AA679 from NY to Aruba - no problems. Our friends came the next day and had long waits at JFK - got to the gate as it was boarding.

Alamo car rental - $187 for 8 days - small Yaris, but it got us around. Got a flat and Alamo came and fixed it - we didn't even have to be there. Did it in parking lot while we were at the beach.

Casa del Mar - 8th place I've stayed and taking all aspects into consideration, probably one of the best all around. They are doing work at CDM and Aruba Beach Club next door, so it was a little noisy and inconvenient, but they have to do it sometime - at least they are keeping it up. The only drawback is Calypso restaurant - not that good.

Renaissance Marina Hotel - stayed 1 night - not for us. Too busy - pool overlooks road. Long boat ride to island.

Casinos. Marriott still the biggest and best. Aruba Grand the smallest with BJ and Roulette the only table games. Royal Cabana empty. Wyndham was the only place I saw people playing craps. Hard to find table games during the day. Some places had BJ, Carribean Stud and Roulette, but 3 Card Poker and Let It Ride only at night. CS jackpot highest at $166,000 at Marriott and the Marriott is the only place that pays a $25 bonus for a straight.

AA796 from Aruba to NY. Terrible ending to great vacation. 5 hour delay. And we found out that US Customs closes at 5:00 so you have to check in and sit in the airport until flight leaves, even though we knew at 4:00 that the flight would not leave until 10:30. That means there is no reason to ever call ahead to see if flight is delayed. Didn't arrive at JFK until 3 a.m.