One Happy Podcast

Fresh back from their trip to the island are Marcia and Ray Frost, who are joining me for this episode of One Happy Podcast to talk about how they celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary in Aruba.

I first had the pleasure of interviewing this lovely couple back in episode 23, in which they told the story of how they fell in love with Aruba. You can listen to that here: http://onehappypodcast.com/ep23

Marcia and Ray, who are Aruba veterans, find comfort and enjoyment in exploring the island to interact and make friends with the locals. They just love to take in the vibe, the music, and the friendly atmosphere in a small island where everyone knows everyone.

They talk about their great experience in an all-inclusive deal with Divi Aruba, which is according to them, the best deal in town and a no brainer if you just wish to sit back, relax, and have everything ready for you. For a reasonable price, they got to enjoy accommodations, endless food, and drinks, as well as entertainment. It's perfect for anybody who wants to take a trip in a pinch.

For their next trip, Marcia and Ray are planning to take a bunch of newbies with them to the island who will be experiencing the wonders of Aruba for the first time. They can't wait to be the excited tour guides. In their words, "We love to take people for their first trip and for them to see Aruba with fresh eyes."

Lastly, but also very important to note, they recount their heartwarming tale in bringing puppies home on a plane to be adopted. As huge animal lovers, Marcia and Ray can't feel a lot of compassion for the stray animals on the island and they set out to do what they can to help.

ON THIS EPISODE ON ONE HAPPY PODCAST, YOU WILL:

• Know all about Divi Aruba's Cyber Monday deals including the advantages and why you should consider it for your next trip.
• Listen to us discuss the importance of tipping in Aruba and in other places for the staff who go out of their way to be helpful even in their own time.
• Hear funny stories of the couple's search for a bandana to combat Ray's sweat which ended up with him getting an old school 80's sweatband instead and how he got the Patriot Cheerleaders to wish his father in law, George, a happy birthday.
• Know the difficulties in finding bargains especially in flights and some useful tips.
• Learn why it's important to be careful of the waves in Divi beach.
• Hear about the strange condition Marcia falls into when swimming in the waters of Aruba, in which she gets seasick easily and how this seemingly also affects other people aside from her.

RESTAURANTS, ESTABLISHMENTS, AND SERVICES MENTIONED:

Divi Aruba All-Inclusive

Wacky Wahoo's

Pika's Corner Aruban Cuisine

Hard Rock Cafe

Passions on the Beach

Kukoo Kunuku Bus

Renaissance Aruba Private Island

Twist of Flavors

Iguana Joe's Caribbean Bar & Grill

ABC Tours

Casa del Mar Beach Resort and Timeshare

Playa Linda Beach Resort

It has been a week since Maggie and I left the paradise of Aruba and we're here again to bring you the conclusion of our Summer 2017 Getaway trilogy. Don't forget to check out episode 89 and 90 for the first and second parts of this series.

I have to say, this has been one of the most laid-back vacations we've ever had. There was no adventuring involved this time. We just kicked back, relaxed, and basked in the calmness of the One Happy Island. Let me give you a summarized recount of our experience from our recent 8-day trip.

After a long work week, we couldn't wait to strap in and head out to the airport for our flight to begin our getaway. For the first time in the history of our vacations in Aruba, we didn't hit the beach on the first day which was regrettable, however, our night was a complete blast thanks to the celebration of Canada Day over at Alfie's.

This trip marked our very first 4th of July celebration in the island and now we want to do it every single year there. An absolutely breathtaking view of the fireworks from Palm Beach surrounded by friends in a great beach party? We couldn't have asked for more.

We laughed our tummies out at Aruba Ray's Comedy which we watched twice during our stay, featuring "Aruba" Ray Ellin, Pete Lee, Tony Woods, Mike Britt, Adrian Iapalucci, and Nimesh Patel. To find more about Aruba Ray Comedy, go to www.arubacomedy.com or listen to One Happy Podcast episodes 88, 77, 71.5, 71, 40, 21, and 7.

We also spent an amazing evening at Legends Pub for the biggest meet-up we've attended with people from the official Aruba forums as well as a pleasant dinner at Yemanja's with one of our dear friends, Anne.

