Mon, 26 February 2018
We're down here in Aruba right now for the second part of our February 2018 trip. Maggie and I are very excited to report to you this evening for the events that happened from arrival day until now.
So it started with us staying at our pre-flight hotel in Ramada, which was just nice. Nothing spectacular but it gets the job done. We arrived at the airport at around 4:40 am, with plenty of time to spare for our 7:00 am flight. We landed at Aruba just past lunchtime at 12:20 pm and everything went smoothly except for some minor hiccups over at Amigo’s when we got our rental car and our experience with the people at Super Food.
Our first meal in Aruba happened at Pickle’s, Sandwich Bar and More. As can be inferred from their business name, they specialize in sandwiches which were pretty great. Aside from that, we opted to get tasty smoothies too.
Afterwards, we spent some time in Eagle beach to nap but had to leave earlier due to a light sprinkle and an unexpected bout of cold weather. Well as cold as Aruba could get anyway.
Dinner was spent at Kalin’s and we highly recommend this place. Aside from the amazing Mexican food, their restaurant is open until 12:30 am during weekdays and until 2:30 am during weekends, which is just perfect for people like us who are looking to catch up on some late night dinners.
Come morning, we headed straight to Arashi and spent the entire day doing our favorite activity in Aruba: relaxing on the beach. The vibe was just perfect for a Sunday with families and their pets playing around in good-natured fun.
Tonight we’re about to eat some Chinese food on a place called Ling’s Restaurant and we will report on that next episode so stay tuned!
And of course, let’s not forget about Friend’s of One Happy Podcast’s Hangout this Tuesday, February 27th at Barney’s! We can’t wait to see you there.
As always, if you have feedback for One Happy Podcast or just want to leave any kind of message, hit me up on curt@onehappypodcast.com or call our hotline number (302) 635-0815. See you next time!
ON THIS EPISODE OF ONE HAPPY PODCAST, YOU WILL:
ESTABLISHMENTS AND RESTAURANTS MENTIONED:
Direct download: Episode_108_-_Aruba_Curt_and_Maggie_Feb_2018_Vacation_Part_2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:09am EDT |
Fri, 23 February 2018
It’s right about time for my first trip to Aruba this 2018 with none other than Maggie. We’re going to be down there on the island from February 24th to March 5th for a total of 9 days.
We usually have a stable routine which includes booking a pre-flight hotel and flying out from Newark airport in which we always manage to get the best airfare deals for us.
On this trip, aside from spending a lot of time on the beach as we normally do, we plan to hit Aruba Ray’s Comedy shows a couple of nights while we’re in there. If you’re a regular listener of this podcast, you’ll know that Maggie and I are huge fans of these Aruba Ray’s Comedy and we really can’t think of a better night-time activity in the island. For more information regarding this, check out their website at arubacomedy.com. We’re also looking forward to hitting up Full Throttle Tours, which was covered on the podcast from episodes 101-102.
Another exciting event coming up is, of course, One Happy Podcast’s Hangout at Barney’s on February 27th starting at 7pm. To anyone who will be down on the island at this day, we invite you to join us! We’ll be ecstatic to meet you.
This episode will not be complete without listing out the restaurants that we plan on trying including a bunch of our staple favorites. As huge foodies, Maggie and I are always open for more culinary adventures.
As always, we will be reporting from the island via podcast forms as well as Facebook lives, so do follow our Facebook account here:
Again, if you’ll be in the island on the 27th, see you at Barney’s! Till next time.
ON THIS EPISODE OF ONE HAPPY PODCAST, YOU WILL:
RESTAURANTS, ACTIVITIES, EXCURSIONS, AND ESTABLISHMENTS MENTIONED:
Delicious Carnivorous Grill House
Direct download: Episode_107_-_Aruba_Curt_and_Maggie_Feb_2018_Vacation_Part_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:32am EDT |
Mon, 19 February 2018
Here is your weekly dose of "what's happening around the island" on the latest episode This Week in Aruba, highlighting events and activities from February 19th to 25th.
