Each week, Etnia Nativa presents a new episode about cultural heritage, focusing on native knowledge, transcendental wisdom, and the importance of defending the true heart of Aruba. It connects the reader to that mystical aspect of the island’s culture and traditions, encouraging everyone to interact with our unique environment. This episode shares about the limestone landscape that surely captures the visitor’s attention due to its outstanding terraces with little vegetation.

During your discovery tour of Aruba, you will be able to differentiate between three basic geological formations: a hilly part, a wavy part, and a third formed precisely by limestone as the accumulation of corals and shells in the sea compacted together for the last 540 million years. Embracing the land visible, it forms the coastline on the north and east coasts of the island. However, you can also find similar landscape spots inland on the island in places like Frenchman’s Pass, Canashito, and Isla, for example. Inland limestone’s areas are an exception because these areas are typically surrounded by a quartz diorite landscape. The combination of limestone and quartz diorite also results in permanent freshwater sources, like in Fontein. The limestone filters rainwater collected over the years and releases this water at the edge where the limestone meets the quartz diorite.

Limestone is exposed over large regions of the island’s surface, and because limestone is slightly soluble in rainwater, these exposures often erode into karst landscapes, a type of landscape where the dissolution of the bedrock has created sinkholes, sinking streams, caves, springs, etc. In Aruba, the most remarkable geological features of the limestone landscape are the caves. They were formed by the dissolution of limestone by rain and groundwater, being exposed to changes in sea level and upward tectonic movements of the earth’s crust. For obvious reasons, the majority of pre-ceramic sites are situated in limestone areas. At Canashito, five individuals belonging to this archaic group were buried in an open space on a big limestone outcrop.

At Malmok Cemetery, 70 individuals were buried beneath large chunks of limestone. The ceramic sites found on limestone show no signs of long-term habitation, as these areas lack suitable agricultural soils (unless they occur in association with a quartz diorite (QD) landscape), making the hydrological conditions somewhat more favorable for some freshwater sources in these areas. Also, one ceramic burial has been found in a limestone cave, being one of the four historic activities that have been recorded in the island`s caves.

Prehistoric groups also used several of these limestone caves for their pictographs. Fontein, Guadiriquiri, and Canashito exhibit fantastic rock art transmitting ancient expressions of existence out in the limestone, while in Rooi Thomas and Rincón, the drawings were made in a large open limestone space facing the salty winds. However, no limestone tools have been found associated with these prehistoric groups because the softness of the rock could be considered a debilitating factor for most tools. A variety of limestone called crystalline limestone has been used to make human figures. Furthermore, all of these categories of rocks can also be divided into crystalline rocks of the Aruba lava formation (batholith), basalt, gabbro, etc., which are impermeable, and limestone, which has the natural components of the more recent landscape.

So if you are interested in really getting to know everything about all Aruba’s rock types, whether it’s geology, flora, or fauna, the island’s history from prehistoric times, and much more as our unique autochthonous art, and interacting with the true identity of your gorgeous trip destination, book a visit to Etnia Nativa, a unique native gem! Let Anthony, our acclaimed cultural columnist, guide and lecture you regarding the most interesting and revealing stories about Aruba’s undiscovered Etnia Nativa, an adventure beyond beaches and tourist traps. Visit his magnificent dwelling that integrates natural and reused materials, bursting with culture and island heritage, and you’ll love Aruba beyond beaches!

Appointments and confirmations trough WhatsApp +297 592 2702 or etnianativa03@gmail.com.

Here’s why: Aruba Today collected some things to do BEYOND the beach. Yes, we know. Aruba, located 15 miles north of Venezuela in the warm waters of the southern Caribbean, is home to beautiful white-sand beaches, 82-degree days, and thus ideal for the perfect beach day. But we are also blessed with some of the warmest people in the world and our island is 19.6 miles long and 6 miles across, with a total area of 70 square miles. Bit more to discover than the white stretch on the coastline we say. Let’s mention some of these hidden gems.

