The Countdown's Begun

[donnie]

thanks alnora - we plan on doing a ton of relaxing.

thanks to you too Elaine.

suzie - I'll send you a pm about meeting next week!

I guess I am excited!

ONLY 2 MORE DAYS!!

[captmorgnsgrl]

Originally Posted by donnie

thanks alnora - we plan on doing a ton of relaxing.

thanks to you too Elaine.

suzie - I'll send you a pm about meeting next week!

I guess I am excited!

ONLY 2 MORE DAYS!!

Hi Donnie, Just answered you PM. Alnora and Elaine...would love to meet you in person one day..but till then I will have a drink in your honor! Thanks for the vacation wishes.

Susie

[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....

I'm here at work and can't concentrate on anything else but the beach..LOL I am so there! We have a long flight, but it will be well worth it. We take a short hop to LA, then a redeye to Miami, then onto Aruba. we leave at 8:00 pm Friday and get in at 2:30 Sat. I can never sleep on that redeye, I take little cat naps and then drink in between. I'll be thinking of you guys.

[Liz from N.J.]

Have a great trip Susie.

[captmorgnsgrl]

Originally Posted by Liz from N.J.

Have a great trip Susie.

Thanks Liz, wish you were there so we could sit and chat.

[Liz from N.J.]

Originally Posted by captmorgnsgrl

Thanks Liz, wish you were there so we could sit and chat.

I wish I was too!

[ruba4ever]

Suzie....and Donnie....have a wonderful trip!!

Safe travels and much fun!!

Bon Bini.....

ruba

[captmorgnsgrl]

Thanks so much! Just a few hours and I take off! Meeting Donnie on the 26th. it will be great to meet him! I'll keep you posted! on how my drinking is going LOL.

Take care,

Susie

[ruba4ever]

Just thought I would check in to see how Susie and Donnie are doing in paradise. Hope they are having a blast.

Have a great day all,

ruba

[captmorgnsgrl]

Originally Posted by ruba4ever

Just thought I would check in to see how Susie and Donnie are doing in paradise. Hope they are having a blast.

Have a great day all,

ruba

Hi Everyone,

It is gorgeous here, the weather has been wonderful. This morning the winds are calm. It is the type of morning that you think you might see Venezuela. It is not overcast, and you can see blue skies with patches of clouds.
Well I have one week left then back home. Wanted to check in with you all. Donnie and I tried to meet up, but I think we were to busy enjoying what ever it was we were doing LOL. I told him if we do meet up then great if not oh well, were on vacation! Well talk to you all soon.

[ruba4ever]

Thanks for checking in to report on paradise. I'm so glad you're having a great time. I will now continue my countdown and await another little snippet from you.

Continued good times....arty:

ruba

[Liz from N.J.]

thanks for checking in Susie. Glad you are having a great time!

[Elaine S]

Another thanks for checking in, Suzie.

How's our beach???

Sorry you and Donnie never got to meet!!

Enjoy the rest of your vacation.

[aquarius]

Only a little over a month to go and will be at One Happy Island - 38 days more.

Glad to hear the weather is good. Enjoy!

Marie

[ruba4ever]

aquarius....I see by the ticker, you are down to two days.....woohoo.
Have a great trip...safe travels...loads of fun....tons of relaxation...and come back tanned and happy. Have a wonderful time!!
ruba

[Elaine S]

Marie... safe travels, and have a wonderful time.

Alnora... you're countdown's not too shabby!!

Wonder if Don ever came back!! lol

[aquarius]

Originally Posted by ruba4ever

aquarius....I see by the ticker, you are down to two days.....woohoo.
Have a great trip...safe travels...loads of fun....tons of relaxation...and come back tanned and happy. Have a wonderful time!!
ruba

Thanks! Only two more wake-ups. The wonderful thing about going back to Aruba is like you always feel like you're going home to a wonderful place. I still get excited going back there after all these years. Aruba has that profound effect on us!

Regards,
Marie

[aquarius]

Originally Posted by Elaine S

Marie... safe travels, and have a wonderful time.

