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devilsangel7681 · 12-29-2011, 01:13 PM

Whew! I have been BUSY BUSY since June! This is my first opporunity to tell my Aruba story! Here goes!

We were in Aruba from Saturday, June 11th until June 19th. We stayed at the Costa Linda Timeshare beach resort from Saturday until Friday, then we stayed at the Renissance Hotel in downtown Oranjestad. I LOVED both hotels, but I liked the Reniessance more because it had a private island and a swim up bar in the pool. I wish I was there right now!

I did get engaged in Aruba!!

it was very romantic. We bought the ring on Tuesday and went to pick it up on Thursday. We bought it at a place called Bjorn (sp?) Jewelry in downtown Oranjestad. (on a side note, I would definitely recommend buying jewelry here, appraisal in US was DOUBLE what we paid and what he said the engagement ring was worth in Aruba!)

We gambled almost every night at each hotel. I loved the Riu's casino, VERY pretty!

I also went snorkling one day and came within inches from a baracuda! I was afraid he was going to attack my new shiny ring

We traveled to the other side of the island one day to see the church and light house. That was fun! Those rental cars are pretty tough!

We ate by the mall a lot, 50 Cent was there promoting a new movie. We didn't get very close but we could see him. The choice in fast food resturaunts common in America surprised me, Wendy's, Taco Bell, etc. Five Guys is great too, that franchise is owned by a chatty local originally from Brooklyn. He gave me a free hat! They also had places like TGI Fridays, Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks.....that is all I can remember.

All of the local cuisine was delicious, we ate at El Gaucho twice because it was for sure not enough the first time! Best steak I have ever had, hands down! Definitely would recommend that one to anyone visiting the island.

We saw a movie at the theater next to the Reniessance, The Hangover 2. Nice theater, walked right in!

We went deep sea fishing one day but didn't catch any fish. I was picking up my ring that day right after the fishing boat docked, so I was VERY anxious to get back as you can imagine!

The weather was gorgeous, windy and sunshine the whole week. The last day we were there it rained, but only for 20 minutes and it was early in the morning.

I cannot WAIT to go back for our Honeymoon! We get married on August 4 2012 and then we are on a plane to paradise!

Helpful Tips I wish someone would have told me:

Towel clips are a must! it is ALWAYS Windy!
Bring cash everywhere just in case (tips)
Don't gamble all your money the first night!
SUNSCREEN!!!!! I can't stress that one enough, at least 3 bottles for 2 people!
May be helpful to bring your own bags for groceries, we were always in a time share hotel so we had to go grocery shopping. If I am remembering correctly the grocery bags are either small, or they don't give you any.
Bring at LEAST 3 bathing suits. I brought 3 and needed 4. You wear it all day, then change into clothes at night.
All hotels have their own towels, don't really need to bring any.
(this tip is optional for us girls) I bought too many cover ups, I brought 3 and only ended up using 1, 1 day. Waste of money!
I would buy a pool bag or bring one if you have it to mark your TIKI hut or carry food or anything else down to the pool.
Don't forget sunglasses! The sun is always shining in Aruba!

gaby · 12-29-2011, 02:09 PM

congratulations on your engagement.

*Andrea J.* · 12-29-2011, 02:16 PM

thanks for posting your review.
congratulations on your engagement.

riu is a "pretty casino" but it never gave me any $.
your tip list is terrific.
more bathing suits.........always a must.

devilsangel7681 · 12-29-2011, 03:27 PM

Thank you both! I have been a busy wedding planner these past few months!

Yes, bathing suits are ALWAYS necessary!

If I recall I did not walk away a winner at the Riu, but I was up more times than not vs. all of the other casinos. I did enjoy the dealers better at the Riu, they were a lot more fun to play with than other casinos for some reason. We had multiple chatty dealers for sure! I like that, and so do they because I like to tip the friendly ones 8)

aruba here I come · 01-01-2012, 09:52 PM

Congrats on your engagement!

DiviDiviFan · 01-02-2012, 01:34 PM

CONGRATS on your romantic engagement

I can't think of a better place to get engaged, married, honeymoon or anything else for that matter

Loved your trip report it was so cute some parts made me giggle

You are correct I always bring 3 or 4 suits as they don't exactly dry too quickly sometimes, plus we girls need to be fashionistas even by the pool, ha, ha....

