Hello Aruba and Hello Monday!

 Hi Friends!  I got home last night from a wonderful trip in Aruba...we celebrated two of my besties turning 50 and it all turned out beautifully.  It took much stress and COVID hassle to get me there and to get me home- we are talking 4 separate COVID tests and almost not making it (thank you XpressCheck at Logan Airport for being so incompetent)

Anyway, I digress.....I don't want to harp on the stress because for the first time in a very long time, I felt normal and not stressed for a few days...I was truly able to relax and laughed harder than I have in a long time...this trip was so good for the soul and the time spent with such beautiful people will never be forgotten!

Thursday

We were up bright and early and our car came to get us at 6:30.  We got to Logan by 8:15 and the COVID testing began...ha!  I was stressed so I didn't snap any pics in the airport...so not like me!

I did snap a few as we were landing...oh that water!

Anyway, when we got to Aruba, the process was so simple and we flew through the airport!

When we got to our hotel, The Hyatt Regency Resort and Casino, we checked in and I snapped a few pics.  It is such a beautiful property...I had been there over 20 years ago but didn't remember how spectacular it was!

I roomed with Beth Ann and Suzy....the perfect roommates...we laughed SO HARD the entire time...I am so glad it ended up with us together....I always call Beth Ann OCD....Exhibit A...her suitcase....

 

Once we got settled, most of us headed down to the pool bar for some snacks and cocktails and we gave the girls their shirts and cups...and the birthday girls also got their crowns and sashes- so fun!

 

Awesome ceviche!

 

That night, we headed to Madame Janette's for dinner.  I had heard wonderful things about this restaurant.  Most of the girls had already been there and it did not disappoint.  The ambience was beautiful and the food amazing....this night we did toasts and roasts and that was my favorite part!

After dinner, when we got back to the hotel, we enjoyed a night cap at one of our hotel's outdoor restaurants...more laughs ensued...

Friday

It was great to have a Starbucks right in our hotel- as I was enjoying my morning coffee, I enjoyed some more sights like the black swan swimming around

 

The day started out cloudy but the sun quickly broke through and we enjoyed a power walk on the beach!

 

After we got ready for the day, we enjoyed a four hour Champagne Brunch Catamaran Excursion...LOVED being on the water with these ladies...

 

After the cruise, we grabbed some snacks and drinks at a beach side bar

 

We relaxed in the pool for a bit...and then we changed and headed out to the beach to watch the sunset....

That night we grabbed a quick and casual dinner at Smokey Joe's down the street and crashed hard after!

 

Some silliness...I know...always on the phone...hey I'm a Recruiter!

 

 

 

 

Saturday

Coffee on the beach was just what the doctor ordered...

and there was the best smoothie place right near our hotel...oh my word...I had the best bowl ever...The Mermaid Bowl...it had dragon fruit, blueberries, bananas, fresh fruit and granola in it...delish!

We relaxed on the beach most of the day....and jumped into the water of course...could not get enough of this gorgeous water!

Lunch on the beach was incredible- we had more amazing bowls- going to replicate mine at home- shrimp, rice, black beans, cilantro, avocado and pineapple salsa!

We hit a couple of shops- I needed to bring home something for my girls and then we got ready for dinner!

This night ended up being my absolute favorite- we hit the world famous Flying Fish Bone on the other side of the island...dinner on the beach...watching the sunset....great food...better ambience and BEST company...we had so so many laughs this night...it was SO FUN

After dinner, we enjoyed a fun cab ride back to the hotel strip...complete with very loud singing!  We stopped at the Ritz for a night cap too :)

Did you know Aruba is known for its Aloe?  There were aloe plants everywhere...

The next morning, Suzy and I headed home...the rest of the ladies are still there celebrating but I needed to get back for work...anyway, our trip home was not complete without another Covid test because Logan once again screwed up my results....still this was SO WORTH IT!

If you get a chance to go, you will not be disappointed....I found the people to be some of the nicest I have ever met...the service was impeccable...and there is a reason why they call it One Happy Island!

Linking up for Hello Monday HERE