One Happy Podcast

One Happy Podcast Episode 63 features a couple of repeat guests Debbie Mitchell and Patrick Mallison.  They were guests on the podcast about 9 months ago on episode  34 - Creating Fortuna Villas with Debbie and Patrick.  You may remember from that episode that Patrick and Debbie visited for the first time and purchased a home on the same trip.  Then the next trip was a 9 week project to completely transform that home into an incredible rental property.   Well now that all of the work has been completed and the rental is flourishing, Debbie and Patrick were able to actually enjoy a visit to Aruba.

 

This episode of One Happy Podcast is all about what Patrick and Debbie did once they touched down with a goal of just getting to know the island.  Over the course of this 45 minute episode we talk about some of the activities and restaurants they enjoyed.  We also discuss the Savaneta area where their home is located and why it could be the ideal place to stay on your next trip to the island.  I actually learned a lot about the area surrounding Fortuna Villas Aruba and do plan on considering their home for a future vacation.

 

So many visitors to the island are funneled towards the Palm and Eagle Beach areas, understandably so, but there is so much more to Aruba.  Savaneta is one of those areas that doesn’t really come to mind when thinking of a rental.  However, that should not be the case. While the Savaneta area is a completely different vibe than the main tourist area, it is equally wonderful.  Not only is it a fantastic area to experience total relaxation but the location on the island makes it an ideal base of operations for exploration of Aruba.  So if you are looking for a different Aruba experience try Savaneta and Fortuna Villas Aruba.



On This Episode of One Happy Podcast you will:

 

  • What Savaneta Beach is like (it’s only a 90 second commute from Fortuna Villas)
  • Hear about an area of the island you may not have considered staying before
  • Find out what the local Savaneta grocery stores and bakeries are like
  • Listen to a description of the snorkeling at Mangel Halto
  • Hear Patrick’s adventures on the North Shore of the island
  • How Patrick’s 80 year old father enjoyed his first visit to Aruba
  • FInd out how Debbie and Patrick found their home on Aruba
  • Be introduced to the next building phase of Fortuna Villas

 

Excursions and Restaurants Mentioned this episode:

 

 

Links and Resources Mentioned:

 

 

I love to read but on vacation I feel a bit lazy… hence the audiobooks:

http://www.audibletrial.com/aruba

Direct download: EP63_-_Debbie_and_Patrick_Fortuna_Vi.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

One Happy Podcast Episode 62 with Liz Ginocchio of Golden Reef Hospitality is one you don’t want to miss.  On this incredible and very inspirational podcast episode you hear directly from Liz why it’s important to remember that you only get one life, live it to the fullest.  It all starts in South Jersey and eventually ends in Aruba but, man are there some twists along the way.  Liz tells us all about her journey from New Jersey to Bonaire back to New Jersey and eventually Aruba.  This is an episode you may want to listen to twice, its so action packed.

 

Liz first visited Aruba in the early 90s on a layover to Bonaire and little did she know at the time, eventually she would call the island home.  Throughout this 45 minute episode Liz explains to us several different processes that so many of you are curious about.  We learn about relocating to Aruba, as well as what it’s like to purchase and also build a home on the island.  Liz also tells us about her experiences with the health care on Aruba and offers insight into the education system, for those who are thinking about relocating with children.  All in all I have to say this is one of the most informative episodes of the show we have ever done.

 

Its funny.  One of the questions I struggle with is deciding if Aruba is the perfect vacation spot or a place I could someday call home.  Depending on the day of the week, I go back and forth on this issue.  Well, let me tell you, after spending nearly an hour speaking with someone who has made the switch, I think I know the answer.  Hopefully, after listening to episode 62 of One Happy Podcast - “Liz Ginocchio and Golden Reef Hospitality” you too will be able to answer the question of could you really move to Aruba.

On This Episode of One Happy Podcast you will:

  • Meet someone who absolutely loves to promote the local aspect of Aruba
  • Hear how a life threatening illness would forever change the course of Liz’s life
  • Find out about getting a mortgage in Aruba
  • Learn  about Golden Reef Hospitality and what makes them a different property management company
  • Hear about a new local spin on Aruba meet and greets
  • Get real advice about relocation and building or purchasing a home on the island

Excursions and Restaurants Mentioned this episode:

Links and Resources Mentioned:

I love to read but on vacation I feel a bit lazy… hence the audiobooks:

Direct download: EP62_-Liz_Ginocchio_and_Golden_Reef.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

Today is a very special episode of One Happy Podcast, as it features a couple of Aruba locals I have been trying book for about a year now.  However, due to their ridiculously busy schedule, things just never worked out.  Recently their situation has changed and due to the good fortune of being in the right place at the right time we were finally able to get the show booked.  So here we have my interview with Scott and Leslie Steeno from Scott’s Brats.