First of all, I'd like to take this chance to truly thank you all for the encouragement you've given me throughout the years for One Happy Podcast by giving shoutouts to all the awesome people name by name.
Secondly, as an announcement, there probably would not be an installment of This Week in Aruba next week because I will be down on the island. I'll be podcasting but it's more of "in the moment" kind of episodes. But don't worry, I'll be doing plenty of recording and Facebook lives while I'm there in Aruba.
Also, if you happen to be in the island on February 27th, please do stop by at Barney's as we'll be having another "Friends of One Happy Podcast Hangout". You are most certainly invited!
Now let's head over to the cruise ship schedules to help you plan your week a little better. Of course, here are the events and activities for this week:
Cinematography Workshop: Aruba Hosted by Mario Gonsalves When: 19 February / 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm Where: The Vault (Kruisweg 9, Oranjestad, Aruba) Source: https://www.facebook.com/events/2106327312935828/ Website: http://mariogonsalves.com/
The once a year workshop is back! This time focusing on cinematography.
Join me where we'll discuss the essence of cinematography, digital cinema cameras, storytelling, lighting, framing, camera movements and more!
We'll even build up a scene from scratch and setup a shot.
This is for intermediate photographers and filmmakers only. Must know the basic or you might not understand the complete workshop.
Tickets: Afl 175,- ($100)
Purchase Information: info@mariogonsalves.com or Whatsapp: +31646934409
Limited seats available.
Barefoot Beach BBQ When: 22 February / 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm Where: Renaissance Ocean Suites (Oranjestad, Aruba) Source: https://www.facebook.com/events/265385583994816/
If you're not barefoot, then you're overdressed. Join us for the Barefoot Beach BBQ on the Renaissance Ocean Suites Beach!
A delicious BBQ made to order will be prepared for you accompanied by a build your own salad station, your choice of marinate, side dishes and a decadent dessert station.
Have some Family Fun around the grill with live music and a Beach Bar ready to serve you.
The all you can eat BBQ on the beach is only $35 per person and kids from 5 to 12yrs $17.50
Reservation is not required. Just walk-in and lets have some fun!
Moksie Sanie - Suriname Pop-Up Restaurant When: 23 February / 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm Where: Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino Source: https://www.facebook.com/events/139176863446212/
The wait is over...Our Pop-up tour around the world continues and by popular demand this time we stopped at Surniname!
Join us for authentic Suriname Food with 2 Guest-Chefs all the way from Paramaribo - Suriname.
The menu will consists of a variety of typical and authentic dishes from Suriname like; 'Nasi', 'Bami', 'Pom', 'Pinda' Soup, 'Saoto' Soup and desserts like 'Boyo'... altogether a 'Sweetie Moksie Sanie'.
This Pop-Up event is one you don't want to miss out on! Serving only dinner on Friday February 23rd and Saturday February 24th, starting at 6PM till 10PM.
Location will be The Renaissance Mall.
See you there!
The Wine Dinner at Chalet Suisse When: 24 February / 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm Where: Chalet Suisse Aruba (J.E. Irausquin Blvd. 246, Palm Beach, Aruba) Hosted by: The Art of Wines Import Source: https://www.facebook.com/events/353047301803238/ Website: https://www.chaletsuisse-aruba.com/
After a one of a kind culinary and service experience at Texas De Brazil we will now continue this magical dinner at none other than Chalet Suisse
Experience: $125
A fantastic whisky tasting with menu teasers When: 24 February / 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Where: Café the Plaza (L.G. Smith Boulevard, 00000 Oranjestad, Aruba) Source: https://www.facebook.com/events/106322726835639/ Website: www.cafetheplaza.com/
Are you in for a whisky tasting? Come to Café the Plaza on Saturday, February 24 and enjoy the fabulous aromas and flavors of various excellent whiskies. The evening starts at 7 pm – it will be finished around 9 pm.
