Tamarijn All Inclusive Resort

June 28 - July 12, 2003 by Gottshall

We were in Aruba from June 28 - July 12. This was our fifth consecutive year to return to the beautiful island where the weather and people are so great. The newly remodeled buffet at the Tam was great. We especially liked the food court being enclosed. While we have always had weekly stays, this year's 2-week stay was great. We have decided never to return for less than 2 weeks. We always stay in the 1600 block. Not far from anything. This building is in equal distances from the Bunker Bar and the food court.

We were amazed to see how much of the beach between the Divi and Tam had eroded since last year. While plenty of beach remains, probably 50% has disappeared.

We enjoyed meeting up with returning friends we have met in years past as well as meeting some new and great friends from all over.

The only trying time to our travel this year was the much longer length of our chartered flight. We used Vacation Express (Pace Airlines). In the past the plane would simply pick up passengers in Nashville (our departing airport) who were traveling only to Aruba or Cancun. You would land in Florida and be rerouted to separate planes -- going to Aruba or Cancun.

This year our flight had connection in Atlanta. We learned this year that the policy of Vacation Express is to "never leave" before all connecting planes arrive. Therefore, on our return, we waited almost 2 hours longer (we already had a 1 1/2 hour layover).

Any information anyone could provide us on better flight schedules would greatly be appreciated.

Anyone wishing additional information and/or feedback about wonderful Aruba, please do not hesitate to contact me. Hoping to hear some comments on flights. Until then, we are already planning our trip's return next year.

Gottshall