(Oranjestad)—This week marked a huge accomplishment for Aruban historians and archivists, as the National Library of Aruba (BNA), announced that they, in collaboration with The Internet Archive, have created an online platform in which people from all around the globe can access the history and culture of Aruba. Containing over 100,000 files so far, the Aruba Collection holds documents, photos, and even 3D images that date back hundreds—or even thousands of years.

Aruba Today sat down with Mr. Peter Scholing from the BNA and Edrick Croes from the national archives of Aruba (ANA) to talk about their mission regarding the (digital) Aruban collection, and the types of documents they currently have and continue to receive throughout the years form all around the world.

There are thousands of different files in the Aruba Collection, including documents ranging from earlier settlements in the colonial era, slavery on the islands, the families that have come and gone throughout hundreds of years, to recipes on traditional Aruban cooking, digital copies of old (and discontinued) newspapers, and even pictures submitted from the time when the first refinery LAGO opened on Aruba, and the island saw a boom in migration from different parts of the Caribbean and the US.

Scholing and Croes mentioned that one of the main challenges about this project was the fact that historical documents and stories about Aruba have been scattered all over the world over the past hundreds of years, and so it has been a continuous effort to search for those lost stories and to link missing pieces to incomplete puzzles. For them it has also been an adventure at the very least, as they continue to uncover more random pieces of lost records—some even by accident.

Through collaborative efforts with 11 separate entities, the collection data base was set up to offer the visitor an accessible experience navigating the rich deposit of the database. The database acts as a hub where materials and documents housed under these different entities can be found right under one website domain. These entities include the BNA, ANA, UNOCA, the national museum (MANA), Monumentenfonds, University of Aruba and more.

A few years ago, the BNA campaigned for people to bring their own collection of old documents or photos through their program called “Trece” (bring) that could be stored in the archives of Aruba. This way it creates a pathway for the new generation to feel more connected to their cultural heritage and also inspire them to keep preserving the fragile, yet important files of our island’s stories.

The archivists have also emphasized about the contribution that tourists have had on the growth of the collection, as many visitors have shared their collections of old photos of relatives that have either visited or work at the refinery during the early 1920/30s, offering a different glance of the Aruban landscape, and taking us back in time to a place where Aruba was experiencing its first stages of industrial development.

3D scans of ancient artifacts are also a project that is currently being developed at the BNA. In collaboration with 1403 with the Brenchie’s lab, they started creating 3D images of ancient artifacts, offering an entire view of the object from all angles. This can be found as well on the website.

There are hundreds of documents that you can find and read, all ranging in languages like Papiamento, Dutch, English, and Spanish. The national library is interested in digitalizing all of their files, as well as those found in the Netherlands. This was especially important during the pandemic, when they realized that many people were starting to use their already existing digital database all over the world.

The collection can be found on www.coleccion.aw

(Oranjestad)—Touring the island in the blistering heat can leave one feeling rather thirsty and looking to cool off. Luckily there are a few stands along the roads of Aruba that can offer you just what you need: a nice, refreshing beverage!

These “coconut stands” can be found at several locations on the island, where you can cool off with delicious smoothies, drinks, snacks, and of course, fresh coconuts! Perfect during family outings around the island, these stands can be found in the following locations:

ORANJESTAD — You are back and we would like to portrait you! By inviting you to send us your favorite vacation picture while enjoying our Happy Island. 

Complete the sentence: Aruba to me is ……. Send your picture with that text (including your name and where you are from) to: news@arubatoday.com and we will publish your vacation memory. Isn’t that a special way to keep your best moments alive? Please do note: By submitting photos, text or any other materials, you give permission to The Aruba Today Newspaper, Caribbean Speed Printers and any of its affiliated companies to use said materials, as well as names, likeness, etc. for promotional purposes without compensation.

Last but not least: check out our website, Instagram and Facebook page! Thank you for supporting our free newspaper, we strive to make you a happy reader every day again.

For today we received a lovely message from our awesome visitors John and Stephanie Hart from Lumberton, NJ, USA.

They wrote to us saying: “Our 2nd home away from home! 30 years and counting…”

Thank you for sending us this wonderful message sharing what Aruba means to you with us and our readers!

Tucked away in the vibrant heart of the Village for over a decade and a half, Papillon isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a culinary adventure waiting to unfold. Picture this: a sanctuary where the flavors of the French Caribbean dance harmoniously with classic French fare, all set against the backdrop of a movie-inspired ambiance that’s as enchanting as it is welcoming.

Step through the doors of Papillon, and you’re not just stepping into a dining establishment; you’re stepping into a world where sophistication embraces you like an old friend. The decor, a homage to the allure of the iconic film, casts a spell of intimacy and comfort, urging you to settle in and relish every moment. Here, dining isn’t just about sustenance; it’s about indulging in an experience meticulously crafted to ignite your senses.

