Official Aruba Community Forum http://www.aruba.com/forum/ Aruba Community Forum: This is a discussion forum where visitors dreaming, researching, planning, booking a trip to Aruba can find more information about past Aruba visitor experiences. Visit www.aruba.com for official Aruba information. en Sun, 26 May 2013 06:53:35 GMT vBulletin 30 http://www.aruba.com/forum/images/misc/rss.png Official Aruba Community Forum http://www.aruba.com/forum/ Flight difficulties http://www.aruba.com/forum/f33/flight-difficulties-59536/ Sat, 25 May 2013 23:46:48 GMT http://avherald.com/h?article=462d0378&opt=0
Flight difficulties.
Glad all is ok



Incident: US Airways B752 over Atlantic on May 25th 2013, fuel problems
By Simon Hradecky, created Saturday, May 25th 2013 19:57Z, last updated Saturday, May 25th 2013 19:57Z
A US Airways Boeing 757-200, registration N200UU performing flight US-920 from Philadelphia,PA (USA) to Aruba (Aruba), was enroute at FL350 over the Atlantic Ocean in contact with Caribbean Oceanic Control when the crew declared Mayday, Mayday requesting an urgent descent to FL140 and a diversion to Wilmington,NC (USA). The aircraft was initially cleared down to FL280 while turning west, later was cleared down to FL200 and remained on FL200. The crew finally decided to divert to Charlotte,NC, where the aircraft landed safely about 90 minutes after declaring emergency. The crew cancelled the emergency after landing while taxiing towards the apron.

A passenger reported the crew told them they had problems with the fuel injection and fuel balance.
]]> Andrea J. http://www.aruba.com/forum/f33/flight-difficulties-59536/ Photos- Departures. WOW. http://www.aruba.com/forum/f7/photos-departures-wow-59535/ Sat, 25 May 2013 20:51:07 GMT Saturday departure..... Busy Busy!Attachment 2503 (http://www.aruba.com/forum/attachments/f7/2503-photos-departures-wow-430975_461372723954064_1677322428_n.jpg)Attachment 2504... Saturday departure.....
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Lots leaving, Lots arriving.
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]]> Aruba General Andrea J. http://www.aruba.com/forum/f7/photos-departures-wow-59535/ Photo of the Crowds @ Immigration Hall ARRIVALS http://www.aruba.com/forum/f7/photo-crowds-immigration-hall-arrivals-59534/ Sat, 25 May 2013 19:16:12 GMT @ Queen Beatrix Airport. Photo from Minister Otmar Oduber I have seen it this busy only a few times of our 30 visits. The lines do move... @ Queen Beatrix Airport.

Photo from Minister Otmar Oduber


I have seen it this busy only a few times of our 30 visits.

The lines do move fast, but usually not fast enough as I am very impatient.Click image for larger version.  Name: 944344_461362543955082_1984271577_n.jpg  Views: 47  Size: 93.7 KB  ID: 2502
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]]> Aruba General Andrea J. http://www.aruba.com/forum/f7/photo-crowds-immigration-hall-arrivals-59534/ Restaurant gift cards? http://www.aruba.com/forum/f12/restaurant-gift-cards-59532/ Sat, 25 May 2013 17:13:22 GMT Do any of the restaurants sell gift cards? I just had some great service from a lady at Costa Linda and I would like to get her a gift when we get... Do any of the restaurants sell gift cards? I just had some great service from a lady at Costa Linda and I would like to get her a gift when we get there. ]]> arubabob http://www.aruba.com/forum/f12/restaurant-gift-cards-59532/ Memorial Day in USA http://www.aruba.com/forum/f32/memorial-day-usa-59530/ Sat, 25 May 2013 02:23:37 GMT Memorial Day this year is especially important as we are reminded almost daily of the great sacrifices that the men and women of the Armed Services... Memorial Day this year is especially important as we are reminded almost daily of the great sacrifices that the men and women of the Armed Services make to defend our way of life.
Robin Hayes ]]> Off Topic Andrea J. http://www.aruba.com/forum/f32/memorial-day-usa-59530/ Tranquilo and her mascot Buster http://www.aruba.com/forum/f10/tranquilo-her-mascot-buster-59529/ Fri, 24 May 2013 14:58:16 GMT Quite often Capt. Anthony brings Buster on many sailing excursions. (from Tranquilo's facebook page...thanks Anthony)

