Our next stop in Aruba was to visit the quaint Alto Vista Chapel.
From Wikipedia: Alto Vista Chapel is a small Catholic chapel also known as “Pilgrims Church” that stands on the hills above the north shore of the sea and to the northeast of the town of Noord, on the island of Aruba, 27 km north of the coast of Venezuela. The church painted on the outside in stark bright yellow colour makes it a conspicuous religious monument for people to visit. The present Chapel of Alto Vista was completed in 1952 and stands in the same location as the original chapel, that was built by Domingo Silvestre, the Venezuelan missionary from Santa Ana de Coro, Venezuela, in 1750.
The Alto Vista Chapel was stated to be the location where conversion of Aruban Indians to Christianity started.
The chapel interior, intimate and charming. While we were visiting the chapel, local parishioners were setting up for a service. The outdoor pews arranged in a semi-circle expand the seating beyond the interior of the chapel and allow a view of the ocean beyond.From Wikipedia: The original church was constructed in 1750 by Caquetio Indians and Spanish though the island did not have a priest yet. The pioneering work of establishing the church and converting local Indians into the Catholic Christian faith was the sole work of Domingo Antonio Silvestre of Venezuela, which he achieved with his own funds. It is said to be the first church to be established in Aruba. This first church was built with stone walls and a straw roof. It was dedicated to Mother St. Mary, the “Mother of the Rosary” and hence considered exceptional in Aruba. A one-foot cross, which was brought from Venezuela by one of the priests, was installed here. Subsequent to Domingo Antonio Silvestre’s death Miguel Enrique Albarez (a son of the second fiscal) took control of the church, and then by Domingo Bernardino Silvestre son of the pioneer priest of the church. When the tragic plague stuck the place, many of the inhabitants of Alto Vista died and the remaining residents vacated the place and moved to Noord where the second church of Aruba was built. The Alto Vista Church was deserted from 1816 and went into ruins and the old wooden cross went under possession of many priests. This cross which was at the original altar is now seen in the St. Anna church in Noord. However, Francisca, a school teacher in Aruba, with single-minded dedication proceeded to revive the historic church of Aruba by locating it amidst the ruins after she came across by chance a picture of St. Mary’s with flowers. She collected funds of about 5000 Florins from local Arubans, got a statue of St. Mary’s made in Netherlands and brought it to Alto Vista and installed it at the new church built at the site of the old chapel, between March and May 1952, after obtaining permission from the Bishop in Curaçau. The statue was adorned with a golden crown studded with gem stones in 1954 with donations contributed by several Arubians. Unfortunately this statue was vandalized by a maniac. The statue has since been replaced by a new one. With this chapel, Catholic religion made inroads into Aruba.
The present day church, rebuilt in 1952, is visited by Christians and non-Christians for meditation. Services are held weekly by the priest from Noord.
The new chapel was redesigned and built in 1952 by the Dutch engineer J.A. Hille, deputy head of the DOW (Departamento di Obra Publico), at the same location of an old chapel that measured 50x16ft and with the same orientation. The chapel is encircled by semicircular pews. There are also stone pews on the outside in order to accommodate additional worshipers. It has a few crosses enshrined in it; the ancient Spanish one is one of the oldest European pieces of art in the Dutch Caribbean. An altar statue of Virgin Mary installed after the earlier one was vandalised has local devotees. The structure does not have any stain glass panelled windows but presents a very serene atmosphere for offering prayers. At the border of the old chapel marked by stones, a few graves are also seen. White graves with crosses marking the stations of the Cross surround the chapel. Graves of Domingo Antonio Silvestre and Miguel Enrique Albarez are located near the chapel.
When the chapel was initially built in 1752, priests visited it from Coro three times every year. People used to wait eagerly to celebrate mass and perform Catholic Services such as baptisms and marriages.
A pilgrimage is undertaken on foot by local Catholics of Aruba on Good Friday from Oranjestad to Alto Vista Chapel.
Initially Spence and I weren’t going to rent a car in Aruba but a few days before leaving, we changed our minds. I hadn’t been to Aruba for thirty years and Spence had never been. I knew there were sights I wanted to see again and introduce to him. Driving out of the Low Rise Hotel area (where we stayed at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts), passing the high rise hotel area, we headed out to the remote California Lighthouse.
The California Lighthouse is located near Arashi Beach on the northwest tip of Aruba, named for the steamship California, which wrecked nearby on September 23, 1891.
Immediately adjacent to the lighthouse is a restaurant called La Trattoria el Faro Blanco (English: The White Lighthouse Restaurant) where we stopped for a cocktail enjoying lovely views from this vantage point.
