August 2022 Friends and Family

[Pegmeister]

We enjoy splitting our stays between hotels and we just love the Manchebo. It’s nice to spend time at different parts of the island. Usually we split between Manchebo and a few nights at the Renaissance but we also did the Ritz and Manchebo. The common element being the Manchebo. I also think you’ll be happy with Twist of Flavors.

Oh, and Happy Birthday!!

[Laura in NH]

Sounds like you've got everything under control. Hope you get a great Dr report!

[EveryAugust]

And the VERY BEST update.....went to the ortho yesterday. I am officially out of the boot. I have a much smaller brace to wear. Dr said it's healing well, he's not concerned with the swelling, and he feels walking on the sand will be fantastic physical therapy. He did say to fly with the brace, and leave it on for a couple of hours after we land, just so the ankle doesn't swell up like a ballon.

Not that it was ever really in doubt, but I feel so much better with the all clear!

[SusieLovesAruba]

Excellent news about your ankle! I'm sure you're relieved!

[Andrea J.]

great news!!!

[LisaGrn]

Fantastic news! But don't overdue it!

[Laura in NH]

Great news!

[Colette M]

Yay! That’s wonderful.

[ArubaAngela]

Enjoy your trip!!! Twist of flavors is a good choice. My July trip I had the grouper salad. It was delicious. Should try LasRamblas LaCabana.

[EveryAugust]

TRAVEL DAY – Thursday, 8/25/2022

I’m a Customer Service Manager for a Pool Company, and we are very busy this time of year….I worked until nearly 8pm Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night, and then I CHECKED OUT. Came home Weds, got everything packed into 1 carry on and 1 personal item for 10 days, and of course, could not get to sleep. Our friends who arrived the day before, were scheduled on the 9:40 flight, did not take off until nearly 12:45. With TSA Pre-Check, we were through security at Logan in about 10 minutes, and comfortably at our gate about an hour and 15 minutes prior to boarding. PERFECT. We were very lucky, and took off on time. We did have a VERY large wedding party on our flight, and I get the excitement, I really do, but they played musical seats for nearly the entire flight, it wasn’t awful, but it wasn’t the most relaxing flight either.

Smooth flight, and arrival to Aruba was on time. Breezed through customs/immigration, and were in a cab inside 10 minutes. Got to the Stellaris in 15 minutes! Our driver took the ‘new highway’ and then through a bunch of residential neighborhoods, avoiding the main roads, we came out by the backside of the Wendy’s and we were at the Stellaris in no time at all. Check in went very smoothly for us, there was a couple next to us checking in, who did not like a single thing they were being told, and immediately asked for a manager. We went upstairs, unpacked a little, and wandered to the beach where we had some Happy Hour beverages waiting for us, courtesy of our friends who had arrived the day before.

Dinner tonight was at Chicken and Lobster, and we’d never been there before. Very happy with our meal, and will definitely be adding it to the rotation. We had a 6:30 reservation for 6pm, were seated promptly, and although there were a couple of hiccups (our server also had a party of 27 (!!!!) behind so not even a little surprising. He was delightful, apologetic, and did get us everything we needed. Dishes were the Chicken and Lobster, Truffle pasta with lobster, twin lobster tails, and a burger. Everyone’s dinner was really good, and we all enjoyed it.

Strolled a bit after dinner and would up at a new to us dessert kiosk called French Kiss. They have crepes, ice cream, waffles, milkshakes, and we shared a few things.

All in all a great arrival day, and we are so lucky we have another 9 full days ahead of us!

Friday, 8/26/22

First full day!!!! We were a little slow to get moving, but no worries, we’re traveling with 2 other couples, and they had secured 2 palapas for today and tomorrow, and set them up with 4 loungers, 2 sit up chairs, and a table at each, and we were next to each other, so we were able to be together, and just chair hop.

We wrapped up beach day #1, around 3, because we had a date with Joanne and Albert on Blue Melody for some snorkeling and grilled cheese. As usual, it did not disappoint. Snorkeling was great, and my husband enjoyed it so much more this year. We went to a local dive shop at home before we left, and each bought a very nice mask and snorkel. I’m a former collegiate swimming and lifeguard, so I can stay in the water for hours. My husband is not a super strong swimmer, and used to get so tired out fussing with the the borrowed masks. Having his own, that fit properly, was a game changer for him, and he was able to stay in a lot longer, and really get the full experience. We’re also going out with them next Friday, so there will be more of the same.

We strolled over to Champions Sports Bar for a quick snack and to watch the Patriot’s last pre season game. Game was disappointing, so we called it an early night, and headed back around 10 or so.


Saturday, August 27^th

2^nd full day, and we are in the swing of things. Got 2 early morning texts, one to let us know that our base camp for the day had been set up, and that they were going to grab coffee and breakfast, and the 2^nd couple went for a walk on the beach and would meet us there when they got back.

We went down to Starbucks, grabbed ice coffee, juice, fruit, and pastry, ate in the lobby and did some people watching, and then came back up to get ready for the day. Slathered on some sunscreen, packed up the beach bag and moseyed on down. Returned the towels we took snorkeling with us and got some fresh ones. Hung out, floated, enjoyed Happy Hour, had a light lunch, and got off the beach around 5:15 to spruce up before our dinner reservation at Twist of Flavors. People, you did NOT steer me wrong here. We had an awesome meal; the mushroom appetizer was as amazing as advertised (we may have ordered a second one prior to our entrees arriving) We also had a pitcher of the pink sangria which was delightful. We had 2 beef tenderloins, 1 pork tenderloin, I had the lemon butter grouper, and there were 2 beef tenderloin salads. Everyone’s meal was fantastic, and I would drink the sauce over the mushrooms like a cup of soup if I could, it was that good. I begged for the recipe, but chef was not willing to share. I got a basic list of ingredients, but no technique, and no amounts. Experimenting here I come! I think I may try to find any recipe online for creamy, cheesy, garlic mushrooms as a jumping off point, and then start tweaking.

A few desserts were had, and I have to say, our server was delightful. Her name was Elisa, and she managed our somewhat rambunctious (but harmless) group with poise, humor and grace. Delightful young lady, who was a pleasure to meet. Walked from ToF up to the Alhambra Casino to grab a taxi, and a mini van arrived, so all 6 of us were able to come back together.

One couple is leaving tomorrow, and I think plans are afoot to stroll down to Moomba for breakfast in the morning, but we’ll see how everyone is feeling.

Until Sunday, hope you’re all having a great day!