Scott, Leslie and I sit around for about 40 minutes talking about their journey from Wisconsin to Aruba.  It all starts about 15 years ago and progresses not only until today, but also discusses the future.  During the episode we discuss how they met, what fueled their decision to relocate to Aruba and how a Palm Beach institution came into being. If that isn’t mind blowing enough Scott and Leslie also break news on what their next venture will be.

For as long as Scott’s Brats has been in existance I have followed their progression.  For me it started on the Aruba.com forums where they solicited feedback, through my first visit when operation began and now culminates in this interview. If you have eaten at Scott’s Brats this is a must listen podcast episode and if you have never visited this is a great introduction.  While it’s true Scott and Leslie are now only there one day each week, their concept, their standards and their essence are present each and every day.  

 

On This Episode of One Happy Podcast you will:

  • The idea that inspired Scott's Brats
  • Why American’s need a mandatory business partner
  • What is a Doc's Brat and how was it created
  • How to get a custom Aruba license plate
  • What's up next for Scott's Brats

 

Places and Restaurants Mentioned this episode:

 

Links and Resources Mentioned:

 

I love to read but on vacation I feel a bit lazy… hence the audiobooks:

Direct download: EP61_-_Scotts_Brats_with_Scott_and_Leslie_Steeno.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

On this episode of One Happy Podcast I am joined by Sherry “Jello” Pence, who is this amazing Aruba visitor who has been coming to the island for 20+ years.  Sherry started coming to the island with her mom.  Recently Sherry passed away and Aruba, in true Aruban, fashion played a part in Sherry being able to honor her in a way she deserved.  On this episode of the show we hear all about this process.  We also learn about how Sherry’s long term relationship with Aruba Beach Club has become instrumental in her love for the island.

 

Today Sherry and I speak about all the things she has experience over the years that makes Aruba her special place.  We start at her mom introducing her to the island and end in present day.  If you have ever had the pleasure of getting to know her, you’d know just how fun loving Sherry can be.  The crew at Aruba beach club is one she considers family and she considers them the same.

 

I have personally never stayed at the Aruba Beach Club but this last vacation I took some of Sherry’s recommendations and visited some of her haunts.  When I returned home I made certain to thank Sherry for the places she turned me onto, with Matthews, being a highlight.  I look forward to being able to talk to Sherry in the future to get more recommendations because those I already experienced were spot on.

 

On This Episode of One Happy Podcast you will:

 

How Aruba took their hospitality to another level honoring Sherry’s mother

Hear information about Aruba’s honorary ambassador program

What it’s like waking up at the crack of dawn on Eagle Beach

Learn why they call Sherry Pence “Jello”

 

Places and Restaurants Mentioned this episode:

 

 

Links and Resources Mentioned:

 

 

I love to read but on vacation I feel a bit lazy… hence the audiobooks:

Direct download: EP60_-_Aruba_Ambassador_Sherry_jello_Pence_and_the_Aruba_Beach_Club.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:00am EDT

On episode 59 of One Happy Podcast Maggie and I discuss our top 5 takeaways from our July 2016 visit to Aruba.  That’s not five altogether, I am talking about 5 things from our July trip that absolutely made things special.  While compiling these lists, it’s hard to narrow things down, which explains why this great from 3 to 5.  However, by the time I was ready to hit the record button I feel that we were ready to move forward.

 

Now one thing that won’t appear on this list but did make our trip phenomenal is Jay’s Car Rental Aruba.  Jays has been serving the community for about 5 years and the reviews have been phenomenal  They are located in the Sabina Lieber but will soon be expanding their fleet and moving to an even larger location.  This change will allow them to service even more Aruba visitors.  Visit them at jaysrentalcararuba.com  for more information.

 

When compiling a list like this the problem is trying to narrow it down.  It started as 3 each but that just simply wasn’t enough.  As always, Aruba showed me much love and as tribute I present this podcast.  We talk about all sorts of topics; food, comedy, athletics and of course the beach.  The trip was not nearly as long but the memories as always, will last forever.  

 

Maggie’s Top 5 List:

  • The Arubian Taste
  • Aruba Ray’s Comedy
  • Spending the last morning at Arashi Beach
  • Going straight to Eagle Beach arrival day
  • Podcasting on location

 

Aruba Curt’s Top 5 List:

  • ARF Paws for a cause benefit
  • The Food in general
  • The Aruba Hi Winds
  • Karaoke at Matthews
  • Climbing Mt Hooiberg

 

Restaurants mentioned this episode of the show:

 

 

Important resources for you:

Direct download: EP59_-_Top_5_Takeaways_from_out_July.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:47am EDT

Liliana Gracia joins me on episode 58 of One Happy Podcast.  Many of you already know Liliana from her work at the Renaissance where she specialized in making visitors happy.  During her 23 years at the Renn, Liliana met thousands of Aruba visitors in the numerous roles she filled.  Having worked everywhere from the reservations department to the front desk to her eventual position of timeshare coordinator at the Ocean Suites, it’s safe to say Liliana is well versed at making people happy.

