My wife and I just got back from Aruba two days ago after spending the better part of a week there (08/16-08/21). Before we left for our trip I spent a lot of time reading the message boards and I just wanted to say thank you for all of the information that was shared, it really helped. The people in Aruba were (all) fantastic, the food (Chalet Swiss and Texas de Brazil) was fantastic, the hotel (Radisson) was fantastic and the island tours (Watapana ATV and De Palm snokeling) were fanstastic.

Having said that, I know some people will undoubtedly be looking for the negative even in the most positive of places like Aruba, so in my opinion they would be- 1) how expensive everything is (which I was prepared for given that most everything in Aruba is imported...with the exception of Belashi which should have been the least expensive beer since it was local, but that was definitely not the ca$e) and 2) how much garbage littered the ocean, downtown and the baby natural bridge (granted most of this trash likely came from idiot tourists who have no respect for such a beautiful island, but I would have expected more of a clean-up effort on the part of the government and locals alike...it's your island, take pride in it!; fyi, I clean-up my own trash and the trash of others at every opportunity).

All things considered, we had an awesome time and I don't think I've ever been so relaxed and stress-free in my life. Aruba is a great island and we're thankful that we had the opportunity to experience it.

I see that you two just got back a couple days ago. I am heading to Aruba on August 31st and I keep checking the weather reports and all I see is rain. How dependable are these reports? How was the weather when you were there?

David,
I too was a first timer the week of the 12th to the 19th. Absolutely loved it. People are great, food fantastic. There some garbage around the ocean, but that definately comes from us tourists. I had to chase my empty coolie colada glasses several times when a gust came by. Too bad that tourists don't take better care of the island. If everybody picked up something walking down the beach, she'd be clean as a whistle. Aruba I love ya. See ya again for sure.

I ditto your message, David. My husband and I were there for the 1st time in July. We stayed at the Divi all inclusive. The information that this board provided was invaluable..Thanks to everyone!!
We did the Jolly Pirates snorkling and toured with friends around the island by jeep. It was a wonderful vacation, very relaxing and we will DEFINATELY be back!!!

Next year, you can go to washington, DC. There's a lot of trash there!! you'll be so beside yourself.

Joseph- the weather was great. There was some lightening and thunder one night but it only brought a sprinkle. No biggie.

Sarah- sounds like I touched a nerve...could it be that you are one of those people that neglects to clean-up after themselves? Don't be a hater.

When I was on the DePalm jeep tour the guide stated there is really not much they can do about the trash. The water current brings the trash in so even though they may clean it up-the next day there is more trash. It's no so much the tourists on the island, it's the trash coming in off the ocean. I'm just relaying what I was told.. but honestly there is so much trash..(I've been a lot of places) and on the side of the island that you see this is where it's not populated..so the story the guide told does make sense.

Going to the Radisson the last week of Sept. for the poker tournament. Can someone tell me which wing of the hotel is the best and has the easiest access to everything? Thanks in advance.