At the heart of Papillon’s magic lies its menu – a symphony of flavors orchestrated by culinary artisans. Imagine savoring the decadent richness of foie gras or the sublime delicacy of frog legs, each dish a love letter to tradition infused with a dash of innovation. And oh, the spectacle of the Dover sole being expertly prepared tableside! It’s culinary theater at its finest, leaving you spellbound with every bite.

But wait, there’s more! Enter the realm of the Chef’s Table, a weekly extravaganza led by the maestro himself, Executive Chef Juan Ludeña. Prepare to be whisked away on a six-course odyssey, each dish meticulously paired with wines handpicked by the esteemed Maitre d’ Michael Otten. It’s a soirée reserved for those who truly appreciate the artistry of gastronomy – an exquisite symphony for the palate.

And if that wasn’t enough to tantalize your taste buds, behold the newest addition to the Papillon family: L’Avenue – a Belgian bistro nestled in the sun-kissed paradise of Palm Beach Aruba. Here, amidst the swaying palms and azure waters, Belgian cuisine takes center stage. From plump mussels to heavenly Brussels waffles, every bite is a journey through the flavors of Belgium, set against a backdrop of laid-back luxury.

In essence, Papillon isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an oasis for epicurean explorers. It’s where passion meets refinement, where every dish is a masterpiece waiting to be savored, and every moment is a celebration of the finer things in life. So whether you’re craving the warmth of French Caribbean delights or eager to embark on a culinary voyage through Belgium, Papillon and L’Avenue invite you to join them on an unforgettable journey for the senses. Bon appétit!

By STEPHEN WHYNO

AP Hockey Writer

Sixteen teams, each one needing to win 16 games over four rounds of best-of-seven series to lift the Stanley Cup, has been the way the NHL decides its champion for nearly four decades. That isn’t changing any time soon.

The NHL is the only one of the major four North American professional sports leagues not to expand its playoffs in recent years. It is content with the current format and isn’t looking to add more teams, a play-in round or anything else amid plenty of discussion about doing so.

“We’re not giving any thought to expanding the playoffs,” Commissioner Gary Bettman said in advance of the playoffs, which begin Saturday. “We have no interest in it. What we have is working very well. When you look at how our playoffs play out, the number of six- and seven-game series, the competitiveness of it, nothing in anybody else’s playoffs rivals that.”

There is an added benefit, Bettman said: It makes the regular season more meaningful. A handful of players who have won the Cup in recent years agreed that they prefer the status quo.

“You like what you know, I feel like,” said Washington’s Trevor van Riemsdyk, who won the Cup with Chicago in 2015. “It keeps the importance of the regular season and all that stuff in the right place. I think 82 games is plenty of time, ample time, to make it.”

It has been that way since 1987, and in that era 16 of the league’s 21 teams qualified for the playoffs. Now the league has 32 teams and half of them make the cut.

“Where we’re at right now at the NHL, I think we’re in a good spot,” said Pittsburgh’s Reilly Smith, who won with the Golden Knights last year. “There’s a lot of parity in the league, but 16 teams is plenty.”

Smith thinks the playoffs are tough enough already, arguably the most physically taxing and grueling route to a title in sports, and adding games would put it over the edge.

If more games is the goal, hockey already has that. Over the past decade, over two-thirds of the 150 playoff series (67.3%) have gone to a sixth or deciding seventh game, compared to just over half (54%) in the NBA, which is in its third season with a four team per conference play-in tournament.

The NFL went from 12 to 14 playoff teams starting in 2020, and two years later Major League Baseball expanded to 12 teams, with six division winners and six wild cards making it.

Boston’s Kevin Shattenkirk, who won the Cup with Tampa Bay in 2020, pointed to the end of this regular season as another reason playoff expansion isn’t needed — particularly in the Eastern Conference where the Capitals, New York Islanders and others were essentially playing play-in games to make it.

“I feel like naturally our situation kind of creates that,” Shattenkirk said. “It’s not as heavy at the top as it is in basketball, I think. I think that’s why we don’t really need it.”

He and others would like to see the NHL go back to a 1 to 8 seed by conference setup, rather than the current divisional format designed to fuel rivalries and create a competitive first round, sometimes at the expense of the best teams facing off later in the playoffs.

Doing that could pave the way for any potential playoff expansion, which Pittsburgh’s Lars Eller thinks would be prudent if the league expands beyond 32 clubs.

“If you’re adding more teams to the league at this point, I would think I would be open to have some sort of play-in — the top 20 or something like 14 to 20 play for spots or something like that,” said Eller, who won the Cup with Washington in 2018. “It’s OK as is. Half the teams get in. But if you’re adding more than that, it feels like there should be a few more spots.”