Happy wedding planning and you will be back in paradise before you know it...

I will have to write down the name of that jewelry store sounds like a very reputable place

Tim nel · 01-02-2012, 04:58 PM

Congrad's, I can't think of a better place to get engaged. Great trip report, you even gave me a helpful hint and I have been there 30 times. Aruba is my favorite island, by far.

devilsangel7681 · 01-02-2012, 09:13 PM

Thank you both, Tim and Div! I am already counting down the days for the wedding/Aruba!!!

devilsangel7681 · 01-02-2012, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aruba here I come

Congrats on your engagement!

Thank you very much

Glenn · 01-11-2012, 08:37 AM

Good morning devilsangel7681,

Congratulations on so many fronts. On your engagement for a start, on your getting engaged in Aruba (we have your fiance to thank for that) and on your incredibly smart choice of eating at El Gaucho.

As you've already discovered, a vacation in Aruba means you use up a lot of protein, what with all that sunbathing, swimming, shopping and playing in the casinos. That protein has to be replaced and as you and I both know, El Gaucho has the best tasting sources of protein on the planet.

On your engagement, I'm very pleased for you. Aside from my full-time job as an accountant, I am also a Marriage Commissioner here in Winnipeg, Canada. (Sort of like a Justice of the Peace), so I take a special interest when I hear about someone's engagement.

Your recommendations for others going to Aruba sound great, mostly common sense really. Using lots of sunscreen and taking it easy at the casinos is probably the best advice I could give anyone too. And most of all, have fun!!

August will be here before you know it!

Congratulations once again.

Glenn

Winnipeg, Canada

12-29-2011, 01:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
devilsangel7681 Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Costa Linda, Reniessance, any place where there is a beach and tiki hut I am good 8) Posts: 99	MY STORY - June 2011 week stay in Aruba! Whew! I have been BUSY BUSY since June! This is my first opporunity to tell my Aruba story! Here goes! We were in Aruba from Saturday, June 11th until June 19th. We stayed at the Costa Linda Timeshare beach resort from Saturday until Friday, then we stayed at the Renissance Hotel in downtown Oranjestad. I LOVED both hotels, but I liked the Reniessance more because it had a private island and a swim up bar in the pool. I wish I was there right now! I did get engaged in Aruba!! it was very romantic. We bought the ring on Tuesday and went to pick it up on Thursday. We bought it at a place called Bjorn (sp?) Jewelry in downtown Oranjestad. (on a side note, I would definitely recommend buying jewelry here, appraisal in US was DOUBLE* what we paid and what he said the engagement ring was worth in Aruba!) We gambled almost every night at each hotel. I loved the Riu's casino, VERY pretty! I also went snorkling one day and came within inches from a baracuda! I was afraid he was going to attack my new shiny ring We traveled to the other side of the island one day to see the church and light house. That was fun! Those rental cars are pretty tough! We ate by the mall a lot, 50 Cent was there promoting a new movie. We didn't get very close but we could see him. The choice in fast food resturaunts common in America surprised me, Wendy's, Taco Bell, etc. Five Guys is great too, that franchise is owned by a chatty local originally from Brooklyn. He gave me a free hat! They also had places like TGI Fridays, Dunkin Donuts, Starbucks.....that is all I can remember. All of the local cuisine was delicious, we ate at El Gaucho twice because it was for sure not enough the first time! Best steak I have ever had, hands down! Definitely would recommend that one to anyone visiting the island. We saw a movie at the theater next to the Reniessance, The Hangover 2. Nice theater, walked right in! We went deep sea fishing one day but didn't catch any fish. I was picking up my ring that day right after the fishing boat docked, so I was VERY anxious to get back as you can imagine! The weather was gorgeous, windy and sunshine the whole week. The last day we were there it rained, but only for 20 minutes and it was early in the morning. I cannot WAIT to go back for our Honeymoon! We get married on August 4 2012 and then we are on a plane to paradise! Helpful Tips* I wish someone would have told me: Towel clips are a must! it is ALWAYS Windy! Bring cash everywhere just in case (tips) Don't gamble all your money the first night! SUNSCREEN!!!!! I can't stress that one enough, at least 3 bottles for 2 people! May be helpful to bring your own bags for groceries, we were always in a time share hotel so we had to go grocery shopping. If I am remembering correctly the grocery bags are either small, or they don't give you any. Bring at LEAST 3 bathing suits. I brought 3 and needed 4. You wear it all day, then change into clothes at night. All hotels have their own towels, don't really need to bring any. (this tip is optional for us girls) I bought too many cover ups, I brought 3 and only ended up using 1, 1 day. Waste of money! I would buy a pool bag or bring one if you have it to mark your TIKI hut or carry food or anything else down to the pool. Don't forget sunglasses! The sun is always shining in Aruba! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook cindyo, Glenn, Jarubian and 3 others like this. __________________

