Pos Chiquito: Aruba's Hidden Coastal Gem

• HelloBon dia
  [bon dee-ah]
• GoodbyeAyo
  [ah-yo]
• YesSi
  [see]
• NoNo
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePor fabor
  [por fah-bor]
• Thank youDanki
  [dahn-kee]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon
  [par-don]
• How are you?Con ta bai?
  [kon ta by]
• Fine. And you?Bon. I bu?
  [bon. ee boo]
• Do you speak English?Bo ta papia Ingles?
  [bo ta pa-pee-ah een-gles]
• I don't understandMi no ta compronde
  [mee no ta kom-pron-de]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi kier mira e menu, por fabor
  [mee kee-air mee-rah eh meh-no, por fah-bor]
• I don't eat meatMi no ta come carni
  [mee no ta ko-meh kar-nee]
• Cheers!Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMi kier paga, por fabor
  [mee kee-air pah-gah, por fah-bor]

• Help!Yudami!
  [you-dah-mee]
• Go away!Bai for di mi!
  [by for dee mee]
• 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 tin malu
  [mee teen mah-loo]

• I'd like to buy...Mi kier cumpra...
  [mee kee-air koom-prah]
• I'm just lookingMi ta solamente mira
  [mee tah soh-lah-men-teh mee-rah]
• How much is it?Kuant' ta costa esaki?
  [kwan-tah tah koh-stah eh-sah-kee]
• That's too expensiveEsaki ta muchu caro
  [eh-sah-kee tah moo-choo kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Por fabor, por baisa e prijs?
  [por fah-bor, por by-sah eh prees]

• What time is it?Kiko ora ta?
  [kee-koh oh-rah tah]
• It's one o'clockTa un ora
  [tah oon oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Mitad di (10)
  [mee-tahd dee]
• MorningMadruga
  [mah-droo-gah]
• AfternoonTardi
  [tar-dee]
• EveningAnochi
  [ah-noh-chee]
• YesterdayAyera
  [ah-yeh-rah]
• TodayAwe
  [ah-weh]
• TomorrowMañan
  [mah-nyan]
• 1Uno
  [oo-no]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuater
  [kwah-tehr]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [sehs]
• 7Siete
  [see-eh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?Unda tin un/e...
  [oon-dah teen oon/eh]
• What's the address?Kiko e adres ta?
  [kee-koh eh ah-dres tah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Por fabor, por mustra mi (riba e mapa)?
  [por fah-bor, por moos-trah mee (ree-bah eh mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kiko ora ta e siguiente (bus)?
  [kee-koh oh-rah tah eh see-gwee-yen-teh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un ticket (pa ....)
  [oon tee-ket (pah)]

Long before European explorers set foot on Aruba, the island was inhabited by the Arawak people. Pos Chiquito, like many other parts of Aruba, bears traces of their presence. Archaeological findings, including pottery and tools, suggest that the Arawak lived in harmony with the island’s natural environment, relying on fishing, hunting, and agriculture.

The Spanish first arrived in Aruba in 1499, led by Alonso de Ojeda. The island, including Pos Chiquito, came under Spanish control, but it was not heavily colonized due to its lack of precious metals. In 1636, the Dutch took control of Aruba, and it became part of the Dutch West India Company. The influence of both Spanish and Dutch rule is still evident in the architecture and cultural traditions found in Pos Chiquito.

In the 19th century, Aruba experienced a gold rush. Although Pos Chiquito was not a central hub for gold mining, the economic boom brought prosperity to many parts of the island, including this quaint village. The remnants of gold mines and the stories of fortune-seekers are part of the local lore.

During World War II, Aruba was of strategic importance due to its oil refineries. Pos Chiquito, with its coastal location, was part of the island’s defense infrastructure. The beaches and nearby areas were fortified to protect against potential Axis attacks. The war left an indelible mark on the community, influencing its development in the post-war era.

The latter half of the 20th century saw a significant shift towards tourism in Aruba. Pos Chiquito, with its charming coastal scenery and tranquil beaches, became a favored spot for visitors. The development of tourism infrastructure, from hotels to recreational facilities, transformed the village into a vibrant destination while retaining its cultural heritage.

In recent years, Pos Chiquito has gained recognition for its underwater marine park, which showcases the rich biodiversity of Aruba’s coastal waters. The park is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, attracting nature enthusiasts who marvel at the coral reefs and marine life. This focus on eco-tourism highlights the community’s commitment to preserving its natural environment.

Pos Chiquito is known for its vibrant cultural festivals that celebrate Aruba’s heritage. Events such as the annual Carnival, with its colorful parades and music, provide a glimpse into the island’s lively culture. Traditional dances, local cuisine, and crafts are an integral part of these festivities, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the community.

Pos Chiquito is located on the southeastern coast of Aruba, approximately 10 kilometers from Queen Beatrix International Airport in Oranjestad. From the airport, you can reach Pos Chiquito by taxi, which takes around 15-20 minutes. Car rentals are also available at the airport for those who prefer to drive themselves. Alternatively, you can take a local bus from Oranjestad to Pos Chiquito; the bus service is reliable and runs frequently.

Pos Chiquito is a small area, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, taxis are readily available and reasonably priced. Renting a car is a convenient option for exploring the island at your own pace. The Arubus service connects Pos Chiquito with other parts of the island, including Oranjestad and San Nicolas. Biking is also a popular way to get around, with rental shops offering bicycles for daily use.

The official currency in Aruba is the Aruban Florin (AWG), but US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in Pos Chiquito, but it's always a good idea to withdraw enough cash before venturing into more remote areas.

Pos Chiquito is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. The local police are friendly and responsive to any issues you might encounter.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. There are medical facilities and a police station available in nearby Oranjestad. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the area where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress casually and comfortably, but remember to wear appropriate attire when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing in public spaces. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches or religious sites, wear modest clothing and behave respectfully. Public Transport: Do be respectful and courteous to fellow passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. A friendly 'Bon dia' (Good day) is always appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Pos Chiquito like a local, visit the local beaches early in the morning when they are less crowded. Engage with locals in conversation; they are often friendly and happy to share stories about the area. Don't miss trying local dishes like 'pastechi' and 'keshi yena'. For a unique experience, take a snorkeling trip to Mangel Halto, known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.