[AGHLAW]

Another amazing trip to Aruba. This Forum is wonderful and I have been following the advice for three trips now. It is so helpful so a big thank you to everyone involved.

Bully picked us up from the airport and he is exactly what I love about the Aruban people. Kind, helpful, friendly. He took us to Ling and Sons to pick up a cas of Balashi for the hotel and then off to the Westin. Arrived at about 2:15 and room was ready for check in. Went right to the pool and started the vacation. All week the staff at the Westin was wonderful. While laying by the pool or on the beach, they come around with cookies, ice pops, frozen fruit on a stick and ice cold towels. There is ice water available at the pool at a self serve station. The service was exceptional.

First night dinner (you will notice that this report will revolve around food as most of our trip did as well) was at Casa Tua. Great pizzas and a couple of cold Brights . Wife had the seafood pizza and I had the Gypsy (chorizo, black olives and onions). Shrimp bruschetta and caesar salad for apetizers were good. Great food and inexpensive.

Sunday was a beach day (that was all we did, no sightseeing this time). I wake up at 6:30 everyday and go for a swim. It is the most peaceful time and place for me and you can just forget the world for a few minutes. We had a passing shower for about 10 minutes and then it was business as usual. The weather for the week was unbelievable. Clear skies and virtually no clouds for 7 days.

Sunday night went to Smokey Joes to watch the Giants game and enjoy some ribs. Wife doesn't like ribs so she had the Mahi Mahi with Aruba sauce and really liked it. Ribs are soft and plentiful. Another inexpensive quality meal. Walked back to the Westin on the beach and enjoyed a glass of wine on the beach under the stars.

Monday dinner was El Gaucho. Have never had a bad meal there. Before dinner went to Garufas for a belvidere martini and enjoyed the piano entertainment. Had the Conch app and Gauch steak. This place is just great. We were stuffed so we took a piece of fried cheesecake to go and ate it in bed. Whatever was left of our large pitcher of sangria was also put in a to go cup and was great at the beach the next day.

Tuesday we just wanted to stay on the beach and had some pizza from Casa tua and a quesadilla on the beach with a couple of cold beers. At this point, we were in full relaxation mode.

Wednesday was MJs. My first time and I was not really impressed. Wife loved the Almond Grouper and I had the pork loin smothered in onions and peppercorm sauce. It was very dry. Wife enjoyed the Almond Grouper. We shared he crab cake appetizer and again just OK. Service was really slow, even for Aruba standards.

I hope this report is not getting boring. I will post the second half of the week when I have a bit more time after catching up on some work.

Andrew