EP47: Janice Tells Us About the Costa Linda

Podcast

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.

 
Details

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.

 
Details

Aruba Secret Picture Game March 28th Edition

Secret Picture Game

So once upon a time I did something called the secret picture game. In a nutshell I would have a picture of something that exists in Aruba. I would then crop out a portion of that picture and blow it up to a much larger size. Those playing the game would then see if I see if they could guess what the larger image is from the fragment supplied. The game ran for a while on Facebook but was a bear to keep up with since I posted it on a number of different groups. I also posted it over at the aruba.com forums where it ran, pretty much until I ran out of usable photos. Well now the Aruba Secret Picture Game is back and better than ever.

So here is a fragment of a photo that many of you have seen before. Can you guess what the picture is in its entirety?

 
Details

Recapping Aruba February 2016 with Maggie G

Podcast

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.

 
Details

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

 
Details