My Aruba trip-1/12-1/24/11

[Gig47]

Well, I am back in Boston--freezing and looking to next January to be back in paradise.

Pre Day 1-1/12

Left home in 18 inches of snow to get to Airport Hotel for 7AM flight on 1/13. Got there and kept fingers crossed for the flight

Day 1-1/13

Jet Blue had problems with refueling, but left 1 hr late(but on the way)
Arrived Aruba 2:15PM, on to Divi Aruba
Balashi tasted great at Beach Bar
Ate at Matthews with friends--first time and it was okay, nothing outstanding
Early to Bed--long 2 days

Day 2
Staying in Beach Casita-up at 6:30AM to get a thatched umbrella.
Wife up at 8, Breakfast, sun, lunch, pool, balashi
Dinner at MJ's, not as bad as last yr, but service was sorry, at best. Forum readers should be told that salads can be split almost in 4th they are so large. My surf & turf(Lobster, shrimp & scallops was divine
Alhambra Casino(lose a little)
Music at the Beach Bar

Day 3
All the same until dinner
Windows on Aruba-service impeccable, food simply great
casino-win
Dance at beach bar

Day 4

As above
Catholic Services at Aruban at 5
Watch Pats lose
Late dinner at Red Parrot--so, so
Casino--I win quite big at 3 card poker
Music and dancing at Beach Bar

Day 5

Golf at the Divi Links
At beach by 12:30Pm
Beach, pool etc
Dinner at Paparazzi--food and service were actually great
Lose a little at Casino
Music etc

Day 6
As #4
Dinner at Marandi-showed up 1 day early-I made an error on my list of reservations, but the owner was unbelievable-said it must have been their mistake(I have emailed him thanks already). He got us the exact table we would have wanted--on pier, on water. Service, Food and wine were unbelievable. I can recommend this restaurant to everyone.
Casino-more winnings
Music

Day 7
Golf 9 holes-wonderful time and then to beach, pool etc. Remembering last night we showed up at Passions 1 day late. Maitre De was again great--he told us it was no problem and at sunset we were at a table for 2 in first row next to beach. Food, wine and service was very good. I have emailed GM of the Amsterdam Hotel to thank him.
Small loss at Casino
Bed quickly tonight

Day 8
We never change beach, food, pool, drinks
Dinner at L G Smiths-this was fabulous-service was impeccable, food was extremely good. Steak was to die for
Casino - win again!!!!!
Dancing

Day 9

All the same as day 8
Dinner at Paparazzi again and just as good as before
Casino-lose a little
Music and dancing

Day 10

Again--all the same
Decided to eat at Buffet. Right after salad and soup-all power lost in hotel. Some came back but not to cook.
Generators etc allowed for the Pizza Bar to stay ope. Ate there
Casino open

Power Back-music

Day 11

Beach, pool, catholic services, Red Parrot for dinner-slightly better service, food fair
Last night at Casino--win again
I cannot believe it I won $900 for 11 days-----but, but, my wife lost $600
Music, Dance
Bed

Day 12
Okay, I'm sad.
Breakfast
Pack
Check out at 11AM
Taxi to airport at 11:30 for our 2:15 Jet Blue flight.
Being a Monday we basically strolled through all the customs and were at the Bar at our Gate 5 by noon.

Pilot let everyone know that it was -2 degrees in Boston and that if any one wanted to get off and stay in paradise, that then was the time. Ha--no one got off.

Arrived home and froze

Just a note for forum guests. While dining in Aruba the dress was casual, most everyone we saw at all of the above restaurants were well dressed. Shorts were only seen on a few men. My wife and I were dressed accordingly. We have been in Aruba 7 yrs in a row and the diners were more dressed than ever before.

360 days til we are back

[Arubalisa]

Thanks for sharing the important details Sorry you had to come home

[DANNYO]

Thanks for sharing.Glad to hear that between you and your wife you came out winners at the casinos.The only thing you didn't mention was the weather,did it rain at all?Happy if it didn't.Again thank you.

[Andrea J.]

NICE thanks :-)

[Gig47]

Never rained while we were in Aruba, except while in the Casino at night. On 2 occasions we left the casino at around 11PM to find monsoons? had hit while we were inside. How can I ever complain.

Also, maybe 1 or 2 mosquitoes at 6:30AM--nothing else.

But we noticed flies everywhere---never noticed before.

GIG47

[Love Aruba]

Sounds like a great trip. Thank you for sharing. We just can't wait to get back.
Pat

[bhoffdhoff]

Enjoyed your report! Did you say Mass at the Aruban? What day and time please?
Thanks,

Bobbie

[Windy]

Thanks for your great report! These are what keep the rest of going while waiting for our next Aruba visit!

[Gig47]

Mass is at 5PM on Sundays at the Aruban

[bhoffdhoff]

Thanks

Bobbie