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]]> Andrea J. http://www.aruba.com/forum/f10/tranquilo-her-mascot-buster-59529/ <![CDATA[Clark Howard's opinion on best and worst airlines]]> http://www.aruba.com/forum/f33/clark-howards-opinion-best-worst-airlines-59528/ Fri, 24 May 2013 14:32:31 GMT http://www.clarkhoward.com/videos/clarkhoward/travel/best-and-worst-airlines-list-2013/v2Crk/ http://www.clarkhoward.com/videos/cl...st-2013/v2Crk/ ]]> Andrea J. http://www.aruba.com/forum/f33/clark-howards-opinion-best-worst-airlines-59528/ Hi Winds in July! http://www.aruba.com/forum/f10/hi-winds-july-59527/ Fri, 24 May 2013 13:40:33 GMT http://aruba-daily.com/newspaper/?p=35058 a really fun event. wish i could be there to watch! http://aruba-daily.com/newspaper/?p=35058

a really fun event.
wish i could be there to watch! ]]> Andrea J. http://www.aruba.com/forum/f10/hi-winds-july-59527/ Marriott surf club- STUDIO EFFICIENCY 2/28-3/7/14 http://www.aruba.com/forum/f23/marriott-surf-club-studio-efficiency-2-28-3-7-14-a-59526/ Thu, 23 May 2013 15:04:52 GMT Oceanview Queen Efficiency includes microwave, mini-fridge, TV, coffee maker; sleeps 4. This week INCLUDES CARNIVAL WEEKEND. Property is on Palm... Oceanview Queen Efficiency includes microwave, mini-fridge, TV, coffee maker; sleeps 4. This week INCLUDES CARNIVAL WEEKEND. Property is on Palm Beach and is near many restaurants, casinos and shopping. 3 swimming pools and the best lazy river in Aruba! $1850 for the week with approx. $10/day taxes NOT included. ]]> Timeshares iamromo http://www.aruba.com/forum/f23/marriott-surf-club-studio-efficiency-2-28-3-7-14-a-59526/ Need help with Timeshare question http://www.aruba.com/forum/f23/need-help-timeshare-question-59525/ Thu, 23 May 2013 10:48:47 GMT We own at the Divi Phoenix, this past March was our 14th year there. This year we had a major problem with mold in the room and the fact that it took... We own at the Divi Phoenix, this past March was our 14th year there. This year we had a major problem with mold in the room and the fact that it took 4 days and many trips to the front desk before that problem was addressed. That was just one of many problems with our room. When we got home we got our yearly "maintenance fee" bill for the year with a note saying that for 2014 we were also being charged a "one time" additional fee of $349.00 to upgrade the units. Isn't that what our yearly maintenance fee is for? Has anyone else ever had a charge like this on a timeshare? We feel that since we already pay close to $800.00 a year now that this is outragous. ]]> Timeshares ltdpt http://www.aruba.com/forum/f23/need-help-timeshare-question-59525/ Rent week 1 2014 aruba renaissance ocean suites http://www.aruba.com/forum/f23/rent-week-1-2014-aruba-renaissance-ocean-suites-59524/ Thu, 23 May 2013 00:41:36 GMT WE ARE LOOKING TO RENT OUR WEEK 1 DATES ARE AS FOLLOWS JANUARY 4, 2014 TO JANUARY 11, 2014 IT IS UNIT 333 IT IS AN OCEAN AND POOL VIEW IT SLEEPS... WE ARE LOOKING TO RENT OUR WEEK 1
DATES ARE AS FOLLOWS JANUARY 4, 2014 TO JANUARY 11, 2014
IT IS UNIT 333 IT IS AN OCEAN AND POOL VIEW
IT SLEEPS 5 PEOPLE WITH A MASTER BEDROOM WITH A KING BED PULLOUT COUCH AND LIMITED KITCHEN
DAILY TIME SHARE TAX IS 11.00
PLEASE EMAIL AT danjackiew@verizon.net
THANKS
JACKIE WEIDINGER ]]> Timeshares danjackiew http://www.aruba.com/forum/f23/rent-week-1-2014-aruba-renaissance-ocean-suites-59524/ <![CDATA[Can't figure out how to post photos]]> http://www.aruba.com/forum/f41/cant-figure-out-how-post-photos-59523/ Wed, 22 May 2013 22:55:10 GMT Hate to admit it but I just can't figure it out. I assume that it has to do with the manage attachments but I don't find the site intuitive? ]]> Your Aruba Photos and Videos Pegmeister http://www.aruba.com/forum/f41/cant-figure-out-how-post-photos-59523/ remember radio host Dick Miller? http://www.aruba.com/forum/f7/remember-radio-host-dick-miller-59522/ Wed, 22 May 2013 14:55:56 GMT http://aruba-daily.com/newspaper/?p=35017 Dick Miller returns for a vacation! http://aruba-daily.com/newspaper/?p=35017

