Just returned from a wonderful week in beautiful Aruba. We stayed at the Ocean Club where, as always, the staff was very helpful and friendly. Our weather was wonderful; however, it was cloudy on the day we left. We had heard the weather the week before our arrival wasn't very good. The results of this weather showed on the beach - full of seaweed and the water was very rough and murky.

We did the lunch snorkeling tour with Red Sail Sports. It was very enjoyable except for one thing. My husband and friend signed up for and paid extra for Snuba. They were lead to believe they would be snubaing at all three stops. Snuba was actually only offered at one stop. When the guys had trouble snubaing, the Red Sail employees didn't help - they simply took the equipment from them and proceeded to snuba themselves. No refunds on this. This is an FYI for you to be aware of.

Did a bus tour with Watapanau (sp) tours. They indicated a stop at Baby Beach and to bring beach towels. Well, the stop was only for 1/2 hr. so it didn't make it worthwhile to swim. The tour was very lame. Would suggest the DePalm Jeep Tour instead. It's a rougher ride, but much more fun. Baby Beach is beautiful, and would suggest going on your own to enjoy it for a longer period of time.

A MUST: A sunset sail, snorkel with Blue Melody (www.blue-melody.com). This is a quiet, relaxing tour. Albert (owner) only takes 10 to 12 people. So it's very quaint and intimate. You feel like you're sailing with a friend and not on a tour. The snorkeling was much better than the trip with Red Sail Sports.

Restaurants: A must - ElGaucho & Madam Jeanettes. Our final night we went to Papiamento. It has an elegant setting; however, as soon as we were seated (outside under a tree) a bird did his duty on me! We were switched to another table, but before we left, another bird did the same on me! This experience put a damper on the night. The management did not offer any compensation either. Also, for the price of entrees, we didn't think the food was that good. Don't think we'll go back.

Once again, (our 6th trip) the people of Aruba were wonderful - very friendly and warm.