A Dangerous Conclusion (2)
by Torsten Daerr
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.
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