[ralphf]

What a great forum. We have travelled often to the island of Maui in Hawaii but we've heard so much about Aruba we thought we would give it a try. Shorter flights, right. We are staying at Manchebo Beach in an ocean view room. Flights have already been reserved on Jet Blue which flies direct from Boston. We plan to spend time on the beach and try restaurants in the hotel, outside the hotel and do some gift shopping. We do not like inclusive plans because we like to explore and eat at different restaurants. We usually rent a car in Maui but it is a much larger island than Aruba. Several questions:

1. Should we rent a car? If so, is there a best place to rent?
2. If you pay in dollars and get change in Florins is the exchange rate taken into account. Should we get some Florins before we leave or upon arrival.
3. What is best way to get from airport to hotel and what is approximate cost.
4. Are cabs OK and how late do they run?
5. Is bus sytem reliable and how often and late does it run.
6. How does one pay for cab or bus. Dollars or Florins?
7. Is El Gaucho restaurant as good as they say it is? Is there a must do restaurant?
8. Best place for gift shopping?
9. What are tipping practices in Aruba?
10. Is there anything that is a must see or do?

Sorry for all the questions but as this our first trip we don't want to miss a thing. Thank you for your help.

Ralph