![\"Bon](\"\/travel-trends\/wp-content\/uploads\/files\/2013%2f8%2farubaaa.jpg\" "\\"Bon")
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Preparing for a vacation to Aruba is easy. Throw some sunscreen, flip flops, swimsuits and t-shirts in a bag and go! Obviously, there’s more to it than that, but this tiny island paradise offers the ideal getaway for a no-fuss vacation with plenty of sunshine and mandatory relaxation guaranteed. One fun bit of planning worth considering before jetting off the Aruba is to learn a few useful words and phrases in the local lingo \u2013 Papiamento.<\/p>\n
Papiamento is the language of the Caribbean’s ABC islands (Aruba<\/a>, Bonaire and Cura\u00e7ao). These three western-most islands of the Leeward Antilles (which means they’re outside the hurricane zone) are all part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and boast a richly diverse heritage (even for the Caribbean) that’s unique unto itself.<\/p>\n Given the mix of people \u2013 Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, African, English, the native Arawak Indians and more \u2013 coming through these islands over the years, it makes sense that a quick and easy way to communicate would develop. Papiamento is just that, a creole language with African, Spanish and Portuguese roots and strong elements of Dutch, English and even the language of the indigenous Arawak who lived here before European colonization.<\/p>\n No need to fret if you need to fall back on your native language. Papiamento is one of two official languages, the other being Dutch. The vast majority of Arubans speak English very well. Spanish and Portuguese are widely spoken as well. But if you want to bring an even warmer smile than usual to a locals face or maybe get in good with your bartender, here are a few key Papiamento expressions to keep in mind:<\/p>\n Greetings<\/strong><\/p>\n Welcome — bon bini<\/p>\n Good afternoon — bon tardi<\/p>\n Good evening — bon nochi<\/p>\n Have a nice day — pasa bon dia<\/p>\n Please — por fabor<\/p>\n Thank you — danki<\/p>\n You’re welcome — di nada<\/p>\n How are you? — con ta bai?<\/p>\n I am fine — mi ta bon<\/p>\n What is your name? — con jamabo?<\/p>\n My name is \u2026 — mi nomber ta \u2026<\/p>\n Goodbye — ajo<\/p>\n Numbers<\/strong><\/p>\n 1 — un<\/p>\n 2 — dos<\/p>\n 3 — tres<\/p>\n 4 — cuater<\/p>\n 5 — cinco<\/p>\n 6 — seis<\/p>\n 7 — shete<\/p>\n 8 — ocho<\/p>\n 9 — nuebe<\/p>\n 10 — dies<\/p>\n Bon suerte with the Papiamento and have fun in Aruba!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Don’t forget to ‘LIKE<\/a>‘ us on Facebook! <\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n