Mari: I wonder whose idea it was to go to all
that expense; wouldn't it have been Cheaper just
to build a new one here?
Sandra: But maybe the person wanted to have an
authentic piece of Holland here.
Pieter: I think so,too. Remember there are a lot
of Dutch people who left their homeland to move
so far away. This was like taking a little bit
of home with them.
Donita: What did you do today?
Mari: We rented a car and went to Bushiribana.
It's a small village on the coast. Look here's
the map. (Pointing to area.) We went across
Frenchman's Pass, the valley where Napoleon's
troops fought against the Arawaks. Then we saw
Seroe Plat, where there are abandoned gold
mines.
Pieter: Gold was discovered there in 1824. It was
said that that more than 3 millions pounds was
taken from the mines.
Donita: That's incredible! I wonder who got rich
from it?
Pieter: I wonder, too. By the way, I heard yet
another tale about how Aruba might have got its'
name.
Sandra: We sure have heard a lot of possibilities
today; what's your story?
Pieter: It seems that in the 1400's and 1500's
men traveled all over the Caribbean looking for
treasure. One of the islands where gold was
found was named “Oro Ruba” which means “red
gold.” Now doesn't that sound a lot like
“Aruba?”
Donita: Yes, it does. I can understand how that
name might have become Aruba. But then, again,
all of the stories make sense about the origin
of the name.
Sandra: (With a big sigh.) I wish we were given
more time to explore. I enjoyed seeing all of
the islands. I definitely want to go back.
Donita: I do, too. Can you imagine how many
hundreds of islands there are? There are
probably some that will never have a human
footprint!
Pieter: True, true. Well, ladies, we are going to
our room to start packing. It's sad to think the
trip is almost over.
Sandra: Goodbye; we'll see you for dinner.
(Everyone leaves.)
The women go back to their rooms. They take some clothes to
the laundry room, then begin to pack. After changing into
formal clothes, they go to the dining room, Pictures are
taken, addresses exchanged. The mood is one of sadness.
There have been many friendships begun onboard. There is one
last night of entertainment by the professional singers and
dancers. The women sleep very soundly after their busy day.
Donita: Good morning! (Looking at ships
newspaper.)
Sandra: Good morning;
Donita: We need to make the most of our day
today! It's the last time someone will cook all
the meals for me and treat me like a Queen.
(Laughing.)
Sandra: Let me grab a quick shower and I'm ready
to do everything onboard!
The women have breakfast, listen to a lecture, play cards
with Pieter and Mari, shop, use the computer, go to the
beauty shop, and buy a few more gifts. They attend the last
party on deck listening to the band and eating dinner.
Donita: Look at that beautiful moon!
Sandra: It's perfect for our last night at sea.
Pieter: What is your debarkation time?
Sandra: We don't get off the ship until 11:00.
And you?
Mari: We get off at 9:00. Our flight home is at
12:00
Donita: Our flight schedule isn't very
convenient, so we are going to stay overnight.
Sandra: I'm really happy that we are staying
over; it won't be quite as depressing to end
the vacation right away. We're going to explore
Florida a little before leaving tomorrow.All names used in this story are fictitious.
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