Dick Miller returns for a vacation! ]]> Aruba General Andrea J. http://www.aruba.com/forum/f7/remember-radio-host-dick-miller-59522/ After 7 trips is it time for a change? http://www.aruba.com/forum/f22/after-7-trips-time-change-59521/ Wed, 22 May 2013 13:43:10 GMT I'm talking change of resort and not change of island of course. We have always stayed at the Divi and as much as I enjoy it there, I thought it might be fun to try a change of scenery. I checked out the Bucuti website and see they have construction going on until August. Since we're planning for Thanksgiving week I could assume they would be done by then. Manchebo looks pretty nice as well, or we could check out the Rennaisance for a total change of scenery. So, rather than obsess about it I thought I would put it out to the forum and get your thoughts? I'm also thinking we will not go all inclusive. ]]> Hotels Pegmeister http://www.aruba.com/forum/f22/after-7-trips-time-change-59521/ Marriott surf club 6/30 - 7/7 for rent http://www.aruba.com/forum/f23/marriott-surf-club-6-30-7-7-rent-59520/ Wed, 22 May 2013 08:51:46 GMT I have a 1 bedroom ocean view at the Marriott Surf Club (not the studio) for the week of 6/30 - 7/7. This is an Ocean View room and sleeps 4. ... I have a 1 bedroom ocean view at the Marriott Surf Club (not the studio) for the week of 6/30 - 7/7. This is an Ocean View room and sleeps 4.

Master bedroom, living room and full kitchen.

This is a popular week so if interested let me know ASAP.

Reasonable rentals. Taxes are @ 10 per night

Feel free to reach out to me at silverstein.mark@gmail.com

mark ]]> Timeshares marksue http://www.aruba.com/forum/f23/marriott-surf-club-6-30-7-7-rent-59520/ Service Charge at Restaurants http://www.aruba.com/forum/f12/service-charge-restaurants-59519/ Tue, 21 May 2013 15:33:56 GMT I have observed that most restaurants in Aruba add on a 15% service charge to your bill. Does that mean tipping is optional? If I am not too happy... I have observed that most restaurants in Aruba add on a 15% service charge to your bill. Does that mean tipping is optional? If I am not too happy with the service, can I not tip? ]]> aruba2099 http://www.aruba.com/forum/f12/service-charge-restaurants-59519/ Occidental For Rent or Sale 2013 http://www.aruba.com/forum/f23/occidental-rent-sale-2013-a-59518/ Tue, 21 May 2013 14:23:28 GMT I have a one bedroom deluxe for rent for weeks 18-50(mid-May to mid-December). It sleeps four privately(one king and ond one pull out couch), has two... I have a one bedroom deluxe for rent for weeks 18-50(mid-May to mid-December). It sleeps four privately(one king and ond one pull out couch), has two baths, and a full kitchen. I am asking $1500.00 (obo) for the week. It is not mandatory AI. If you are interested please contact me at dcm122375@gmail.com.

I am also looking to sell if you are interested. I am looking for around $15000.00 (obo).

