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

Direct download: EP92_-_Returning_to_where_it_all_started_with_Marcia_and_Ray.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:34pm EDT

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

Direct download: EP91_-_Part_3_of__My_2017_Aruba_Getaway_with_Maggie_G.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:27am EDT

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

Direct download: EP90_-_Part_2_of__Summer_2017_Aruba_Getaway_with_Maggie_G.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:41pm EDT

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