Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, ARUBA

 Along the rugged, desert-like, northeastern coast of Noor, Aruba lies an abandoned 19th-century gold mill. It once was a bustling gold mining industry constructed by Aruba Island Gold Mining Company based in London in 1872. All processed golds were driven to a nearby harbor for export.

 

Due to high operation costs, the mill operated only for a decade before production was stopped in 1883. It was reopened in 1889 by another British company, but also lasted another decade before it was permanently closed in 1889.

More than a century later, only the natural stone walls of the gold mill remains. Visitors can freely walk throughout the ruins where on the mill's southern wall will be the sweeping views of the Caribbean. It's also a stopping-off point for tourists on their way to view the Aruba Natural Bridge which collapsed on September 2005.

The largest remaining bridge is located next to the original site of the large Natural Bridge.

Oranjestad, Aruba - A Bustling City, Yet a Paradise!

 Aruba, the capital and port town of Oranjestad is best known for its colorful Dutch Colonial gingerbread houses painted in bright Caribbean hues.

Its bustling port town is surrounded by white powdery beaches with crystal-clear aquamarine waters in its southern coast.

The northern part has waves crashing rocky coast, scattered with cacti and divi-divi trees.

Photo Credits to the rightful owners

Oranjestad became the capital city in 1824 which was named after King William I of the Netherlands.
In 1924, oil business boomed resulting to a population increase as well as economic prosperity on the island. Tourism became highly essential in 1960's, then the city were split into 2; - East and West. The island's cultural heritage is reflected with some Dutch Colonial architecture with a number of old buildings and houses in the center of town which have been transformed into colorful restored landmarks, - such as the lime-colored City Hall on Wilhelminastraat.

Nowadays, Oranjestad is now a bustling harbor city with its streets dotted with international luxury retailers, various boutiques and jewelry stores.

Getting around downtown of Oranjestad has never been easier with a state-of-the-art tram inaugurated in 2012.

The tram passes through the Main Street which is now an attractive pedestrian mall. The tram has 6 stops at museums and monuments as well as at key shopping areas.

Cruisers who visit the island enjoy high valuability of the tram since the cruise ship terminal is connected with the center of the island's town.

If you happened to see blue horses around town, there are 8 of them total showcased around downtown areas. These horses are part of the new cultural/historical project started in 2015 called Paardenbaai Aruba.

The famous fofoti trees can be seen as icons of Eagle Beach.