Thanks,

Debbie ]]> Timeshares DTheis http://www.aruba.com/forum/f23/occidental-rent-sale-2013-a-59518/ prayers needed in Oklahoma http://www.aruba.com/forum/f32/prayers-needed-oklahoma-59517/ Tue, 21 May 2013 05:06:36 GMT Some of you know I live in Oklahoma. We need your prayers. A huge tornado hit Moore Oklahoma today. It destroyed a grade school in its path. ... Some of you know I live in Oklahoma. We need your prayers. A huge tornado hit Moore Oklahoma today. It destroyed a grade school in its path. There are 51 confirmed dead from this tornado of which 7 were children. There are about24 children missing as well as teachers at the school. Hopefully they will be found alive. Moore is about 100 miles from where I live but we had high winds, hail and a tremendous amount of lightning here. Moore was hit by an F5 tornado in 1999 that was on the ground for 25 minutes and killed 41 people. This one was about the same size and on the ground longer. It was estimated to be 2 miles wide when it hit Moore. ]]> Off Topic arubabob http://www.aruba.com/forum/f32/prayers-needed-oklahoma-59517/ Film Festival http://www.aruba.com/forum/f7/film-festival-59516/ Mon, 20 May 2013 20:56:59 GMT I haven't heard anything about the Aruba Film Festival this year... was it discontinued after 3 years?


