courtesy of: The Morning News
by Rosalie Klein
Having visitors daily from all corners of the globe helps keep Arubans in touch with the latest and greatest, and a viable demonstration was done by German tourists off the AIDA Luna, which was in port January 19.
Anyone who saw the original “Ironman” movie will remember the neat-o RMP (Robotic Mobility Platform) used to traverse the huge Stark industrial complex by the villain played by Jeff Bridges; they could be seen on Aruba’s sidewalks being deployed in a most pleasant manner to tour the island while truly being in touch with the environment.
Led by their tour guides and instructors from the AIDA Luna, German tourists were observed gliding along the Oranjestad boardwalk on their way to Palm Beach on these silent, electrically run devices; in the evenings the cruise ship charges them up to be used at their next call. Those signing up for the tour are first trained by their guides Stefan and Radu Cotenescu, as they operate much like wearing skis, lean forward, and you advance forward, lean back to back up, lean left or right to turn. They are even issued a special “RMP Driver’s License” certifying them to operate these unique and environmentally friendly personal transports, which are capable of up to 20 km per hour and produce no emissions whatsoever.
Swathed in special safety gear, the German group created quite a sensation as they made their way round the island; able to see all the sights while fully enjoying Aruba’s tropical breezes and keeping the environment clean. Gotta love modern technology!
