Hi All,

This is long so bear with me. We were in Aruba for 8 days and 7 nights staying at the Tamarijn. American Airlines flights were all on time and no luggage problems on the flights down there (left Newark 4/27 to Miami to Aruba). We took the advice of others and didn’t take the bus (DePalm) from the airport, took a cab. We got there ½ hour before the bus did. Cab fare was 14.00 plus tip.

Day 1
No sweat checking in and went to our room in the 2100 block of rooms. The room was nice. Not anything fancy but nice…you are not in it much anyway. If I would stay there again…I would stay in the 1700 block of rooms…less walking…bar right next door…a little noisy…but convenient (only open ‘til 7 o’clock though). Went right to the bar for some fruity drinks and then out on the beach after we unpacked…It is so nice to be able to see your feet in water up to your neck (as compared to the Jersey, Delaware or Maryland beaches). By the way Jeanne…I’m hooked on the Hurricanes…mmm…mmm…good! Did the buffet at the Tam for Dinner. Over all, the food at the Tam was OK…not spectacular…there was some that I didn’t care for…some that was good…and some that was very good. This is not my taste buds…but how the food was prepared and served and remember…everyone has a different opinion on food. We watched the show they had that night with the children from the Carnival Show. They are a group of girls that won awards for their dancing. They are very good. Worth watching. Of course, I can’t forget to mention that throughout the day we had fruity drinks in hand (sometimes one in each…get two…they go down fast and the bartenders are glad to give you two).

Day 2
Picked up our rental car from Thrifty…no problems even though we were supposed to pick the car up from the airport and picked it up from the Divi Village office (my misunderstanding). Went into town to do some shopping. We hit the malls and the shopping area behind the malls (where the locals shop). We both sort of thought there was more of a selection at the malls. A little bit more expensive…but nothing was really out of line…price wise that is. Hit the little shops across the street from the malls too…some good stuff there. Did a little gambling at the Crystal Casino (next to the Sonesta Seaport Mall). Stopped by the Internet Café and did some e-mailing. After that we headed off to Eagle beach for Jet Skiing. We both loved it! First time for both of us. Did supper at the Palm Court at the Tam. Their choices are limited on the menus (2 appetizers, 2 soups, salad, 4 entrees…the menus change every 3 days with the same amount of options). After that we went to the Alhambra Casino…did the slots, Black Jack and Roulette tables. Walked out after 4 ½ hours of drinking and gambling minus about 30-40 dollars and with a buzz.

Day 3
Got up late…too many drinks at the casino…planned the rest of the week out. Went on the Colibri Helicopter Ride. This is a must do! It’s expensive…but worth the $98 each for the 20 minute ride over the island (sights were Eagle Beach, Sunken Freighter, Arikok National Park, Natural Pool, Natural Bridge, California Lighthouse, Alto Vista Chapel among others. I have always dreamed of flying a chopper, so for me, this was exciting to be in one for the first time. We came back to the Tam and I bought snorkel gear. Went to the beach in front of the room and tried it out. Not much to see but I learned how to do it on my own. Made phone calls to our loved ones back in the states. WOW….is Setar expensive!!!!! Don’t call home unless you have to! We racked up about $100 in phone bills for about 5 phone calls at about 5 minutes each….was even charged $6.00 for a call that no one answered. 

Day 4
Took car back and got a Suzuki Samauri (this was planned). Ventured out on our own to the natural pool and the natural bridge. It was great…the scenery is awesome…the roads…roads?…what roads? If you have any kind of Kahoonas (better than what I was going to say)…you have to do this! We used the directions from the board (as sketchy as they were) and found it on our own…that was half the fun. Seeing the homes and scenery along the way was very interesting. The paths (‘cause they sure aren’t roads) are very rocky, bumpy (to say the least) are passable with 4 wheel drives. Someone said they were impassable (not if you have Kahoonas), well, we made it. I am glad we did it on our own instead of the jeep tour. Not sure why, but I am. This was one of the highlights for me. The Pool is indescribable. Just a place in the sea surrounded by large rocks that the waves crash over and spray you while you are swimming among some tropical fish. The Bridge is another awesome sight. The way the ocean pounded the surf to create this natural bridge is mind boggling. Between the pool and bridge are some awesome (I don’t know how else to describe some of the sights we saw) cliffs and beaches. You won’t get to see some of these without getting a jeep. We realized we had better get back because our BB get together was that afternoon at the Divi Village. We stopped by and told them we would be back after we showered (you will need to after that trip). Well, I must say that Harriet and Rob did a great job in planning our get together. They had a cake (with little statuettes I might add) for the people who were down there celebrating either their honeymoon or graduation. Prizes for whoever came the farthest and other things. And the Killer bees…they were great! But leave out the nutmeg (hehehe). Everyone was very friendly and outgoing. It was a pleasure meeting everyone. It is a shame that we only had 16 people there when almost 40 said they would show up. I understand Denise had a valid excuse (hope you’re feeling better Denise). Shame on the rest of you…we had a blast! Harriet & Rob, Lynn & Ron, Marion Joyce & Chad, Daria (I mean…ooops…nevermind) & Shane, Kim & Alan, Sue & Herschel, and Sandy & John. Thanx for the great company, great time and memories! We won’t forget you! (we have the pictures). Went back to the Tam and ate at the Palm Court again. The menu had changed and the meal was pretty good. We both had the steak. I’m sure not like El Gaucho’s…but it was good. We finally cashed in our certificate for the free bottle of champagne and sat out on the beach until bedtime.

