One Happy Podcast

Joining me today on Episode 34 of One Happy Podcast - the Officially Unofficial Podcast of Aruba are two very special guests, Debbie Mitchell and Patrick Mallison.  If those names aren’t familiar to you just think back couple of months.  Do you remember a couple from the UK who purchased and began renovation on a villa in the Savaneta area of the island?  It was an incredible project that transformed what was a quaint home relatively traditional looking Aruba home into something truly magnificent.  

There were lots of posts about the project in the various Aruba centered Facebook groups.  Eventually those postings became so popular that a dedicated Facebook page was started for those of us who wanted to keep up. It was then that Fortuna Villas was born.  Then over a 2 month period many of us followed along living vicariously through the adventures of Patrick and Debbie.   If memory serves me, at one point we were even enlisted to help make a design decision.  

Now finally after so many weeks of dedication, focus and hard work Debbie and Patrick were kind enough to come on the show. In this episode of One Happy Podcast we talk about their discovery of the island and how falling in love at first sight compelled them to do what so many of us dream about... buying a home on the island of Aruba.  

 

On This Episode of One Happy Podcast you will Learn:

  • About a couple who fell so in love with the island they decided to purchase a home on their first trip
  • Why the property is called Fortuna Villas even though there is only one home
  • Some of the advantages to staying in Savaneta
  • The one feature Debbie and Patrick are most proud of
  • About a snorkel mask for those who hate snorkel masks

 

Restaurants and Attractions Mentioned on this Episode:

  • Iguana Joe's
  • Fermin's
  • The Kitchen
  • The Flying Fishbone
  • Zeerover

 

Links and resources mentioned this episode:

Direct download: EP34_-_Debbie_and_Patrick.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:09pm EDT

Joining me today on One Happy Podcast is Kristina Tisellano an Aruba traveler who has been visiting the island nearly her entire life.  First visiting the island at the age of 4, Kristina, now 26 spends multiple weeks each year on the island.  I guess you could say she grew up on the island.

 

Typically Kristina and her family stay at the Playa Linda, the resort property where her parents purchased that first timeshare many years ago.  Not being familiar with the Playa Linda, Kristina painted an incredible picture for me, highlighting the family friendly atmosphere of the resort.  One thing I thought was particularly cool is there way the families the Kristina has met over the years gather year after year becoming a sort of vacation family. She also mentions several of the staff members who have also become part of her Aruba family over the years.  

 

As you could probably guess, a 26 year old who has been visiting the island for more than 20 years knows all of the ins and outs.  Kristina was kind enough to share with us many of her favorite restaurants.  One part of the interview that will be of interest to those who struggle searching for nightlife is where Kristina talks about some of her favorite night time hotspots.  

 

On This Episode of One Happy Podcast You Will Learn:

  • Why the Playa Linda is the ideal timeshare property for families
  • About the amazing staff at the Playa Linda.
  • What a 26 year old does on the island for fun
  • Which bartender makes the best  “Brown Lady” on Aruba
  • What the Electric Festival is all about
  • The best thing Kristina has ever eaten in Aruba

 

Restaurants and Attractions Mentioned on this Episode:

Links and resources mentioned this episode:

Direct download: EP33_-_Kristina_Tisellano.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:37pm EDT

Today on One Happy Podcast I am being joined by Marlene Nichols-Scherrenburg.  Marlene is a Chicago born but raised in California girl who has been living on the island of Aruba for the last 15 years.  Over the course of those 15 years Marlene has experienced the island in ways that most of us will only ever dream about.  I met Marlene on my latest trip to Aruba while visiting Cheryl Talcof (from episode 19) and asked her to be on the show.  Just like some of you at first Marlene didn’t know she was the right kind of person for the show but as you will find out she was actually a fantastic guest.

On this episode of the show Marlene gives a glimpse into Aruba from the point of view of someone who lives and works on the island.  As an Aruba vacationer we do things one way but, when you are living on Aruba things can be quite different.  Listen as Marlene explains what adjustments she needed to make in order to get used to life in paradise.  Also find out what restaurants earn Marlene’s seal of approval as awesome values.  You may want to pay special attention to the food part as in addition to Marlene being a foodie she is also married to one of the best chefs on the island, Jan Scherrenburg of Barney’s. 

While most of the episodes of One Happy Podcast are geared towards vacationers this is a must listen for those considering someday making the move.   As many of you can attest it’s quite normal to dream about moving to the island while on vacation.  Marlene did things a bit differently as she moved there without having ever been to Aruba.  On Episode 32 you will not only hear why this isn’t the best way to go about things but Marlene also shares valuable advice for the right way to decide whether or not Aruba is the right place for you to relocate to.

 

On This Episode of One Happy Podcast You Will Learn:

  • The differences between vacationing on Aruba and living there
  • Some of the best hidden restaurants on the island.
  • What does Marlene miss about living in the United States
  • What advice does Marlene have for those looking to relocate to Aruba
  • An awesome sailing excursion for groups

 

Restaurants and Attractions Mentioned on this Episode:

Links and resources mentioned this episode

Direct download: EP32_-_Marlene_Nichols-Scherrenburg.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:08pm EDT

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