First impressions of Aruba's changes

Colin and I have been looking forward to a vacation all year.  The last vacation we took together was for a wedding in Cabo San Lucas and we had a blast!  But that was already a year and a half ago.  It seems like a very long time because so much has happened in that year and a half.  When we found out our friends were getting married in Aruba, we were ecstatic. 

Back in 2000, I went to Aruba with some girl friends.  Given Aruba’s recent notoriety with the deaths of young females, I feel fortunate that nothing happened to any of us while we were there over 10 years ago.  I do remember the clarity of the water and softness of the white sand and looked forward to sharing that with Colin.  I also expected to find things much the same as when I last visited.  Boy was I surprised to see the changes.

The biggest surprise was that our party spot, Carlos and Charlies, was no longer in Aruba.  I recall spending just about every night dancing there, and then heading to other downtown hot spots. 

Our hotel, the Renaissance Marina, was located downtown and I was excited about checking out “the old stomping ground.” 

  

The Renaissance Marina Hotel

Our first night in Aruba was my girlfriend’s bachelorette party.  We got in around 9pm and I immediately got dressed up to go out.  After participating in a few hotel room games, we went out with our sights set on the club “Confessions.”  I inquired to the cab driver about the downtown clubs and was told everything had moved to the “high-rise hotels.”  That would have been convenient when we stayed at the Holiday Inn back in 2000, but was not convenient now that I was staying downtown.  Upon getting into “Confessions,” I realized it might be best to not be near the clubs since I am (1) not 19 anymore, (2) married, (3) married to a guy who doesn’t like to dance, and (4) visiting the island for a wedding and not to party with the girls.  The bachelorette party was fun because all of us “old ladies” were there supporting the bride and had a good time dancing. 

The bachelorette with Senor Frog near the end of the night!

The rest of the week was also fun seeing old friends, making new friends, celebrating with the bride and groom, and relaxing on the beach and at the pool.

I had planned to see the island on this trip because I never did on my previous trip, but as it turned out, we enjoyed the beach so much, we didn’t make our way to the lighthouse, the natural bridge, or any other sights besides the beach.

Have you ever been to Aruba?
What's your favorite thing about the island?

Stay tuned for the highlights of our trip!!