Alnora... you're countdown's not too shabby!!

Wonder if Don ever came back!! lol

Thanks Elaine! Will say hello to Aruba for you and know you'll be back there soon too!

Marie

[ruba4ever]

Well...Marie is on her way......happy for her today.

Have a wonderful time.


Elaine....I am liking my ticker.....lets see what it is now!!!

ruba

[Rabeeet]

I haven't been on this board in ages but since there is a countdown thread, I'll add mine! 18 days to go, Yay!

Christine

[ruba4ever]

CHECKING THE TICKER....

AND LOW AND BEHOLD.....

I HAVE BROKEN THE 30 DAY MARK!!!!

I AM GETTING SO EXCITED I CAN'T STAND IT....CAUSE AS WE ALL KNOW

[aquarius]

ruba Forever:

Glad your ticker is going down! Just got back this past Saturday and it was as wonderful as ever. Tanned and happy. I'm going to promote The Old Man and the Sea restaurant to everyone because it is so worth it. It is 200 feet down from Flying Fishbone in Savenetta which is one of my favorites too, but Old Man is only 5 years old and trying to build up their business. It is on the higher end of prices like Flying Fishbone but oh so worth it. There is nothing like ambiance on the beach on a cove. Excellent food and service.

Aquarius
(Marie)

[ruba4ever]

Welcome back Marie!! So glad your trip was everything you wanted and more.

As for Old Man and the Sea.....we won't be returning there any time soon. Not that it isn't beautiful and all...and the food was good....but.....the night we went (it will be two years ago when we return this year) there was no wind. It was just at sunset and the bugs were biting. My hubby got bit so bad that I thought we were taking him to the hospital. Between the bites and the stifling heat that night, he was so miserable it was scary. He looked pale and sweaty. They brought us a fan to help with the heat and the bugs too. They did tell us that right at that time is when the bugs bite the most....and with no wind to take them elsewhere....it was terrible. It sure did put a damper on our evening. Thank goodness he was okay by the end of dinner (which by that time he wasn't very hungry). He still has the scars on his legs to remember that evening..... But I am glad you had a great experience. I would give it another go....but I guess if I had suffered through that I wouldn't.

Now you can start your next countdown....

[Liz from N.J.]

Ruba - I'm arriving Sept. 27th. Will you still be in Aruba then?

[ruba4ever]

Yes siree....where are you staying? Maybe we could go to the BB party on the 30th? Or set up a meeting at the Alhambra? It will be nice to see you again...I am so ready!!

[aquarius]

Originally Posted by ruba4ever

Welcome back Marie!! So glad your trip was everything you wanted and more.

As for Old Man and the Sea.....we won't be returning there any time soon. Not that it isn't beautiful and all...and the food was good....but.....the night we went (it will be two years ago when we return this year) there was no wind. It was just at sunset and the bugs were biting. My hubby got bit so bad that I thought we were taking him to the hospital. Between the bites and the stifling heat that night, he was so miserable it was scary. He looked pale and sweaty. They brought us a fan to help with the heat and the bugs too. They did tell us that right at that time is when the bugs bite the most....and with no wind to take them elsewhere....it was terrible. It sure did put a damper on our evening. Thank goodness he was okay by the end of dinner (which by that time he wasn't very hungry). He still has the scars on his legs to remember that evening..... But I am glad you had a great experience. I would give it another go....but I guess if I had suffered through that I wouldn't.

Now you can start your next countdown....

Ruba 4ever:

I'm so sorry to hear of your prior experience at Old Man and the Sea with the bugs biting and lack of wind, but I guess there is always a chance that could happen. I found if there is a storm brewing in the Caribbean that sucks the wind right out of Aruba and it could be miserable and then, the biting bugs. Also we were under a tent and "on a deck platform" which might have helped, but there was a nice breeze that night. But after an experience like that I don't blame anymore of not wanting to go back - or bring some bug spray!

See your count down is getting close! Good for you!

Marie

[ruba4ever]

THE CALENDAR HAS FLIPPED

AND SO HAVE I,

CAUSE MY TIME TILL VACATION

IS FLYING BY.

