I'm back from paradise **Updated with pics on pg 2**

DH and I got back from Aruba late last night....usually I look forward to returning from trips but this one was hard to leave!

We now see what everyone raves about.....IMO, it's not the culture, the people, the sightseeing, but the WEATHER and the BEACHES! Wow - we'd never been down to the Carribean before so this was a first for both of us. While there's not a ton to do outside of the resort area, (compared to places like Hawaii) the weather was just phenomenal. We lounged every day by the pool and/or beach and with their trade winds, were so comfortable. Sunny blue skies, bright sun (wow - watch that burn!) and a warm breeze. It truly is paradise!

We stayed at the Marriott Hotel and really loved it. It was a great resort with a wonderful pool area, fantastic beach with powdery sand and clear water and a few great places to eat.

I think the Marriott was rated third or fourth best hotel on the island (matter of opinion). They said Hyatt was the nicest, and their grounds were gorgeous, but their rooms I heard were smaller and not all had balconies (I love that about the Marriott!). The Radisson is also supposed to be great but we didn't get a chance to see it.

Aside from our lounging , we rented a car for the second half of our trip (great idea BTW - it would have been a waste while we swam in the ocean!) and headed out to a few sites - the natural bridge which was a total PITA to get too (no street signs off the main roads!) and the Lighthouse which was nice.

DH wanted to go snorkeling so we went on a half day trip to De Palm Island - it was good but I think a bit overrated....DH paid extra for SNUBA....which is a combo of snorkeling and scuba diving, but he basically did and saw all the same things as you can with snorkeling, without paying the extra $$. We still had a great time though.

Our absolute favorite restaurant and highlight of our trip was going to dinner at the Flying Fishbone!!!!!!!!!!!
This in itself was worth the rental car The restaurant is right on the water with beautiful views of the sunset, and each gues is seated barefoot on the sand. Since I made reservations a few wks before our trip we had one of the best tables right along the water.

I could have dipped my foot in the water if I wanted too! To just sit there and watch the sun go down like that was heaven. The service and food was great too.

That's about it for now - I'm sure I'll remember more details later

Pictures to follow once I get them all developed!

Re: I'm back from paradise

It sounds wonderful!!! I am glad you had a great time

Re: I'm back from paradise

Sounds like a wonderful trip! Welcome back!

Re: I'm back from paradise

Welcome back!

Re: I'm back from paradise

Welcome back Teri? Now you see why i go every year??

You think the Natural Bridge is hard to find? Try to find the Natural pool I knew you would love Flying Fishbone!!

I am so glad you had a wonderful time!! I'm next I can't wait to see pictures!!!!

Re: I'm back from paradise

Wow!! It sounds wonderful!! Welcome Back!!

Re: I'm back from paradise

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Posted by jennbaby

Welcome back Teri? Now you see why i go every year??

You think the Natural Bridge is hard to find? Try to find the Natural pool I knew you would love Flying Fishbone!!

I am so glad you had a wonderful time!! I'm next I can't wait to see pictures!!!!

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Thanks everyone!

Jenn - where have you stayed while in Aruba? They're building a gorgeous timeshare next to the Marriott Surf Club but oh are they expensive! It looks like it's going to be amazing though....complete with a lazy river

Oh and what's with all the mangy dogs on that island?! I swear they're everywhere! They are a bit ugly too - patches of fur missing, running around all crazy-like (I really am a dog lover at heart though, but just when they're pets )

Re: I'm back from paradise

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Posted by Teri

Jenn - where have you stayed while in Aruba? They're building a gorgeous timeshare next to the Marriott Surf Club but oh are they expensive! It looks like it's going to be amazing though....complete with a lazy river

Oh and what's with all the mangy dogs on that island?! I swear they're everywhere! They are a bit ugly too - patches of fur missing, running around all crazy-like (I really am a dog lover at heart though, but just when they're pets )

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We have stayed at LaCabana, Radisson & Wyndham.
My favorite is the Radisson!
I saw the building next to the Marriott, I think that IS the Marriott (extension, but I may be wrong, I'll ask). I think DH's coworker bought there already! Oh I see you posted that. When I went they were starting to build.