ADVERTISMENT

12-29-2011, 02:09 PM	#2 (permalink)
gaby Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 486	congratulations on your engagement. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________

12-29-2011, 02:16 PM	#3 (permalink)
Andrea J. 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: 13,258 Images: 80	thanks for posting your review. congratulations on your engagement. riu is a "pretty casino" but it never gave me any $. your tip list is terrific. more bathing suits.........always a must. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ Please, I'll have a Grande' decaf Mocha Latte' with a shot of liquid tranquilizer.

12-29-2011, 03:27 PM	#4 (permalink)
devilsangel7681 Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Costa Linda, Reniessance, any place where there is a beach and tiki hut I am good 8) Posts: 99	Thank you both! I have been a busy wedding planner these past few months! Yes, bathing suits are ALWAYS necessary! If I recall I did not walk away a winner at the Riu, but I was up more times than not vs. all of the other casinos. I did enjoy the dealers better at the Riu, they were a lot more fun to play with than other casinos for some reason. We had multiple chatty dealers for sure! I like that, and so do they because I like to tip the friendly ones 8) Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________

01-01-2012, 09:52 PM	#5 (permalink)
aruba here I come Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Age: 43 Posts: 297 Images: 6	Congrats on your engagement! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________ ______________ Ellen

01-02-2012, 01:34 PM	#6 (permalink)
DiviDiviFan Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 32	CONGRATS on your romantic engagement I can't think of a better place to get engaged, married, honeymoon or anything else for that matter Loved your trip report it was so cute some parts made me giggle You are correct I always bring 3 or 4 suits as they don't exactly dry too quickly sometimes, plus we girls need to be fashionistas even by the pool, ha, ha.... Happy wedding planning and you will be back in paradise before you know it... I will have to write down the name of that jewelry store sounds like a very reputable place Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook

01-02-2012, 04:58 PM	#7 (permalink)
Tim nel Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 98	Congrad's, I can't think of a better place to get engaged. Great trip report, you even gave me a helpful hint and I have been there 30 times. Aruba is my favorite island, by far. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook

01-02-2012, 09:13 PM	#8 (permalink)
devilsangel7681 Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Costa Linda, Reniessance, any place where there is a beach and tiki hut I am good 8) Posts: 99	Thank you both, Tim and Div! I am already counting down the days for the wedding/Aruba!!! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook __________________

01-11-2012, 08:37 AM	#10 (permalink)
Glenn Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Since 1980, and throughout the many changes, we still love going downtown in Oranjestad. Posts: 130	Good morning devilsangel7681, Congratulations on so many fronts. On your engagement for a start, on your getting engaged in Aruba (we have your fiance to thank for that) and on your incredibly smart choice of eating at El Gaucho. As you've already discovered, a vacation in Aruba means you use up a lot of protein, what with all that sunbathing, swimming, shopping and playing in the casinos. That protein has to be replaced and as you and I both know, El Gaucho has the best tasting sources of protein on the planet. On your engagement, I'm very pleased for you. Aside from my full-time job as an accountant, I am also a Marriage Commissioner here in Winnipeg, Canada. (Sort of like a Justice of the Peace), so I take a special interest when I hear about someone's engagement. Your recommendations for others going to Aruba sound great, mostly common sense really. Using lots of sunscreen and taking it easy at the casinos is probably the best advice I could give anyone too. And most of all, have fun!! August will be here before you know it! Congratulations once again. Glenn Winnipeg, Canada Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter Share Post on Facebook