Mazoo-2 September 3rd to 13th 2019.

[MAZOO-2]

I figure while I had some time I would do an in progress report. Left on Tuesday out of Newark all went pretty well. I never get through security because of my faux knee. Even though we are TSA pre check . Left a little early, we had the 7:30 a.m flight and arrived early. Since we were only flight at airport. Flew right through immigration. Grabbed a cab and were at Hilton by noon. Of course room not ready, so grabbed lunch at Gilligans and Sat by pool for a bit. Great room, Bonaire tower 4th floor Ocean view. Long day so we snacked that night. Did beach thing on Wednesday and set up our Palaypa for the balance of stay. Confirmed reservations for Chophouse and our 47th anniversary dinner at Barefoot. Doing trikes next week, they have no sunset rides scheduled.


Had dinner at Casa Tua Wednesday across the street good as always, but some marketing going on, years past the shrimp bruchetti was four pieces and we shared, this year only two and the price was same. Pizza also looked a bit smaller. Last night, Thursday Chicken and Lobster, New for us. Pretty good, will go back.


Some overall observations, feels less crowed this year, we could walk in to a restaurant with no reservation. Gianni was maybe half full as was Casa Tua. Some retailers now show an 18% service charge along with that New smaller tax, others show nothing at all, so double check before tipping. I for one do not tip on the taxes.


Tonight something light like Hard Rock or Hooters or Salt and Pepper.
Tomorrow, beach, alcohol, snack and dinner. Car rental for Sunday and Monday.
The Casino gods have been favorable, up a few hundred.


Later
MAZOO-2
I'll try and post some pics.

[WaltVB]

Sounds like a good start, gotta love arriving early with no crowds. I thought the pizza was smaller at Casa Tua also. We've done Chicken and Lobster several times, but only for breakfast. Wish there was a sunset tour, would have loved to hear about it. Is there a minimum number of trikes required? Thanks for taking the time to post, have fun!

[ArubaAce]

I was starving for a trip report! Looks like you are off to a great start with arriving early, casino wins. I find September the least crowded time to go to Aruba. Some of the rest close in September usually last 2 weeks of the month like Bavaria, Gostoso. Enjoy and keep us updated if you can.

[cpjones]

Thanks for sharing.... we enjoyed Chicken and Lobster a couple years ago..... except for all the street noise.

[Andrea J.]

hooray!! an Aruba story!

sounds like all is going well.

re: the smaller portions/same pricing
it's the same most everywhere (I had hoped that Aruba would have been immune)
the hellmanns mayo, no longer a quart and the price is higher..........ice cream no longer a half gallon and the price is as high if not higher.
I find it it slimy policy.

have fun Mazoo!!
we were in need of an ARUBA STORY.

[Sue M.]

Nice start. Enjoy your stay.

[robin]

Thanks for the trip report! Sounds like you are having an awesome time!

[Laura in NH]

Glad to hear. I like seeing the trip reports right before I leave so I can learn last minute updates, etc. I've been seeing reports of power outages for the past week- 2 weeks. Hope they don't interfere with your plans.

[MAZOO-2]

Glad to hear. I like seeing the trip reports right before I leave so I can learn last minute updates, etc. I've been seeing reports of power outages for the past week- 2 weeks. Hope they don't interfere with your plans.

Power went out for a good portion of the island last night. Affected Palm and Eagle most of downtown and to the west. Weird though Sarawak food was dark, Giannis open, Hard Rock dark, Hilton on emergency operation, lucky we had a.c. in room, casino had nothing moving and was empty. At to last at least 4 to 5 hours. Don't know if is back 100%. Said a boiler went down at Water/Power plant..

[Andrea J.]

the power does go out from time to time
that being said, folks need to remember that Aruba is NOT a 3rd world country, but keeping up with the repairs and overload of the infrastructure could be an issue.
if the same thing happened at the power plant in your community in the USA or Canada or Europe, chances are it would only cause a flicker. in Aruba, that flicker could last a few hours.

in our many visits, we have been in only 2 extended power outages. both were less than 6 hours. both times, it was during the same trip...a couple of years ago. once was during the day and the other evening. it was an inconvenience but not especially terrible.

Power went out for a good portion of the island last night. Affected Palm and Eagle most of downtown and to the west. Weird though Sarawak food was dark, Giannis open, Hard Rock dark, Hilton on emergency operation, lucky we had a.c. in room, casino had nothing moving and was empty. At to last at least 4 to 5 hours. Don't know if is back 100%. Said a boiler went down at Water/Power plant..