 

Over the course of our 40 minute conversation Liliana takes us on a journey from her beginnings at the Sonesta all the way to the present with Lock N Roll.  She also shares what its like to be partially responsible for so many visitors vacation experiences and what that meant to her.  Along this journey Liliana has met so many Aruba vacationers that she thinks of as family.  

 

So often we talk about how the people of Aruba are the real reason we continue to return year after year.  Well, this is an interview with one of those people, an interview that shows how it works both ways.  Not only are the people of Aruba incredible but those of us who have decided to call it our second home are pretty special as well.

 

On This Episode of One Happy Podcast you will:

 

  • Hear from someone who has worked in the Aruba tourism industry for 20+ years
  • Find out about a new service where vacationers can store their goods between trips
  • Learn what a patacone is and where to get one
  • Find out about Liliana’s favorite restaurant in Aruba
  • Learn about the special connection those who work in the tourism industry feel towards visitors
  • Hear about some other services Lock N Roll may be offering in the future

 

Lock N Roll Timeshare Storage

 

So if you are listening to this podcast you are likely a repeat visitor or soon to be repeat visitor to the island of Aruba.  If this is the case did you know you can leave some of your items on the island safe and secure for your next trip?  That’s where Lock N Roll Timeshare Storage comes in.  For a relatively small fee they will pick up your items, store your items and then deliver them to you upon your return.  

 

Visit their Facebook page to learn more about this service.  For an example of some of the things you can store, there are examples below:

 

Lock N Roll Do's and Don'ts

 

DO  : Clothing, Bedding, Pots & Pans, Small Appliances, Electronics, Crock Pot, Blender, Canned Goods, Laundry Detergent, Board Games, Personal Hygiene items: Razors,

Q-TIPS, Soaps, Shampoo, Sunblock, Towels,

Bathing Suits, Snorkel Gear, household decorations and Holiday items, and more

 

DON'T : No perishable food items - Canned Goods are OK. No Alcohol, Propane Tanks, Air Tanks, Firearms and or Weapons, Explosives or Combustibles No Drugs this includes prescriptions. We don’t recommend storing your personal computers, mobile devices, NO wet items.

 

Other vitals:

  • Bins are purchased from Lock N Roll
  • Standard bin sizes are 30 gallons
  • Larger items can also be stored
  • Yearly fee is 75 dollars (at time of recording 7/2016)
  • Yearly fee includes 1 drop off and pick up
  • Additional pickups can also be arranged for a small fee

 

Restaurants Mentioned this episode:

 

 

Links and Resources Mentioned:

 


Episode 57c of One Happy Podcast, the officially unofficial podcast of the island of Aruba recaps days 6,7 and 8 of our most recent trip.  This episode is a combination of audio recorded on the island and also back here in the States.  It begins with on Eagle beach recapping my first ever journey up "The Hooiberg" and concludes with us back in Delaware discussing the crying room.

 

As they say, time flies when you are having fun and this vacation to Aruba definitely proved that saying true.  You've already heard about all the fun we had the first 5 days.  Well, these last 3 days include the aforementioned trip up Mt. Hooiberg, the discovery of my new favorite rum shop on the island, another visit to Aruba Ray's Comedy, awesome restaurants and plenty of beach time.

 

While it's always a bit sad when a trip to your favorite place on earth comes to a conclusion it's a good sadness.  What I mean by that is, leaving sucks, but I have no regrets about how our time was spent.  Maggie and I tried new restaurants and activities but still found time to do the things that are staples of our visits to the island.  Things that we have come to love over our years of visiting  that truly make us happy.  I can also happily say that we have now added some new things.  

 

Places mentioned on this episode of the show:

Arubian Tastes Rum Shop

Aruba Ray's Comedy

Azzurros

Tango Argentine Grill

Texas De Brazil Aruba

 

Resources Mentioned:

One Happy Podcast - the officially unofficial podcast of the island of Aruba

The One Happy Podcast Facebook Page

 

Direct download: EP57c_-_Aruba_July_2016_Days_6_7_8.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:47am EDT

Episode 57b of One Happy Podcast is the second of our on island podcasts. This one is all about, days 3, 4 and 5 of our July 2016 trip. When we last left you we had just pulled into Baby Beach where we were set to enjoy a spectacular day. So we go through that day and all its events. Dinner that night was at Ricardo's and we had a late night snack at the El Mexicano Taco Truck.

