Just got back from Aruba -
were supposed to go last June but sick daughter changed our plans for us! Wanted to stay
at the Raddisson but they were booked up, so we reserved the Wyndham instead. We flew out
of JFK, New York. After a 3hour delay to fix the plane's air conditioner, we were allowed
to board our American Airlines "Airbus". WHAT A GORGEOUS PLANE! We flew
"business class" (I have to thank our travel agent) - Andre the Giant would not
have needed more leg room. It was WONDERFUL! All the leg and butt room you could possibly
want or need. We played video games all the way there - forgot all about the nap we wanted
to take!
Finally made it to the Wyndham at 7pm and found out that the king-sized bed we requested
was not available. We were able to get an even-numbered room, high up" as
recommended, but spent our 20th anniversary in a double bed. The hotel, pool area and
beach were clean, but I thought they were unimpressive. You could have been in. Anywhere,
USA and not have noticed the difference. (The Raddisson's property was lush, tropical and
absolutely gorgeous. We were able to sneak a peak at some of their rooms which were very
nice.) One odd think we noticed was the gale-force winds at the Wyndham! We know it's the
"windy island" but... as we were walking along the beach past the other
high-rise hotels, there was a pleasant warm breeze. As soon as you reach the Wyndham
property, you are SLAPPED with such a wicked wind, it's unbelievable! We initially thought
it was just a coincedence, but it happened on every walk we took. Had a light
dinner and drinks at Pago, Pago in the Wyndham, really nice restaurant, delicious food,
great service, steep prices.
The following night had dinner
at Papiamento's - what a wonderful place! Delicious food, great surroundings - you can
wander around the house, checking out the antiques while you are
waiting for your dinner. The escargot and also the spicy shrimp were delicious. Had the
beef in peppercorn sauce for dinner - wish I had some right now! Had a discussion with
some other dinner guests about the "15% service charge" that is added to your
check - we were under the impression that it was the tip already included. Our waitress
informed us that it was NOT the tip but "to cover breakage and charities". We
later were told by a
native "Aruban" that this was the hotels & restaurants way of getting more
money from the tourists and not having to pay taxes on it. The prices in Aruba are high
enough without having to pay an additional surcharge. We also had dinner at Boonoonoonoos Excellent island food,
decent prices AND no 15% service charge. You can leave a tip and know it's going to the
waiter. The pumpkin soup was outragous and they'll give you the recipe. The jerk pork was
way too spicy but the rest of the Carib Combo was interesting. One of the best times we
had was at Twinkletones. They have a dinner show that is put on by the waitstaff. Someone
gave us a coupon for 5-course dinner for $29.50 for each member of our party. (We later
found out that they are given out at the "Natural
Bridge" by the owner) We had a lot of fun, the food was
good and it was a great bargain. I highly recommend it!
Took an island tour on
"Wix". The driver was very informative. The bus wasn't too big - so the group
was small and we had a good time. It's amazing how an island can be so beautiful and so
ugly at the same time! Nothing but rocks and cactus on one hand and then you have the
pretty beaches...and those cute little iguanas.
Hen Pooch
