Visited for the second time July 27. Rented a Lancer from Econo for $165/wk plus $10 for insurance. Just did not want the hassle if there was a problem. Stayed at the La Quinta. Loved it. A little by its self. Two pools. The kids mostly stayed at the bigger pool at the newer section, leaving the smaller pool at the older section for those seeking only P&Q.

Accomodations were not spectacular, but very clean. Nice balcony overlooking the pool area and the ocean across the road. Front desk folks very friendly and helpful. Rooms were cleaned every day. Be aware of the $7.50/day timeshare tax the government has imposed. La Quinta also "gives" a non-refundable $20 credit for the pool bar - use it or lose it.

The beach is great. Wide and removed from the other resorts so it felt almost deserted. The wind was stronger at times than I remember from previous trip. Someone said August has the strongest winds. Be prepared -it never stops but it makes the heat not so bad. The sun is very strong (remember how close you are to the equator).

Stopped at Hong Ling (?) for provisions. Spent ~$100 on beer, wine, booze, bread (get the fresh baked, not the generic white), cheese, cereal, milk, sodas, etc. Prices were not outrageous, but a little more than at home.

Ate one night at Amozonia. See our comments in the Dining section. It was great, but pricey and not worth it unless you are a real carnivore.

Lunches at Villa Germania and the Plaza Cafe in the Seaport Shopping Mall. Both great and very relaxing. No one is in a hurry. Both lunches were $20-30 including several beers.

Horse back riding at Rancho Natorious (sp.?). Previous we have ridden at Campo Del ??. Rancho better. Horses better cared for. Guides more personable and fun. Nice 2.5-3 hour country side tour. $50/pp.

My wife had a massage and facial at the Intermettzo Spa that she enjoyed, but reported as not anything special. I hiked up Hooliberg and snorkled Baby Beach. Hooliberg is worth the veiw, but it is a tough set of steps (651 to be exact)mostly without a handrail. Be careful if you are agoraphobic.

On our last night we chose the Fantasy Dinner and Dance Cruise. $65/pp we got open bar on the Sea Star from the De Palm pier at the Highrises to the marina downtown. Dinner was at Don Carlos on the dock. Nice with strolling music. Lots of fun dancing on the way back. Trip ran from 545 to 11 pm.

When leaving you have to fill out an Aruban declaration form stating if you have electronics in your checked luggage or carry-on. It's sort of confusing because the signs indicate that you cannot have electronics etc. in your luggage, but the bottom line is that you agree to let them search your luggage if they want to. You clear US Customs at the Aruba airport which makes it nicer getting home. No real hassles. The new airport in nice.

We cannot wait to go back.

Raymond