ARUBA "One Happy Island"

The following is an excerpt from my Aruba, One Happy Island Story. I hope you enjoy... Also, sorry for the 2X on the yellow boat, I am still learning. I can't figure out how to delete one of them, if anyone knows...HELP ME!

As I made my way through the beautiful newly decorated lobby, past the Stellaris Casino, and out the back door towards the beach bar, clearly, I was on a mission. As I bellied up to the bar at Simply Fish, I asked the bartender about the aloe drinks. Under his recommendation I ordered the 'Aloe Rum Punch'. All this hype; it had better be worth it! Pinkish in color with a cherry and pineapple topper, I took a smell, then a swig. Hmmm...cold, refreshing, sweet, not to sweet, yet there was something about it. I asked the bartender to see the actual bottle of aloe.Aruba prides itself on their aloe crops. " BIG MISTAKE," I started to think.There it was in writing, distilled in Korea. As I drank some more, there was an odd consistency about this liquid. The bartender poured me some straight aloe in a separate cup.I picked it up, looked at it, and, hummm, some little floating opaque pieces of aloe plant. I drank some and swilled it around my mouth. Immediately, I had a flashback of years past swimming at the Jersey Shore during jellyfish season; the waves crashing into shore, the pieces of broken jellyfish scattered throughout the salt water, and the broken sea creatures littering the shoreline. I was done! There wasn't much for me to do at this point except to finish my jellyfish drink and make my way towards some food.

With jellyfish still on my mind, I thought, "What better to eat for dinner than Sushi?".....

I stayed at the beautiful new Tradewinds Club, the dedicated concierge staff went above and beyond to make my trip memorable. From the "pillow menu", to the lush landscaping overlooking the Caribbean Sea, they indeed spoiled me rotten. On the Marriott property you will have seven restaurants and cafes to choose from. You must also visit The Mandara Spa during your stay. Just know that the Aruba Marriott staff is dedicated to making your stay the best that they can.

Check out The Aruba Marriott on the web at www.arubamarriott.com/ & The Mandara Spa @ aruba@mandaraspa.com