First Visit To Aruba

Spending my birthday in Aruba. Never been. Just as a I thought, crowded beaches, very mass market. Offers alot for a cross-section of visitors and pretty affordable. North side of the island is windswept, and rough around the edges beautiful. Too bad the hotels have to crammed into one small strip on the west side. Lots to do if you like casinos, nightlife, water sports. Went snorkleing this morning to visit a German shipwreck. Bad visibility because it is too windy.
Staying at Radisson, great for families, loads of pools, and cool birds. Visited the Hyatt Regency which just had a stylish renovation and checked out Bucuti Beach Hotel. That's the place if you want serenity and a break from the strip of high rises. That gets my vote for couples. Dinner last night at Papamiento, located around the pool of an old island home--very leafy and atmospheric--Tonight going to Pincho's to celebrate.
Gotta go get ready.