re: anyone ever been to Aruba?

It was a nice trip a few years ago. Though it is a desert island. Everything is a short drive away from wherever you're staying. Going up to see the lighthouse was neat. And wandering around the beach on the Atlantic side was fun. Though for the love of God, do not trust the rental car people. If you ask for a 4-wheel drive, make sure the jeep actually is 4-wheel drive before you take it out on in the dunes.

One neat place off the beaten path we went to was Kamini's Kitchen. We were pointed there by some old guys from Baton Rouge. Apparently Aruba is a big semi-retirement destination for former Exxon employees. There is a big Valero refinery in Aruba where they work.