There's always that bittersweet feeling when leaving Aruba which feels like we're leaving home somehow. And this trip was no exception. We're already counting down the days for our next trip!

So long, our paradise. Until we meet again.

ON THIS EPISODE OF ONE HAPPY PODCAST, YOU WILL:

- Gather our input from the restaurants we've dined at and some of the best dishes we've ever tasted.

- Hear my trick for scoring half price airplane drinks

- Listen to our discussion about the best places to get Italian hotdogs in North Jersey.

- Learn more about the unusual pickleback drink, Sherry "Jello" Pence, and Lia the talented little performer which were all mentioned in the previous episode.

- Hear about our regrets with missing out on a tempting offer from the Airline in exchange of a delayed flight.

RESTAURANTS, ESTABLISHMENTS, SERVICES, AND BUSINESSES MENTIONED:

Dickie Dee's World Famous Italian Hot Dogs and Pizza

Jimmy G's Famous Hot Dogs

Double Tree Hotel

Amigo Car Rental

Alfie's

New Wai Tai

Urataka Pizza

Pizza Bob's

Aruba Ray's Comedy

Eduardo's

Scott's Brats

Sole Mare

El Mexicano

Aruba's Hands

Matthew's Beachside Restaurant

Ricardo's Restaurant and Bar

Barefoot Restaurant

Quinta del Carmen

Bugaloe Beach Bar & Grill

Legends Pub Bar

Fermin's Bar BQ

Yemanja's Woodfire Grill

So this episode of One Happy Podcast was recorded down on the island. What I wanted to do was capture the excitement of checking in with you guys on location. So here we have yours truly and Maggie G. discussing some of the highlights of our Summer 2017 Aruba Getaway. While Aruba is widely regarded as a place that has perfect weather this past week, was an improvement even upon that.and thanks in part to that weather, this trip has been absolute perfection.

Our first night was spent in the company of friends at Alfie's in celebration of Canada's 150th birthday. It was a night jam-packed with fun and spent in a sea of red and white, which are the colors of Canada. Canada Day at Alfie's was filled with good vibes, good food, and good drinks that never seemed to end.

As talked about in the previous episode, we celebrated the 4th of July at Palm Beach with the awesome folks from the Playa family in a huge beach party. The view of the fireworks display was nothing short of breathtaking. It really doesn't get any better than an up close, unobstructed view of the fireworks. I did a Facebook live of this event — if any of you were up to witness it — which basically was my way of bringing you guys into the Independence Day celebration that Aruba put on for us Americans.

We also attended one of the Aruba Ray's Comedy shows, which did not disappoint, of course. Maggie and I were in complete stitches the whole time. Those guys are absolutely hilarious and we recommend everyone to check them out! Aruba Ray has been on the show numerous times so even if you have not yet attended one of his shows, if you have been listening for a while you are probably familiar with him. However, if you are relatively new and you would like to know more about "Aruba" Ray's Comedy you can get to know him by listening to One Happy Podcast episodes 88, 77, 71.5, 71, 40, 21, and 7.

Wrapping up our highlights is a recount of the wonderful time we had with friends from the Aruba.com forums. We met up at Legend's Pub for a quick little meet and greet and also we had a superb night out with our good friend Anne at Yemanja, a new favorite restaurant of ours.

Make sure to stay tuned for the wrap-up of our Summer Aruba trip in the next episode! We'll list out a comprehensive list of all the restaurants we visited as well as our thoughts about them, a summary of our mini adventures, a recollection of the amazing memories we made, and much more.

ON THIS EPISODE OF ONE HAPPY PODCAST, YOU WILL:

- Listen to a story about what goes on in the casino after Aruba Ray's Comedy.

- Learn why Canada Day at Alfie's in Aruba was not to be missed

- Hear about how I became slightly starstruck upon meeting the actress Emily Tarver from Orange is the New Black.

- Know my reaction to an unusual drink I had at Legend's Pub

- Find out about our jello shot filled nights thanks to a woman who's famous for making hundreds of them. (To know more about Sherry "Jello" Pence, check out episode 60 of One Happy Podcast.)

