Aruba Ariba
“Bon Bini Aruba!” is all I saw as I exited my plane
back to my favorite place on the planet. “Welcome to Aruba” is what bon bini means for those who
are unfamiliar with the local language of Papiamento. This was my second time
to Aruba and I couldn’t be more excited for Soul Beach Music Festival where I
intern. “The Soul Beach Music Festival is one
of our most popular annual extravaganzas,” says Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes, CEO of
Aruba Tourism Authority. “Travelers looking for more than a
basic beach getaway this Memorial Day Weekend will find their paradise in Aruba
while enjoying electrifying entertainment and international culinary influences
on some of the world’s most famous beaches.”
This time around the festival line up was stacked with unbelievable
artists. The comedy night consisted of comedic legend D.L. Hughely and
actor/comedian Brandon T. Jackson. The music concert nights included the
legends Charlie Wilson and Doug E. Fresh, alongside Dru Hill and Estelle.
However, the true headliner of the festival was Trey “Trigga” Songz. Mr. Steal Your Girl was going
to perform on the island oasis.
Aruba is my home away from home. I
love it. My days there are nothing but relaxation and fun. Out there work is
truly play. My friend and I usually start the day by the pool or beach and sip
on an Aruban favorite alcoholic beverage known as the “Aruba Ariba.” A rum and vodka infused beverage mixed with an assortment of
fruit drinks and served with an orange and pineapple slice. I always forget
until I am there that the Aruban equivalent to a squirrel is an iguana. They
are literally everywhere. You learn to get used to it but at first it is kind
of weird to see iguanas walk right by you as a norm. While enjoying my “Aruba Ariba” on the beautiful white sand beaches
of Aruba overlooking the clear blue water I always find peace and quiet,
something never found in Los Angeles. I feel at home whenever I am there.
My friend and I have spent a good amount of time there and we have used
that time away from LA to focus on all of our entrepreneurial ideas, goals and
aspirations. While in LA it was always easy to get distracted by school, work
and everything else that comes with being back at home. I truly believe the island life is amazing,
but I digress. I am truly here to prove that Aruba is great but I also want to
leave you guys with a story where my beloved Aruba Ariba drink betrayed me.
The night of Trey Songz concert, I
learned the hard way why he is known as Mr. Steal Your Girl. At the concert,
Trey absolutely shut it down and had left Aruba with a memorable performance.
Aruba’s official
Facebook page posted, “Trey Songz just delivered an outstanding performance at the
15th Soul Beach Music Festival Aruba. Thousands of fans sang and danced to his
tunes! #sbmf15
#discoveraruba.” During the concert, I met a girl and
her friend who wanted to go out with us to the after party and hang out in the
VIP area. We exchanged numbers and information and met up later that night
outside of the club. We walked in together and proceeded to the back where the
VIP section was located. As we were enjoying our time, I saw Trey Songz arrive
with at least 15-20 women and a few of his friends. They were on the level
above us reserved for himself and his guests. I was waiting on the waitress to
come by to buy some drinks but she was taking too long. I left the VIP and went
to the bar area to purchase two Aruba Aribas. As I turned around with both
drinks in hand, I saw Trey signal to the girl I came with and her friend to
come up to their area and I didn’t see her for the rest of the night.
I sat there mad and drank my two Auba Aribas and experienced Mr. Steal Your
Girl first hand.
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