One Happy Podcast

Joining me today on episode 15 of “One Happy Podcast - the Officially Unofficial Podcast of the Island of Aruba” is longtime Aruba-phile  Marie Geerman.  Marie has been traveling to Aruba for nearly 30 years and even lived there for about a decade.  Being that Marie is married to an Aruban and has an Aruban born son saying she has a special connection to the island would be a gross understatement.  

 

Marie’s connection actually goes much further than the people who are important to her, the animals of Aruba also occupy a very large space in her heart. When visiting Aruba it’s hard to not notice the stray dogs roaming the streets eeking out an existence.  When Marie made the move to Aruba she did more than just notice these animals… alot more.

 

Through the course of this episode you will hear all about Marie’s connection and dedication to those animals. A dedication that started in the early 90’s and continues to this very day.  Now this isn’t your typical episode of One Happy Podcast.  While I hope every episode touches you in some way, none of them will touch you quite like this episode.  

 

Direct download: EP15_-_Marie_Geerman.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:39am EDT

Joining me on this episode of One Happy Podcast is best selling Author Daniel Putkowski.  Daniel is the author of several books including the iconic aruba based An Island Island Away and its followup Under a Blue Flag.  Additionally Daniel also has a fantastic travel blog called the Bentpage that is one of my favorite sources for information about the part of Aruba that is off the tourist trail.

Daniel first visited the island more than 20 years ago on business and has been going back nearly every year ever since. Due to the way he was introduced to Aruba, Daniel was welcomed into the Aruba social scene in a way not many can claim.  It was this insiders of Aruba and particularly the once booming refinery town of San Nicolaas that made his first book An Island Away so authentically awesome!

In this episode you will hear about:

  • The part of Aruba many tourists never see
  • What San Nicolaas was like in its hey day
  • What Character in An Island Away was the most fun to write
  • The possibilities of seeing an adaptation of an island away on screen
  • The best Aruba travel blog that you may have never read
Direct download: EP14_-_Daniel_Putkowski.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:44am EDT

Joining me on this episode of One Happy podcast is a repeat guest, the multi-talented Louis Johnson.  Louis was a guest on episode 6 of the show but this time has brought along a surprise, Aruba first-timer his lovely girlfriend Alyssa.  

Back in February Alyssa and Louis were fortunate enough to be able to escape the harsh New York winter for an incredible week at the Palm Beach Aruba Holiday Inn.  They picked a great time as the Northeast United States was pelted once again pretty much as soon as they touched down

On this episode you will hear Alyssa and Louis talk about the Aruba Holiday Inn and the recent changes (both good and bad) they’ve made, Aruba Carnival, snorkeling at Baby Beach and much more.  If you ask me the real treat you get to see it through the eyes of a newbie.

In this episode you will hear about:

  • What Carnival is like in Aruba
  • How an Aruban resident saved Louis and Alyssa with his kindness
  • One of the best bartenders on the island of Aruba
  • Just how hard the Dutch Marines party

 

Links and Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

  • Expedia
  • Tripadvisor
  • Go Pro Camera
Direct download: EP13_-_Alyssa_and_Louis.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:49am EDT

Joining me today on One Happy Podcast is International man of mystery Stephen from Toronto or act1966 if you are a member of the forums at aruba.com.  A lover of Aruba, Stephen was kind enough to stop by the podcast to talk about why he feels Aruba is special.  

 

On this episode you will hear Stephen and I talk about what its like to go from subzero temperatures to the constant meteorological perfection of Aruba.  You will also hear about some of the benefits to renting a villa, something I know many of you have questions about.  

 

One of the big focuses of this episode of One Happy Podcast is the Aruba restaurant scene.  Stephen and I discuss just how amazing it is that an island so small is able to provide such an outstanding culinary experience.  If you are a foodie this is definitely an episode you won’t want to miss.

 

In this episode you will hear about:

 

  • What it feels like to go from Canada to Aruba in the dead of winter

  • Some of the most amazing restaurants in the Caribbean

  • The advantages of renting a private villa

  • Where to get the cheapest Patron in Aruba

  • What its like to purchase a property in Aruba
Direct download: EP12_-_Stephen_Act1966.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

1