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!