I've finally gotten over whining about being back in Maine - at least enough to post a trip report.

The Holiday Inn was great! The rooms aren't spectacular, but they are all that you need, for sure. They upgraded our room for free, so we ended up on the top floor (7th) with a great view overlooking the pool / beach / ocean... couldn't ask for much better, especially for the price! Thanks HI!

The restaurants we visited all were pretty good. They were as follows:

Miramar (at the HI) - OK, wouldn't recommend
Texas De Brazil - awesome, a must try
Cafe Piccolo (at the Hyatt) - awesome
Iguana Joes (downtown) - very good (awesome drinks, too)
Madame Janettes - good (but not "best on the island" good)
Sunset Grille (at the Radisson) - awesome (but expensive) try the 22oz ribeye - YUM!
Le Petit Cafe - great buffet breakfast for only $7.95 all-you-can-eat.
Dunkin Donuts - my fiancee is hooked on the egg-n'-cheese sandwich, haha!

So many places to eat - we have our list already for our next trip, hopefully next year. Advice: only do the AI if you are on a strict budget. Don't limit yourself to specific places - there are too many places that you'll want to go.

The weather was HOT! The trade winds died down most of our days there - very humid and muggy. We actually had a decent amount of rain on a couple of occassions... and when it rains, it can RAIN! But all-in-all, it was great! Would you expect anything less? Not in Aruba, you wouldn't...

Note: Be careful if you go out looking for the Natural Pool. Not recommended unless you have a ATV (even in a Jeep it can be sketchy). We didn't make it there - turned back. The other sites were nice, though (Natural Bridge, Gold Mill Ruins, etc) still some more that we want to explore next time around.

No problem with the birth certificate/photo ID combo through customs. Of course, this will change after the end of the year, so if you are planning a trip in 2006 (or going this year and plan on going back - you will <grin>) you might as well bite the bullet and get a passport. I don't know about you, but I'm aiming to become an ambassador! hehe

I envy those about to go on thier trip, and feel the pain of those who have recently returned. My body may be back in the States, but my mind and heart still reside on the "one happy island".

Final note: the people or Aruba are AWESOME! You can't find a better group of people anywhere else on this planet. That is what truly makes Aruba special.

Until next time - which hopefully isn't too far away.

Drew