Bon Bini

Trip Start Apr 08, 2009
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12
Trip End Apr 19, 2009


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Flag of United States  , New York,
Thursday, April 9, 2009

It was cold when we arrived at JFK airport. DH has to park the car in the long term parking area so we did not check in right away but when we did it was quick. Boarding was on time. As the plane was about to leave we saw snow flurries outside and everybody was anxious to leave. Then the pilot made an announcement that the temperature outside was in the 40's and not to worry about ice. We left on time. This is the first time we fly with Jet Blue and we love it. It was on time and has more leg room. They served a selection of snacks for free. Each passenger has its own TV screen. We arrived in Aruba around 1540. The temperature was 88 degrees. We rented a mini van from Optima. The optima personnel waited outside holding a sign board with our name on it. They took us to their office where we picked up our mini van. The traffic was bad. There were 2 cruise ships docked.

We found the Divi Dutch Village easily but we don't know where to check in Aerial view of Aruba
Aerial view of Aruba
 . After we asked one of the hotel staff we drove to another building across the street to check in. The receptionist told us that they upgraded our room from a mini suite to a bigger studio suite. I thought when I book with Expedia it was for a studio suite. I did not say a word at that time because I don't have the reservation paper from Expedia with me.The receptionist also told us that we get a daily complimentary maid service. What does this mean? They charge other people extra for this? When we get to our hotel the smell that greeted us made us feel nauseous. It was a mixture of cigarette smoke, dead rats and cockroaches. We called to switch to a new room but we were told that they're full and will send someone to spray the room.

We wanted to have dinner at the Old Man and the Sea but with the traffic we will not make it back on time to buy groceries. I saw the Pinchos on the way to the hotel and the review on TA was good so we went there instead. The restaurant was located on a pier setting and the weather was perfect. We did not have a reservation but we were able to get a table. We got seated on time to see the sunset. It was a great experience. The food was good too.

After dinner we went to Certified to buy groceries. According to TA it was the cheapest in the Island which turned out to be not true. The place is like a warehouse inside. I made sure I bought candles for the room. I also happened to bring a glade plug ins, first time bring it on vacation. It sure came in handy.
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