Possible Airport Strike

[rob o]

Originally Posted by Randi

Hi Cindyo,
Can you elaborate on what transpired last year to make you so scared?

We had no problem on arrival, but were really afraid for friends arriving the next day due to diverted flights (they did get there OK).

We rented a car but returned it after a few hours because of picket lines blocking the main road between the low rises and Oranjestad.

When we went from Renaissance to Marandi, we got stuck in bad traffic due to picketers burning tires at airport.

We left downtown area Friday night April 18 scared because of a burning tire in the middle of LG Smith Blvd in front of the Renaissance Marina Tower.

Thursday April 24 helicopter circling downtown watching picketers.....kind of scary.

Friday April 25 left hotel at 9:30 am for a 4:00 flight afraid we might get blocked by picketers. For the first time in 11 visits were thrilled to leave.

Hoping for a much better experience this April or will have to find a new vacation home, reluctantly.

[~Amy~®]

Originally Posted by rob o

Friday April 25 left hotel at 9:30 am for a 4:00 flight afraid we might get blocked by picketers. For the first time in 11 visits were thrilled to leave.

I arrived on Sunday, April 27th last year and by then....all was fine. Couldn't even tell anything had been going on.

[rob o]

Originally Posted by ~Amy~®

I arrived on Sunday, April 27th last year and by then....all was fine. Couldn't even tell anything had been going on.

Yup.....got word while at airport April 25th that it had been resolved......too late for us.

[cindyo]

Andrea, rob and I just went out and re-figured out actually expenses for our traveling group and the hit on the economy to aruba...
1.We own 14 timeshares, we rent an addtional 2-3 units on top of that during our stay for additional friends.
2. We pay fees for the timeshares 14x $550.00
3. We all fly down 24-30 people x $600 or so, AA into Aruba.
4. We all spend around $3000 to 4000.00 a week in food, activities, tips, rental cars, addtional fees/drinks, taxi's, jewelry purchases, asst junk for the kids....We stay 2 weeks, 75% of the group does also...
5. We pay the taxes in and out of aruba
6. We bring gifts to our friends on the island..
My guess-timation was off, it now is $40,000 for our group...Perhaps this is the yearly salary of someone on the island?
So, what I am trying to say is, Aruba shouldn't be "turning away" their bread and butter. We love it there, we love everything about the island if it isn't evident, however, that can change on a dime...
p.s. rob is really really off the deep end on this subject if you hadn't realized it....
I know as a moderator you have to stay neutral on this subject, so if you need to PM me please do....
I will get off my soapbox now...
Cindy xoxooox

[Ciboney]

Any new news on the goings on in Aruba now? I leave Monday - arrive in Aruba 11:25p.m.

[Bill]

Originally Posted by rob o

No sympathy...NONE....for people who deliberately ruin family vacations.

If I wanted a 25% raise.....and threatened to hide your luggage for 3-4 days if I didn't get one, would you be sympathetic for me?

Sorry Robo, I have no argument when you put it that way.

[hstvns]

[quote=Arubalisa;130568]Pack your clothes in a carry on!!! Don't we all wish we could request 25% raises and hope we get at least half. Nowadays if we have jobs, you are lucky to get a raise at all. Dh received a whopping 2% raise this year which was more than eaten up by increased contributions to medical insurance. <<<stepping off my soap box.>>>


Working for County government in Fl... same thing 1-1/2% raise more than eaten up by increased insurance premium.

[rob o]

Originally Posted by Bill

Sorry Robo, I have no argument when you put it that way.

Thanks Bill.......I appreciate that you weren't offended by my reply.

[Bill]

Originally Posted by rob o

Thanks Bill.......I appreciate that you weren't offended by my reply.

Not offended at all. Just enlightened to reality. The little fantasy island we used to go to to get away from reality now has a reality of its own.

[Randi]

I am just sick about this! We are leaving on the Feb. 20th but my son and three of his friends are travelling alone to join me and they are only 17 years old a few weeks later.