Tulip is a regular visitor on the Island of Aruba, located in the deep southern part of the Caribbean Sea. A lot of people ask her why she keeps going back when there are so many other warm, sunny climates to enjoy around the world. It is really not all that hard to explain.
Aruba is one of the almost half dozen Caribbean islands under the governance of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is a lovely little island, outside of the hurricane zone. It is approximately fifteen miles long and eight miles wide. The population is around 100,000. The economy is dependent on tourism and the citizens are exceptionally trained in the hospitality industry. It is definitely “one happy Island”, full of colour and culture embracing its original inhabitants and all those who have settled there over the years.
Tulip was born in The Netherlands and holds a Dutch passport. There is a very peaceful ambiance in Aruba where there is unique flora and unique fauna. The warm ocean wind is free flowing and almost constant. The people who are schooled there learn Dutch and English as additional languages, complementing the traditional language of Papiamento — unique to only a few of the Islands.
The draws of Aruba are many: clean ocean air, warm, crystal clear ocean water, clean, white, silky and very long sandy beaches, an abundance of Dutch, Aruban and international foods in grocery stores, and a plethora of international restaurants to please any palate. And, add to all of that bright colours and friendly, proud people.
The one big additional draw for Tulip has been being introduced to the ancient art of qi gong, a Chinese system of physical exercises and breathing control related to tai chi — a form of Yoga that draws in the power of nature, and opens up one’s inner thoughts, feelings and wisdom that are often ignored, overlooked and undervalued.
Sessions of qi gong during visits to Aruba have unleashed the realization of inner energy fields that help put life into perspective, and brings out the tremendous power of peace to one’s mind, body and soul. Paying attention to, and understanding one’s inner self, not only on sunny or rainy days but also during the different seasons of the year, helps us understand our relationship with ourself and our relationships with others better, and helps us to adjust and adapt our routines and habits along the way — this truly is the greatest gift to receive from one’s self and a bonus Tulip gets from every single trip to her home away from home in the always sunny and always warm feeling that Aruba radiates.
No comments:
Post a Comment