Just returned from a glorious 10 days at our home away from home. We stayed at the Amsterdam Manor. The people there were as nice as they could be. The cleaners kept the area and rooms absolutely spotless. I would defintely stay there again.
US Air-PIT to PHL (this portion of the trip especially at PHL made me wonder why this airline is still in business). PHL to AUA and AUA to CHL to PIT was quite good.
We rented a car from Amigo (at the very end of the car rental kiosks). They had a very reasonable Toyota Yaris with air that took us all over the island. The girl at the counter made the start of our time on the island memorable. She was a dear.
While we had a car for our time there, there is a bus stop directly in front of the Amsterdam Manor. Arubus does a heck of a job!
We spent alot of time on the beach but also visited Saveneta and the San Nicholas areas. We made it a point to see Charlie's Bar but were unable to park there to go in.
We saw Charlie's anchor memorial, Seroe Colorado, Baby Beach and the Valero refinery. Another day we went to the Balashi bottling works. Christine was our guide (a NYC gal). She was very informative and a doll besides.
We spent another day in the north. We went to the (fallen down) Natural Bridge and found more people there than we saw when the bridge was still standing. There are other (smaller) natural bridges.
We we into the caves and were awed by them. We also went to the ostrich farm and enjoyed our time there.
After 4 other times in Aruba, I am actually able to find my way around now.
Food-We cooked our breakfasts and lunches in our room but ate out each evening. Our favorite place is the Buccaneer in Noord (closed Sundays). We found the Monday catch of the day to be Barracuda. Don't miss this treat! It was the best fish I may have ever had. We ate there 3 times during our stay. We had pizza at Tomato Charlies (not recommended). We also went to Salt and Pepper (surprisingly good), and of course, Texas de Brazil (always excellent and first class - try to get Jacob as your waiter). Just down from the Amsterdam Manor, try the Tulip restaurant, it was a treat also. The Manor itself had some wonderful meals.
We were there during "World Cup fever" and it was great. Good luck to Holland going all the way!
We are already planning next year's trip to Aruba and can't wait.
Doug

Very nice report Doug, you found rewarding things about Aruba that are missed by many.
Sightseeing Mother Natures construction is one thing but enjoying it as you did is another!
Its also nice to read different opinions about restaurants. Buccaneer has some bad reviews from time to time but I always enjoyed it there. Its simple and plain and the food is fresh and very tasty. The owner visits your table checking on your dinner and the prices are very reasonable.
I've always maintained that if you ask many people where is the best place to eat, you'll hence get many same as well as opposite opinions and, about the same location.
We've found great recommendations turn out to be bad and bad out to be good.
Different items on any menus can be either great or not so good so people need to experiment as to what they personally enjoy, as you did with the Buccaneer. This restaurant has survived the closing of many places to eat in Aruba for many yrs. They must be doing something right!

Next time try Pizza Bobs, located near the Hyatt and also behind the Alhambra casino.
Great Pizza. Thin crusted and delicious.
Again, your report was perfect. Not to short and not to long.
All the Best, RC