OK, so I'm a little late to the Welcoming party. Things have been crazy and I haven't been on much. A grande ol' welcome to ya Sandy (and anyone else I may have missed-Jewell, AG-in the past few weeks). I tend to be lurking more than posting...just getting a "quickie" in here and there (wink). Enjoy the board!

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Aruba, wine & dogs...Life is good!

Though this thread is old, I will intro myself! I am Christine, married for 9 years, I have 3 kids (2 girls, 6 and 3, and a boy 13 months). I live in NJ, near Philly. I went to Aruba for my honeymoon in Aug 96, and loved it! Was supposed to go to Cancun with my best friend, but, Wilma destroyed our hotel, so, we got smart, and changed our plans to go to Aruba. Right now, I am a SAHM, but, used to be and still am a physical therapist.

Hi Christine - welcome to the board! I live outside of Philly, but on the northwest end near Allentown.

Glad you're getting the opportunity to go back to Aruba again, and going with your sister-in-law sans kids and husbands sounds like fun!!

Have a great time and let us know all about your trip when you return!

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The countdown's begun!
January 30th to February 27th!

Welcome Christine. You came to the right place.Any questions you have on your upcoming trip, just ask away. It's too bad about your Cancun trip, but Aruba is better anyway.

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March 25-April 22, 2010
Aruba since 1985

Welcome married - ( sounds funny ) - This is a Great board to find out about Aruba or just to talk. A Ton of Nice people here. So feel free. I'm BigPapa around here - I went to Aruba for the 1st. time Feb. 2005 for our 27th. wedding aniv. and am planning Fe. 2006 for our 28th. ( Good reason to be married ha. ) Enjoy!!

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I lead with my Heart and my Body follows

Dan & Sweet Georgene

Welcome aboard! If my wife ever posted here her name would be 'married2mrfish'

I'll likely be a SAHD someday in the near future, since her career shows a lot more promise than mine, and I must say I'm kinda looking forward to it!

Wilma did you a favor, Aruba will make you wonder why you wanted to go to Cancun in the first place...

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Welcome Christine! I am married2mrgolf2!

Please give us a trip report when you return!

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Christine,
Welcome to the board and many future welcomes to Aruba. Nice family planning.
Be well
Charles

Elaine,
My sister in law is from Hellertown, right near you! I am up there alot, since she is on call every other week for her job, it is easier to go up there to see her. (we have been friends since 1987!) There are lots of people from around here!

Christine - I'm not sure where Hellertown is, I'm in Hatfield!

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The countdown's begun!
January 30th to February 27th!

Well, Jenn grew up in Hatfield! Hellertown is right outside of Bethlehem. The Eagles training camp is at Lehigh Valley- just 5 minutes from her house. Jenn's mom is still in Hatfield. She is coming with me to Aruba next week.

Is that not too funny or what!!!

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The countdown's begun!
January 30th to February 27th!

Yep, it is a small world!

Welcome to the board Christine! This is a GREAT board with a bunch of wonderful people on it. My husband and I went to Aruba for our first time in October of 2004 for our 25th anniversary and just loved it. We can't wait to go again. Hopefully we'll get there next year. Have a great time in Aruba and be sure to let us know all about your trip when you get back.

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Hello,this is Tom writing under my wife's log-in because mine didn't work.I now use hers more than she does.We've been married 37 years & have 2 adult children.When I was younger I was a democrat,but I grew smarter as I grew older & mostly vote republican.Fortunately my wife agrees with me.
We have an akita,& they are great dogs.They are large dogs but don't need a lot of room.They are very loyal & protective while at the same time not agressive toward people,unless they think you are being threatened.However,they are alpha dogs & want to be topdog.Only negative is that they shed twice a year.
In Aruba we've stayed at :LaCabana,PlayaLinda,Marriot Surf Club &Casa del Mar.We liked all of them,but we loved Playa Linda & finally was able to buy 2 weeks back to back.We liked this resort because of its location.It's near everything & you don't need to rent a car.We both are casino people.In fact my wife has never seen a slot she didn't like.She's the only person I know who suggested we leave the Raddison to go somewhere elsewhile she was winning because she wanted to play different slots.
We just bought our units this year & weren't able to use them because we spent 2 weeks in St.Maartens the last week of May & first of June.However,we rented them & the person who rented said they were really nice.We're looking forward to next year.
One of these days I'm going to get the hang of this board.I'm never able to figure out where the latest messages are.I don't know what threads are what.I'll have to read everything evertime.

Tom, you're getting the hang of it VERY well!!

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The countdown's begun!
January 30th to February 27th!

Tom - Click on "New Posts" on the green line above if you want to easily check new posts!

Aruba In General are threads that have info about Aruba (when we don't go off topic). Underneath are specifics that pertain to Aruba - Nightlife, Kids, Rentals.

Yada, Yada is where we talk about everything else!

Steve and I enjoying meeting you and Donna. You have fellow Republicans here in Kevin and Elaine.

Sherry and I (and I don't know who else) are card-carrying liberals. And yet we all get along!