Day 5
We booked a resort course through Pro Dive. Their Dive Master was away (I think for medical reasons) so we got hooked up through Aruba Scuba Center. Clive was very friendly, patient and helpful. He took the small group that we had (three of us) to the Mangel Halto Reef. Saw a lot of coral and really cool looking fish. Even saw a sea turtle. This was my first time diving and it was great! I wish I would have been able to do another dive but was unable to. The KUKOO KUNUKU was the BEST! What a trip. We went with two couples from the get together (Sue & Herschel and Daria [I still didn’t say your name was….] & Shane). What a time we had! The bars were local bars where the locals hang out…very friendly people! Dinner at the Minister of Protocol’s house was very good! We all danced, drank and had an excellent time. Thanx to Richard (the bus driver) and Amy (the one who made us have fun…which wasn’t hard to do) for a great night! The highlight of the night was on our way back. There was a couple, who by the way, stayed at the Tam. Well, inside the bus were all kinds of crazy sayings and signs and one of them said, ‘Mooning Allowed - No Moonies Allowed!". Well…he took it to heart and on the way back through town…yes…I mean through the shopping district on L.G. Smith Blvd., he was mooning the people downtown from the back of the bus. We were in hysterics! The people were pointing, laughing, cheering! Traffic was stop and go so they caught a good look. What more can I say…It was the end to a great night!

Day 6
Did some more shopping in town. Ate at Iguana Joe’s. We both had the ‘Not just a Typical Joe Burger’. It would have been pretty good if it was cooked more. I didn’t have time to send it back so I just ate it anyway. The Igua-na-chos (nachos with chili, salsa and sour cream) were very good. We made reservations at the Marina Pirata restaurant down by the Desalinization plant. We both had Lobster tail (broiled). It was a large tail yet one of their smaller ones. At $32.00 each plus appetizers and drinks the bill ran us $120 with the tip. The meal was very good. The atmosphere is fabulous! You eat over the water on a pier. We did not get a table near the lights over the water but walked over to that area. Can’t see too many fish while sitting at the table but it is neat to see. The restaurant is very cozy. Got an A+ for atmosphere and an A- for the food.

Day 7
Went to tour more of the Island. Went to Casibari (Large rock formation) . Or so we thought. We saw signs for it and thought we found it. Took pictures (quite a few) and then left. Then we found the real Casibari. Don’t have any idea what we took pictures of before…but we have lots of ‘em! Went back to the Natural Bridge because we didn’t get to spend as much time as we wanted there so we could make the BB get together. Met up with Herschel & Sue (from the BB get together) and decided to stay together for the remainder of the day. From there we took some back roads trying to get to the caves and other sites. We made it to the Boca Prins Sand Dunes, Chinese Vegetable Garden, otherwise known as the Fontein Garden (don’t bother, not worth the time), Tunnel of Love, and on to Baby Beach for snorkeling. The fish at Baby Beach were great. Lots of them and everyone is right. Go out to the rocks on the left and in the channel where it splits is where you’ll see the fish. We found Charlie’s Bar but it was closed. Bummer! Wanted to try the Coconut Shrimp. Went to the DePalm Pier and had a few drinks and then we went our separate way for dinner. Was a great time Herschel and Sue! Thanks for joining us! Sue wasn’t crazy about some of the roads we took that day…but believe me…they weren’t nearly as bad as what we took earlier in the week. We couldn’t decide on a restaurant…some were closed and we didn’t feel like dressing up so we ended up at the Pirate’s Nest. Nice place as far as the looks. They had a show with the Limbo Dancer
( Vincent). He was pretty good and also funny. They had a buffet that night and we arrived late. Half the food was good…the other half wasn’t. Since we arrived late…some of the food was dried out and they hurried us to get our food because they wanted to put everything away so we had to take two plates to get our money’s worth (34.50 each)…this was their suggestion…not ours. We were not happy to say the least. The food is probably pretty good at any other time…but if they have another buffet…get there on time!

Day 8
Yes…we needed to do more shopping. This was our last day and needed a few more gifts. Hard to find things that are made there for souvenirs and such. Took the Samauri back…a few more fruity drinks…lunch…a few more fruity drinks and it was off to the airport. Left on time…arrived in Miami on time…then a thunder storm rumbled into Miami just as we were almost ready to leave. We were already boarded so they wouldn’t let anyone off the plane. 2 ½ hours we sat there and waited for the storm and Miami tower to clear things up. We were supposed to land in Newark at 10:37 and didn’t get there ‘til 12:30. All in all it was no fault of American and other than that, they did us good.
I know this is a little lengthy and I apologize. All in all we had a great time. Remember that the opinions in here are just that…my opinions…everyone has different tastes on food and activities. If anyone would like any info from me…feel free to e-mail me. This is only my first time to Aruba but I can give you my opinion on what to do or see. Eight days is not enough, that’s for sure! Hope everyone heading down in the future has a great time as we had. Enjoy the people! They are very friendly.

Paul