EP52: Aruba Vacation Planning Pt1 – Deciding when

This episode of One Happy Podcast the Officially Unofficial Podcast of the island of Aruba is going to be a bit different from the norm. Today Maggie and I are beginning part 1 of a multi-episode series about Planning a vacation to Aruba. More specifically on this introductory episode we discuss what goes into planning when to visit the island, how we book our tickets and deciding on where to stay.

It’s kind of funny because when we plan the discussion goes so streamlined that you don’t realize what all goes into these decisions. I guess once you graduate to Aruba regular status you have a pretty good routine down. Even so I think it’s interesting to hear how others arrive at their decisions. Today we are deciding on the timing of the trip, which is probably the single most important piece of the puzzle. We are also discussing how we decide on an airline, which is a large part of the expense. Lastly, we discuss how we choose where to stay on a visit to Aruba. These are all very important factors that need to be carefully considered when booking a vacation.

EP50: Things to do in Aruba after dark

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.

EP49: Cheryl Talcof and Yappy Hour

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.

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

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.