Art of solar energy- Aruba

Latin American music and this work of art welcomed us to Aruba this morning.

Could the guide book have got it wrong? Were we about to sample some genuine central American way of life?

But no, the guide books had got it spot on. This tiny tropical island is an enclave for rich east coast Americans who want to flee their severe winters.

And the artwork is from last year's Aruba Carnival.

Our guide showed us the latest five star hotel complexes, time share apartments and designer shopping malls. She was especially proud of their golf courses.

But it could have been anywhere in the world.

As for the amazing piece of public art this was the winning entry in last years Aruba Carnival where the theme was solar energy.
It was constructed by a local family.

We would have liked to have seen more of this and less of the 8 million dollar houses.

What is encouraging though is the move to green energy with solar power on this remote Dutch island in the Caribbean.

Recession? what recession? at dinner tonight some passengers relate a conversation they overheard between an American woman and a diamond dealer in one of the shopping malls.
"How much is this diamond?"
"55,000 dollars."
"How about 50,000?"
They left while the negotiations were taking place....