Named Whiskies of the World this tasting will take you to all the corners of the globe whisky-wise. The American whisky, featuring oak and leather, is compared with the Irish variety, which hints at freshly cut hay. In Japan the whisky has an overtone of sandalwood, while the Scottish whisky evokes images of heather and honey. Canada’s whisky tastes of melted toffee, say the experts. The brands that will be tasted are Buffalo Trace, Caskmates (Jameson), Hibiki, Chivas Regal and Tap8Rye.
The Whisky tasting at Café the Plaza in the Renaissance Marketplace is held inside the restaurant.
The Grand Fish Restaurant: 1 Year Anniversary Celebration When: 24 February / 11:00 am - 10:00 pm Where: The Grand Fish Restaurant (15 Taratata Road Unit #1, Oranjestad, Aruba) Source: https://www.facebook.com/events/146227046050767/ Website: https://www.thegrandfishrestaurant.com/
We will be celebrating our 1 year anniversary and invite you to join us! We will have specials, surprises and live music!
Total Trail challenge powered by Total Services Aruba When: 25 February / 6:00 am - 9:30 am Where: Cunucu297 (Rooi Taki, 297, 3-G, +297 Balashi, Aruba) Source: https://www.facebook.com/events/182924642467234/ Website: http://arubatriathlon.com/pages/enduro-race-total-trail-challenge/
Test your limits on this new course.
Registration is now officially open: /pages/enduro-race-total-trail-challenge/
Matthew’s Beachside Restaurant Soprano’s Piano Bar Ricardo’s Restaurant & Bar
Last but definitely not the least, I’m here to remind you once again that Aruba Ray Comedy is down on the island. If you’re up for a night of laughter and good fun, check out the information below.
We are proud that USA TODAY has named this show as one of its “10 Best”! And Aruba Today called this the ‘BEST SHOW IN ARUBA’ three years in a row… this is a standup comedy show featuring America’s finest comedians, all of whom perform regularly at the top venues in the United States. These are NYC-based and LA-based comedians. The comedians have appeared on the Tonight Show, Letterman Show, Saturday Night Live, Comedy Central, HBO, movies, TV shows, Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, etc etc.
LINEUP Website: http://www.arubacomedy.com/
There really are no shortage of activities in the island and you can surely find something for you. One of these Aruba outdoor adventures is a unique Pedal Kayaking excursion which I was clued in by a guest from episode 83 named Melissa Rose. During our interview she was positively raving about this excursion. It’s hosted by a guy named RJ, an Aruban local who’s really passionate with his business and for the place he lives. I have included an excerpt from Melissa’s interview in the episode so you hear all about her experience. If you wish to experience it for yourself, you can book it by going to www.arubaoutdooradventures.com.
If there’s anything at that you would like to suggest for the show, please do send me an email at curt@onehappypodcast.com or drop a voice message on our hotline number (302) 635-0815.
Again, for those of you who will be down in the island, guess I’ll see you on the 27th at Barney’s starting at 7pm for Friends of One Happy Podcast’s Meet & Greet or Hangout time. I’m excited to see you all. As for the rest of you, see you again in a couple of weeks for the next episode!
Direct download: This_Week_in_Aruba_-_19_to_25_February.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:35pm EDT |
Fri, 16 February 2018
Take a trip to Andrew Farley’s Aruba, a three-time Aruba visitor from South Carolina who has been all around the world. Find out what makes Aruba as Andrew’s favorite island out of all the island he visited so far.
Andrew decided to purchase a Marriott timeshare in Aruba by being acquainted with the Marriott’s properties in South Carolina. He first came to Aruba on November 2013 and since then, he has not stopped coming back year after year every Thanksgiving.
As a tenured vacationer, Andrew has been to many different locations around the globe including other Caribbean islands like the Bermudas, Bahamas, Belize, Mexico, and Honduras. However, out of all of these, the happy little island of Aruba is what captured his heart.
Listen to him talk about how Aruba is a melting pot of cultures, why he fell in love with the island, and how he likes to enjoy himself while on vacation.
