - there's a Telephone store across from Hyatt/Playa Linda and in front of Brickell Bay Beach Club, you can rent PC time or wifi w/your own laptop there.
The problem is that they all are 7-night stays, sat-sat, sun-sun, and fri-fri. but you can get 7 nights for under $400, and pay perhaps $50 in taxes upon arrival. The names that i mentioned all have kitchens with everything you may need. When I was on a very tighter budget i saved a few bucks by buying some groceries and sometimes eating breakfast in my room.
In your situation (10 days), I'd try "cover all the bases" and try to rent for at least a week in one of those hotels, and the rest at another place, probably close to San Nic. I'm afraid that 10 days in a hotel that's a taxi ride from both tourist/nightlife area and San.Nic. may not be what you're looking for.

[Liathain]

Below is a link to a page on 'Taxi Rates in Aruba'.

It should give you an idea of how they charge.

Taxis in Aruba do not have meters.
Rates are based on destination rather than mileage.

If you find a helpful driver,
get his phone number and call him in advance
to arrange additional trips. Good Luck.

I simply googled: Aruba taxi Rates

http://aruba-guide.info/getting.around/taxis/

[Liathain]

Sea Breeze Apartments, Pos Chiquito Village, Aruba.
Low Key Dutch Owner & Chica Friendly.

Apartments from $75-$90 a night.

Located on the Ocean @ Mangel Halto Beach,
Directly between the Airport (3 Miles North)
& Sint Nicolas RLD (5 Miles South).

I have stayed there & will stay there again.

A very quiet & private walled complex
with a small store & restaurant only a 1 minute walk away.

Web Site: http://www.sea-breezeappartments.com/welcome/

[Mel365]

St nicolas is a far drive from most of the hotels 20-25 minutes. I would look into having your girlfriend rent a car. I do not believe you can rent a scooter without a license.

I like talk of the town hotel which is about 120 per night it is in town and the closest hotel to St Nicks that is decent.. However you will surely find places cheaper.

St Nicks is kind of seedy so I would make sure to ride around there first in daylight , possibly with a driver paid by the hour to get a feeling for the area and layout. Do not be intimidated by guys hanging around at night asking for money to watch your car--just ignore them.

Some of the chicas have a day off. If you find one you like ask if she has a day off and negociate a TLN price. The area is very depressed with the refinery closed and there are many bargains to be had. Unfortuately, I believe the pickings will be slim.

Mel