I've finally gotten over whining about being back in Maine - at least enough to post a trip report.

The Holiday Inn was great! The rooms aren't spectacular, but they are all that you need, for sure. They upgraded our room for free, so we ended up on the top floor (7th) with a great view overlooking the pool / beach / ocean... couldn't ask for much better, especially for the price! Thanks HI!

The restaurants we visited all were pretty good. They were as follows:

Miramar (at the HI) - OK, wouldn't recommend
Texas De Brazil - awesome, a must try
Cafe Piccolo (at the Hyatt) - awesome
Iguana Joes (downtown) - very good (awesome drinks, too)
Madame Janettes - good (but not "best on the island" good)
Sunset Grille (at the Radisson) - awesome (but expensive) try the 22oz ribeye - YUM!
Le Petit Cafe - great buffet breakfast for only $7.95 all-you-can-eat.
Dunkin Donuts - my fiancee is hooked on the egg-n'-cheese sandwich, haha!

So many places to eat - we have our list already for our next trip, hopefully next year. Advice: only do the AI if you are on a strict budget. Don't limit yourself to specific places - there are too many places that you'll want to go.

The weather was HOT! The trade winds died down most of our days there - very humid and muggy. We actually had a decent amount of rain on a couple of occassions... and when it rains, it can RAIN! But all-in-all, it was great! Would you expect anything less? Not in Aruba, you wouldn't...

Note: Be careful if you go out looking for the Natural Pool. Not recommended unless you have a ATV (even in a Jeep it can be sketchy). We didn't make it there - turned back. The other sites were nice, though (Natural Bridge, Gold Mill Ruins, etc) still some more that we want to explore next time around.

No problem with the birth certificate/photo ID combo through customs. Of course, this will change after the end of the year, so if you are planning a trip in 2006 (or going this year and plan on going back - you will <grin>) you might as well bite the bullet and get a passport. I don't know about you, but I'm aiming to become an ambassador! hehe

I envy those about to go on thier trip, and feel the pain of those who have recently returned. My body may be back in the States, but my mind and heart still reside on the "one happy island".

Final note: the people or Aruba are AWESOME! You can't find a better group of people anywhere else on this planet. That is what truly makes Aruba special.

Until next time - which hopefully isn't too far away.

Drew

Drew, Thanks for the great trip report. I know I feel the same way about coming home. Last year I was depressed for days.I will be there in 29 days for 2 weeks.

Sheila

I'll bet your are nice and tan even though it rained a bit. i'll be in aruba in 2 or so weeks. can't wait

Thanks Drew for sharing your trip with us " poor souls ". Sounds like you would have liked to stay longer. Ha <BigPapa>

Nice report. I had to reply, as we also try to get to the Natural Pool and drove all over those rocky hills and never made it. We gave up after more than hour searching. Do you think it really exist? Tee-hee

Yvette Z. - I have heard that it does exist, but in two trips to Aruba, have yet to find it... third time's a charm? <grin>

BigPapa - for sure! It rained here in New England the whole week we were away, and then for another week after our return. I should have burned those few extra vacation days for our trip - but i'll need them to get my x-mas shopping done since I wait until the last minute each year... haha

M - yes.. the tan is nice... but give it a few weeks in Maine and I'll look pasty-white again... haha actually, the weather is looking up, maybe even an 80-degree day here this weekend... can't complain about that. I wished that the weather would follow me back home... maybe it has arrived a little late (like my luggage) but better late then never... haha

Drew

drew can you tel me where the cafe is for all dat breakfast and could you give an estimate of cost for each meal so i can budget thanks we are there 17th june for 1 week

Guys the natural pool exists, but like said you will need to rent an ATV and be prepared for a very rough ride, once there it will be worth it. Take that from a local.

My husband and I just returned from Aruba last Thursday after 12 days (our honeymoon) and I am so depressed to be back. I sit here at work and think how miserable it is and think of what I was doing 2 weeks ago today to the exact minute. I can not stop thinking about our trip and trying to figure out ways to get down there again sometime soon. It was an incredible vacation.