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.

On This Episode of One Happy Podcast You Will Learn:

People and places mentioned this episode of the show

Which of the following best describes your post Aruba vacation routine?

If you answered anything but “F” you are prone to Post Aruba Sadness Disorder

What is 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

The most important takeaway from Episode 44 of One Happy Podcast

Ending a trip to Aruba is without a doubt rewarding because you were lucky enough to have been there in the first place.  The problem is flipping the switch from island life back to the real world can be draining.  The key to getting things back on track is to remember, although Aruba is really freaking awesome your real life is pretty darn good.  You have friends, family, pets and hobbies and they exist back home not on island.  So while the island is great the things that really make life special actually exist in your real life.

Important Links from this Episode:

This episode of One Happy Podcast features is all about getting away from the beaches and getting to know the other part of Aruba.  The majority of tourists who visit Aruba (myself included) chose the island for the beaches.  However, my guest on this 43rd episode of One Happy Podcast came to the island for a completely different reason, its history.   

Today’s guest Gabriella, already an extensive world traveler first visited the island in 2005 and immediately fell in love.  But unlike most of us, it wasn’t the world famous white sand beaches or the highly acclaimed culinary scene that won her over Gabriella fell in love with the history of Aruba.  It isn’t that Gabriella doesn’t appreciate the beauty of this happy little island she just chooses to look deeper. 

Being an avid photographer Gabriella enjoys getting off the beaten path in search of unique photo opportunities as well as visiting downtown Oranjestad to take it all of its charm and history.  During the course of this nearly hour long episode of One Happy Podcast Gabriella clues us in on many of the sights that go unnoticed by the vast majority of Aruba vacationers.   

On this episode you will hear about:

Aruba attractions mentioned on this episode

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Joining me today for the 42nd episode of One Happy Podcast is an Aruba veteran of 18+ trips.  Having first visited Aruba for his “Funny moon” in 2001 Jay Stull immediately fell in love with the island of Aruba.  Whether it’s the beautiful beaches, ice cold Amstel Bright’s or gentle nature of the island, Jay appreciates Aruba in a way that every visitor should.  

While he frequents and loves the Marriott Ocean Club where he and his wife own a timeshare, Jay also has an appreciation for the rest of Aruba.  Throughout this conversation Jay clues me in on some Aruba bars and restaurants that are not to be missed.  We talk about quite a few restaurants that are rare mentions on the podcast such as Cafe 080 and the Casibari Cafe as well as Aruba staples like Papiamento restaurant.  

In total this interview lasts just over 40 minutes and is full of information that not only newbies but those who have been visiting the island for many years will appreciate.  Whether you want to pick up a bit of the local language, learn a quick way to do a florin to dollar conversion or hear a rundown of some of the best casual dining spots on the island; this is the episode for you.

On This Episode of One Happy Podcast You Will Learn:

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Links and Resources Mentioned this Episode:

Joining me today on One Happy Podcast is a whole group of guests, the Dion family.  That’s right today I have 4 guests willing to share their Aruba story.  More accurately I guess I should say four-fifths of the Dion family as Rich, the dad could not make it.  However in his absence Jacki (mom), Brianna (daughter), Jason and Michael (sons) do an exceptional job telling us all about their Aruba.

The Dion’s have been visiting Aruba for about 10 years and currently are timeshare owners at LaCabana which is described by Brianna as being the best resort on the island. Typically traveling with a group that can range anywhere for a handful to a bus-full of people (their largest group totaled more than 50) the Dion’s love being able to spend quality family time on the island they all care for so much.  In this episode we discuss what it means to be able to take a family vacation.  Also I learn more about the LaCabana resort and its grounds.  

As amazing as it sounds, this episode isn’t only about what goes on at LaCabana.  On episode 41 we also talk about things the Dion’s like to do away from the Eagle Beach area.  Aruba has so much to offer and the Dion’s take full advantage of it.  Depending on mood, sometimes they go exploring the backside of the island, snorkeling at DePalm Island or enjoying one of the many fantastic restaurants that Aruba has to offer.  No matter what they are doing its clear the Dion’s love to have a great time.  If you are someone who is looking to take a family vacation to the island of Aruba, this is the episode for you

On This Episode of One Happy Podcast You Will Learn:

Restaurants and Attractions Mentioned on this Episode:

On the 40th episode of One Happy podcast, Aruba Ray Ellin stops past tell talk about the newest installment of “Aruba Ray’s Comedy”.  He and his cohorts will have shows running from February 3rd through March 4th at the Aruba Marriott Stellaris Hotel and Casino.  Each night will feature Ray Ellin as your host and two other New York city comic’s doing a 90 minute show.  

In my opinion Aruba Ray’s Comedy is the best way to spend an evening on the island.  In September I was able to catch two shows and both were fantastic. If you are a fan of comedy clubs there is nothing else like this in Aruba.  If you are someone who has never been to a comedy club Aruba Ray’s Comedy is a great introduction into what you have been missing out on.  

