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[CT Don]

Trip Report for October 7 to Oct 28, 2011
　
October 7-14 - Week 1
Our trip to Aruba started as usual with a 3:00 a.m. wake up call. Took off on time but had an 1 1/2 hr delay in Miami because of a problem with the plane. On our arrival in Aruba we were met by Hans and he immediately brought us to our brand new Hyundai Accent. So off we went to Ling & Sons to get our supplies for the first week of our vacation at La Cabana. After unpacking and having a bite to eat we visited the Pata Pata Bar for some cool refreshments. Then we headed to the Stalleris Casino at the Marriott. Being exhausted from our trip, we only stayed a short time. Time enough to lose a little at Blackjack. DW won a little on her favorite slots. DW also won at the Seaport Casino this week. I didn't good anything worth repeating!

The weather for the first week there was a little unsettled with a few dark clouds and some sprinkles but not enough to keep us off the beach. The pelicans put on quite a show. They were diving for their meals very close to swimmers, waders, floaters. Never saw so many of them at one time. Very nice to see beach friends Bob and Chris from Arizona and John and Irene from MA and Rose and Joe from CT again. Oh and I can't forget "Guy". The man of many, many stories.

This first week we ate at Cafe Rembrandt and DW enjoyed her Dutch dish. It consisted of mashed potatoes, stewed beef and red cabbage. I had surf and turf with greens beans and a small salad. Cafe Rembrandt is a very pleasant place to dine. They have outdoor and indoor seating. It is a pleasure to sit outside and eat without all the hustle and bustle of the main drag.
Also, during the first week we ate at Matthews for rib night with a group of friends. Ribs at Matthews is always a treat and eating there with our friends is always fun.
Friday was a busy day for us. We had to move to another unit and set settled there for the next 2 weeks. Then headed to the airport to pickup our son Sean and his wife Carrie. Their plane was 2 hrs. late. Next time we pick someone up from the airport we are going to call ahead! After our late start, we headed to Ling & Sons for more supplies for the next two weeks.
In the evening we brought Sean and Carrie to Casa Tua for a "Welcome to Aruba" meal. Then of course of the the casino. Also very glad to see friends Larry and Nancy from MA. We met Larry and Nancy maybe about 20 yrs ago at La Cabana and have kept in touch ever since.

October 14-21 - Week 2
This week the weather was absolutely beautiful.Larry is being credited to bringing the "good" weather. It was Carrie's first time in Aruba and she just loved the beach, water, pool. Just about everything not to mention the shopping. Sean and Carrie took a tour of the island by jeep and loved it. They rode with the guide and loved all the stories he told them. Played Bingo at the bar one afternoon, but didn't win, not even a tee shirt. Nevertheless, it was fun. Another fun thing we did and it was a first for us, was Karaoke Night at the Pata Pata Bar. It was a nice break from the casinos and so entertaining. There are some good singers out there, many right on the island. Carrie was excited to sing, so she was the first singer. She sang "Hit Me With Your Best Shot". She did great. Later she would sing "The Gambler". Sean got up and knocked our socks off when he sang "My Eyes Adore You". WoW!

On Sean and Carrie's last night we met up with them at Gianni's. The meals were very good but next time I think we will sit inside. It was very warm that night with no breeze. Sean and Carrie spent the afternoon shopping in town and Carrie bought a very pretty diamond band ring and Sean treated himself to a very nice watch. They shopped at Kay Jewelers and were very pleased with their purchases.

On Friday, October 21, it started out sunny in the am. but didn't stay that way for long. I had to bring Sean and Carrie back to the airport and was praying it didn't rain. I didn't want to drive in flooded streets. Then to top it off, the Queen had just recently arrived on the island! So on the way to the airport it started to rain, the streets flooded and the traffic was bumper to bumper from the Crystal casino all the way to the airport. Once at the airport, there was a deluge and Sean and Carrie got soaked.

October 21-28, Week 3
The weather for the 3rd week of our vacation was not picture perfect, but that's OK. The water was very rough with the surf eating up a lot of the beach. There was a good 3 foot drop just to get to the edge of the water. They put up red flags and many people left the beach and headed to the pool.

We had 7:30 reservations for Cook's on Saturday night with friends Larry and Nancy. We decided to head out early because even tough I had directions, the Queen was there so we were informed that some of the streets would be closed! It was going to be an adventure even on a
good night.

Didn't follow the directions exactly, but found Cook's anyway, just pure luck!! Very nice restaurant and we all enjoyed our meals. During this last week, we also ate at Bingo's. Bingo's is one of the restaurants that we always go to at least once during our visit. Also, don't remember what night it was, but we ate at the Pool Grill for Prime Rib Night. We were pleasantly surprised to see it packed. It was so packed that they were having people wait for their tables at the Pata Pata Bar. I am glad to see such patronage and oh by the way, the meal was very good. Also ate at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. Always a favorite with us and Larry and Nancy. We had a great meal and used our points from the casino. While we were there, Nancy mentioned to the waiter that she and Larry were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. He congratulated them and then at the end of our mean presented them with a very pretty decorated platter with a cheese cake in the middle, very nice.

So that was our vacation at La Cabana for this October 2011. I have to mention that the lobby looks amazing. This was the first time we have seen it completed. It wasn't ready this past June when we were there. I thought it was going to look like a gym from the pics I seen before. But not at all. It is modern and so different from before, a great improvement. The grounds also looked great and the grass has grown in where there was damage from the weed killer. Actually everything looks great and will look even better when it is all painted, (love the new colors) and the hallways are done over. They really need it. But one thing at a time, and one assessment at a time!! Looking forward to our next trip to La Cabana in June, 2012. 　
　

[~Amy~®]

[Corrine]

I enjoyed that very much! It's good to know that some of the activities at the Pata Pata Bar are fun. I was a bit disappointed in the 1BR unit - the living room is much smaller with the kitchen in it. I received our maintenance bill and we are being assessed again, I think $80 extra.

We got to see quite a few pelicans this time, too! That was fun to watch!