As for the dogs, is sad. DH & I actually bring dog food when we go, and any leftovers we have from dinners, we drive around & give the first dogs we see the food.
Its sad but they dont harm anyone (as far as I know).

Re: I'm back from paradise

Welcome back Teri! Gald you had a good time. I can't wait to see pictures!!

Re: I'm back from paradise

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Posted by Teri

Our absolute favorite restaurant and highlight of our trip was going to dinner at the Flying Fishbone!!!!!!!!!!!
This in itself was worth the rental car The restaurant is right on the water with beautiful views of the sunset, and each gues is seated barefoot on the sand. Since I made reservations a few wks before our trip we had one of the best tables right along the water.

I could have dipped my foot in the water if I wanted too! To just sit there and watch the sun go down like that was heaven. The service and food was great too.

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that restaurant is one of my favorite places on earth.

Re: I'm back from paradise

I'm so glad you had a good time!!!!




lots of those mangy dogs in Mexico too - it just goes to show you how important that Americans are so conscious of 'fixing' dogs...

Re: I'm back from paradise

Welcome back Teri, so glad you had a wonderful time.

Re: I'm back from paradise

Welcome back!

Re: I'm back from paradise

Aruba was my favorite Carribean vacation. I would love to go back again. So glad you enjoyed it! We stayed at the Hyatt when we went. We were very happy there. We walked down to the MArriot and thought it was a very nice hotel too. We ate in their Italian restaurant when we were there. It was very good.

So glad you enjoyed your trip!

Re: I'm back from paradise

Hi Teri! I thought of you this morning and wondered how your trip was. I am SO GLAD you had a wonderful time as I knew you would! I knew that a rental car would be worth every penny as it was for us. I will have to try Flying Fishbone the next time we get there. I can't wait to see your pics and get all jealous!!!

Re: I'm back from paradise

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Posted by jennbaby

We have stayed at LaCabana, Radisson & Wyndham.
My favorite is the Radisson!
I saw the building next to the Marriott, I think that IS the Marriott (extension, but I may be wrong, I'll ask). I think DH's coworker bought there already! Oh I see you posted that. When I went they were starting to build.

As for the dogs, is sad. DH & I actually bring dog food when we go, and any leftovers we have from dinners, we drive around & give the first dogs we see the food.
Its sad but they dont harm anyone (as far as I know).

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Yep, it's the Marriott that owns the property next door. The first of 4-5 buildings is just about complete and will be ready in July 2004 - the rest in April 2006. Already ALL of the garden view timeshares are sold out!! We walked through a showroom and it was just beautiful.

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Jenny - I guess the restaurant is more popular than I thought! No doubt as to why though

Cindy - I guess we're lazy cause we took a cab to the Hyatt for dinner! We went to Ruinas Del mar and it was one of the best meals of the week. Marriott's Tuscany was good but DH was a bit disappointed with his dinner.

Stacey - Did you make plans to go back already? Where is your timeshare?

Re: I'm back from paradise

Terri, welcome back, so you had a good time. Aruba is on our list, I don't know if we are going to make it there this year, but we are definitely going. I cannot wait to see your pix. Glad to have you back safe and sound.

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Posted by shamma

Terri, welcome back, so you had a good time. Aruba is on our list, I don't know if we are going to make it there this year, but we are definitely going. I cannot wait to see your pix. Glad to have you back safe and sound.

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Thanks! If you do decide to go, book the trip for when you'll be in your 2nd trimester...any later for me the sun would have been too strong to handle.

Re: I'm back from paradise

Sounds like you had a great trip!

When we went we couldnt find that natural bridge despite driving all around for it. ahhaha

Where are the pics? You know I want em!