Ray himself is an extremely accomplished NYC comedian and all of the guests he brings down to the island are equally incredible.  These guys and girls have been featured on late night shows such as the Tonight Show, David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel and Conan O’Brien.  The have been in major motion pictures such as “Trainwreck” with Amy Schumer, “Invincible” with Mark Wahlberg and “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” with Ben Stiller.  I have actually been a fan of one of the comics, Tony Woods for about decade when I saw him in P Diddy’s “Bad Boys of Comedy”.  So many of you will probably recognize many others Last Comic Standing, TRU Tv, HGTV and comedy specials of their own on HBO, Showtime and Comedy Central. Basically what I am saying is normally you would need to visit a big city comedy club to see this level of talent.

Here is a list of who will take part in the February 3rd through March 4th 2016 shows and specific dates:

You can buy tickets at the Amsterdam Ballroom Showroom Door at 7:30pm subject to availability but they do sell out so if I were you I would choose a date and purchase tickets right now.  Visit Arubacomedy.com to get your tickets today!

You also get a couple of perks with your ticket purchase:

20% off Aruba La Vista Buffet

Free Stellaris Casino Slot Credit

There is also an optional 4 hour Premium open bar for only 22 additional dollars

Please note that you cannot purchase tickets online after 5:30pm on the day of the show

Restaurant’s Mentioned this episode:

An Aruba expense report is the topic of discussion on episode 39 of One Happy Podcast.  The idea for this episode came from a few questions I recently saw on the Aruba Facebook groups.  Would be visitors to the island were asking for advice on how much they would be looking at spending while on the island.  Estimates were all over the place, with none being very specific.  I don’t blame the people answering the questions for this vagueness as it’s a natural limitation to Facebook groups.  It’s just really hard to give a complete answer on a one paragraph Facebook post.  Thankfully I have a podcast, which allows me to give a much more detailed answers.

On this episode of the show I use my September 2015 Aruba trip as an example of what a trip to Aruba can cost.  What I do with that data is list actual prices we paid for car rentals and dinners on the island.  Hopefully by providing that information to you guys it will help you figure out your own budgeting.  This post is geared more towards Aruba newbies but can also prove helpful for anyone wondering how their expenses stack up.

Sometimes it comes off like it’s taboo to discuss specific numbers, but in my opinion specifics are the only way to be helpful.  When someone asks for recommendations for an affordable place to eat if only a name is tossed out it means nothing.  Affordable to you may be completely different than it does for the person asking the question.  By providing not only the actual amount spent at a particular restaurant but what it was spent on it allows for a more complete picture for the person making the inquiry.

On This Episode of One Happy Podcast you will:

Restaurants Mentioned this episode:

Links and Resources Mentioned:

On this episode of One Happy Podcast we tackle the subject of how Aruba can save your life and make you a better person. I know you are probably thinking "Aruba Curt you are full of it". Trust me on this one as I have listed 10 ways that taking a trip to Aruba can make a very real and profound difference in your life.

You see, Aruba is more than shopping drinking and eating. It is actually a way of life that when you are exposed to it has the ability to wash away everyday stress. If you have visited there once or twice I am sure you know what I mean. If you have yet to make your first visit to the island soon you will understand. Aruba really does get into your soul.

Ten Ways Aruba Can Change You for the Better:

The One Happy Podcast Holiday Carolers present the Twelve Days of Christmas

Featuring:
Day 12 Vallon Davis EP4
Day 11 Andrea James EP2 and EP20
Day 10 Marelene Scherrenburg EP32
Day 9 Chloe and Lori Donlan EP18
Day 8 Cheryl Talcof EP19
Day 7 Marcia and Ray Frost EP23
Day 6 Tracey Beaver EP8
Day 5 Maggie G EP 1, 11 and 27
Day 4 Dee James EP 28
Day 3 Kristina Tisellano EP 33
Day 2 Cindy of Rob and Cindy O from EP 3 and 9
Day 1 Me Aruba Curt Robinson

Joining me today on One Happy Podcast is fellow Aruba fanatic Amy White.  Amy was first exposed to Aruba many years ago thanks to a college friend and has been in love ever since.  Over the years she has taken many trips that range from family getaways with her son to girl only trips perfect for letting loose.  Over the years Aruba has taught Amy many lessons, one of which is to not make too many plans if you really want to experience all that the island has to offer.

Amy frequently stays at the Divi Dutch Village but has stayed all over the island in not only the high rise and low rise areas but also apartments outside of the hotel zone.  Amy is extremely adept at finding deals, which has allows her to visit Aruba without breaking the bank.

On This Episode of One Happy Podcast You Will Learn:

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Links and resources mentioned this episode: