Being a Caribbean Student in the Netherlands is Hard

School students standing and talking outside brick school building with bicycles in the background, young people, education, student life, peer interaction, urban school setting.

Let’s be real — being a Caribbean student in the Netherlands is hard. From the moment you step off that plane and realize “cold” doesn’t mean 23°C, to figuring out how to bike uphill against the wind with three bags of Albert Heijn groceries… it’s survival of the fittest out there. Our new mini-documentary, Leaving…

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Discovering Aruba: A Tour of the California Lighthouse

Tour guide Beach Lama standing in front of the California Lighthouse in Aruba on a clear sunny day.

Welcome, Ladies and Gentlemen, to the Sly & Snide Tour Guide Show! I am your host, Beach Lama, and today we embark on an exciting excursion through the enchanting island of Aruba. Join me as we explore sites of historical, cultural, and societal significance, providing you with insights that will surely deepen your connection to…

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The Arubian National Anthem (Aruba Dushi Tera)

Statue of Rufo Wever and Juan Chabaya Lampe, composers of Aruba’s national anthem, with a visitor interacting at the piano monument in Oranjestad.

Commemoration of Aruba’s Flag and Anthem The 18th of March marks the official commemoration and celebration of the National Flag and Anthem of Aruba. In this edition of the Flag N’ Anthem special we’re going to talk in short about the Arubian National Anthem. Don’t forget to check out our previous article on the Arubian…

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Alto Vista: The Cradle of Arubian Catholicism

Landscape photo of Alto Vista Chapel in Aruba overlooking the Caribbean Sea, surrounded by cactus and rocks.

Freedom of Religion in Aruba Aruba is an autonomous representative democracy within a constitutional monarchy and as such every citizen has the freedom of religion, among other rights. Although the island is 80% Catholic, there are about 50+ different religions, denominations, and beliefs. The establishment of Catholicism as a predominant religion stems from the arrival…

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Hallmarks of Arubian Industries: Bushiribana Gold Mill

Ruins of the Bushiribana Gold Mill on the northern coast of Aruba.

Tourism as Aruba’s Modern Industry One of the significant historical sites related to this industry is the Bushiribana Gold Mill, which played a crucial role in Aruba’s mining history. For those of you who’ve been living under a rock either by choice or persuasion, Aruba’s primary source of income is tourism. The island’s white sandy…

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Exploring Aruba’s religious heritage: The church on the bay

Aruba’s Rich Tapestry of Faiths Aruba, a gem in the Caribbean, boasts not only stunning beaches and vibrant culture but also a rich tapestry of religious diversity. Despite being predominantly Catholic, the island embraces over 50 different religious beliefs, from monotheistic faiths to ancient traditions like the Greek pantheon and Viking Gods. Here, everyone finds…

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Islas Inutiles: The Spanish Colonial Era on Aruba

Scenic view of Canashito in Santa Cruz, Aruba, with large stone cross, symbolizing Spanish colonial influence and Catholic heritage.

Arrival of Alonso de Ojeda in Aruba (1499) T’was the year of our lord 1499, the 9th of August to be exact… when Alonso de Ojeda, a Conquistador from Torrenjoncillo del Rey, Cuencas, Castille de la Mancha (that’s a mouthful), set foot on these shores. On 6 June 1508 the king of Spain appointed De…

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