We are on the Island approximately when the festival has been the last few years. Was curious. ]]> Aruba General Shnyda http://www.aruba.com/forum/f7/film-festival-59516/ where to get gluten free bagels? http://www.aruba.com/forum/f37/where-get-gluten-free-bagels-59513/ Sun, 19 May 2013 22:33:28 GMT My lady was put on a gluten free diet a few months ago. Anyone know if Lings or any of the other stores has the Udis frozen gluten free bagels? Or... My lady was put on a gluten free diet a few months ago. Anyone know if Lings or any of the other stores has the Udis frozen gluten free bagels? Or any other GF bagels? ]]> Shopping arubabob http://www.aruba.com/forum/f37/where-get-gluten-free-bagels-59513/ My Marriott Surf Club Review http://www.aruba.com/forum/f23/my-marriott-surf-club-review-59511/ Sun, 19 May 2013 19:52:16 GMT Marriott Surf Club Review My dh and I stayed at the Surf Club for a week, Saturday to Saturday. The resort is massive. Our first night... Marriott Surf Club Review
My dh and I stayed at the Surf Club for a week, Saturday to Saturday. The resort is massive. Our first night we got a little turned around and ended up asking for help figuring out exactly where our room was. Disclaimer there, we had been drinking, and it was only our 2nd time even walking to the room. We rented a studio lock off from an owner on redweek. The room was just what we needed for the two of us. Our room was on the 7th floor of the building furthest from the beach, overlooking the pool with the little waterslide. All rooms are non-smoking, and the paper when you check in says that includes the balcony, so my dh had to walk down to the smoking area a few times during our stay. He didn’t mind and as a non-smoker, I loved it! The furnishings and beddings were all up to Marriott standards and very comfortable. Our studio had a queen bed and a sleeper sofa. The room description says sleeps 4, but I would not recommend more than 2 adults and 1 child (not teen, but child) in a studio unit (also called the lock-off unit). You would be very cramped with 4 people or even 2 adults and a teen. Think of the studio as a slight step above basic hotel room. There would not be enough closet space either. We had a sink, small fridge, microwave, coffee pot, and toaster in our room.
The Surf Club property is very nice, clean, and well kept. I really can’t say anything bad about the resort. The staff is very friendly. There is a noticeable security presence, which I found comforting. The marketplace store near the lobby has everything you need, but you do pay extra for the convenience of purchasing it right on property. I wouldn’t do a week’s worth of shopping here for a family but it was nice to get a few things here and there. The restaurant near the pool was just okay, we ate there for convenience when we didn’t feel like walking but like most hotel restaurants, the food was overpriced and just okay.
Every morning the beach was cleaned and raked while we were there. This is a nice stretch of beach. The water was a little cloudy, I assume from the boat traffic but it was still such a pretty blue color. I think Marriott has one of the best palapa reservation systems. You have options, you can wait in line and reserve in the afternoon for the next day, I believe this line forms around 3pm, but I am not sure as we are early risers and chose to go down around 6am to wait in line to get a front row or 2nd row. Reservations start at 7am. If you don’t want to wait in the afternoon or the morning for the free palapa reservations, you also have the option to pay to reserve 2 days at a time. I think this gives an option for everyone. There are also plenty of chairs for people who don’t care if they have shade or want to find a spot under a tree. They also have some chairs with shade attachments but they must be kept on the back row at the beach. We saw beach attendants asking people to move them back a few times when people tried to move these shade chairs up close to the water. It was also nice having the option of ordering food and drinks from servers who made their rounds on the beach.
We don’t usually use pools much at the beach but we made an exception for the Surf Club. The pools are great. We usually eat dinner fairly early, so a few nights we came back when most people were out at dinner and ended up having the lazy river and hot tubs almost to ourselves. Keep In mind this was late April/early May and not peak season. We did not go to the adults only pool, but appreciated the option. We never used the pool during the day, except to go to happy hour at the pool bar one day. We enjoyed the happy hour drinks in the pool but some of the other guests were really into a basketball game on tv and a little annoying so we didn’t stay long. We had no problem finding a chair, but I could see where this would be an issue during peak times at the resort. I do like the chair tag system that is in place. Guests should be more considerate with chair reserving but what can you do, people sometimes feel entitled on vacation with no concern for others. I don’t know what it was the week we were at the Surf Club but there we a lot of people who just had harsh attitudes and a sense of entitlement and were just plain rude to staff and other guests. That is not a reflection on the resort, but a few times it was embarrassing as an American. The people that we encountered on our trip definitely were not relaxing and pleasant to be around. We are from Virginia near DC, so we do identify more with a laid back southern lifestyle, with just enough urban experience to know what to expect.
I did love the Surf Club and if we ever have children, we will stay there probably every trip. Also if we went with a group of family or friends, I would stay at the Surf Club again. I liked the option of the grills to cook out as a group. But for us, traveling as a couple, I am not sure the Surf is for us. We don’t cook on vacation, so we really don’t need a timeshare unit. We don’t drive on vacation because we like to drink and also we don’t want to even think about where to go and how to get there, and without a car you either walk a lot, or spend a lot on taxis. The Marriot properties seem a little cut off when you want to walk on the street side of the hotel row on Palm Beach. The Beach side walk is fine, once you get around Moomba and the Holiday Inn you can get back on the paved walkway. In the hot afternoon sun it can feel like a long walk just to get off the property and down to the areas we wanted to be. Granted, I am not in the best shape, but even my husband felt that way a few days near the end of the week. He got to a point where he just didn’t want to walk anymore, and he is used to being on his feet all day every day. So after all this, my final thought is, if you want to be pampered and lazy and be in the middle of the action, maybe rethink the Surf Club. But if you want a family vacation on a budget where you do some or most of your own cooking and just want nice pool, activities and a beautiful beach - this is the spot for you! ]]> Timeshares Traceyd14 http://www.aruba.com/forum/f23/my-marriott-surf-club-review-59511/ My Marriott Surf Club Review http://www.aruba.com/forum/f18/my-marriott-surf-club-review-59510/ Sun, 19 May 2013 19:52:16 GMT Marriott Surf Club Review My dh and I stayed at the Surf Club for a week, Saturday to Saturday. The resort is massive. Our first night... Marriott Surf Club Review