- Hear my account of why Playa Linda may be the closest knit timeshare property on the island.

ESTABLISHMENTS, RESTAURANTS, PERSONALITIES, AND SHOWS MENTIONED:

Alfie's

Eduardo's Beach Shack

Legend's Pub

Matthew's Beachside Restaurant

Passion on the Beach Restaurant

Scott's Brats

Yemanja Woodfire Grill

Aruba Ray's Comedy

Marriott Hotel and Stellaris Casino

Playa Linda Beach Resort

Emily Tarver

Orange is the New Black

Tony Woods

In just a couple of days, Maggie — who you may be familiar with in a lot of previous episodes — and I are heading out to Aruba for our second trip this year and we are ready to go beach hopping and have some fun in the sun!

This will be the first part of what I'd like to call our Summer 2017 Getaway trilogy. We'll be doing an episode before the trip which is this one, another episode during our trip, and then the finale, after the trip, as a post-vacation wrap-up.

The last time we went to Aruba was on March earlier this year, and now we are going back to the One Happy Island this summer just in time for the Fourth of July, in celebration of America's 241st Independence Day. This is our first time joining in the festivities while on the island and we're excited to see the fireworks display from Palm Beach. We'll make sure to have a toast for all of you listeners too.

We also talk about the things that we're looking forward to the most in this trip which include soaking up the sun in Aruba's beautiful beaches as usual, dressing up in red and white to celebrate Canada Day with friends on the 1st of July, gearing ourselves up for a night of laughter in Aruba Ray's Comedy show (EP87 went more in detail with this), having our curiosity piqued with Guy "Master of the Mind" Bavli's mind-bending performance, and of course, getting out tummies filled with delicious food. We list out a bunch of restaurants that we're planning to check out — from pubs to traditional restaurants to the most recommended places by our listeners to the best pizzerias in the island to Italian ristorantes. So many places, so few nights!

Maggie and I can't wait to see what the island has in store for us this time! We have no doubt that it will be a blast.

On this episode of One Happy Podcast, you will:

- Know our favorite beaches to spend time in and admire the aesthetics of.

- Get a list of restaurants that we want to check out, which YOU might want to check out too.

- Find out more about the Canada Day celebration at Alfie's and how I plan on being Canadian for a day.

- Hear about our experience in car rental, recommended companies, and some useful tips.

- Hear about a new speed boat excursion coming to the island of Aruba

Restaurants mentioned:

Alfie's

Legends Pub

Quinta del Carmen

Barefoot Restaurant

Flying Fishbone Restaurant

Local Store

Urataka

Pizza Bob's Restaurant & Pub

Casa Tua Pizzeria

Amore Mio Pizzeria

Yemanja Woodfire Grill

Gostoso

Gasparito Restaurant

Twist of Flavors Restaurant

Azzurro Ristorante Italiano

Sole Mare Ristorante

Services, establishments, music acts, performers, and personalities mentioned:

Royal

Amigo

The Black Sheeps

Aruba Ray's Comedy

Guy Bavli

The Alhambra Casino

Stan Lee

Give it up for one of the most hilarious and genuine guys I know, Aruba Ray Ellin, as we welcome him back for another episode of One Happy Podcast! Ray and I catch up with some things we've missed out on and talk about his upcoming shows of Aruba Ray's Comedy at the Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino.

Here's the thing - Ray has nothing but excitement and praise for the line-up so anyone who's planning to attend are in for a real good time. Along with Aruba veteran comedians, Ray will be joined by some new faces who will be making their first trip to the island. One thing's for sure, they are all on a mission to make Aruba ring with laughter.

Ray discusses all the perks one can get when attending the shows. Good food and drinks? Yeah. Great atmosphere? Sure. A grand time filled with endless laughs? Guaranteed. For each ticket, there will also be free slot cash or match play in the Stellaris Casino.

From June 24th to July 29th, a whole new set of shows will be happening at the Marriott. Here are the outstanding comedians who will be joining Ray Ellin in Aruba Ray's Comedy.

