The Countdown's Begun

[donnie]

Glad you joined the board Glenn, we are a happy crew here! As Elaine said, we live vicariously through everyone's trips. As a seasoned visitor, you will be a great addition to the newbies! Where do you stay when you are on the island?

[WinnipegGlenn]

Hi Elaine, Donnie, and everyone else,

Thank you Elaine and Donnie for the warm welcome. I look forward to being part of the forum; to making new friends, and listening and talking about Aruba.

Here's a bit of background, just to give some context. I'm a 60 y.o. accountant here in Winnipeg, Canada. My wife and I (married for 27 years.) have two favourite vacation places. We go to Maui for 4 weeks in May (right after my busy season) and we go to Aruba, usually in January but this year in October.

I've been going to Aruba since 1980. When I first went, my travel agent looked at me with a blank, vacant stare. He had no idea where I was asking him to send me. Remember the old Eastern Airlines. Back then they were the only American carrier into Aruba. (Definitely no Canadian airlines into Aruba then)

Anyway Donnie asked me about where I've stayed. My 1980 trip was spent at Manchebo Beach. Subsequent trips were spent at Talk of the Town, Amsterdam Manor and the last 5 or 6 times, we've stayed at The Mill.

This coming October, we will be staying at a very small hotel in Malmok called Aruba Sunset Beach Studios. I think it only has 15 - 20 units. We are really looking forward to it.

I'll be starting a thread, which I think might be fun. Elaine, I'll leave it for you to see which category it should go into and make sure it's in good taste.

I'll close this post here. Again, thanks for the warm welcome. More later.

Bye for now.


Glenn

[ruba4ever]

Hello Glenn and welcome to the forum...

I like your energy that you bring with you...I see you will be going to Aruba in October this year...what is your timeline? We may overlap a bit. Maybe the Bulletin Board Party at the AMB?

Anyway...welcome again and I can't wait to see your thread that you plan on starting...

ruba4ever

[WinnipegGlenn]

Hi ruba4ever,

We'll be in Aruba October 12-19, 2013. And yes, absolutely we'll be at the BB party on Monday, Oct. 14, 2013.

Love to meet you if you're going to be there then.

Have a great week.


Glenn

[ruba4ever]

Sorry to say Glenn, we will be leaving before you get there. But hopefully one day we will make the trip at the same time.

You have a great week as well...

ruba

[Elaine S]

Originally Posted by WinnipegGlenn

Hi Elaine, Donnie, and everyone else,

Thank you Elaine and Donnie for the warm welcome. I look forward to being part of the forum; to making new friends, and listening and talking about Aruba.

Here's a bit of background, just to give some context. I'm a 60 y.o. accountant here in Winnipeg, Canada. My wife and I (married for 27 years.) have two favourite vacation places. We go to Maui for 4 weeks in May (right after my busy season) and we go to Aruba, usually in January but this year in October.

I've been going to Aruba since 1980. When I first went, my travel agent looked at me with a blank, vacant stare. He had no idea where I was asking him to send me. Remember the old Eastern Airlines. Back then they were the only American carrier into Aruba. (Definitely no Canadian airlines into Aruba then)

Anyway Donnie asked me about where I've stayed. My 1980 trip was spent at Manchebo Beach. Subsequent trips were spent at Talk of the Town, Amsterdam Manor and the last 5 or 6 times, we've stayed at The Mill.

This coming October, we will be staying at a very small hotel in Malmok called Aruba Sunset Beach Studios. I think it only has 15 - 20 units. We are really looking forward to it.

I'll be starting a thread, which I think might be fun. Elaine, I'll leave it for you to see which category it should go into and make sure it's in good taste.

I'll close this post here. Again, thanks for the warm welcome. More later.

Bye for now.


Glenn

We all look forward to your thread, Glenn.

I'm sure it will be in good taste, and that the "powers that be" of this board will have no problem with whatever category you choose to put it in. I'm actually no longer a "power," and haven't been for a couple years.. I'm a poster just like you, and an Arubaholic like all of us.

[donnie]

Finally below triple digits!!arty:

[donnie]

Almost at 90!!

and then the countdown begins for real.

[ArubaMary]

Originally Posted by Elaine S

Welcome Glenn...

You're never too early for a countdown! We all live vicariously through eachother's trips.

I just got back a week ago, and wish I could have a replay!!

Elaine, it always looks good when I see your 'countdown.'

[ArubaMary]

Originally Posted by WinnipegGlenn

Hi Elaine, Donnie, and everyone else,

Thank you Elaine and Donnie for the warm welcome. I look forward to being part of the forum; to making new friends, and listening and talking about Aruba.

Here's a bit of background, just to give some context. I'm a 60 y.o. accountant here in Winnipeg, Canada. My wife and I (married for 27 years.) have two favourite vacation places. We go to Maui for 4 weeks in May (right after my busy season) and we go to Aruba, usually in January but this year in October.