We also discuss, as usual, his favorite restaurants and excursions on the island including one very special experience involving a quaint and lovely little restaurant in San Nicolas. Tune in to discover what it is!
ON THIS EPISODE OF ONE HAPPY PODCAST, YOU WILL:
RESTAURANTS AND ESTABLISHMENTS MENTIONED:
- Red Sail
Direct download: EP106_-_Andrew_Farley_Appreciates_All_Aruba_Has_to_Offer.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:38am EDT |
Mon, 12 February 2018
Let's find out what's happening this week in Aruba, February 12th to February 18th.
As you know, the sole purpose of this podcast is to help you make your week in Aruba as flawless as possible and we do that by highlighting some of the events and activities in the island that you can add to your schedule as well as cruise ship schedules.
Events happening around the island are pretty sparse as expected due to Aruba Carnival having just ended, however, this is also the most romantic week of the year and there are a few places you can go to make your Valentine's Day more special.
But before that, let's get on the cruise ship schedules first, because what better way than to spend Valentine’s with your sweetheart than on the beautiful beaches of Aruba? Check out the schedules below to help you know which days are the most or least crowded so you can venture away to less-touristy areas:
All in all, it's a pretty light week as far as cruise ship traffic goes.
Now, let's talk about what's going on the island. The theme for the week is none other than romance. Those of you looking for a night-out have probably planned reservations. But for those of you who have not, here are some restaurants who are offering special Valentine’s events for you and your darling:
Valentine's Day Aphrodisiac Menu at White Modern Cuisine! Book your table now to enjoy an evening of romance and mystique here at White Modern Cuisine with our special 4-course aphrodisiac menu for just USD $55 per person. You can also have this special menu with wine pairings for $85 per person! And what's on the menu? That will be in a separate post, but to summarize it here: 1st course is red snapper ceviche, 2nd course is Cajun-marinated tuna, 3rd course is pan-fried tenderloin, and dessert is In Love with Chocolate - all prepared as only WMC does it! Call us at +297 280-0280 to reserve your table. Treat your loved one to a luxurious Valentine's day dinner When: 14 February / 5:00 - 10:00 pm Details for a successful Valentine's day night! Treat your loved one to a luxurious dinner at Matthew's beachside restaurant. Hearts will flutter over a glass of champagne included in our Valentine's day menu, followed by an intimate four-course dinner. This for only $47.95 (++)p.p For reservation please call us at 588-7300. Sandy Toes & Salty Kisses Dinner On The Beach When: 14 February / 7:00 - 10:00 pm Finding the path to a dream come true begins here. Kindle the evening with sizzle romance only on Renaissance Private Island. Delight in your own Aruban love story, as the evening sun sets the mood for your private Valentine's dinner - catered with a 4-course menu, a welcome cocktail to spice things up, a bottle of sparkling wine and a rose for the special lady. The 'Sandy Toes & Salty Kisses' experience will be $195 per couple excluding 15% service charge. This Valentine's Day...Surprise your loved one with a Romantic Private Island Dinner. For more information or reservation, please visit or call our Navigators at 5236115.
Of course, there is no shortage of world-class restaurants in Aruba that you can visit on that special day. I’m also gonna clue you in on a brand new restaurant that very few of you listening have visited so far.
If you’re familiar with the ultra-upscale limited seating single-service restaurant concept, where a restaurant has a seating for less than 20 patrons and the chef prepares a menu for those patrons only for the entire night. There’s a new entry in that category which is Senses Fine Dining. It’s only about a month old and is already drawing rave reviews. Do check out my interview included in the podcast with the owner, Sebastian Kruisselbrink, to hear about his humble beginnings and how he came to establishing his amazing restaurant.
