In Aruba, Resentment over a Storm of US Media

Christian Science Monitor ^ | 6/8/10 | Todd Wilkinson

[UCANSEE2]

Subtitle of the article:

“As the Natalee Holloway search approaches six weeks, islanders wish the press would just go away.”

Yes, a very old article.

[fatnotlazy]

“I’m unsure why any American would want to travel in the crime infested, drug riddled Caribbean; surely America has some beautiful beach resorts available???”

***

Hennie, we do have some really nice beaches...I personally like Myrtle and the Gulf Coast of Florida (well, I did till the oil spill). But many cities and resorts in the U.S. are “crime infested and drug riddled,” and some are even worse than the Carribean.

I’m not a world travel, but I’ve been around. I’m amazed at how many people who would normally not go anywhere with a stranger at home, think it’s ok to do so while on vacation. The same applies to people who carry huge amounts of money or wear their fancy jewelry, then they wonder how and why they were ripped off. Our inhibitions often fall away (sometimes from alcohol or drugs) or maybe it’s just that we think we’re on vacation or we’re in a really nice resort — what bad could possibly happen?

Take cruising. We’ve heard of some cases of major crime (including a couple of sensational murders) on cruise ships. Now, I’ve been on five cruises in my life and never had a problem. Maybe it was luck, or maybe it’s just that I would practice the same safety and crime prevention rules I normally would at home. You might say I made my own good luck. And I will not let the crimes deter me — if I ever get the opportunity to cruise again, I’m going.

Same with the Carribean. This may appall you, but I’ve been to Aruba twice — it is beautiful country and if I have the opportunity to go there again, I will go back.