Shrmdougluvr
Give it all to me fool!
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2011
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Here's a quick report on Aruba (just got back early early this morning):
- We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Resort.
- Its pretty much is as everyone says.
- Convection oven like weather, which I like (though it did briefly rain twice).
- Did an Island Jeep tour (ABC), some snorkling (Mango Halto, Baby Beach, Arashi Beach), a sunset cruise (Jolly Pirates), offshore fishing (Driftwood), and a visit to the Butterfly Farm.
- Everything was pricey, but we mostly stayed in the Palm Beach area, which is a tourist mecca.
- Didn't have a bad meal.
- I was surprised by how clean things were.
- I can't recall an Aruban who wasnt genuinely friendly. Many of the locals seemed as curious about us as we were of them. My older boy is very sweet and my younger is very little and has a precious vibe. Adults tend to like to interact with us i think partially for that reason.
- Loved how everything was fully staffed and that staff was attentive and worked hard at getting things right. It's a marked contrast between hotels and restaurants in the States.
- I suppose the "One Happy Island" slogan works, but I don't think it perfectly fits. There is a real lack of pretentiousness (Instagrama and Tiktok models not withstanding) and a sincere appreciation for finding joy. I really liked that.
- We will return, but I doubt before my eldest finishes high school (he is a rising 7th grader).