To book a reservation on Senses, visit their website: https://sensesaruba.restaurant/
The bulk of this podcast has been Valentine’s Day, but also happening around the island are:
Aruba Sinatra Dinner Show at The Old Cunucu House Restaurant When: 15 February / 7:30 - 9:30 pm Are you searching for things to do in Aruba? Aruba Sinatra Shows started 6 years ago and we would like to celebrate it with you while enjoying the good things of life any time this year. After more than 300 weekly performances Aruba Sinatra Shows is one of the longest-running productions in Aruba! Joyride LIVE at MooMba Beach Blues Event: Cosy Cotton Band! When: 16 February / 11:00 pm – 2:00 am Cosy Cotton Band's Bert Devries, Terrance Green, Arnold Mohamed and Rowald De Graaf will transport you from Aruba to a Chicago blues club, the swamps of Louisiana, the streets of Memphis, the Mississippi Delta, and back again! If you're a fan of the blues, you won't want to miss this!
If you’re a fan of Karaoke, here are some awesome places that offer Karaoke:
Matthew’s Beachside Restaurant Soprano’s Piano Bar Ricardo’s Restaurant & Bar
This is most definitely not complete without Aruba Ray’s Comedy. Here are the details.
Website: http://www.arubacomedy.com/
We are proud that USA TODAY has named this show as one of its “10 Best”! And Aruba Today called this the ‘BEST SHOW IN ARUBA’ three years in a row… this is a standup comedy show featuring America’s finest comedians, all of whom perform regularly at the top venues in the United States. These are NYC-based and LA-based comedians. The comedians have appeared on the Tonight Show, Letterman Show, Saturday Night Live, Comedy Central, HBO, movies, TV shows, Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, etc etc.
February 12-13 and 15-16, 2018 (no show on February 14) February 17-18, 2018
Feedback thus far has been extraordinary so thank you so much for everyone’s patronage. Although I would most likely not be doing an episode during the time I’m in Aruba from February 24th - March 5th.
If you’re down on the island on February 27th, I’ll be hosting another Meet & Mingle this time on Barney’s Aruba so if you’re available, please do stop by! It starts at 7pm and there will be free snacks (and special prices on food and drinks). See you there!
Please remember to leave a review on onehappypodcast.com/itunes. If you have any suggestions for topics that you want to be covered in the future, do shoot me an email on curt@onehappypodcast.com or call out hotline number (302) 635-0815.
Direct download: This_Week_in_Aruba_-_12_to_18_February.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:40am EDT |
Mon, 5 February 2018
Fresh from One Happy Island are all the highlights, activities, and events happening in Aruba from Monday, February 5th to Sunday, February 11th (or what may some of you refer to as timeshare week #5).
This week is also the final week of the 64th Aruba Carnival, and here are the events that you can look forward to:
Lighting Parade San Nicolas When: 8 Feb. (Thursday), 8:00 pm - 2:00 am Where: San Nicolas
Kiwanis Carnival Masquerade Party When: 9 Feb. (Friday), 7:30 pm Where: Renaissance Convention Center, Oranjestad
Grand Carnival Parade San Nicolas When: 10 Feb. (Saturday), 12:00 pm Where: San Nicolas
Aruba's 64th Grand Parade Oranjestad When: 11 Feb. (Sunday), 12:00 pm Where: Oranjestad
Burning of King Momo When: 11 Feb. (Sunday), 7:30 pm Where: Harbour Arena, Oranjestad
If you have special carnival stories and memories, please do tell me about it on curt@onehappypodcast.com or via One Happy Podcast's hotline (302) 635-0815.
Here is another event that I feel like everyone should take note of:
Soca vs Dancehall - AUA Carnival Edition When: 9 Feb. (Friday), 9:00 pm - 3:00 am Where: Sand Aruba (J.E. Irasuquin Boulevard 370 12000, Palm Beach, Aruba) Source: https://www.facebook.com/events/525732981139397/
After a sold-out first edition on Aruba, we are ready to bring you part 2 during the carnival season.
Soca vs Dancehall started in The Netherlands in 2009 and is the largest Soca event and 2nd largest Dancehall event in The Netherlands at the moment. Artists such as Machel Montano, RDX, Skinny Fabulous, Farmer Nappy, Jeon, Fadda Fox, Asa Bantan, Red Eye Crew and many more have all performed on Soca vs Dancehall. The event is known for good vibes, unity and all out fun. It's time to bring the vibe to Aruba.