WE hope you and Donna chime in more often here!

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I'm sorry, I thought I had made my own political leanings perfectly clear earlier. You want to see my liberal card, just ask. I can produce it on request.

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Once in a while you can get shown the light, in the strangest of places if you look at it right.

Sorry, Charlie! YOu are right, you did!

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Been coming to Aruba for about 8 yrs, but just found this bb. Have weeks 13 & 14 at Costa Linda. Knowing I will be on the beach each April gets me through the New England winters.

When we first started coming I found a BB that gave tips on what to bring - things like leave half of what you plan to bring home, add more tee shirts and bathingsuits, sun block, etc. Next year we are bringing my brother and his wife for their first visit and was looking for a similiar list. Anyone have something I can use?

thanks,


Joe Lynch

Hi, Joe. Bon Bini to the board!

If you have been going to Aruba for the last 8 years, you could probably provide us with a pretty good list of things to bring!

Seriously, this bunch loves to answer questions about Aruba and I don't doubt that there are many here among us who have lists to provide your bro and sil. Check out the other threads; what you're looking for may already be there!

Also, please, stay in touch. Another thing this bunch loves is to read about newbies going to Aruba for their first time! Let us know when you go and how they love the island!

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Once in a while you can get shown the light, in the strangest of places if you look at it right.

sorry, you asked for this...leave the relatives home, add more tee shirts and bathing suits, lol. i do apologize for warped sense of humor and really welcome you to our bb.

i found that we all tend to bring a lot to eat on the early trips. i remember our first trips. we brought snacks and know people who brought entire meals with them. they also dragged cases of beer. leave everything like that home. whatever you need can be bought on the island unless you are on a very strict diet with special needs. you are staying at our favorite timeshare (we own week 33). you are not a newbie so you know how great the groceries are. teach your brother what great cheeses, deli, and breads you can find outside of the states.

i also found that i have a travel list sitting on my computer and i print it out and it has reduced each year. i still haven't figured out how my luggage seems to fill the same no matter how much i reduce the quantity of clothing but somehow it does.

another good rule. bring clothes you want to get rid of (i.e. shirts with that little rip in a seam that is enlarging, socks with a hole). wear them, trash them, find room for all the things you want to bring home.

again, welcome to our bb joe.

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vote now!!!!

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/N...uba/index.html

I thought I was the only person who practiced this! Not that I don't have a TON of clothes with a hole/tear, etc, but it is a great way to clean the closet and create space in the bag for goodies...

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Thanks to all for the response. I thought I responded but I don't see my response listed, so here goes again.

I like the idea of bringing "well worn" clothes although my wife wouldn't go along with that. When we were introduced to the Happy Island by my brother in law 9 years ago he used to ship a two weeks supply of food down (helps when you have a sister at FedEx). We quickly learned that is not necessary as you can get as good, if not better quality and selection, as you can at home.

Will be at Costa Linda 3 months from tomorrow and already can taste the Argentinian beef and feel the warm sun and surf. Somehow knowing I will be on the beach March 31 gets me through the New England winter.

Thanks again,

Joe

Welcome Joe! I agree it is great to go to Aruba in the early spring, when you are still freezing to death in the northeast.

I agree with Sherry that food is no longer necessary to bring - they now have everything! Since I am the only coffee drinker in my house, I bring the Folger's coffee bags so I don't have to make a pot for myself.

Must haves for me: lots of tank tops, shorts, bathing suits, sandals. Your wife might like to bring capri pants or a sundress or two. My husband brings a couple of khaki shorts and nicer T-shirts. SUNSCREEN, blue ice aloe lotion, a good book, CD player or IPod, a small collapsible cooler to bring stuff down to the beach. We sometimes make reservations for dinner, a car or activities online - bring your confirmation printouts! Oh, and of course your camera with extra batteries! Enjoy!

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Thanks Corrine - no matter how long you have been going somewhere, there is always something you forget to bring or should have left home. Getting others opinions helps.

3 months to go, but who's counting.

Joe

Joe... my 13th visit is coming up soon and no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to leave things home!! This past February, as I schlepped my suitcase knowing a hernia was in the near future, I swore I'd do things differently this coming February. In my mind I'm already packing and as usual, I need EVERYTHING!! lol

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The countdown's begun!
January 30th to February 27th!

Elaine - Just curious. How many pairs of shoes (for you) are in this over-packed luggage?

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Funny that you should mention this.... every year I bring at least 6 or 7 pair, and last night laying in bed, I was thinking of just black, white and silver.. BUT, my problem is how many of each??? lol And... everything in the suitcase is for me 'cause it's just me!!

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The countdown's begun!
January 30th to February 27th!

OK, since you are being honest, next question - How many of those 6-7 pairs do you actually wear?

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uh oh.... I feel like a defendant ... lol Maybe 4!

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The countdown's begun!
January 30th to February 27th!

So, you are just like my wife. Every year she takes all of these shoes (that she just might need) that she doesn't wear. And every year I remind her of that fact, but it doesn't do any good. I take a pair of sandals and a nice pair of boat shoes.

