3 - 5: Aruba
We, well I decided on Aruba for my birthday for a few reasons. I’ve never been, it’s an island, heard great things and of course I wanted to try something new to fit in with my 40 experiences at 40 theme… I got what I asked for.
Keeping in the theme, we descided to go the “resort” track. Something that we absolutly never do. We normally find a nice AirBnb in town, so we can walk around and get the local vibes. But not this time, I had to do something different, lol. After a few weeks of research and planning, I landed on Rennasaince Wind Creek Aruba. Great. Resort booked, flights booked, transportation to resort booked… we’re ready to go.
As most of you know, flying out of Memphis can be challenging at times and there are almost never direct flights to your final destination. Most flights are directed through either Houston, Miami or Atlanta if you’re headed anywhere South. Ours was the latter. No biggie, we fly in and out of Atlant on a regular basis, but little did we know I would encounter “Experience #3” before we ever made it to Aruba… here we go!
April 13: Stuck in ATL
Our flight from Memphis to Atlanta was over an hour delayed. Our layover in ATL was just at an hour…you do the math. As luck would have it, once we landed we were only 1 terminal away from our departing flight to Aruba and our phones alerted us that flight was actually delayed as well and still at the gate. We were so excited and ran…ok I jogged, Eric ran…. to the gate. The plane is still there, we’re happy, only for the attendant to tell us the door has been closed and we can’t board the plane. Listen, I would rather the plane was long gone by the time we arrived than to sit and watch it fly off without us on it. Feeling defeated, pissed off and irritated we heade to ther ticket counter to make new arrangements. AND OF COURSE Delta only flies once a day to Aruba. So here we are STUCK in ATL for an entire day. Luckily, they had to set us up in a hotel and we chose the Westin… cause why not.
Instead of focusing on missing the plane, missing a day at the resort, and not having any luggage… I decided to hit up my ATL people. Of course I called the Bestie, Nardo. However he was bust at a photoshoot getting tha Bag! I also called my cousin Will. And boy…. did he deliver lol. So I asked Will if he could pick us up to go eat… Will can’t be simple about anything. I mean nothing. This mane says, “yes, let me call everybody and make arrangements”, end of call. What? We just want to eat. We’re tired, hungry, upset, in travel clothes with no luggage and now its a party lol.
Will comes through to scoop us up and we head over to Girl Diver, a dope bar and secret speakeasy that Will has taken me to before. He of course knows the owner and when we walk in his friends are waiting with liquor… here we go!
We didn’t take a bunch of pictures in Atlanta because honestly, I was too busy enjoying myself. The food was delicious, the drink selection, perfect, the people… OUTSTANDING. Even though we only wanted a bite to eat and to head back to the hotel, my cousin wasn’t trying to hear it…at all! After spending several hours at the bar and going into their secret speakeasy portion we headed over to the community movie night. Cause of course we did. We met up with more people, more liquor and more foolishness lol. It was a blast and I consider this an experience because… well it was!
April 14 – 20: Oranjestad, Aruba
After a bad turned fun start, we headed off to Aruba early the next morning. We landed in the hot… I mean HOT island, met up with our driver and headed to the resort. Along the way, our driver gave us a mini tour of the town and let us in on making reservations at the main restaurants because they fill up quickly. Once at the resort…we couldn’t check in. OF COURSE! Check-on time is 4 pm and we were there around noon. Damn. Luckily they had a spot for luggage so we walked around the resort grounds and found a spot to eat, Ricardos. I’m happy we did! We were just in time for Happy Hour and we took full advantage. The food was amazing, it was only a handful of people and our waiter was great. We sat there for a couple hours, walked around and headed back to luckily check in early. Finally… showers and fresh clothes.
Aruba is great. It’s full of amazing food from several different countries. I don’t think I was aware of how many influences this one tiny island had on it. But we were able to dine at Cuban, Mexican, Dutch, French and Italian restaurants while there. Not to mention the local cuisine and so much more. The people are friendly and eager to talk to you about the island if you care to listen. We roamed the streets but mostly relaxed on the private beach, drank at bars and relaxed. Exactly what was planned of course.
April 19: New TATTOO
I kinda collect tattoos when I travel. No, not a spontaneous idea. I would never. But planned out and thouroughly vetted idea. This time, I got a colorful hummingbird with a halo. Long-story…ask me why!
We will definitely be returning to ARUBA, but in our normal way. Resort life is NOT for us. Not that anything was wrong, its just not how we like to experience different cultures. Its too many people, noises, kids…etc. We like to go back and retreat when we’re done socializing and feel at home. Can’t really do that on a resort. I did, however, love the private beach area. That was great. Anyway, I will probably make a few blogs about the restaurants and places we visited so be on the lookout for that. Meanwhile….check out the gallery!