Aruba (Part II): Aruba Natural Bridge and California Lighthouse. For Part I, please read A Quick Tour of One Happy Island.The coral limestone formation existed for thousands of years until one unfortunate morning. Standing tall at 25 feet above sea level and spanning at 100 feet, the Natural Bridge collapsed on September 2, 2005.Located in the Eastern part of Aruba, the area still attracts visitors because of its’ beauty. Taking the place of the ‘beloved’ bridge that collapsed is the Baby Natural Bridge, next to the ruins. Visitors could walk around the area and stand on the smaller scale Baby Natural Bridge and watch the waves below.
Here is the scene before our arrival to the Baby Natural Bridge:
The Baby Natural Bridge and the remains of the collapsed bridge:
At the island’s northern area on the hill of Hudishibana is the famous California Lighthouse. Named after the American ship of the same name that sunk in the early 1900s. The lighthouse is inaccessible to the public and is looking quite worn out.The area boasts one of the best Italian restaurant in Aruba called La Trattoria El Faro Blanco Restaurant.
The Trattoria was built in 1914, a few years after California Lighthouse was built. It was the home of the first local lighthouse keeper. Dining in this open-air restaurant gives you a breathtaking view of the northern coast of Aruba.
Vendors offered fresh coconut drinks at one for $3 or two for $5. This man was fast at his craft of cutting the coconuts.
Please come back for the final part of our sightseeing tour of Aruba in the next post. Have you been to Aruba or are you from Aruba? Please share your favorite beach in Aruba.