I HAVE TO WAIT SO PATIENTLY
THOUGH,

UNTIL IT IS TIME TO ACTUALLY GO!

BRIGHT SUN, WARM BREEZES, AND ISLAND LIVING,

IS ALWAYS WHAT THIS PARADISE IS GIVING.

ARUBA IS WHERE MY HEART GOES,

WHEN SEPTEMBER ARRIVES.

IT HELPS US GET THROUGH OUR BUSY LIVES

SEE YOU SOON

[donnie]

That was perfect Alnora!!

Have a great time.

[Liz from N.J.]

Originally Posted by ruba4ever

Yes siree....where are you staying? Maybe we could go to the BB party on the 30th? Or set up a meeting at the Alhambra? It will be nice to see you again...I am so ready!!

Friday and Saturday (27 & 28th) I'll be at the Renaissance Marina then La Cabana on Sunday. I'm not sure if my girlfriend and I will be going to the BB but I am sure you will see my again at Alhambra. Where are you staying?

[dixieluvsaruba]

4 More Days !!!! Exciting !!!!!!

[ruba4ever]

Thanks Donnie....I need to get another one on the page...

Dixie.....have a great time....check in and let us know how much fun you're having..

Liz...we're at the Ocean Club. I will be sure to check around for you at the Alhambra....

So ready......

[Elaine S]

Hope all of you have a fantastic time! I have a VERY long wait!!

Hey Don, we're still waiting to hear about your trip!!

[ruba4ever]

Hello all,

Well I am down to nine days....and I am now in everywakingmomentthinkingaboutthesunsandandfun mode!!!
I would like to take a moment here to thank Edgard, Otmar, and Lisa for helping me get back to the board!! It has been several days since I was allowed on because of a glitch...either here or there. Whatever the reason...it has been resolved and I couldn't be happier. Thanks to all the great people that run this board for seeing this problem through to the end and fixing it. Now back to the countdown....thanks Elaine....it will be a much needed rest.

ruba

[syglover]

Hi All,

I am new to this board and I have 14 more days until I am in Aruba (One Happy Place)!!! This will be our first time and from reading all of the post on this forum, I'm quite sure it won't be our last!!!!

This past weekend while watching football at a Hooters, saw a man with an Aruba shirt on and told my hubby, that I was going to buy one for him!!! We are so looking forward to sitting on the beach and relaxing in the sun and just doing nothing for a whole week!!!!

If any of you are going to be in Aruba during our time 28 Sep - 5 Oct, would love to meet some of you and get the lay of the land. We are staying at Marriott Ocean Club.

Stephannie

[Elaine S]

Welcome to the board, Stephannie..

I wish I were there when you are, but I have to wait until February!

Is this your first trip to Aruba??

Originally Posted by syglover

Hi All,

I am new to this board and I have 14 more days until I am in Aruba (One Happy Place)!!! This will be our first time and from reading all of the post on this forum, I'm quite sure it won't be our last!!!!

This past weekend while watching football at a Hooters, saw a man with an Aruba shirt on and told my hubby, that I was going to buy one for him!!! We are so looking forward to sitting on the beach and relaxing in the sun and just doing nothing for a whole week!!!!

If any of you are going to be in Aruba during our time 28 Sep - 5 Oct, would love to meet some of you and get the lay of the land. We are staying at Marriott Ocean Club.

Stephannie

[Elaine S]

Alnora... boy, the time went by fast!! Only 9 more days...

My usual request - have 1 or 10 drinks for me. Lord knows that you and I both need them!

[syglover]

Yes Elaine S., this is our first time there!! We are both looking forward to the warm sun and lots of lazy days at the beach and pool!!

Any tips you want to give?

Stephannie

[ruba4ever]

Elaine...we are down to 7 now.....the push is on!!

I am feeling much better now...I will pm you later about that.