Sweet view
A cool Pinot Grigio, overlooking a spectacular view
This would be a great spot for dinner….
The color of the water is ever changing depending on the sun, clouds and time of day.
How do you choose the prettiest sunset picture? This was our second Aruba sunset at Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort. Standing on this beach, looking at the sky took my breath away. With the sand in my toes and the trade winds blowing it was a glimpse of heaven. I couldn’t choose from these photos and decided to share them all.
After a fabulous nights sleep in the best hotel bed, we awoke after 12 hours. While Aruba is the same time zone as Michigan, we were zapped after a long day of travel.
The view from our balcony.
Out to the balcony to enjoy my tea, Spence joined me wearing one of the robes provided by the hotel. What a view.
Breakfast is included at Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort and for late risers such as Spence and myself, runs till 11:00. And what a breakfast.
You can sit inside Elements Restaurant with floor to ceiling, spotless windows and a view of the beach and ocean, or outside on the deck. The breakfast has more choices than I could list and needless to say, we indulged. Not unusual for me but Spence rarely eats breakfast and he made up for a lifetime of missed morning meals. Here’s just a small sample:
Spence enjoying fresh pineapple, melon and fresh orange juice along with his bagel, lox, cream cheese, onion and capers….I think he had an omelet, bacon and sausage before this plate. Seriously.The papaya was the best I’ve had since our years spent in Costa Rica and yes, that is Eggs Benedict, one of the daily special treats found at the breakfast buffet.
Our first evening after a long day of travel, included a dinner reservation at the French Steakhouse at the neighboring Manchebo Beach Resort. We were greeted by the manager and seated promptly. I chose the Keshi Yena appetizer (a local dish to Aruba) which was more than ample for a light dinner, accompanied by crispy polenta and plantain.
Spence chose the Blackened Mahi Mahi with jasmine rice and broccoli with a Creole sauce. Along with delicious rolls, it was perfection.
Adding to the ambiance, Eddy played piano splendidly, romantic music and gained two new fans. As we had settled our check and were preparing to leave, we were ushered back to the table where they brought a chocolate cake with a giant sparkler and sang happy birthday to Spence. Satiated, happy and tired, we walked the short distance back to Bucuti and turned in for the night.
Here’s my recipe for Keshi Yena, a true Aruban dish (and the story behind making it) – it’s incredibly delicious!
Spence and I have spent the most glorious vacation in Aruba for the last nine days. It has been 30 years since I was last here and his first time. Ever the world traveler, it was the only time since I met Spence that I’d been someplace first.
Arising at 2:45 a.m., we reached the airport by 4:30, dropped the car in the long-term lot and shuttled to the airport. Checking our large bags, we silently prayed they’d make it safely after changing planes in Atlanta (they did!)
In Atlanta, waiting for our flight. Though tired, we are excited.
We arrived, cleared the airport, picked up our rental car and headed for the Bucuti and Tara Beach Resorts. Located in the low-rise hotel section, right on the ocean is a 14 acre paradise. We were checked in by Sylvia, given cold, lavender scented towels to refresh with and offered pink champagne while she gave us an orientation. What a way to start. After 2 glasses each and properly refreshed, Nicole brought us to our lovely room and gave us the tour of the features. We found that because we were celebrating both Spence’s birthday and our anniversary that the resort had gifted us with a bottle of Chardonnay, on ice, a beautiful round of Gouda, Carrs Garlic Herb Water Crackers and a bar of chocolate from Holland. Nicole also showed us a bottle of pink champagne chilling in the minibar that was a gift from the hotel as well as 2 engraved champagne flutes and 2 aluminum water bottles as gifts to use while here and take upon our departure.
Just a few of our gifts!
We chose a standard room which was exquisite – perfect for us. We were beginning to understand why this resort is rated #1 on Trip Advisor.
Yes, that’s a TV inside the bathroom mirror!The resort is “green” and instead of a ton of little plastic bottles, supply bath gel, conditioning shampoo and lotion made in Aruba. The products, Aruba Aloe, are first class!Love this chaise! All the comforts including an air purifier, dehumidifier and Sirius Love Channel on our huge flatscreen TV, which added to the romantic ambiance.Super comfy bed and pillows, we slept so well here.Real orchid in the bathroomSweet view from our balcony…..Next year, we’ll add the tag “We’re glad to have you back” which we saw on many guest doors…..
I just learned that I was nominated for another award. I’m so honored and excited that my little blog has been noticed and appreciated. Thank you to the amazing incahootswithmuddyboots for the nomination and support. Sabine has a delightful blog encompassing travel, gardening, food and photography. Please check her out!