• Tony Woods
• Costaki Economopoulos
• Gregg Rogell
• Pete Lee
• Mike Britt
• Veronica Mosey
• Adrienne Iiapalucci
• Nimesh Patel
• Dan Naturman
• Brian McFadden
• Chris Distefano
• Chuck Nice
• Tony V.
• Gary Vider
• Joe Vega
• Lynne Koplitz

Go check out their website to find out more about this top New York City comedy club transported to paradise. www.arubacomedy.com

On another note, as I will be in Aruba on the 4th of July, Ray pitches in some tips I could use to make the most out of the experience and this goes for all of you who are also heading to Aruba on the same period.

Apart from that, Ray shares his experiences of going on trips to the other side of the island which looks far from the touristy side. Travelers who are looking for a more adventurous time would definitely enjoy the raw, natural beauty of the less-visited parts of Aruba. For the foodies out there, which I know most of us are, Ray lists a couple of food trucks or restaurants you can add to your list of places to eat in the island.

On this episode of One Happy Podcast, you will:

- Get to know more about the comedians that are included in the line-up for Aruba Ray's Comedy; where they have made an appearance and some of their credentials

- Hear Ray talk about Jimmy Fallon and how I share the same taste as Fallon when it comes to cheesesteaks

- Know why Aruba Ray's Comedy got a rating of #1 on TripAdvisor

- Listen to Ray explain the initiation process they've got for the new guys in Aruba Ray's Comedy (not to be taken seriously)

- Hear about what's it like in Aruba on the 4th of July and some tips that Ray can share for first-timers

- Find out what it's like on the other side of the island and what are the natural wonders you can see in there

- Know some of the best food trucks and restaurants in Aruba that Ray recommends

- Hear about Ray's wonderful experience with customer service in a car rental place in Aruba

Restaurants, establishments, properties, and services mentioned:

Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

Alto Vista Chapel

Chalo Burger

Eataly Food Truck Aruba

El Mexicano Aruba Taco Truck

Fermin's Bar BQ

Legends Pub

Eduardo's Beach Shack

Scott's Brats

Hertz Car Rental Aruba

Joining me today on One Happy Podcast is an Aruba visitor who has been coming to the island for 45 years. After being introduced to the island by her parents at the age of 4, naturally, Ginny O. developed an unbreakable bond. That bond which was forged as Ginny was growing up was one she would hope to one day share with her family. Now that the dream is a reality Ginny travels to the island with her family and they now all share that same deep connection with the island. On this episode of One Happy Podcast, Ginny takes us for a trip down her personal memory lane that encompasses countless Aruba trips spanning four and a half decades. This is an awesome episode for you long time visitors with memories of the Aruba from yesteryear. However, short-timers will also appreciate Ginny's love for Aruba and everyone will be able to appreciate the family aspect of this podcast. On this episode of One Happy Podcast, you will:

• Hear about some of Ginny's favorite places in Aruba to snorkel
• Learn about Vincent the limbo dancer from 70s and 80s
• Find out what it's like to step on a sea urchin
• Hear about some restaurants and properties you probably never knew existed
• Learn the significance of the old Westin clock from one of the kids who grew up on the island

Properties and Services mentioned this episode:

• Riu
• La Cabana
• Divi Properties
• The Concord
• The Westin
• The Renaissance Aruba

Restaurants and Excursions mentioned this episode:

• ABC Jeep tours
• Aruba Helicopter Tours
• Jolly Pirates Aruba

• Skydive Aruba

• Salt and Pepper
• Club Visage
• Gusto
• Moomba
• Tattoo Party Boat
• The Paddock
• Sole Mar
• Passions on the Beach
• Tulips

Links and Resources Mentioned in this episode of the show:

• Onehappypodcast.com
• One Happy Podcast Facebook Page
• One Happy Podcast Instagram
• One Happy Podcast Twitter

Episode 86 of One Happy Podcast is one in which we tackle the subject of renting a vacation home in Aruba. As you already know I'm a bit of a veteran when it comes to vacation rentals, but to make certain I got the absolute best info for you guys I went out to get professional help. So, I reached out to Liz Ginocchio of myarubadreamvilla.com to provide her expertise in Aruba vacation rentals.