Also, don't forget that Aruba Ray's Comedy, everyone's favorite nighttime activity, is starting back up this week so do check out the following information below:
Aruba Ray's Comedy http://www.arubacomedy.com/
Time: Doors open at 8pm, show starts at 8:30 pm Where: Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
February 6 - 8 Line-up: Chuck Nice, Christine Hurley, Lenny Marcus, Ray Ellin
February 9-11 Line-up: Chuck Nice, Christine Hurley, Tony V., Ray Ellin
We are proud that TRIPADVISOR has rated Aruba Ray's as Number One!
And USA TODAY has named it as one of its "10 Best"!
Named the 'BEST SHOW IN ARUBA' four years in a row... this is a standup comedy show featuring America's finest comedians, all of whom perform regularly at the top venues in the United States. These are NYC-based and LA-based comedians.
The comedians have appeared on the Tonight Show, Letterman Show, Saturday Night Live, Comedy Central, HBO, movies, tv shows, Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, etc etc As always, aside from the events and activities in the island, there are tons of excursions that you can enjoy. For one, I recommend Full Throttle Tours Aruba, an awesome speedboat/snorkeling excursion that takes you to the best places of the coast of Aruba to explore the undersea life. Find out why it's different from other snorkeling excursions on the podcast. You can also check out episodes 101 and 102 of One Happy Podcast to hear the exciting journey from the family behind Full Throttle Tours themselves. Visit their website on https://www.fullthrottletoursaruba.com/.
Of course, this episode will not be complete without the cruise ship schedules: Once again, thank you so much for all the support everyone has been giving One Happy Podcast. Now please go leave a rating and review on iTunes, I would greatly appreciate it. iTunes review link:http://onehappypodcast.com/itunes
Direct download: This_Week_in_Aruba_-_5_to_11_February.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:52pm EDT |
Fri, 2 February 2018
This week's guest, Van Shumake, has been all over the world. Despite that, Van says that Aruba is one of the best places — if not the best place — he's ever been in. Find out why on this episode of One Happy Podcast. Van Shumake was a member of the Marine Corps, and as such, he was able to travel the entire world and lists Greece, Italy, and Spain as some of his favorite travel destinations. He thought nothing could ever top these until April 2016, he set foot in the little paradise called Aruba for the very first time. "Aruba's different. Aruba's friendly. Aruba's fun," says Van as he recounts all the exciting activities he and his wife did in Aruba including suddenly renting out a car to go self-exploring the back side of the island, horseback riding, Sunset Sail, and Jolly Pirates. Van express his regrets of not being able to experience everything the island has to offer and he plans to make the most out of it on his next visit. Among Van's Aruba Bucket List are: 1. Go scuba diving 2. Go skydiving 3. Try the Full Throttle tours (listen to Episode 101 and 102 for the Full Throttle Tours special) 4. Get to the top of the California Lighthouse 5. Climb the top of Mt. Hooiberg 6. Swim at all beaches if possible 7. Get the Italian ice sold at Baby Beach Trying more stuff in Aruba is Van's goal. His military nature compels him to go off the beaten and immerse himself in the local areas. He will make sure that happens the next time he visits paradise. Van also finds massive inspiration from Aruba which he applies to his t-shirt business. He sells Aruma-themed tee shirts which you can find on his website: https://uncommonsocietees.com/ or on Instagram @uncommon.societees ON THIS EPISODE OF ONE HAPPY PODCAST, YOU WILL: - Hear a funny story of how Van and his wife ended up walking from the lighthouse all the way to almost Palm Beach - Know why he prefers Airbnb and timeshares as opposed to resorts - Learn how he uses social media to get in touch with locals in Aruba RESTAURANTS, EXCURSIONS, AND ESTABLISHMENTS MENTIONED:
Direct download: Episode_105_-_Exploring_Aruba_with_First_Timer_Van_Shumake.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:42am EDT |
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