Nature Calls

The Arikok National park is worth the ride. We love the hikes that are guided by the park’s rangers whose job is to maintain trails and protect natural resources. The flora and fauna are beautiful and the historical sites tell you about the island’s indigenous roots. The guided tours are even free of charge. If you are not up to walking, you can drive through the park, one way or another this park is a great place to spend an entire day. Cruising through the landscape you end up at some of the most stunning beaches like Dos Playa or Daimara Beach. In Total the park consists of 7907 acres protected nature with a richness of animals living in it. The Aruban whiptail lizard (cododo), Aruban cat eye snake (santanero) and endangered rattle snake (cascabel) are just some of them, you can also admire these close in the park’s Visitors’ Center. For more information, visit the website www.arubanationalpark.org

The Lighthouse

No, you would not think of this as a hidden gem. The California Lighthouse is actually one of the most known highlights in Aruba and many repeated guests most probably took the ride uphill already. But, there is a significant change to this tower. Since September 2016 you can climb the top. In 2015 Stichting Monumentenfonds started the restoration of the California Lighthouse. The project finished in September 2016 and the Lighthouse is now open for visitors to enjoy the beautiful view from the top. The construction of the California Lighthouse started in 1915. The name ‘California’ came from a vessel of the West India Company and Pacific Steamship Co. called ‘California’ that shipwrecked in the area in 1891. Therefore they came up with the idea of building a lighthouse that could indicate the island’s eastern tip to ships with its light. www.arubalighthouse.com will give you more information.

Kayak in the Mangroves

Mangel Halto at Savaneta is definitely a place not to miss out on. The beautiful beach with the natural mangroves is simply a beauty, but if you are into a more active way to enjoy the nature: take a kayak. While you are doing some workout -as it might get a little windy and rough-, you will see the island from a different perspective. You can even make a stop to do some snorkeling at the reef. Its fun, it’s healthy and for sure something else. There are several companies that offer kayak tours, we had good experience with The Shack Kayak Tours Aruba, find them on Facebook.

The Aruba Tourism Authority recently had the great pleasure of recognizing Goodwill Ambassadors of Aruba. These honorees were honored with certificates acknowledging their years of visits, loyalty, and love for the island of Aruba.

The honor certification is presented on behalf of the Minister of Tourism as a token of appreciation and to say “Masha Danki” to guests who have visited Aruba 10, 20, or 35 years or more consecutively.

Ms.Kimberley Richardson representing the Aruba Tourism Authority, and staff members of the La Cabana Beach Resort bestowed the certificates to the honorees, presented them with memorable gifts, and also thanked them for choosing Aruba as their best-loved vacation destination, as their home away from home.

Top reasons for returning to Aruba provided byMr. & Mrs. Cole were:

“Best vacation ever!”

Aruba’s warm and friendly people

Aruba safety

Aruba beauty

“Sun, sand, and Sea”

Aruba’s warm and friendly people

Aruba’s sun

Aruba’s beaches

“Aruba is the best place to vacation”

Aruba’s safety

Aruba’s friendly people

“Sun and fun”

Aruba’s beauty

“Things to do”

“Aruba is our home away from home”

By Josh Dubow

Associated Press

(AP) – Three-time All-Pros Julius Peppers and Antonio Gates were chosen as semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2024 in their first year of eligibility.

Peppers and Gates headline a group of 25 modern day semifinalists announced Tuesday by the Hall of Fame from a group of 173 nominees announced in September. The only other player who advanced to the semifinal stage for the first time was running back Tiki Barber.

Eight players who made it to the final stage of 15 in the class of 2023 return as semifinalists this year with Jared Allen, Dwight Freeney, Devin Hester, Andre Johnson, Torry Holt, Patrick Willis, Willie Anderson and Darren Woodson all looking to get in after falling short a year ago.

The other semifinalists are Eric Allen, Anquan Boldin, Jahri Evans, London Fletcher, Eddie George, James Harrison, Rodney Harrison, Robert Mathis, Steve Smith Sr., Fred Taylor, Hines Ward, Ricky Watters, Reggie Wayne and Vince Wilfork.

The 25 semifinalists will be reduced to 15 finalists before the final voting process in January. The 15 finalists will be trimmed to 10 and then five during the selection meeting early next year. The final five candidates will need to get 80% of the votes from the panel to get into the Hall.

Peppers and Gates were both college basketball players before finding their greatest success in football.

Peppers was one of the league’s most dominant linemen after being picked second overall by Carolina in 2002 following a two-sport career in college at North Carolina.

He had 12 sacks as a rookie and never really slowed down in a 17-year career that included stops in Chicago and Green Bay before ending with the Panthers. He was an All-Pro in 2004, 2006 and 2010.