Although private vacation rentals have been around forever, with the explosion of AirBnB over the last few years, they are finally coming to the forefront. People are seeing the value and personalization that comes along when you decide to explore what's out there and they are getting curious. Anytime I am asked where I stay (and answer "in a private home") it kicks off a conversation about what it's like renting a home in Aruba. Those questions and conversations were the inspiration for this episode of the show.

My Aruba Dream Villa is one of the top property management and vacation rental agencies on the island. During this interview, we talk to Liz about not only her rental agency but about renting in general. This episode isn't about trying to sway anyone's opinion as to which is the better vacation option. Episode 86 is all about providing information so you as the consumer are informed about all of your options.

On this episode of One Happy Podcast, you will:

• Discover why private rentals have amenities that can sometimes trump resorts
• Learn what to look for in a rental
• Find out the process for going from window shopping to booking
• Hear why owning your very own Aruba vacation rental could be a great business decision
• Find out how to get great deals on rentals
• Learn about an exclusive concierge service renters can use

Links and Resources Mentioned in this episode of the show:

• My Aruba Dream Villa
• Onehappypodcast.com
• One Happy Podcast Facebook Page
• One Happy Podcast Instagram
• One Happy Podcast Twitter

Joining me for Episode 85 of One Happy Podcast is long time Aruba visitor Donna Dubrink. How long has Donna been visiting Aruba? She has been visiting for 24 years and still loves the island just as much as she did the first time.

Recently Donna was in Aruba staying at her beloved Playa Linda Timeshare and was nice enough to stop by to talk about it. Now, just because Donna stays at a resort on a prime location on Palm Beach don't think she only stays around the resort. Donna is an explorer at heart. This love for exploration has led her to discover countless nooks and crannies around the island.

So, on this episode of the show Donna takes us back 24 years to when she first stepped off the plane onto the tarmac of the airport. Over that time she has experienced many different accommodations but the Playa Linda is home, and also the place where her most recent trip is centered. We talk about that trip and how someone who has been visiting Aruba for more than 2 decades still finds a way to enjoy the island and discover new aspects of it.

On this episode of One Happy Podcast, you will:

• Learn when to get a good photo of the most photographed trees in the Caribbean
• Find out about the best spot on the island to watch the sunset with a bottle of wine
• Hear what makes the Tranquillo different from other snorkel excursions
• Learn what is drift snorkeling
• Hear about Donna's favorite place to snorkel from the beach
• Find out which restaurant would Donna recommend to a best friend who has never been to Aruba
• Discover what water sports activity sounds like a freight train
• Find out Donna's "goto" for 2 for 1 pina colada's

Properties and Services mentioned this episode:

• Caribbean Palm Village Aruba
• Private home at Tierra Del Sol
• Amsterdam Manor
• MVC Eagle Beach
• Manchebo Beach Resort
• Playa Linda Resort
• Rented a room at Charlie's Bar

Restaurants and Excursions mentioned this episode:

• Azzurros
• Carlito's Bar Aruba
• Chalet Suisse Aruba
• Flying Fishbone Aruba
• Marina Pirata
• Pinchos Aruba

• Tranquillo Aruba
• DePalm island

Links and Resources Mentioned in this episode of the show:

• Onehappypodcast.com
• One Happy Podcast Facebook Page
• One Happy Podcast Instagram
• One Happy Podcast Twitter

Joining me on Episode 84 of One Happy Podcast is Michelle Kalina. Michelle is a yoga instructor, health and wellness coach and a fellow Aruba lover. Last month Michelle had the unique opportunity of teaching a sunset yoga class at the Aruba Renaissance, a class that some of you may have had the opportunity of participating in.

I intended to reach out to Michelle prior to the class taking place, but there just was not enough time. However, after hearing just how awesome it was, I decided to reach out after the fact to see if Michelle would be willing to come on the show… she was.

So, this interview is Michelle Kalina sharing her Aruba story. The main focus of this episode was the trip she and her family just returned from. We talk about the Marriott where they stayed, some of the activities they experienced and many of the restaurants they enjoyed on their vacation.

