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trip report
I'll try to keep it short. Just got back from a terrific trip. Left baltimore on american airlines. flight no problem. Our all inclusive provided transportation from airport to hotel, which was nice to have them waiting right out front. Stayed at Aruba Grand, gorgeous grounds. Hotel staff very nice and helpful. Room clean & spacious, great view of the ocean. 1st night dinner, could not figure what was taking so long. By breakfast we realized the slow pace is the Arubian way and we actually liked it. It gave us time to sit back enjoy the surroundings, each other, & the food. The slow pace there really helped our trip to be so much more relaxed. All the meals at the hotel were great. For us all inclusive was the way to go. We could not have afforded to buy breakfast,lunch & dinner everyday, plus drinks. It is very expensive there. We took a snorkeling trip on the Mi Dushi, which was so worth the money. We went to 3 different stops, they entertained us, open bar & fed us a terrific lunch. Highly recommend that trip. Rented a harley for the day. Recommend 1/2 day. You see plenty in the 1/2 day tour. Plus, the sun bakes you, while your riding. They did throw some hidden charges we were not expecting, so it was lucky we took extra cash. We thought we paid everything when we gave them the credit card, but during the tour, the guide said we only paid for the rental & had to pay him the tour fee ($20). He also told us that when we return the bike, we need to fill the tank ($13). He ended the tour at a small bar in san nichols, where he new the owner & pushed for us to have lunch there. We felt obligated, so $28 later we went on our way. We now know to ask about hidden extras before we do anything. Anyway, it was a neat way to see the Island. We then spent the rest of the trip relaxing & enjoying the Island. We had no problem getting to town by the local bus. $2.00 round trip can't beat it. Felt comfortable walking thru town. Did not feel unsafe. As anywhere, do not leave your bags or purse lying around & be aware of your surroundings. Our trip was so great, but I was very embarressed when I would hear other Americans being rude & insulting to wait staff & treat them like they are beneath them. I can now understand why other countries don't like us & say Americans are rude & stupid. Everyone forgets, we are there visiting their home. Do we leave our manners in the states? If you came to my home would you insult me? I was very sad to leave on our last day. But we are already making plans to go back next year. God bless Aruba & her residents
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