I've been going to Aruba since 1980. When I first went, my travel agent looked at me with a blank, vacant stare. He had no idea where I was asking him to send me. Remember the old Eastern Airlines. Back then they were the only American carrier into Aruba. (Definitely no Canadian airlines into Aruba then)

Anyway Donnie asked me about where I've stayed. My 1980 trip was spent at Manchebo Beach. Subsequent trips were spent at Talk of the Town, Amsterdam Manor and the last 5 or 6 times, we've stayed at The Mill.

This coming October, we will be staying at a very small hotel in Malmok called Aruba Sunset Beach Studios. I think it only has 15 - 20 units. We are really looking forward to it.

I'll be starting a thread, which I think might be fun. Elaine, I'll leave it for you to see which category it should go into and make sure it's in good taste.

I'll close this post here. Again, thanks for the warm welcome. More later.

Bye for now.


Glenn

Welcome to the Forum Glenn.

[ArubaMary]

Glenn----October 12 surely sounds better than February 1, 2014. Seems so very, very far away!

[captmorgnsgrl]

Welcome Glenn, you will have fun here on the board. It is like one big happy family!

Donnie, It looks like we will be in Aruba at the same time. I am counting the days and minutes. It has been two years since I have been to Aruba and I can't hardly wait to step off that plane.

[donnie]

Originally Posted by ArubaMary

Elaine, it always looks good when I see your 'countdown.'

It's good to see you again Mary! Don't be such a stranger.

[donnie]

Originally Posted by captmorgnsgrl

Welcome Glenn, you will have fun here on the board. It is like one big happy family!

Donnie, It looks like we will be in Aruba at the same time. I am counting the days and minutes. It has been two years since I have been to Aruba and I can't hardly wait to step off that plane.

Hi Suzie:

It's the same as us, it's been two years for us also. Glad to see you back on the board and in Aruba!

[Elaine S]

I love living vicariously through everyone... and, so happy that you're getting to "go back home again," Suzie and donnie. The only thing that would make me happier would be if I were there having a drink or three with you!!

[donnie]

Originally Posted by Elaine S

I love living vicariously through everyone... and, so happy that you're getting to "go back home again," Suzie and donnie. The only thing that would make me happier would be if I were there having a drink or three with you!!

I am sure that I can speak for Suzie when I say that we would Love having a drink or three with you too Elaine!arty:

[captmorgnsgrl]

I agreee, that would be great! I have been wanting to get together with many people on the board and have a drink or two. But I live in California, which can be difficult. But I am looking forward to Aruba this year for sure!

[Elaine S]

If I were there when you are, you'd be my neighbor - right down the hall from me! Maybe some year!! I can't blame you for looking forward to it, Suzie.

Originally Posted by captmorgnsgrl

I agreee, that would be great! I have been wanting to get together with many people on the board and have a drink or two. But I live in California, which can be difficult. But I am looking forward to Aruba this year for sure!

[ArubaMary]

Thank you for 'missing' me Donnie. I promise to behave!!

[donnie]

Originally Posted by ArubaMary

Thank you for 'missing' me Donnie. I promise to behave!!

But that is really not any fun Mary!!

[WinnipegGlenn]

Good afternoon everybody,

Been on here for about a month and I gotta tell ya, this is one super friendly group. Someone said that it's like one big family, and whoever said that, you're right.

It's 6 months till we're in Aruba, but at the beginning of May we'll be heading to Maui for 4 weeks. Very much looking forward to that. I'm in the middle of my real busy season (In Canada, there's no such thing as vacations for accountants from February until after April 30) so I'm very much looking forward to laying in a chaise lounge starting May 3rd.

Do any of you attend the bulletin board parties on Mondays around 5:00 pm? They're usually held at Amsterdam Manor. If you're going to be in Aruba on Monday, October 14, 2013, that's where you'll find me.

Hope everyone had wonderful Easter and Passover celebrations.

Take care dear friends,


Glenn

[donnie]

I'll bet you're tired after the long tax season Glenn. I was thinking of heading to Maui for our 25th Anniversary, but my wife doesn't want to miss Aruba because of it! It's still a few years away, but planning early never hurts.

I've never had the chance to stop at the BB parties, but every year I say I will try and then the vacation is over!

[ruba4ever]

donnie...I know what your wife means...we were planning on going to Italy this year...but I didn't want to give up Aruba!! So we plan on going to Italy next year for our 10 year anniversary. Hopefully we win some lottery or something so we can do both...lol.

[donnie]

Originally Posted by ruba4ever

donnie...I know what your wife means...we were planning on going to Italy this year...but I didn't want to give up Aruba!! So we plan on going to Italy next year for our 10 year anniversary. Hopefully we win some lottery or something so we can do both...lol.

