[Andy'smom]

I just can't stand to read any more posts on SM that claim she's partying in Venezuela. They want everybody to believe that she ran away so they don't have to be bothered by the whole thing and it won't effect their tourism.

[GarySpFc]

From Riehl World View:

The Real News From Aruba Is no news. Some sources related to the ongoing search efforts indicate continued frustration and perhaps even stone walling by authorities who don't permit access for the dogs to certain areas, or do not show up at some locations to facilitate certain seach efforts.

Heard but unconfirmed is that EquuSearch efforts may be nearing an end sometime soon and one source suggested Fox is also beginning to thin out its presence on the ground in Aruba.

Discussions with two other news networks also point to news gathering resources being a bit "thin" on the island these days.

One individual familiar with how things are done on many Caribbean islands believes there is no way to penetrate any potential obstacles to securing answers for the family of Natalee Holloway and, barring discovery of a body, it is likely that Aruba and Aruban authorities are content to wait this out and re-invigorate their reputation as "One Happy Island" without the dark side this story has revealed to the world.

Earlier reports from some students on the trip stated that they were irritated by the numbers of drug dealers and "low-life" types that often approached them during the trip, sometimes thrusting bags of cocaine and other illicit drugs into their faces in an attempt to make a quick sale.

Another source, not trying to paint an overly rose-colored picture of a group of partying American high school graduates, confirmed the above while acknowledging that drinking was certainly a significant aspect of the trip for a majority of the Mountain Brook teens along on the journey.

[toldyou]

I found this on "Top 95." This is written by an American travel agent to someone in Aruba. Notice that in referring to "crack addicts," in Aruba, she said, "there are like 2 on the entire island." Also, note the part about, "less tourists in my way, plus less stupid people."
I wonder what her employer would say if he/she saw this letter! I did not correct spacing, punctuation, etc. I did divide it into paragraphs since it was one long paragraph.




"View of an American"

Hi Amy,
I just wanted to say thank you for all the info and the site for Natalee.You going out of your way to post the info and pictures is typical of what I have
found of your beautiful island and it's people.

I am a travel agent from New York (looking to pursue
career as a police officer ,ironically enough).I have been to Aruba 5 times.I actually just returned from my vacation there.I arrived on June 3rd .I had a fabulous time other than the obvious sadness.I was also so impressed by the reactions of your government when they gave workers half the day off to search. I have traveled a lot and know there are not many places that would do that-(if any).

I feel so close to this case ,maybe because years ago in my younger day I went to C and C and "partied like a rock star "every night and ended up leaving with a guy who seemed safe. Thank God he didnt have a car. We walked to the beach and he was a gentleman. People who judge have never been in that position. I am a very level headed person who was in my twenties at the time. I shouldve really known better especially because I come from NY , but after feeling so safe in the environment , and because we had hung out a couple of evenings ,I let my guard
down.It can happen-I dont do things like that normally !

Anyway ,the other reasons I am touched by this case ,I guess ,are because I know these places very well that are being shown on TV. We stayed 2 doors down from the Holiday Inn,while "Aruba Today" was asking for volunteers. I wouldve volunteered(in hindsight ,I wish I had) ,but we were with our friends who had never been so I was playing tour guide,however we did our own searches.This whole thing has really just hit close to my heart.My heart breaks for the family.

While I was there I kept trying to interpret the Aruba tv and radio,as it is more up to date and based on facts-versus cnn and fox who are getting misinformation.They are also trying to sensationalize everything! Please Cnn with -"the crackhouses of Aruba"..if you saw it the person offers a shot of his wine to the reporter .Like I have pointed out to people,where else do you know that a crack addict will share his cheap wine? and puh-lease there are like 2 on the entire island .Long Island , Ny has one on every corner ,even in the good areas.I love Aruba so much !It is as close to paradise as possible.

I also want to apologize for the ignorance on the part of my fellow Americans.It irks me to hear all the crapola about "boycott Aruba" etc. From what I am seeing of my clients (with half a brain),it hasnt hurt their image or
changed their minds.We are still getting inquiries like always.If anyone doesnt want to go now,-good,thats less tourists in my way next year..plus less stupid
people that you have to deal with,too ;-)

Please ,if and when you hear anything new if you have time ,please drop me a line. I would appreciate it. Thank you for your time.Oh and by the way..are you
Arubagirl?


Michele