My dh and I stayed at the Surf Club for a week, Saturday to Saturday. The resort is massive. Our first night we got a little turned around and ended up asking for help figuring out exactly where our room was. Disclaimer there, we had been drinking, and it was only our 2nd time even walking to the room. We rented a studio lock off from an owner on redweek. The room was just what we needed for the two of us. Our room was on the 7th floor of the building furthest from the beach, overlooking the pool with the little waterslide. All rooms are non-smoking, and the paper when you check in says that includes the balcony, so my dh had to walk down to the smoking area a few times during our stay. He didn’t mind and as a non-smoker, I loved it! The furnishings and beddings were all up to Marriott standards and very comfortable. Our studio had a queen bed and a sleeper sofa. The room description says sleeps 4, but I would not recommend more than 2 adults and 1 child (not teen, but child) in a studio unit (also called the lock-off unit). You would be very cramped with 4 people or even 2 adults and a teen. Think of the studio as a slight step above basic hotel room. There would not be enough closet space either. We had a sink, small fridge, microwave, coffee pot, and toaster in our room.
The Surf Club property is very nice, clean, and well kept. I really can’t say anything bad about the resort. The staff is very friendly. There is a noticeable security presence, which I found comforting. The marketplace store near the lobby has everything you need, but you do pay extra for the convenience of purchasing it right on property. I wouldn’t do a week’s worth of shopping here for a family but it was nice to get a few things here and there. The restaurant near the pool was just okay, we ate there for convenience when we didn’t feel like walking but like most hotel restaurants, the food was overpriced and just okay.
Every morning the beach was cleaned and raked while we were there. This is a nice stretch of beach. The water was a little cloudy, I assume from the boat traffic but it was still such a pretty blue color. I think Marriott has one of the best palapa reservation systems. You have options, you can wait in line and reserve in the afternoon for the next day, I believe this line forms around 3pm, but I am not sure as we are early risers and chose to go down around 6am to wait in line to get a front row or 2nd row. Reservations start at 7am. If you don’t want to wait in the afternoon or the morning for the free palapa reservations, you also have the option to pay to reserve 2 days at a time. I think this gives an option for everyone. There are also plenty of chairs for people who don’t care if they have shade or want to find a spot under a tree. They also have some chairs with shade attachments but they must be kept on the back row at the beach. We saw beach attendants asking people to move them back a few times when people tried to move these shade chairs up close to the water. It was also nice having the option of ordering food and drinks from servers who made their rounds on the beach.
We don’t usually use pools much at the beach but we made an exception for the Surf Club. The pools are great. We usually eat dinner fairly early, so a few nights we came back when most people were out at dinner and ended up having the lazy river and hot tubs almost to ourselves. Keep In mind this was late April/early May and not peak season. We did not go to the adults only pool, but appreciated the option. We never used the pool during the day, except to go to happy hour at the pool bar one day. We enjoyed the happy hour drinks in the pool but some of the other guests were really into a basketball game on tv and a little annoying so we didn’t stay long. We had no problem finding a chair, but I could see where this would be an issue during peak times at the resort. I do like the chair tag system that is in place. Guests should be more considerate with chair reserving but what can you do, people sometimes feel entitled on vacation with no concern for others. I don’t know what it was the week we were at the Surf Club but there we a lot of people who just had harsh attitudes and a sense of entitlement and were just plain rude to staff and other guests. That is not a reflection on the resort, but a few times it was embarrassing as an American. These other guests we encountered on our trip definitely were not relaxing and pleasant to be around. We are from Virginia near DC, so we do identify more with a laid back southern lifestyle, with just enough urban experience to know what to expect.
I did love the Surf Club and if we ever have children, we will stay there probably every trip. Also if we went with a group of family or friends, I would stay at the Surf Club again. I liked the option of the grills to cook out as a group. But for us, traveling as a couple, I am not sure the Surf is for us. We don’t cook on vacation, so we really don’t need a timeshare unit. We don’t drive on vacation because we like to drink and also we don’t want to even think about where to go and how to get there, and without a car you either walk a lot, or spend a lot on taxis. The Marriot properties seem a little cut off when you want to walk on the street side of the hotel row on Palm Beach. The Beach side walk is fine, once you get around Moomba and the Holiday Inn you can get back on the paved walkway. In the hot afternoon sun it can feel like a long walk just to get off the property and down to the areas we wanted to be. Granted, I am not in the best shape, but even my husband felt that way a few days near the end of the week. He got to a point where he just didn’t want to walk anymore, and he is used to being on his feet all day every day. So after all this, my final thought is, if you want to be pampered and lazy and be in the middle of the action, maybe rethink the Surf Club. But if you want a family vacation on a budget where you do some or most of your own cooking and just want nice pool, activities and a beautiful beach - this is the spot for you! ]]> My Aruba Story Traceyd14 http://www.aruba.com/forum/f18/my-marriott-surf-club-review-59510/ DUTCH VILLAGE - week 5, 2BD available for rent http://www.aruba.com/forum/f23/dutch-village-week-5-2bd-available-rent-59509/ Sun, 19 May 2013 16:58:14 GMT Dutch Village - Week 5, Feb 1-Feb 8, 2014, available to rent. We are not able to use our 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath Dutch Village Townhouse this... Dutch Village - Week 5, Feb 1-Feb 8, 2014, available to rent. We are not able to use our 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath Dutch Village Townhouse this February, 2014. This unit has a living room with pull out couch, dining room, kitchen and 1/2 bath on the first level. Upstairs, there are two bedrooms with king beds, each with full bath. The master bedroom is huge. Second bedroom can be accessed by it's own outside entrance or by main entrance, and has a (very) small kitchenette. $2500 or BO for the week, includes maid service. If interested, please email me at caroline.dwyer@comcast.net ]]> Timeshares scottie747 http://www.aruba.com/forum/f23/dutch-village-week-5-2bd-available-rent-59509/ traffic/rules of the road article in Aruba Daily tourist newspaper http://www.aruba.com/forum/f38/traffic-rules-road-article-aruba-daily-tourist-newspaper-59508/ Sun, 19 May 2013 14:19:22 GMT Carlo D wrote a brief article for the aruba daily tourist newspaper traffic and rules of the road while in aruba from may 3 - 17 we saw an... Carlo D wrote a brief article for the aruba daily tourist newspaper
traffic and rules of the road

