July 21, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF
It was a vacation to remember in Aruba where the multi-cultural residents are known for their friendliness and welcoming ways, earning the island its nickname, “The Happy Island.” This sun-drenched destination was a perfect getaway for travelers Pat Fraser an Vinette Tummings. The best friends hopped a Delta flight to the tropical paradise, June 7-12, for 6 days/5 nights of fun and relaxation.
Their originally planned trip for 2021 had been for Cuba, but the ever-changing travel conditions surrounding COVID-19 forced a switch in plans, so they opted for Aruba instead.
The Hotel Riu Palace Antillas would be their dwelling place for the next several days. The All-Inclusive, Adult Only, 5-Star resort is located on the shores of Palm Beach. RUI is the perfect place to relax, with a spa and hair salon offering a wide variety of treatments, water sports such as windsurfing, snorkeling and kayaking, a free gym, and even a diving test in the swimming pool.
A golf course, bicycle rental and the possibility of interesting hiking routes are all available in the surrounding area. An onsite buffet restaurant and three thematic restaurants offer a wide array of world flavors where guests can enjoy the colorful Caribbean cuisine at lunch and dinner with magnificent ocean views. At night, RIU’s entertainment program pops with lively shows, a dance floor to kick up your heels, or try your luck at the casino.
Enjoying Aruba was Patricia, a retired social worker (MSW/LCSW) who served with the New York City Department of Education for 26 years and during that time, also started her own private practice as a Psychotherapist in Long Island and Brooklyn Heights 15 years ago. She has also been on the Executive Board of The DREAM Foundation for the past five years, and was one of 33 passengers on the exciting Cape Town, South Africa annual cultural trip with African American Golfer’s Digest in October 2019.
Vinette graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School and is an Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialist (OB/GYN) with over 25 years of medical experience. “The best thing abut being in Aruba was just being able to relax on the beach. The people were very friendly and not always trying to sell you something either,” says Vinette. “Aruba was nice place an I felt very safe there.”
The two friends are both originally from Jamaica, West Indies, and currently reside in Brooklyn, NY. Having met seven years ago on a group trip to Mexico, they have traveled many times together exploring the Dominican Republic, Barbados for Crop Over Festival, cruising to Bermuda, and DisneyWorld.
The Aruba trip was a first for both ladies and their busy itinerary reflected maximized enjoyment! The splendor of the small Caribbean island ‑which is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands‑ offered much to see and do.
Eager to experience as much as possible the two adventurers took in numerous sightseeing activities including an island tour, souvenir shopping in ‘Little Switzerland,’ a downtown trolly ride, visit to the Aruba Historical Museum, and to St. Nicholas (Chocolate City) where most of the Africans/Blacks live.
In consideration of the 24-hour availability of an abundance of delicious foods and drinks the women participated in beach Zumba and aerobics.
“Vinette and I had a wonderful time there,” says Patricia, and the two lovely ladies are looking forward to their next adventure.
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