What I really love about this episode is not only does it feature an awesome Aruba story, but also has an underlying theme. This was a very active and fitness-focused vacation with the highlight being Michelle's sunset yoga class. I don't know about you guys, but for me, when on vacation it's sometimes hard to maintain any semblance of restraint. Hearing the Aruba story of someone who lives such a healthy lifestyle not only provides inspiration but also gives me ideas on what I can incorporate into my next vacation. Hopefully my interview with Michelle Kalina of Michelle K Yoga on episode 84 of One Happy Podcast resonates with you in a similar fashion.

On this episode of One Happy Podcast, you will:

• Hear why you should never worry about the weather report in Aruba
• Get Michelle's take on the Renaissance Island experience
• Discover how Yemanja makes it easy for those with dietary restrictions to determine what fits their needs.
• Find out about the palapa procurement procedures at the Marriott Ocean Club
• Get tips from Michelle K about how to eat healthy on a vacation in Aruba
• Find out the deeper more spiritual meaning to the rock formations tourists refer to as "wishing rocks"

Properties and Services mentioned this episode:

• Marriott Ocean Club
• Renaissance Aruba

Restaurants and Excursions mentioned this episode:

• Atardi
• Barefoot Aruba
• El Faro Blanco
• Nourish Cafe Aruba
• Madame Jeanette
• Yemanja Woodfire Grill

• ABC Jeep tours
• JADS dive center Aruba
• Pelican Tours snorkeling
• Aruba Top Drive Car Rental

Links and Resources Mentioned in this episode of the show:

• Michellekyoga.com
• Michelle K Yoga on Facebook
• Michelle K Yoga on Instagram - michellek.yoga
• Michelle K food on Instagram
• Jake Kalina on Instagram
• Jake Kalina photography on Instagram
• Jacob K Photography

• Onehappypodcast.com
• One Happy Podcast Facebook Page
• One Happy Podcast Instagram
• One Happy Podcast Twitter

On Episode 83 of One Happy Podcast, the officially unofficial podcast of the island of Aruba, I am being joined by Melissa Rose. Having just returned from her second trip to the island, Melissa is already a full-fledged Aruba-holic. Now Melissa was just in Aruba a couple of weeks ago and was nice enough to stop by One Happy Podcast to share her Aruba story.

In this interview, Melissa tells me all about her family vacation spent with her husband and two teenaged boys. Being a first-time vacation home renter, I was curious to hear about her experience with "Vacation Rental by Owners" (VRBO). I was also curious to see how the rental life compared to her previous stay at an Eagle beach resort. Melissa walks me through her family vacation including her trips to the various beaches of the island, as well as an excursion that she absolutely loves.

The reason why this episode is a favorite is because not only does Melissa do a great job of providing useful information but she does it in a way that places you there. By the end, I almost felt like I tagged along with them on their family trip. Even though Melissa is relatively new to the island, this interview proves that everyone has something to teach. I learned quite a bit from my talk with Melissa and I hope you will as well. At the very least I guarantee you will be entertained and warmed by the love she shows for One Happy Island, on episode 83 of the Officially Unofficial Podcast of the Island of Aruba.

On this episode of One Happy Podcast, you will:

• Hear what it's like to rent a townhouse in Gold Coast
• Listen to Melissa describe a buffet that you must visit if traveling with picky eaters… something for everyone.
• Find out about an awesome local guided snorkel excursion
• Learn ow someone who rents a vacation home deals with the Aruba beach palapa situation
• From Melissa why you should be a guest on One Happy Podcast

Properties and Services mentioned this episode:

• Gold Coast
• La Cabana

Restaurants and Excursions mentioned this episode:

• Garden Fresh Aruba
• Iguana Cantina
• La Vista
• Smokey Joe's Aruba

• Aruba Outdoor Adventure Pedal Kayak and Power Snorkeling

Links and Resources Mentioned in this episode of the show:

• Onehappypodcast.com
• One Happy Podcast Facebook Page
• One Happy Podcast Instagram
• One Happy Podcast Twitter

• VRBO