That's the only way we could do it Alnora! I guess ya gotta play to win.

[donnie]

66 days, I can't beleive we are getting this close!

[tgautreaux]

Hey guys, this is my first post. My wife and I stumbled on this forum while doing some general research on Aruba. We are actually leaving tomorrow morning. We will be on that 10:00 am Delta flight out of Atlanta. If anyone else is going to be flying with us, say hi if you see me!

This will be our first trip to Aruba. We are just going down for 4 nights. We are leaving our kids at home with my folks, and plan to just lounge on the beach and explore for a few days. We will be staying at the Divi All Inclusive (which I understand has mixed reviews, but it was cheap). We are seasoned island travelers, but if you guys have any suggestions or advice, bring it on.

Anyway, my name's Tom, and my wife's name is Haley. This seems like a great community. I've learned a lot reading the information posted on this board.

[donnie]

First of all Tom and Haley, Welcome to the board!

We stay at the sister resort of the Divi - the Tamarijn and we love it. One suggestion for dinner is the Red Parrot at the Divi. It is a very good restaurant and most guests like it. The Paparazzi - Italian and Ginger which is an Asian type of food are available at the Tam. If you are beach people, the beaches at the Divi and Tam are great. If you like touring the island, I find it better to rent a car and just drive around on your own. The island is so small that getting lost is part of the fun.

If you have any questions, just ask as there are plenty of veterans here that will be able to answer them for you.

Have a great trip and do a trip report when you get back as we need our daily Aruba fix!!

[tgautreaux]

The weather for tomorrow through Tuesday is looking somewhat suspect. 20-40% chance of rain and clouds. For those who have been to Aruba before and/or are weather gurus, what does this forecast really mean? Everytime I go to Cancun or Cozumel, there's a 20% chance of rain, and it may shower once a day and move on, leaving sunshine. Are we looking at that type of scenario, or is this going to be a dark and gloomy weekend?

[donnie]

The same forecast is predicted every day in Aruba. There's always a possibility of rain but the chances are normally slim.

[captmorgnsgrl]

Originally Posted by tgautreaux

Hey guys, this is my first post. My wife and I stumbled on this forum while doing some general research on Aruba. We are actually leaving tomorrow morning. We will be on that 10:00 am Delta flight out of Atlanta. If anyone else is going to be flying with us, say hi if you see me!

This will be our first trip to Aruba. We are just going down for 4 nights. We are leaving our kids at home with my folks, and plan to just lounge on the beach and explore for a few days. We will be staying at the Divi All Inclusive (which I understand has mixed reviews, but it was cheap). We are seasoned island travelers, but if you guys have any suggestions or advice, bring it on.

Anyway, my name's Tom, and my wife's name is Haley. This seems like a great community. I've learned a lot reading the information posted on this board.

Welcome to the board...we are like one big happy family here! you will have a wonderful time on Aruba! The weather forecast as Donnie stated always forcasts bad weather. But it always turns out to be the opposite. Don't get me wrong there have been rainy days. But they last a few minutes and then the sun comes out again!

[Elaine S]

Tom...

I hope you and Haley are having a wonderful time, and when you get back, you'll tell us what you think of "our little piece of paradise."

[ArubaMary]

Hi Tom and Haley,
Welcome to the board! I hope Aruba was all you expected of it. I've been going to Aruba every year since 1985. For ten years I went three times a year. Yes, I love Aruba. I still fill up with tears when I first spot the island from the plane, and again when I leave Aruba. I look forward to hearing all about your brief time in Paradise. Perhaps there'll be a time when we all meet while there. Elaine and I are in Aruba the month of February----right next door to where you stayed---Aruba Beach Club.

[donnie]

OK Suzie we are at 60 days or less. I think it is time to get excited!!!

[donnie]

Welcome back Mary!

[captmorgnsgrl]

Originally Posted by donnie

OK Suzie we are at 60 days or less. I think it is time to get excited!!!

I really am getting so excited! I try to keep myself in check especially at work. People think I'm nuts because I keep going back to Aruba year after year. The fact that we are closer to Hawaii, but they have no idea. And I don't care if they ever find out about Aruba! Hawaii is beautiful, but Aruba is relaxation at its best!

We need to meet up Donnie!

[donnie]

Originally Posted by captmorgnsgrl

I really am getting so excited! I try to keep myself in check especially at work. People think I'm nuts because I keep going back to Aruba year after year. The fact that we are closer to Hawaii, but they have no idea. And I don't care if they ever find out about Aruba! Hawaii is beautiful, but Aruba is relaxation at its best!

We need to meet up Donnie!

Ok Suzie, we are at the Tam so you are only down the beach a little ways!

[captmorgnsgrl]

Originally Posted by donnie

Ok Suzie, we are at the Tam so you are only down the beach a little ways!