Peppers finished his career with 159 1/2 sacks — the fourth most since they became official in 1982 — and had 10 seasons with double-digit sacks. Only Hall of Famers Bruce Smith (13) and Reggie White (12) had more.

Four finalists previously announced are Buddy Parker in the coaching category, and Randy Gradishar, Steve McMichael and Art Powell in the senior category.

They also will get in if they get support from at least 80% of voters.

By Mariam Fam

Associated Press

(AP) – The woman refused to sell Captain Saleha Jabeen a hijab to don with her military uniform. While many civilian Muslims tell Jabeen she makes them proud, others are horrified by her decision to serve. “You’re gonna go kill Muslims,” the store owner told her that day.

Major Rafael Lantigua Jr. has experienced the flip side of that struggle. Angered by an attack on U.S. troops in Iraq, a fellow service member once barked at Lantigua: “Why can’t you call your people and tell them to stop?”

The words stung. Just as Jabeen thought the woman saw her as a bad Muslim, Lantigua felt the implication of the outburst directed at him was: You don’t belong. (The service member later apologized).

In the years since, Jabeen and Lantigua have become part of the small group of Muslim military chaplains who tend to the souls and spirits of U.S. troops of all faiths and no faith — their work highlighted in a new film that offers a peek into their worlds. Among other duties, they give talks on suicide prevention, provide counsel on relationships, and advise commanders on matters of religion and morale. When the going gets tough, they offer comfort, hope and companionship.

They sometimes break barriers and celebrate milestones, like Jabeen becoming the first female Muslim military chaplain a few years ago. At other times, they navigate tensions stemming from the views some have of their faith or their service when those get questioned, scrutinized, debated.

“We’re bridge builders,” Lantigua said in an interview. “We’re trying our best in this tension to get like-minded individuals to see the humanity of the other.”

Jabeen and Lantigua are featured in “Three Chaplains,” a documentary that recently aired on PBS and is now available online. (The third is Army Col. Khallid Shabazz). In the film and in interviews, they provide a window into the struggles and victories of Muslim chaplains and service members in one of the most American of institutions.

Lantigua said his familiarity with Islam has helped him maneuver through this “tension” — that fraught space, squeezed between skepticism by some non-Muslims and dismay by some civilian Muslims, especially over U.S. wars in Muslim-majority countries.

The friction, he said, ebbs and flows. It was heightened during such times as 9/11, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and the aftermath of a 2009 deadly shooting rampage on a military base in Texas by a Muslim Army psychiatrist.

“These voices from both sides of the aisle start piling on upon Muslim service members,” Lantigua said.

That can be especially hard for new troops, said Lantigua, who’s served for nearly three decades, including deployments in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. Born to a father from the Dominican Republic and an African American mother, he was raised as a Christian before becoming a Muslim.

Lantigua said he reminds those with concerns over Muslim service members of the First Amendment’s guarantee of religious freedom. Similarly, he tells disapproving Muslims that there are Muslim-majority countries that have been part of military coalitions alongside the United States, that the U.S. military has rules of engagement that service members must abide by and that breaking these rules carries repercussions.

In the film, one retired lieutenant colonel talks about feeling proud wearing her uniform, but becoming disillusioned when reports of inmates’ abuse in the now-infamous Abu Ghraib prison emerged after the U.S-led invasion of Iraq.

“I don’t think I would join the military today … but, at the same time, I am so happy that you’ve answered the call to break that barrier,” Shareda Hosein told Jabeen on camera.

“Three Chaplains” director David Washburn, who has done previous work on Muslims in the military, said he found that the chaplains “occupied a space where all sorts of compelling story lines intersected: religious freedom, Islamophobia, interfaith dialogue, diversity in military today.”

Jabeen, who was born in India, sees the curiosity that comes with her being a Muslim female religious leader. Sometimes, questions follow, over lunch or chats, about the place of women in her faith. She shares stories about her life and strong Muslim women from the Prophet Muhammad’s wife, Khadija, to American Muslim politicians and community leaders today.

With the Israel-Hamas war, Jabeen said she also checked in with a couple of Jewish service members. “We had good conversations about `You know what, it is actually hurting; everybody’s hurting.’”

She had also worked through her own emotions. She happened to be on leave and with a female Christian military chaplain when she learned of the Oct.7 Hamas attack on Israel. They talked, held each other’s hands, and prayed.