Stephannie.....welcome to the board, and congratulations on your first trip to Aruba. You will love it. And.....you are in luck.
I will be there during your time frame and.....staying at the Ocean Club! What time do you arrive on the 28th? Depending on that, when you arrive and should you make it to happy hour at the pool, look for me and come and introduce yourself. I will be celebrating my birthday that day....so I will be the woman in the pool with a Slippery Monkey in hand and purple hair...black cherry to be exact. Please come and say hello...it will be great to have a fellow Visit Aruba member in the house!!! You will love it there. If you don't make it in early enough for that...we will see you somewhere I'm sure. The next day on the beach.... we float and chat the days away.....you will meet lots of wonderful people.
See you soon!!!!!!

ruba

[ruba4ever]

And Elaine....I will make sure I have a few drinks just for you......

[syglover]

Thanks for the welcome Ruba!!!! I will be sure to look for you when we get in on Saturday, 28 Sep; hopefully we can make the happy hour and get to meet. (our plane lands around 1230 sometime) We love happy hour!!!

When is your actual birthday? My hubby's is the Sep 26, so this kind of a birthday/vacation trip!!! How is the resort? I requested a high floor with an ocean view and from some of the posts and reviews I have read, it doesn't seem like others got their requests and they weren't to thrilled with the resort.

Again, thanks for the warm welcome and save some of that Slippery Monkey for me!!!

Looking forward to meeting you!!!

[ruba4ever]

That is my actual birthday day...

As far as the request for a certain floor or room....being it is a timeshare, owners' requests are honored first. You don't say if you are an owner, or renting from an owner. That being said, hopefully you will luck out on your first trip and get an awesome room. You won't get oceanfront...unless the owner you rented from owns that. I really can't say that there are any bad rooms....comfy beds (wish I had one at home) clean and spacious. Again, I don't know if you are renting a one bedroom or just a lock off. I could give you more info if I knew that....but either way you should be pleased. In a one bedroom you will have a full kitchen and living room ..... a lock off is a tad smaller....small fridge and coffee maker and toaster. And a sitting area...nice bathrooms in either. We have been going since 1999...so that should tell you how much we lik....love it there!! Can't wait to get back. Have a great trip....see you there.


ruba (Alnora)

[syglover]

Rubs, we are owners, but not at Ocean Club. We own at the Marriott Doral and brought additional points. We are using our points at Ocean Club and we requested an oceanfront one bedroom!

[ruba4ever]

Awesome....good luck. Hope they can accommodate you....but if they don't, please don't be discouraged. They will try their hardest to give you what you want. Getting oh so close now...

ruba

[ruba4ever]

5............

5............

5..........

5.........

5......

As the days dwindle down
and I see the date
You won't see a frown
Cause I can't wait!!!

[ruba4ever]

only 4 more

work
sleep
work
sleep
work
sleep
work

sleep/go

[ruba4ever]

Well....it is down to one more work day and two sleeps!!! Then wheels up and off to paradise. Tomorrow is going to be torture.... Hopefully I will be able to get on here tomorrow evening after we settle in for the night. It will be an early night for sure....hoping to get some sleep so I can get up at 2:45 a.m. to start the process. See yinz all tomorrow!!

ruba

[Elaine S]

I'm excited for you, Alnora.

Safe travels, my friend.

[ruba4ever]

thank you honey......hope you are feeling better and I will try to send some mini reports to you all here. Cause I Aruba

ruba

[syglover]

Ruba, hope you made it safe and sound to Aruba!!! I can't wait until next Saturday and we are on the plane!!!!

Had a bug eariler this week, but went to the doctors and got meds; can't be sick on vacation!!!!! Feeling much better today and making plans with Sonny Binns to take the tour of Aruba while there!!!!

Looking forward to meeting you next Saturday and sharing a Happy Birthday Drink!!

Stephannie

[ruba4ever]

Thank you Stephannie....but we don't leave until tomorrow morning. I think my countdown was as anxious as I am to get there...lol. Waiting for my little load of laundry to finish drying, then we are out of here to go to the hotel by the airport. We leave at 6:00 am tomorrow morning....so by 2:00 pm we will be on the ground in paradise.

See you next week....

ruba