One Happy Podcast

Joining me today on One Happy Podcast is a relative newbie to Aruba, David Cohen.  However despite having only been to the island a handful of times David is so far ahead of most visitors in one aspect.  They not only decided that Aruba was the place they would like to eventually retire to, David and Brenda actually purchased a home there.  

After having first visited the island on their engagement cruise, David and Brenda would return to the island to be married (which is a story in itself).  The next time, Aruba whispered in their ear to buy a timeshare, and they did, at the Playa Linda. Shortly thereafter Aruba made another suggestion, why don’t you buy a home here, and they did.  I guess it’s one of those things where when it feels right there is no use deliberating, you just make it happen, which is exactly what they did.

On this episode of the show we start out hearing about the process of getting married on the island.  Also David fills me in on how someone manages to go from first time visitor to purchasing a home in Aruba in three short years.  David tells the story of how they knew which of the nine houses they viewed was the right one.   He also gives a little advice that may be helpful to anyone who is thinking about purchasing real estate on the island.  We also talk about the activities David and Brenda enjoy while on island and it wouldn’t be a show without discussing which restaurants make the list.  

On this episode of One Happy Podcast you will hear about:

  • A long time goal of David’s that led to them owning a home in Aruba
  • How Brenda left absolutely no doubt in the minds of David and the agents when she found the house she wanted
  • The right way to choose a wedding planner
  • A fantastic reason to choose the Divi and not the Riu for your wedding venue
  • Great examples of when you become friends with an Arubian you are friends for life
  • A secret spot that you may want to seek out on your next visit to Aruba

Properties and Restaurants mentioned on this episode of the show:

Links and Other Resources mentioned this episode

 

Direct download: EP48_-_Volcano_David_and_Brenda_Cohen_Buy_Their_Aruba_Dream_Home.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:30am EDT

Joining me today on One Happy Podcast,  Aruba’s Officially Unofficial Podcast is 18 year Aruba veteran Janice Worters.  Janice and her husband Bill first discovered Aruba in 1998 on the recommendation of a friend.  On that initial visit, of course the fell in love and decided to return the following year.  That next trip in 1999 was the first time they laid eyes on the Costa Linda and knew immediately it was the right property for them.  Janice and Bill purchased a timeshare at the Costa Linda and have been calling it home ever since.

On this episode I speak with Janet about what her version of Aruba looks like.  We go from that initial visit all the way through her most recent vacation which took place just last month.  Along the way Janice and I discuss the wonderful people of Aruba, exploring the island, some of her favorite restaurants and also the possibility of an extended two or three month vacation to the island.

The interview itself takes just short of an hour and is chock full of both information and enthusiasm.  This episode of the podcast will be especially fun for those who have stayed at the Costa Linda before.  However even if you have never set foot onto that particular property you will want to give this episode a listen.  Janice’s love for all things Aruba shines through so bright that when this is over you will want to book a trip to Aruba immediately.  Who knows?  You may even want to book a stay at the Costa Linda for your next trip.

On this episode of One Happy Podcast you will hear about:

  • How Janice first fell in love with Aruba
  • How the people played as large a role as the island’s beauty in making them fall in love with Aruba
  • A crucial yet often overlooked benefit of being part of a  timeshare community
  • What Janice thinks about the safety of Aruba
  • Why Janice thinks the Costa Linda is the perfect timeshare property for them

Properties and Restaurants mentioned on this episode of the show

Links and Other Resources mentioned this episode

Direct download: EP47_-_Janice_Worters.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

Today on One Happy Podcast I have a very special treat for you all.  I am being joined by a guest who is originally from South America but has been living in Aruba for the past 13 years.  Over the course of that time she has gone on a journey that has included getting married, raising a family and setting up a business of her own.  Many of you are probably familiar with this business as it’s brought joy to so many of our lives.  Of course I am talking about Gaby of Aruba’s Hand’s by Gaby.

If any of you have had the pleasure of meeting Gaby you would know that despite not being from Aruba she is the living embodiment of everything we love about the island.  This spirit that Gaby possesses comes through in the artwork she sells as jewelry on the island.  Gaby’s warmth, joy and happiness is directly translated to everything she makes.  In fact, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that every piece of jewelry contains just a bit of Gaby inside.  

This interview which lasts about 50 minutes talks all about Gaby’s relationship with the island of Aruba.  Additionally we learn all about Aruba’s Hands and why the art she produces is so much more than just a souvenir.  You will learn about Gaby’s introduction to the island, how she met her husband and also about her family.  We talk about Aruba’s Hands and what that name means and why it is important.  In every civilization throughout history art has played such an important role in the identity of a culture… Aruba is no different.  On this 46th episode of One Happy Podcast Gaby does a fantastic job of explaining why if you love Aruba you owe it to yourself to take a piece of that art and culture home with you after vacation is over.

On This Episode of One Happy Podcast You Will Learn:

  • How love at first sight altered the course of Gaby’s life
  • How Gaby started working with glass
  • The role of the Aruban artist in how Tourism and Culture intersect
  • The origin of the name "Aruba's Hands"
  • How to tell if a piece of art is 100% Aruban
  • What you are taking home in addition to a piece of jewelry when you purchase something from Aruba’s Hands by Gaby

Contacting Gaby - So maybe you want to see some of Gaby’s work the next time you are on island.  Currently there are a number of ways to make this happen.  Gaby does shows 5 days a week at a number of the hotels in both the high rise and low rise section.  Below is her schedule as of 4/5/2016.  As mentioned in the episode you can also get in contact with her for better guidance.

  • Sunday Bucuti 5-7pm
  • Monday The Divi Phoenix 5-6pm
  • Tuesday Marriott hosts a “Taste of Aruba” craft market 6:30-8:30pm where you can see and eat things native to Aruba
  • Wednesday Tamarijn craft show 5-9pm
  • Thursday Divi Phoenix 9am-noon at the beachside pool

As mentioned you can also contact her via her Facebook Page Aruba’s Hands by Gaby

Links and Resources Mentioned on this episode of the show:

Also if you would like to be included in the Friend’s of One Happy Podcast Facebook Group send me an email at curt@onehappypodcast.com and I can get you in there.

 

Direct download: EP46_-_Arubas_Hands_by_Gaby.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

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