Hey Donnie, send me a PM and we can make arrangements. Happy Hour is always a good time

[donnie]

Wow, we are now down to 45 days!

The excitement continues to buildarty:

[Elaine S]

I can feel the excitement, Don!! arty:

[BigPapa]

Donnie...are ya packed
Elaine...Talked George into Feb 27th. 2014 for 2 weeks...Told her I couldn't go any longer with out giving you and Mary a BigPapa Hug

What's my chances of getting a place at ABC then....Kinda like to be in the action.
Don't even know where to look....Figured you guys would be my first stop.

By the way....Daniel and Adam are coming with us.

[Elaine S]

Hi Dan... I leave the island on Friday, February 28th, and Mary leaves Saturday, March 1st.

ABC is a Saturday to Saturday timeshare, and you're arriving on a Thursday which would be the end of week 8. Your weeks would be 2 days of week 8, week 9 and part of week 10.

I'll send you Kandy's list which may help you find something. She has the rentals for ABC and CDM, too. Maybe you want to consider the Ambassador which is part of CDM, and across the little street. They're all one bedrooms with a pullout couch in the living room or a one bedroom at ABC which I think you stayed in one year.

It'll be nice to see you all again.

Originally Posted by BigPapa

Donnie...are ya packed
Elaine...Talked George into Feb 27th. 2014 for 2 weeks...Told her I couldn't go any longer with out giving you and Mary a BigPapa Hug

What's my chances of getting a place at ABC then....Kinda like to be in the action.
Don't even know where to look....Figured you guys would be my first stop.

By the way....Daniel and Adam are coming with us.

[donnie]

Originally Posted by BigPapa

Donnie...are ya packed
Elaine...Talked George into Feb 27th. 2014 for 2 weeks...Told her I couldn't go any longer with out giving you and Mary a BigPapa Hug

What's my chances of getting a place at ABC then....Kinda like to be in the action.
Don't even know where to look....Figured you guys would be my first stop.

By the way....Daniel and Adam are coming with us.

Not yet Dan, but this weekend will be the start!

I'm glad to hear you're going next year to see our dear friends Elaine and Mary! If I'd only hit the Powerball, I could have made it too!!

[captmorgnsgrl]

Leaving in 31 days...I'm going to start packing tonight. And I'm sure I will give my husband fits! It drives him crazy when I start packing!
I'm really getting excited.

[ruba4ever]

Suzie....you must be getting out of your mind excited now!! Only 6 days....woohoo... I hope your packing is going well and all the last minute things that come with the last few days goes smoothly. I just checked my countdown...and I am under 100 days!!! 97 to be exact. I can't believe how excited I am just thinking about it already. 17 glorious days this year. Have a great time and enjoy every minute!
ruba

PS....can anyone tell me how to make my text box a bit smaller? Maybe someone from the office?? I made it bigger somehow a few years ago...(don't know why or how) and now I can't figure out how to shrink it back to normal. Thank you....

[Elaine S]

Alnora... when you post, there's a toolbar at the top of the box in which you're posting that allows you to change the front and the size.

Suzie and donnie.... have a fabulous time!!

[ruba4ever]

Let's see if that helps...

[ruba4ever]

nope...that wasn't it...

[captmorgnsgrl]

Originally Posted by ruba4ever

Suzie....you must be getting out of your mind excited now!! Only 6 days....woohoo... I hope your packing is going well and all the last minute things that come with the last few days goes smoothly. I just checked my countdown...and I am under 100 days!!! 97 to be exact. I can't believe how excited I am just thinking about it already. 17 glorious days this year. Have a great time and enjoy every minute!
ruba

PS....can anyone tell me how to make my text box a bit smaller? Maybe someone from the office?? I made it bigger somehow a few years ago...(don't know why or how) and now I can't figure out how to shrink it back to normal. Thank you....

Out of my mind is putting it mildly, I am so excited I can't stand it! I have packed and repacked several times. My husband thinks I'm crazy. He said "everything is going to get wrinkled". I told him "so what" LOL. I always try not to take to much, but I always over pack. It seems like I have literally one suite case for STUFF!. you know zip bag, storage containers, meds, sun screen, I take some seasonings for cooking etc. The stuff I don't want to purchase there because I only need it once. Anyway, enough of that...yes excited.

[captmorgnsgrl]

Originally Posted by Elaine S

Alnora... when you post, there's a toolbar at the top of the box in which you're posting that allows you to change the front and the size.

Suzie and donnie.... have a fabulous time!!

Thanks Elaine I will...

What is your palapa number#? I'll make sure I say hello to it for you

[ruba4ever]

Suzie....have a wonderful trip....

And Donnie.....I was remiss in wishing you a wonderful trip as well.

I hope you both find lots of fun and relaxation on One Happy Island!!

Safe travels

ruba