EP50: Things to do in Aruba after dark

Podcast

On today’s episode of One Happy Podcast, we are tackling an issue that is near and dear to many of our hearts. What do you do in Aruba after the sun goes down?

Aruba is absolutely incredible during the daytime and even in the early evening. Also, the culinary offerings available on the island are some of the best in the Caribbean. However, it’s been said that after dinner Aruba lags behind some of the other islands in the Caribbean.

Now if you have been visiting for a while you are probably on your way to developing a network amongst locals. But if you are relatively new to the island or if you are someone that likes to stay close to the resort your view of Aruba nightlife may be very different. This episode of the show takes a look at some of the nightlife options available to tourists on the island of Aruba.

 
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EP49: Cheryl Talcof and Yappy Hour

Podcast

Joining me on this 49th episode of One Happy Podcast is friend of the show, Cheryl Talcof. Now as many of you probably remember, Cheryl was a guest on a previous episode, just about one year ago. Actually I recorded her first appearance on May 19th of last year. Well she is back once again to talk about some things happening on the island.

We start off talking about a new gourmet grocery store that is coming to the island. I’m sure this will be a welcome addition to not only residents but those of us who don’t mind cooking while on vacation. Cheryl also breaks the news about a very popular pizza parlor that is making a major location change. Rounding out our food talk is her endorsement on a restaurant that I missed the last time I was down in Aruba. Its called La Terrazza Italiana and I was bummed that it was closed our last night in paradise.

Cheryl and I also spend a bit of time talking about the Aruba Animal Relief Foundation, including a new(ish) event they have going on. You may have seen postings or advertisements about something called Yappy hour. Well, Aruba Yappy Hour is actually Cheryl’s baby and whatever you read about it, doesn’t do it justice the way hearing it straight from one of the organizer’s will.

 
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EP 48 : Volcano David and Brenda Buy Their Aruba Dream Home

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Joining me today on One Happy Podcast is a relative newbie to Aruba, David Cohen. However despite having only been to the island a handful of times David is so far ahead of most visitors in one aspect. They not only decided that Aruba was the place they would like to eventually retire to, David and Brenda actually purchased a home there.

After having first visited the island on their engagement cruise, David and Brenda would return to the island to be married (which is a story in itself). The next time, Aruba whispered in their ear to buy a timeshare, and they did, at the Playa Linda. Shortly thereafter Aruba made another suggestion, why don’t you buy a home here, and they did. I guess it’s one of those things where when it feels right there is no use deliberating, you just make it happen, which is exactly what they did.

On this episode of the show we start out hearing about the process of getting married on the island. Also David fills me in on how someone manages to go from first time visitor to purchasing a home in Aruba in three short years. David tells the story of how they knew which of the nine houses they viewed was the right one. He also gives a little advice that may be helpful to anyone who is thinking about purchasing real estate on the island. We also talk about the activities David and Brenda enjoy while on island and it wouldn’t be a show without discussing which restaurants make the list.

 
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EP47: Janice Tells Us About the Costa Linda

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Joining me today on One Happy Podcast, Aruba’s Officially Unofficial Podcast is 18 year Aruba veteran Janice Worters. Janice and her husband Bill first discovered Aruba in 1998 on the recommendation of a friend. On that initial visit, of course the fell in love and decided to return the following year. That next trip in 1999 was the first time they laid eyes on the Costa Linda and knew immediately it was the right property for them. Janice and Bill purchased a timeshare at the Costa Linda and have been calling it home ever since.

On this episode I speak with Janet about what her version of Aruba looks like. We go from that initial visit all the way through her most recent vacation which took place just last month. Along the way Janice and I discuss the wonderful people of Aruba, exploring the island, some of her favorite restaurants and also the possibility of an extended two or three month vacation to the island.

