Andicuri Beach: Aruba's Hidden Gem

• HelloBon dia
  [Bon dee-ah]
• GoodbyeAyo
  [Ah-yo]
• YesSi
  [See]
• NoNo
  [No]
• Please/You're welcomePor fabor
  [Por fa-bor]
• Thank youDanki
  [Dahn-kee]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon
  [Par-don]
• How are you?Con ta bai?
  [Kohn tah by]
• Fine. And you?Bon. Y bo?
  [Bon. Ee bo]
• Do you speak English?Bo papia Ingles?
  [Boh pah-pee-ah Een-glehs]
• I don't understandMi no ta compronde
  [Mee noh tah com-pron-deh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi kier mira e menu, por fabor
  [Mee kee-air mee-rah eh men-oo, por fa-bor]
• I don't eat meatMi no ta come carne
  [Mee noh tah koh-meh kar-neh]
• Cheers!Salud!
  [Sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMi kier paga, por fabor
  [Mee kee-air pah-gah, por fa-bor]

• Help!Yudami!
  [Yoo-dah-mee]
• Go away!Bai bai!
  [Bye bye]
• Call the Police!Yama polis!
  [Yah-mah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Yama un dokter!
  [Yah-mah oon dok-ter]
• I'm lostMi ta perdi
  [Mee tah pehr-dee]
• I'm illMi ta malu
  [Mee tah mah-loo]

• I'd like to buy...Mi kier cumpra...
  [Mee kee-air koom-prah]
• I'm just lookingMi ta so mira
  [Mee tah soh mee-rah]
• How much is it?Con cu esaki ta?
  [Kohn koo eh-sah-kee tah]
• That's too expensiveEsaki ta muchu caro
  [Eh-sah-kee tah moo-choo kah-ro]
• Can you lower the price?Bo por baha e prijs?
  [Boh por bah-ha eh prees]

• What time is it?Con hora ta?
  [Kohn oh-rah tah]
• It's one o'clockTa un ora
  [Tah oon oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Mitad di dies
  [Mee-tahd dee dees]
• MorningMadruga
  [Mah-droo-gah]
• AfternoonAtardi
  [Ah-tar-dee]
• EveningAnochi
  [Ah-noh-chee]
• YesterdayAyer
  [Ah-yer]
• TodayAwe
  [Ah-weh]
• TomorrowMañana
  [Mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [Oo-no]
• 2Dos
  [Dohs]
• 3Tres
  [Tres]
• 4Cuatro
  [Kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [Seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [Says]
• 7Siete
  [See-eh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [Oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [Nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [Dee-ehs]

• Where's a/the...?Unda ta e...?
  [Oon-dah tah eh]
• What's the address?Con e adres ta?
  [Kohn eh ah-dres tah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bo por mustra mi (riba e mapa)?
  [Boh por moos-trah mee (ree-bah eh mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Conor ta e siguiente (bus)?
  [Kohn-ohr tah eh see-gwee-en-teh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (pa ....)
  [Oon boh-leh-toh (pah)]

Long before European explorers set foot on Aruba, the island was inhabited by the Caquetío people, part of the Arawak tribe. They were skilled fishermen and craftsmen, and evidence of their presence can be found in the form of petroglyphs and ancient artifacts. Andicuri Beach, with its secluded location and rugged beauty, was likely a site of both sustenance and spiritual significance for these early inhabitants.

In 1499, Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda claimed Aruba for the Spanish Crown. The island, along with Andicuri Beach, became a part of the Spanish Empire. Although Aruba lacked the gold that the Spanish sought, its strategic location and salt resources made it valuable. Andicuri Beach, with its natural harbor, played a role in the extraction and transportation of salt, an essential commodity of the time.

By the early 17th century, the Dutch had gained control of Aruba, and it became part of the Dutch West India Company. Andicuri Beach was used as a landing point for ships and a site for early Dutch settlers to fish and gather resources. The beach's rugged terrain and clear waters made it a suitable location for these early colonial activities.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Caribbean was notorious for pirate activity. Andicuri Beach, with its hidden coves and remote location, provided an ideal hideout for pirates and smugglers. These clandestine activities added a layer of mystery and intrigue to the beach's history, making it a place of both danger and opportunity.

During World War II, Aruba played a crucial role due to its oil refineries. The island became a target for German U-boats, leading to the construction of coastal defenses. While Andicuri Beach was not a primary site for military installations, it was part of the broader network of coastal monitoring. The beach's rugged landscape offered natural lookout points for spotting enemy submarines and ships.

In the latter half of the 20th century, Aruba began to develop its tourism industry. Andicuri Beach, with its stunning natural beauty and dramatic cliffs, became a hidden gem for adventurous travelers seeking a more secluded experience. The beach's history and unspoiled environment have since made it a popular destination for both locals and tourists looking to explore Aruba's natural and historical heritage.

Andicuri Beach is located on the east coast of Aruba, in the Arikok National Park. The closest airport is Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) in Oranjestad, approximately 20 kilometers away. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use a pre-arranged shuttle service to get to the beach. The journey typically takes about 30 minutes by car.

The most convenient way to explore Andicuri Beach and its surroundings is by renting a car. Car rentals are available at Queen Beatrix International Airport and in Oranjestad. Taxis are also an option, but they can be costly for frequent travel. Public buses do not operate directly to Andicuri Beach, so a car or taxi is essential for accessing the area.

The official currency in Aruba is the Aruban Florin (AWG), but US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants, hotels, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in more remote areas. ATMs are available in Oranjestad and other major towns, but not near Andicuri Beach.

Andicuri Beach is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid leaving valuables unattended on the beach or in your car. While Aruba has a low crime rate, it's best to stay vigilant, especially in isolated areas. There are no specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, but always be aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest medical facilities are in Oranjestad. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Oranjestad where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear lightweight, breathable clothing and bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against the sun. Avoid wearing swimwear away from the beach. Religion: Do respect local religious customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Public buses do not serve Andicuri Beach, so plan accordingly. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a friendly 'bon dia' (good morning). Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and beverages. Don't refuse food offerings, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Andicuri Beach like a local, visit during weekdays when it's less crowded. Bring your own snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities nearby. Engage with locals you meet; they often have valuable tips about hidden spots and the best times to visit. Don't miss exploring the natural bridge formations and the nearby caves, which offer a glimpse into Aruba's geological history.