To accept this award I must:
1.Thank and follow the blog that nominated me – check!
2.Tell 11 facts about myself and answer the 11 questions set by the nominating blogger – check!
3.Nominate 11 bloggers, setting 11 questions for them – okay, I’m only doing 5 nominations because I’m on vacation and must get back to the beach!
So here goes, 11 facts about me……
At my tallest, I was 6 ft 1/4 inches tall, growing the last inch and 1/4 at age 28. Now 59, I’m 5 ft 10 1/2. Go figure.
I’ve had the same best friend since I was old enough to talk and we still haven’t run out of conversation.
I love the Friskies “Dear Kitten” online videos. Too cute. Also “dog who wants a kitten” – if you haven’t seen it, Google it.
My favorite pie is rhubarb custard.
I am afraid of spiders, snakes and clowns. Also, the flying monkeys from the Wizard of Oz creep me out.
Spence makes a special comfort food for me when I’m under the weather – a fried egg sandwich with chili sauce.
I live in the house that my grandparents built when my dad was a boy.
I am a bit obsessed with Pinterest. Okay, more than a bit.
I love movie musicals, cue Rodgers and Hammerstein.
I love to sing karaoke, even though Spence wishes I wouldn’t. Kind of like he feels when I sing along with the radio on road trips…..
I have no children of the human variety but love my cats Tipper and Biscotti as if I’d given birth to them.
Now for my nominees:
http://Katzenworld.co.uk – Marc hosts a must see blog for those who love cats and kittens, informative, fun and great to brighten your day. Weekly Tummy Rub Tuesdays features reader submitted photos of beautiful cats posing for their Tummy Rubs. You can submit your photos; Tipper and Biscotti have been included in weeks past.
http://Loveandolives.com – Thirty-something Olivia writes about life and her adventures in this lovely and uplifting blog. Always positive and enjoyable.
https://storyshucker.wordpress.com – Stuart writes endearing, heartfelt short stories based on his life, that are a true treat. A truly gifted storyteller, I can’t wait for each new post. If he releases a book, I’m buying it. Please have a look.
http://Cupidorcats.wordpress.com – written by “Janey” (her alias) a self described weird blog, she is funny, clever and insightful. I adore her blog and feel as though if we were to meet we’d be great friends. And yes, that means I’m weird and proud of it.
Thirty-second thing: One of the things that makes me happy takes place a mere ten minute drive from our home and is one of the most fun things to do in Michigan. The Michigan Renaissance Festival is held in nearby Holly Michigan and is an experience unlike any other. Each weekend, encompassing seven weeks, thousands of people flock to this festival. Here’s a bit of history, courtesy of http://www.michrenfest.com:
History For 37 years, the Michigan Renaissance Festival has provided Holly with a unique venue that regularly attracts more than 250,000 visitors from Michigan, surrounding states and Canada. When the Festival first began back in 1979 on the grounds of Columbiere in Clarkston, Michigan, the Renaissance Festival attracted 11,000 patrons during its 5 weekend event. Years later the Festival found a more permanent home where it currently stands, just 12 miles south of Flint on Dixie Highway.
Spence and I have attended this event for nearly thirty years and though at least 65% or more of attendees dress in Renaissance garments, we do not. That doesn’t deter us from the sheer joy of people watching. Yesterday was a perfect autumn day – sunny and in the 60’s with a light breeze as opposed to those weekends we’ve attended when it’s been in the nineties – hot and dusty. We arrived at 10:00 (when the gates open) and departed around 3:00. The festival grows every year with more beautiful landscaping and permanent structures. There are shows, rides (man-powered as in Renaissance times) jousting, a parade (see video at the end of this post), camel rides and petting zoos and endless food choices (I favor the Scotch Egg, others wait in line for grilled turkey drumsticks to name a few) plus beer and wine for the adults. People bring their dogs – often in costumes. If you’re in Michigan from August-early October, I recommend this event!
Amsterdam is the one of the most unique and diverse cities we’ve ever visited. The architecture, houseboats, canals, flower markets, bicycles – unlike any place Spence or I have ever traveled. We are completely enamored of this special place and I’ve already started looking at a possible return trip in 2016 – fingers crossed. If you’ve never been, I implore you – visit Amsterdam!
Our houseboat with Spence (by the green door). Once you entered, our apartment was to the left, another to the right.Our little kitchenette and door to the bathroom.Our window and seating area. Ducks were frequent visitors, swimming by and climbing up to sun themselves on the side rails.Our comfy bed and armoire. Not fancy but fabulous and exactly what we needed.