The interview itself takes just short of an hour and is chock full of both information and enthusiasm. This episode of the podcast will be especially fun for those who have stayed at the Costa Linda before. However even if you have never set foot onto that particular property you will want to give this episode a listen. Janice’s love for all things Aruba shines through so bright that when this is over you will want to book a trip to Aruba immediately. Who knows? You may even want to book a stay at the Costa Linda for your next trip.

 
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EP46: Learning About Aruba’s Hands by Gaby

Podcast

Today on One Happy Podcast I have a very special treat for you all. I am being joined by a guest who is originally from South America but has been living in Aruba for the past 13 years. Over the course of that time she has gone on a journey that has included getting married, raising a family and setting up a business of her own. Many of you are probably familiar with this business as it’s brought joy to so many of our lives. Of course I am talking about Gaby of Aruba’s Hand’s by Gaby.

If any of you have had the pleasure of meeting Gaby you would know that despite not being from Aruba she is the living embodiment of everything we love about the island. This spirit that Gaby possesses comes through in the artwork she sells as jewelry on the island. Gaby’s warmth, joy and happiness is directly translated to everything she makes. In fact, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that every piece of jewelry contains just a bit of Gaby inside.

This interview which lasts about 50 minutes talks all about Gaby’s relationship with the island of Aruba. Additionally we learn all about Aruba’s Hands and why the art she produces is so much more than just a souvenir. You will learn about Gaby’s introduction to the island, how she met her husband and also about her family. We talk about Aruba’s Hands and what that name means and why it is important. In every civilization throughout history art has played such an important role in the identity of a culture… Aruba is no different. On this 46th episode of One Happy Podcast Gaby does a fantastic job of explaining why if you love Aruba you owe it to yourself to take a piece of that art and culture home with you after vacation is over.

 
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Recapping Aruba February 2016 with Maggie G

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Joining me today on One Happy Podcast is a guest that many of you are already familiar with… Maggie G. Maggie has appeared on the show a couple of other times and as she is my partner in crime is back to talk about our latest trip to Aruba. This latest trip took place from February 27th through March 7th and this is our recap. The format of this particular episode is our top 3 moments from this trip to paradise.

The way things flow is we each take turns revealing our top 3 moments from the trip. The truth is we probably could record this episode 100 times and come up with 100 different lists. However we have decided to stick with this particular episode because… there was alcohol involved. If you notice a difference in the tone of the show it probably has to do with the fact that this was recorded St. Patrick’s weekend and copious amounts of alcohol were consumed.

This interview lasts just under 40 minutes and the quality of the content actually remained a mystery until just the other day. I mean while I was recording I thought it was fantastic. The question was would it be as good sober? When I finally mustered up the courage to listen I realized it wasn’t nearly the train wreck I thought it would be. In fact actually pretty good with certain parts being hilarious. So with a little encouragement from my friends over at the “Friends of One Happy Podcast” Facebook group I decided to release it (with a bit of editing) for your listening pleasure.

 
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EP 44: Say Goodbye to Post Aruba Sadness Disorder

Podcast

Take the test to find out if you have Post Aruba Sadness Disorder

Which of the following best describes your post Aruba vacation routine?

a) After you arrive home from the airport you go to bed
b) While ignoring your pile of bills you drown your sorrows in beer
c) You immerse yourself in the Travel Channel hoping for a show featuring Aruba
d) You realize you hate your home because it’s not in the high or low rise area of the island
e) Two or more of the above
f) None of the above
If you answered anything but “F” you are prone to Post Aruba Sadness Disorder

What is Post Aruba Sadness Disorder (PASD)?

Post Aruba Sadness Disorder is a short to medium term affliction that develops when travelers return to their real lives after having been immersed in the awesomeness that is Aruba.

I recently returned from another visit to the island of Aruba. Just like your typical Aruba vacation this one was fantastic. On a future episode of the show I will be doing a recap of what went down on the island. Truthfully it’s been hard for me to get back to recording as I have been in a bit of a funk. Actually that may be an understatement. Post Aruba Sadness Disorder had completely taken a hold of me and it’s been quite the struggle to come out the other side.