while in aruba from may 3 - 17 we saw an unusual amount of police/radar presence.
i was pleasantly surprised to see much enforcement of the speed limit.



http://aruba-daily.com/newspaper/?p=34782 ]]> Getting Around on Aruba Andrea J. http://www.aruba.com/forum/f38/traffic-rules-road-article-aruba-daily-tourist-newspaper-59508/ Slowly I Rush http://www.aruba.com/forum/f40/slowly-i-rush-59507/ Sun, 19 May 2013 13:11:21 GMT Sitting on a large boulder By the coast Spray on my face Sections have dried to a whitish powder - salt A sea bird of some kind lands... Sitting on a large boulder
By the coast

Spray on my face
Sections have dried to a whitish powder - salt

A sea bird of some kind lands nearby
Squawking it says - "Who are you and What do you want?"
My five languages do not include "Squawk"
Foolish of me to have not studied it.
It must be simple, birds know it

Off to the other side
something small is moving - I look
It is the smallest of all shell with a critter inside.
I look again, there are thousands of them by the rocks on the shoreline
White and grey. I think.
Relief, - they do not speak squawk.
We agree on telepathy of sorts - the shells and humble me.

Nothing is clear actually
Day is teasing on a faraway line of ocean water
It rushes slowly at the same pace it has for gazillions of years.
Gazillions - surely a Squawk word.

AHA - there is her tiny little yellow top.
ODD isn't it?
The top is a side to someone else and will be a bottom to me later in this cycle.
The rhyme and rhythm of life is odd.

Not sure why - certainly not a ritual
I stand and take off my shirt and spread my arms
Then think out loud
Come to me Sun, You have much to do
Turn white bodies to brown, make plants grow and increase air-conditioning sales.
C'mon big guy. Just one more time. C'mon.
Then we both rest.


Be well
Charles ]]> Aruba Snippets charles http://www.aruba.com/forum/f40/slowly-i-rush-59507/ Good Luck to all Powerball Players!!! http://www.aruba.com/forum/f32/good-luck-all-powerball-players-59506/ Sat, 18 May 2013 14:01:06 GMT Going to buy my one ticket (it only takes one) for Powerball. If I win I plan on going to Aruba IMMEDIATELY!!!! Good luck everyone who plays:) Going to buy my one ticket (it only takes one) for Powerball. If I win I plan on going to Aruba IMMEDIATELY!!!! Good luck everyone who plays:) ]]> Off Topic DiviDiviFan http://www.aruba.com/forum/f32/good-luck-all-powerball-players-59506/ Restaurant Reviews May 4 - 16 http://www.aruba.com/forum/f12/restaurant-reviews-may-4-16-a-59505/ Sat, 18 May 2013 12:33:21 GMT *Hung Paradise* 3x............we love Hung paradise and none of the meals disappointed. Two of the times we were there, we ate light...having their... Hung Paradise 3x............we love Hung paradise and none of the meals disappointed. Two of the times we were there, we ate light...having their delicious tomato soup (try it!) and splitting a Loempia. One of the visits we added a chicken and rice dish into the mix. The food is fresh and delicious and the service is wonderful. Grade A


French Steakhouse- Normally we’d have steak at the FSH, but the grouper caught our eye. We both had our blackened and it was delicious. Service and presentation were good. Grade B+


King Ribs- King Ribs is my husband’s favorite take away place on the island. We bought 2 bbq chicken dinners, and it came with cole slaw and mashed potatoes. 1 dinner was enough to split, so the other was saved for another night. Portions are huge. The chicken and ribs are slow cooked over a wood fire and are tender and the sauce (if you want sauce) is sweet and smoky. The mashed potatoes are red skinned with a bit of parsley and very good as well. Grade B+