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Web: www.TimelessCandy.com

eBay Store: www.TimelessCandySource.com

I feel all of your pain. My wife packs almost everything she owns, but will never wear, and who do you think carrys it? I pack enough for maybe 1 week (thank heaven for laundry facilities) and that is too much. I like the suggestion of bringing those "comfortable" shirts that can be left behind.

Tees, shorts and bathing suits. Other than when I have to dress up(collared shirt for golf) I am happy.

Thanks for the comments.

Joe

black white and silver??? hahahaha. for me it is sneakers, sandals, and beach shoes. depending on my mood, i will wear one of them on the plane. don't usually select the beach shoes, lol.

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help us help aruba's kittens and cats

http://www.arubakitten.org/






vote now!!!!

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/N...uba/index.html

I wear sneakers on the plane..... uh, and beach shoes count??? Holy
sh-t, I didn't count those two!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol

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The countdown's begun!
January 30th to February 27th!

our luggage is always heavy. haven't figured out why. neither of us packs more than we need. we come home with all of the clothes dirty so i know we aren't overpacking. i do throw a fit when murray wants to carry the luggage. now it isn't as bad since everything is on wheels. i will say though that we never do laundry on vacation. probably should but i do enough of it at home. that could cut down some stuff but that i won't give in on. i leave housework at home where it belongs.

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help us help aruba's kittens and cats

http://www.arubakitten.org/






vote now!!!!

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/N...uba/index.html

two pair of beach shoes? how many feet are you covering? neutral shade of beach shoe and you are set for anything you wear to the beach.

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help us help aruba's kittens and cats

http://www.arubakitten.org/






vote now!!!!

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/N...uba/index.html

Repeat after me..... one and one are two. One pair of sneaks plus one pair of beach shoes. lol

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The countdown's begun!
January 30th to February 27th!

ahhhh, you didn't count the sneakers you wear on the plane which made it two pairs of shoes.

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http://www.arubakitten.org/






vote now!!!!

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I wear my real comfy loafers for the plane (with socks because of the early hour we have to leave for the airport and it was cold and raining), and I brought 2 pair of those new "Soft Walk" (Loma Linda II) sandels, 1 red and 1 that new green and 1 pair of flip-flops. I packed my shorts and tops to co-ordinate with my shoes. Worked out great for me as I pack shorts I can wear more than once. I look at it this way, I am not there to impress anyone. My clothes are clean and ironed when I pack them. I bring no makeup. I figure I will be getting a tan, won't be needing makeup. My curling iron fit nicely into a pocket in my carry-on. First time we went to Aruba we both way over-packed, we learned quickly, you don't need all that stuff. This trip hubby wore his "boat shoes" and brought his "flip-flops". That was it for him. Bathing suits is the biggie for us. Hubby packed 5 and I packed 6. They take up very little room.
There, that's my 2 cents!!!!!

My kind of traveler. Less is better than toooooo much. But I must admit, I have more golf costumes than beach and casual wear. If I wasn't playing golf while there, would probably pack half as much.

Wellllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll............. what can I say after I say different strokes for different folks!! Because I fly solo, I "socialize" on the island..... and sherry, I know you have to bite your tongue AGAIN!!! lol

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The countdown's begun!
January 30th to February 27th!

Let's not forget about going bare footed (in the water, by the pool, on the beach, etc.).

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eBay Store: www.TimelessCandySource.com

Let's not forget about all the socks you must be toting with you! Oh yeah, I suppose you leave them at home and go sock-free when you're hedonizing...

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OH MY YIN, I LOVE THAT WORD!!!! It's all about hedonism for 3 precious weeks!!! And listen to this, you'll all be so happy to know that I decided after "once burned," to go sans sock!! Even all over.... ya know, for the hedonizing!

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The countdown's begun!
January 30th to February 27th!

GROAN

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help us help aruba's kittens and cats

http://www.arubakitten.org/






vote now!!!!

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/N...uba/index.html

I'm here, Elaine, in your defense!!! I bring everything! Do I wear it all? No! But Joe, that is not the point! THe point is you never know what you will FEEL like wearing on a particular day/evening. l like having choices. I normally bring 5 pairs of shoes for one week , but last October I roughed it with only three. THere are flip flops and there are dress flip flops!

pg, instead of a curling iron I bring a hair straightener. Those who poo-poo this obviously have nice hair. A quick straigtening in the am relieves me of the "Tina Turner" doo my hair tends to copy.

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Corrine I would be happy to trade you my "straight" locks for your "Tina Turner" locks.

Ugh - Loren brings her own personal hair dryer, even though resorts usually provide one. Hers is like the 'Blaster 3000' or something...she does have some fab hair though...

She only brought 2 pairs of shoes for our 2 weeks in Italy (but still brought the dryer), in fact we did everything in carry-on bags - how's that for packing light?

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Did you notice how this went from a Welcome thread to a " Sock less " thread in no time.

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I lead with my Heart and my Body follows

Dan & Sweet Georgene