What you will learn on this episode of One Happy Podcast

What Arubaphiles mean by “The Crying Room”
Why unpacking is key to beating PASD
The importance of grocery shopping and cooking
How household chores may be just the pick me up that you need
A full proof way to get rid of Post Aruba Sadness Disorder

 
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EP43:Gabriella Appreciates All Aruba has to Offer

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This episode of One Happy Podcast features is all about getting away from the beaches and getting to know the other part of the island. The majority of tourists who visit Aruba (myself included) chose the island for the beaches. However, my guest on this 43rd episode of One Happy Podcast came to the island for a completely different reason, its history.

Today’s guest Gabriella, already an extensive world traveler first visited the island in 2005 and immediately fell in love. But unlike most of us, it wasn’t the world famous white sand beaches or the highly acclaimed culinary scene that won her over Gabriella fell in love with the history of Aruba. It isn’t that Gabriella doesn’t appreciate the beauty of this happy little island she just chooses to look deeper.

Being an avid photographer Gabriella enjoys getting off the beaten path in search of unique photo opportunities as well as visiting downtown Oranjestad to take it all of its charm and history. During the course of this nearly hour long episode of One Happy Podcast, Gabriella clues us in on many of the sights that go unnoticed by the vast majority of Aruba vacationers.

 
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EP42: Jay Stull Knows How to Enjoy One Happy Island

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Joining me today for the 42nd episode of One Happy Podcast is an Aruba veteran of 18+ trips. Having first visited Aruba for his “Funny moon” in 2001 Jay Stull immediately fell in love with the island of Aruba. Whether it’s the beautiful beaches, ice cold Amstel Bright’s or gentle nature of the island, Jay appreciates Aruba in a way that every visitor should.

While he frequents and loves the Marriott Ocean Club where he and his wife own a timeshare, Jay also has an appreciation for the rest of Aruba. Throughout this conversation Jay clues me in on some Aruba bars and restaurants that are not to be missed. We talk about quite a few restaurants that are rare mentions on the podcast such as Cafe 080 and the Casibari Cafe as well as Aruba staples like Papiamento restaurant.

In total this interview lasts just over 40 minutes and is full of information that not only newbies but those who have been visiting the island for many years will appreciate. Whether you want to pick up a bit of the local language, learn a quick way to do a florin to dollar conversion or hear a rundown of some of the best casual dining spots on the island; this is the episode for you.

 
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EP41: Exploring Aruba with the Dion Family

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Joining me today on One Happy Podcast is a whole group of guests, the Dion family. That’s right today I have 4 guests willing to share their Aruba story. More accurately I guess I should say four-fifths of the Dion family as Rich, the dad could not make it. However in his absence Jacki (mom), Brianna (daughter), Jason and Michael (sons) do an exceptional job telling us all about their Aruba.

The Dion’s have been visiting Aruba for about 10 years and currently are timeshare owners at LaCabana which is described by Brianna as being the best resort on the island. Typically traveling with a group that can range anywhere for a handful to a bus-full of people (their largest group totaled more than 50) the Dion’s love being able to spend quality family time on the island they all care for so much. In this episode we discuss what it means to be able to take a family vacation. Also I learn more about the LaCabana resort and its grounds.

As amazing as it sounds, this episode isn’t only about what goes on at LaCabana. On episode 41 we also talk about things the Dion’s like to do away from the Eagle Beach area. Aruba has so much to offer and the Dion’s take full advantage of it. Depending on mood, sometimes they go exploring the backside of the island, snorkeling at DePalm Island or enjoying one of the many fantastic restaurants that Aruba has to offer. No matter what they are doing its clear the Dion’s love to have a great time. If you are someone who is looking to take a family vacation to the island of Aruba, this is the episode for you

 
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