Buccaneer- The Buc is another restaurant that we love as do the locals! It is the 2nd oldest restaurant on the island and Vasty, Josef’s son has done a bang up job of continuing his dad’s legacy with the restaurant’s food quality and service. We both had barracuda and it was excellent....mild and flaky and a large portion. Presentation was excellent and service was outstanding. The restaurant was busy, which was surprising for a night in early May. We love the Buccaneer and will be back. Grade A


Madame Janette-2x We enjoyed MJs on a Saturday evening and then again on a Wed. evening. Our Saturday dinner , Paul had the burgerloin and I had the almond crusted grouper. Outstanding dinner, presentation and service. Few nights later we went back and only had appetizers for dinner “bang bang shrimp and caesar salads”. Again, delicious and no complaints. There was entertainment in the garden each time and we enjoyed wine too with our dinners. Grade A




Aquarius- Aquarius was on Mother’s Day evening. We had been before to the seafood buffet and found it to be fabulous. Fabulous was not a word for this visit. We found the food only mediocre, and the lobster tails unpalatable. We did mention to the manager on duty during our meal that it seemed not quite up to par and was told, that it being Mother’s Day, and being so busy, apparently the evening buffet suffered as a result. He offered to comp our meal, but we would not accept the offer as we did eat other things....but again, the food was mediocre and not what we had come to expect from here. Service was slow and again, i am guessing it was because the staff was exhausted from a busy mother’s day schedule earlier. Our water glasses never refilled and the wine we ordered never came, but at least it was not on the bill.
The following day, the f&b manager contacted us and invited us for breakfast as an apology. We went a day or 2 later and it was good. We do not accept “freebies”, paid for our breakfasts and thanked the man.
Grade C for dinner B for breakfast


Ruth's Chris and Amadeus later ]]> Andrea J. http://www.aruba.com/forum/f12/restaurant-reviews-may-4-16-a-59505/ playa linda ! weeks 38 and 39 2013. 1 bedroom and 1 studio, great deals! PALM BEACH!! http://www.aruba.com/forum/f23/playa-linda-weeks-38-39-2013-1-bedroom-1-studio-great-deals-palm-beach-59504/ Sat, 18 May 2013 00:53:53 GMT week 38 (9/22-9/29 2013)unit 433 which overlooks the ocean and pool is a one bedroom that sleeps 5, one king size bed ,one double fold out sofabed ... week 38 (9/22-9/29 2013)unit 433 which overlooks the ocean and pool is a one bedroom that sleeps 5, one king size bed ,one double fold out sofabed and one day bed.daily room tax about 9.00 us. 925.00 for rental of the unit for that week. A bargain. week 39 (9/29-10/6 2013)unit 304 which is a studio which is also at playa linda on palm beach.sleeps 4 a king size bed and a foldout sofa bed.this unit is on the hyatt side. a bargain for 700.00. daily room tax about 9.00 us. grab it now ,a great deal on either unit!!! thanks bob and larisa. ]]> Timeshares bt539 http://www.aruba.com/forum/f23/playa-linda-weeks-38-39-2013-1-bedroom-1-studio-great-deals-palm-beach-59504/ Free WiFi locations? http://www.aruba.com/forum/f7/free-wifi-locations-59503/ Fri, 17 May 2013 15:25:50 GMT I know that i've seen the list before, can't seem to locate it now. Does anyone have a listing of free WiFi locations around the island?

Specifically looking for info that relates to the area in/around the Renaissance Ocean Suites as well as the Ren Marina hotel across the street.

Thank you! ]]> Aruba General ktziff http://www.aruba.com/forum/f7/free-wifi-locations-59503/ Vendors at Divi/Tam http://www.aruba.com/forum/f37/vendors-divi-tam-59502/ Fri, 17 May 2013 12:20:06 GMT My DH absolutely loves to wear Hawaiian print shirts while in Aruba. So, every trip when the vendors come to the Divi with their wares I seek out the... My DH absolutely loves to wear Hawaiian print shirts while in Aruba. So, every trip when the vendors come to the Divi with their wares I seek out the t-shirt/ Hawaiian print shirt vendor. I've had very good luck with both the t-shirts and tropical shirts. At $15 dollars, the Hawaiian print shirts are light weight, and both washable and no iron a huge plus in my book. So if you are staying at the Divi or Tam check them out! ]]> Shopping Pegmeister http://www.aruba.com/forum/f37/vendors-divi-tam-59502/