Day 4 was all about playing chicken with the weather. We woke up to rain which changed our plans of going to the animal shelter. Instead, we got breakfast at Salt and Pepper and spent the day at Arashi. Happy Hour was at the restaurant at Tierra Del Sol for the ARF Paws for a cause fundraising event. The ARF ladies did a wonderful job putting together a phenomenal event. Dinner was at my favorite restaurant Quinta Del Carmen which has never disappointed me in either 4 or 5 visits. In fact, this last one may have been the best ever.

On Day 5 in Aruba weather would once again play a role. This time, we didn't let it affect our plans on visiting the puppies and kittens and we made it to Aruba Animal Shelter. After the Animal Shelter we picked up lunch from a place neither of us had ever visited. Then we made our way to Arashi once again since the previous day was a short one. The rain had other plans for us so we executed plan B. Dinner was at Terrazza Italiana and the night time entertainment had us visiting Bugaloe for karaoke and the El Mexicano Taco Truck.

Sponsored By:
Jays Car Rental Aruba – The place to go when you want an affordable, reliable and safe vehicle on the island of Aruba. They are committed to providing the customers with the highest standards of quality and reliability and all with a personal touch.

 

Direct download: EP_57b_-_Aruba_Curt_Days_3_4_and_5_Aruba_7-2016.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:11am EDT

Episode 57a of One Happy Podcast is actually going to be broken up into 3 parts. This first part is a recap of our first two days in Aruba. It begins with us waking up in Baltimore on Tuesday morning getting ready for our flight. Then it progresses through days 1 and 2 of our latest Aruba adventure.

This is not your typical episode of the show as it is being recorded in Aruba using equipment that is relatively new to me. However, I will say what it lacks in polish it more than makes up for in capturing the raw emotion and spontaneity of the trip. We recorded the recap in our car on the way down to Baby Beach. Here are just some of the things we saw while recording; the Aruba Aloe Man walking out of a supermarket, a herd of goats blocking a side street, kite surfers down by the prison and other random Aruba sightings. Not your typical podcast episode for a trip that is turning out to be something other than typical as well.

Although day one was arrival day it was actually surprisingly busy as we hit the beach right away, something new for us. It also did not involve us going to the grocery store to do a large stock up for our rental. Now I won't get too in-depth in what all went down as that's the point of the episode, but I will say we didn't stop moving from the time we arrived until pretty much me sitting here typing these show notes.

 

Direct download: Episode_57-a_Arrival_Days_1_and_2_in_Aruba_7-2016.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:58pm EDT

Episode 56 is the last in our series on planning our vacation to Aruba.  In this episode, Maggie and I go over what we plan on doing while in Aruba.  So if you are into restaurant talk this is the one for you.  That being said all the others are also informative and in my opinion pretty entertaining.  If you haven’t had the opportunity to listen to those yet, please make sure you do.

We start out by talking about our affinity for the Park Sleep Fly, which is our way of avoiding having to wake up at 3 in the morning to drive to Baltimore.  Instead, we drive down the evening before and park at the hotel for the duration of our trip.  This also gives us an excuse to stop for crab cakes at G&M which is close to the airport.  If you are someone who is attempting to avoid waking up at some ungodly time to drive to the airport you should definitely look into it.

Next, we go into our intended list of restaurants.  Now I say our intended list of restaurants because as you all know, on vacation planning and doing are two different things.  We have been agonizing over our list for quite a while now and it is almost complete.  However, it isn’t completely finished and also nothing is carved in stone.  Actually, we need your help in deciding on one of our last slots.  It’s too close to call on a few restaurants, so we are depending on you guys.:

We also talk about the different forms of entertainment we plan on engaging in around the island.  Aruba Ray’s Comedy, the ARF Paws for a Cause fundraiser, visiting the Aruba animal shelter and karaoke are all on our itinerary.  In total, this episode is 40 minutes of fun and informative Aruba talk about our upcoming vacation.  Whether you are someone who has never been to the island or have been to Aruba dozens of times there is something in there for you.  I hope you enjoy!

On This Episode of One Happy Podcast you will:

Find out where to go when you want basic beef cooked really well

Hear why you need a reservation if you want great Italian food with a killer view

Learn who has the best Sangria on the island

Get my opinion on the best beach bar on the planet

Be able to help us choose between



Restaurants Mentioned this episode:

   

 

  • The El Mexicano Taco Truck
  • Tia Rosa Snack Food Truck

 

Links and Resources Mentioned: