70 » OpenRoad Driver
W H E R E O U R R O A D TA K E S YO U
Aruba:
A Caribbean
Dutch Treat
Words and Photos by Rick and Chris Millikan
»
The influence of a European
kingdom 7,900 kilometres
away is apparent from the
start as we arrive in the
capital of Aruba. Embraced
by the azure Caribbean,
Oranjestad – “Orange
Town” in Dutch and named
to honour King William
of Orange – beckons us
ashore with its bright pastel
cityscape.
As we proceed down the gangway, we
soon find the cruise terminal’s car rental
kiosks to pick up our reserved sedan. An
agent greets us smiling, “Bon Bini! That’s
welcome in Papiamento! Our official
languages are Dutch and Papiamento,
but don’t worry. Most of us speak English
and our roads have international signage.”
Papiamento is the colourful local language
of Aruba.
Winding through this southern port, we
admire colonial buildings, step-gabled