Aruba 2012 Day 1 (page 1 of 10)

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Day 1 - February 9th

Last night, we stayed overnight at the "La QUinta Bloomington West" with the Park/Stay/Fly. We slept overnight at the hotel, and left our car there. They brought us to the airport and will bring us back to our car after the trip. From what I can tell, it will be almost the same price as driving down that morning and leaving our car at the Humphrey Econo Lot. But this way, since our flight is at 5:25 am, we didn't have to get up quite as early.

We ate at Lucky's 13 upon recommendation by Brian Hart (my boss). Great food and a fun atmosphere!

The 3:30 wake-up call came VERY early, but we were down in the lobby in time for the transport. We got to the airport and surprisingly, security was very busy for that time of day. We checked one bag, so that helped with transporting full-size toiletries and all our snorkel equipment. Security took longer than planned because when Mike tossed one of his pair of cargo shorts into the suitcase , he didn't realize that in one of the snapped pockets was a bullet. SOOOOO, he was pulled aside in security and his bag fully searched until they found it. Then they had to call airport police and notify them, but at least they let him leave (after commenting "Sir, you can't take this on the plane"). We barely made our flight - came in after the "last call" and were some of the last few on the plane, but at least we made it.

We switched planes in Atlanta and grabbed a quick breakfast since we didnt' have enough time in Minneapolis. We met our Iowa friends Jim and Trina there, and actually sat right next to each other on the plane. It was a good flight - a little bumpy at first, but not bad. We could watch the movie "Big Year" which was OK, but nothing to spend $$$$ on to watch. We all ordered a rum drink on the plane to start off our Carribean trip, but they ran out, so one of us had a different drink.

After getting to Aruba, customs went quite fast, and by the time we got to luggage claim (yes, it was AFTER customs), our bags came around on the first circuit. We called our car rental place to get the pick-up, but it was a little sketchy trying to find our driver, but eventually we did. We had to get in fast, because there's a 60 second limit in stopping in the pick-up zone and the tow-truck driver was right there, threatening to tow the rental company car. It was a car he'd dropped off two other people in (a little Kia Rio) so we only could fit some of the luggage in the trunk - Jim put the big suitcase on the floor and slung his legs over the top onto the dash, and away we went! Our driver Robin was a young Dutchman who'd been in the country all of 11 days, but he was really nice and was as helpful as he could be. I think he felt a bit more at home when Mike talked to him in Dutch. Our rental company was definitely a local, basic place, but it's a 30 km island, so you don't need anything too fancy.

We got to Oceania Deluxe Condominium Resorts with only going the wrong way once (Aruba apparently does not spend $$$ on street signs). The place is GREAT. Our condo (2 bedroom, 2 bath) is beautiful and spacious. We have our own little grassy yard, a big BBQ, beach chairs for the patio and separate ones to take to the beach, access to 4 pools (one of which is right outside the door) and we're just across the street from Eagle Beach, which appears to be a very nice, wide, beautiful area.

We got our internet set up and walked just a short ways to "Tulip" for supper. Jim and Trina hadn't eaten all day, and Greta and Mike had the quick breadfast @ ATL. Dinner was great. We all had the 3-course meal (appetizer, main course, dessert). There were a number of choices for each course. For appetizer, Trina had the Ceasar salad & the rest of us had Beef Croquetten (yum , if you've never been to Holland). For the main course, Greta had fish and chips, Trina had the beef stroganoff, and Jim/Mike both had the Aruban casserole. For dessert, Greta had ice cream, Mike/Jim had cheesecake, and Trina charmed our waiter into serving her key lime pie, even though it wasn't on the 3-course menu.

All in all, it was a REALLY great day. We're all tired, but we might head to the pool for a swim after dark!

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