3 Things to Know Before Visiting Aruba

Aruba, Bahamas, come on Baby Momma….Those are the words, right? 

Honestly, I never paid much attention to that song until I got on the plane and we started singing the tune. And yes, I did think those were the words until I was corrected. 

I had the amazing opportunity to book a flight to this paradise in the Caribbean. To say the least, it was an amazing getaway. On any trip I am always looking to learn the history of where I am going and the people that live there, and this trip was no different. I went looking for the historical facts of this beautiful country, took the time to learn some of the language, and of course I want to share some things that may help anyone who decides to take a trip to the A of the ABC islands. 

Food: 

Oh My GOOODDDD GHAD!

The food on this island is scrumptious! And I’m not just saying that because of my own Caribbean roots. 

The seafood specifically (as that is what I eat) was well seasoned and cooked to a tenderness that is difficult to achieve with many seafoods. We ate at many restaurants that boasted the mom and pop authentic Aruban dishes and also one of the most extravagant places I’ve dined in all my years. All of which were scrumptious. 

Aruban food is definitely Caribbean all the way. From red snapper dishes to funji (“funchi” is what it’s called in the beautiful creole language of Aruba) to fresh squeezed juices and fresh fruits, there is no doubt that you will be tasting the Caribbean flavors when you come here. 

I’m not sure what I expected when I came here. I knew that the Dutch has had an impact on the culture of Aruba, so maybe I expected more Dutch influences, however, that was rarely the case when we ate at the restaurants, especially the traditional Aruban restaurants. 

I learned that Arubans are Caribbean at heart and they eat the same dishes that I grew up on myself. King fish, Bacalau, funji, roti, curry, Johnny cake, you name it. I was in awe. 

Language: 

Did you know that most Arubans speak 4 Languages?! The island is a polyglot’s dream. 

The languages spoken include Dutch, Spanish, English, and the best one there, Papiamento. The last one you may not have heard of. I sure know I didn’t. Papiamento is a Creole language spoken in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. 

While in Aruba I got the chance to ask the owner of The Colorado Shack about this beautiful language. She let me know that it is derived from the native African languages of the Ivory Coast, the native people of the Caribbean, the Arawak Native Americans, Spanish and Dutch. This Creole language (like all Creoles) had my heart immediately upon hearing it. 

The locals of Aruba spoke to me on many occasions in Papiamento, and I unfortunately had to switch back to either English or Spanish in order to communicate.

While on the Island I made sure to ask how to say certain phrases in Papiamento. I suggest always brushing up on specific phrases in whatever language is primarily spoken whenever you decide to travel. 

People: 

Arubans are some of the most friendliest individuals I’ve ever met while traveling. They were helpful and genuinely kind. Aruba truly is “One Happy Island.” The people that we met were proud of their culture, their heritage, and the island that they live on. 

I learned a lot about Aruban history from them. I learned about the ways they have continued to carry on their ancestry and heritage even after the colonial days of the Dutch and Spanish. They know their own history and that is something to be proud of for sure.Even by being connected to the Creole language of Papiamento, they are that much closer to their ancestors, and that only puts a smile on my face. 

I don’t know what I expected from Aruba, but the imprint that has been left on me definitely wasn’t it.