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12-14-2010, 11:00 AM
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#1 (permalink) |
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Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 85
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Aruba trip report Dec 4th thru dec. 12th! Fantastic!
Wow!!! First time in Aruba and it was better than expected. We started off getting alot of research of fun things to do and booked a few trips before we left. That was a good idea because they were booked solid when we go there. We learned everyone has there own Aruba, so ours may not be your style. Some people come to gamble, eat at great expensive restaurants, shop, drink, or just stay put in there beautiful hotel or timeshare. The best way is your way. We were lucky to meet "Madi" our 2nd day who told us you have to just go with the Island! The local people are so nice in Aruba. Give them a smile and talk nice to them and you will have so much more fun.
Our first day sat, dec. 4th was bad rain. We did rent a car ( a great idea! ) from Hans at tropic-Sooo easy! Away we went in flooded roads to Aruba Beach Club! Called Arubadiscount cell ( another great idea we got here!) and had our phone delivered to ABC. Than called Blue Melody and had our $15 for a week snorkel gear delevered to ABC-yes anothher great idea we got on these forums. Room was great but the rain was out of this world. We had all of stuff and no where to go. Giant flood rivers in the road so it was not possible to drive anywhere! We went to Mathews next store for a fantastic happy hour! Met some great people. Sat morning -pouring rain to our private jeep tour with Madi( another great tip from here ). We wanted to cancel due to severe weather, but Madi told us to go with the island. We had a blast, she never saw rivers of clay mud running into the ocean like that. We saw waterfalls that Madi said "were a first for her". What a day seeing the natural pool, blow holes, caves, donkey santuary, and meeting her family all dancing in the rain and rivers that the storm brought us! That afternoon the sun came out brighter and hotter than Africa! We went to Bugaloes and Pelican Nest in the high-rise area- more fun happy hours and swimming! Monday hot and sunny-off to baby beach. Wow! So beautiful with our snorkel gear. Brought some fish food and got swarmed by cool tropical fish-what a day! That night a sunset cruise on the Black Pearl ( Great idea! ) Only 20 people on board in comfortable lounge chairs with drinks, grilled cheese sandwiches, snorkeling and a fantastic sunset! Joann and Albert made us fell like we were family! We will write a part two to this, beacause there was so much to do. But here is a quick fun list of Do's and Don'ts . Rental car- for a $165 a week to do what and when you want-even if it rains you can have fun, get one! You will spend more than that in taxis Fishing- what a blast! we caught a 50 lb grouper! Bon Bini Festival tues. night- no more, cancelled! Balashi beer- Essoville coldest in Aruba-another good tip Charlies Bar- worth a drink Savaneta- best fishing in my life Zeerovers Bar, Savaneta- watch the locals bring in catch -fantastic! Take Away Food- best deal on island for breakfast and lunch- dont be afraid to try the local food-what a deal Flea Market- great place for gifts and good prices Ling and Sun- really good supermarket-what a bakery, ham and cheese pastries-mmmm. Guda Cheese- best and cheap too! Happy Hours- all over the island starting at 12 to 8pm, dont miss out on great dink deals. Fancy Clothes- no need dont bring them- not needed! Long Pants-Sweater and Jacket- You will never use them-PERIOD! Soft Cooler- bring one for snacks and drinks - a well used item! Alert!- Ask if U.S or Florins- even we got taken once Tips! Alert-Most hace 15% on bill- check it twice and give extra if service was good! Duty Free- bring a litre each from your home airport- big money saver! Baby Beach- best snorkeling we foung, nice calm blue water! Ostrich farm- worth some funny pictures! Well, thats enough for now. We will book again for next year! Aruba is great! We did not see all the island and we put over 800 km on odometer! Very romantic and fun place. Dont worry about the weather you will be tan when you get home-it does not rain all day. Just go with the island! Sean and Susan Last edited by crimms; 12-14-2010 at 10:04 PM. Reason: think its better to call it a trip report, since it is |
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12-14-2010, 08:09 PM
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#3 (permalink) |
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Aruba since 1979
Moderator 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: renaissance island, eagle beach, amsterdam manor/passions beach bar, Hung Paradis, alto vista chapel, madam janettes, big porch at B55
Posts: 13,254
Images: 80
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great thanks!!
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Please, I'll have a Grande' decaf Mocha Latte' with a shot of liquid tranquilizer. |
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12-15-2010, 07:26 AM
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#5 (permalink) |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Eagle Beach, exploring the "Outback", Madi's tour to the Natural Pool , dinner at Papiamento's
Posts: 613
Images: 50
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It sounds like you really took advantage of what Aruba is all about!
 Happy to hear you had such a wonderful trip! (and glad you were able to go with Madi -- she's so special!) 
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12-15-2010, 03:46 PM
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#7 (permalink) |
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Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 85
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Windy Madi was great!
Hi Windy,
What a tip you gave us about Madi! She is a gem and so much fun. The weather was so bad, we were met her and told her maybe we should re-schedule! She asked us "what are you going to do in the rain anyhow". Off we went for a 4 hour private jeep tour with some balashi's and laughs. She really showed us what Aruba people are all about! We let her do the trip her way. Met many of her family members all over the island. Fed her geese, met her goat and went to her house in town and on the mountain! I couldnt believe she has her own private entrance to the park! She really added something to our trip! Top tips here! Madi Black Pearl Fishing with locals ( 50 lb grouper!) Baby Beach for snorkeling!-WOW! Hans - Tropc rental! What a deal! Extending trip a day and not leaving Sat! No wait at airport left 1 1/2 hrs early and still had time! Plus one more day on the Happy Island! You guys were great to us! P.S to thoe who need info on this just search old threads- they are so informative! Sean and Susan |
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12-15-2010, 04:50 PM
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#8 (permalink) | |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Eagle Beach, exploring the "Outback", Madi's tour to the Natural Pool , dinner at Papiamento's
Posts: 613
Images: 50
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Quote:
There are so many more things I'd like to do with her! But, next Spring we're taking a different path and going to St. Maarten for two weeks -- I wonder if, being Dutch, it will have some similarities to Aruba? |
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12-15-2010, 04:54 PM
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#9 (permalink) | |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Eagle Beach, exploring the "Outback", Madi's tour to the Natural Pool , dinner at Papiamento's
Posts: 613
Images: 50
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Quote:
This is from a previous post -- The absolute highlight of our last trip was a tour with Madi -- you can call her at 746-1397 or 749-9414 or email her at reachitmadi01@hotmail.com. (you may not get an email response and might have to wait to call her when you get there -- she works alone and doesn't always get to her email!) There's quite a bit of information on the Forum from people who have also gone with her. Just use the Search option at the left and type in "Madi". She's a gem and will show you places you wouldn't otherwise see. |
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12-21-2010, 04:23 PM
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#10 (permalink) |
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Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 85
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Windy,
If you ever get a chance try St Barts. We think its a close call between the two- Aruba and St. Barts! WE stayed in a little house on Flamands Beach and it was to die for. Great beach, quiet,blue water,great people and so beautiful! Enjoy St Marteen. Sean ans Susan |
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