observations after a 10 year absence

[AUA1989]

We returned to Aruba for our 20th anniversary, and were on the island at the beginning of April. We had made various other trips throughout the years, but hadn't been to Aruba for about 10 years.

What a change. I hate to say it, but the "ugly americans" have taken over. We witnessed many rude people, mainly Americans. Maybe that is why the native Arubans didn't seem to be as friendly as in years past. Everyone from bartenders to beach staff to cab drivers seemed less enthusiastic that we were there.

We love the variety of restaurants on the island, and seeing so many American chain restaurants was disappointing. The Ruinas del Mar at the Hyatt was fabulous as always and the wait staff wonderful. Scala was great as well, although sitting on the balcony overlooking what seemed like the vegas strip wasn't what we expected. When we walked the beach at night, we had often wondered where all the people were. That was our answer, at the mall and driving the "strip". Also, the Pirate's Nest was a great place we had dinner. Wonderful prawns dish!!

We finally did meet a great cab driver, although it was our last night there. He was so nice we called him for our ride to the airport the next day. That's when we found out we were charged too much for our cab ride to the Holiday Inn from the airport when we arrived in Aruba. The charge back to the airport was $20 cheaper.

The state of the shops we used to love on the backstreets of downtown was also sad.

Don't get me wrong, we had a great, relaxing vacation and had some luck at the casinos (it's always a great feeling when 1/2 way through your vacation you still have the same amount of money that you started with). Sitting on the beach sun-up til sundown is exactly what we wanted to do!!!

[Andrea J.]

thanks for your "story"

you are not alone with your perceptions of "rude americans".

i think if everyone would just slow down and be patient, the rude behaviors would disappear.

it all goes back to being kind, thoughtful and sharing.

unfortunately a few miserable rude individuals can make a bad name for
all.

We returned to Aruba for our 20th anniversary, and were on the island at the beginning of April. We had made various other trips throughout the years, but hadn't been to Aruba for about 10 years.

What a change. I hate to say it, but the "ugly americans" have taken over. We witnessed many rude people, mainly Americans. Maybe that is why the native Arubans didn't seem to be as friendly as in years past. Everyone from bartenders to beach staff to cab drivers seemed less enthusiastic that we were there.

We love the variety of restaurants on the island, and seeing so many American chain restaurants was disappointing. The Ruinas del Mar at the Hyatt was fabulous as always and the wait staff wonderful. Scala was great as well, although sitting on the balcony overlooking what seemed like the vegas strip wasn't what we expected. When we walked the beach at night, we had often wondered where all the people were. That was our answer, at the mall and driving the "strip". Also, the Pirate's Nest was a great place we had dinner. Wonderful prawns dish!!

We finally did meet a great cab driver, although it was our last night there. He was so nice we called him for our ride to the airport the next day. That's when we found out we were charged too much for our cab ride to the Holiday Inn from the airport when we arrived in Aruba. The charge back to the airport was $20 cheaper.

The state of the shops we used to love on the backstreets of downtown was also sad.

Don't get me wrong, we had a great, relaxing vacation and had some luck at the casinos (it's always a great feeling when 1/2 way through your vacation you still have the same amount of money that you started with). Sitting on the beach sun-up til sundown is exactly what we wanted to do!!!

[Ginalag519]

I'm taking a little offense to the "Ugly AMERICAN" remark....as their are rude people of any nationalility!!!!. I've been to Aruba many times and always treat people as I would want to be treated. I think Americans get a bad rap as being the "Rude People". I've seen worse people in Europe than I do at home.

Sorry, just wanted to get that off my chest.

[Shnyda]

I think the "rudeness" just comes from there being more people on the Island than 10 years ago.

[sunnysmiles]

Wow, you paid $45 for a cab ride? Yikes!
Yet another reason I'm so thankful for this site. It made me aware of the set cab fares.
My in-laws have been going every year to Aruba for over 30 years. They always say "it's so different from when we first started coming here".
As for the "ugly Americans"...it's not just Americans that are rude! We ran into our fair share of others as well but maybe that's because they don't care too much for Americans?!
Glad you had a nice anniversary!!

[Arubalisa]

Things change, life changes and we accept it and move on.
Aruba 10 years ago is synonymous for Aruba is no longer the way anyone once knew.
Let's be realistic. Is someone going to come in and knock down all of the new malls in Palm Beach and allow the lots go back to greenery and bushes?

There have been a couple of comments here on the forum in the past few days which have me wondering....

When I drive by McDonald's there are more Arubans there than "Americans". If "Americanization" is due to the wants and needs of tourists from the U.S., then why the fast food places all around the island other than just Oranjestad and Palm Beach?

The "high end" stores in Oranjestad are being patronized by someone. If not U.S. citizens, then who? Cruise passengers from Europe and elsewhere? South Americans and Europeans, whether by land or sea?



Before we dwell on rudeness and ugliness, and other issues such as growth, which are not under "our" control , but the Aruban's, let's instead focus upon some of the good things Aruba STILL has to offer...

• Beautiful beaches
• Fine cuisine
• Perfect weather
• and
• Picturesque spots, if you know where to look for them.

[Divi chic]

Beautifully stated ArubaLisa.

[Arubalisa]

Beautifully stated ArubaLisa.

Thank you. Something I have been wanting to say for quite some time.

My dh and I have been to many Caribbean islands including Bonaire and Curacao. Taking off my moderator's "cap" and stating my own opinion, I loved Bonaire. I would return in a heartbeat. Curacao I would return to as well.

My dh otoh, does not feel the same. He "liked" the B & C islands, but was not "comfortable" with them as he is in Aruba. Familiarity or Americanization, I am not sure.

Having said that though, neither Bonaire or Curacao have the powder white sand beaches that Aruba has.

Picturesque spots, if you know where to look for them.

If you don't know where just ask!

[Andrea J.]

great post
i feel the same about bonaire as you.
curacao, not so much.


and going back to the rudeness comment, opinions are opinions and all opinions are welcomed here.
we accept and embrace the fact that everyone has their opinion.
we also encourage and require that all follow the rules of the forum.
if the rules are being followed, as they are here in this thread, i encourage open conversations.

[mandylovestotravel]

What a change. I hate to say it, but the "ugly americans" have taken over. We witnessed many rude people, mainly Americans.

Regarding that, when I travel anywhere (Disney World, Mexico, a cruise, etc) I notice that rudeness is everywhere. It is more noticeable when you can understand the language the rude person is speaking; therefore many times I have no idea if some people are being rude because I don't know their language. But unfortunately I think that the majority of people tend to be "rude," whether it is due to stress, spoiled, greed, or just their personality... so when you have a large amount of people in a small places it becomes more apparent.

I have just learned to overlook the rude people and appreciate the kind ones! Plus be thankful that I am not the one so miserable.