Dawn - we really don't know if they have botched it up or not - we only know what the American press has told us (remember Geraldo opening up some vault in primetime) - what we do know is that from everything we have seen the Aruban officials and residents have gone above and beyond the call of duty - if an Aruban disappeared in your city, would you get the day off to look for them - for that matter would you take to time to go look for them? No matter what, the people who keep trying to incite some kind of boycott on Aruba are not going to come out ahead.

Alicia - I agree with you completely about raising the drinking age.I have been following postings on this site for awhile however, this is the first time posting. I have enjoyed all positive and negative remarks in reference to this island. I have not had the pleasure of visiting just yet but all the information I have gathered will come in handy when I do get there someday. Yes, someday I will get there inspite of all the bad publicity this beautiful island has been receiving.To everyone - keep the great informative comments coming. Peace to all!

Lisa..Just curiouse..My wife & I were thinking about going but you say you wouldnt return any time soon...Why?

You have absoluting nothing to worry about. Aruba is still safer than the majority of the United States cities. My wife and I own 2 timeshares at the Marriott Surf Club and have been to Aruba every year since 1999 (our honeymoon). This place has it all Casinos, beaches, great places to eat (try Madame Janettes) and great people.

Ann & Alicia, First of all, is very nice to find people that take the time for at least place their oppinions... I live on the island, for almost 15 years... it's a very nice place to live... sure... if you come from a big city you might get bored after a while, but that's why you have the choice to choose where to live. Concerning the drinking age, I don't agree with you, and the reason is simple, the kids on the island are raised to be responsible people, they don't keep them from doing things ... and they don't have taboo themes for thems..
The Arubian youth are being raised we a great deal of responsibility and are conscious of what is right and what is wrong, so even if they try it, they get to decide if they keep doing it or not...We all know how it is.. we all have been there in our younger years, and no matter how much they keep you from doing something, you find the way to sneak out and do it.

The truth here is, that when you go to a bar, any bar, hotel, casino.. or where ever they sell alcohol, the quantity of youth-local drunks is very low.... compared to our US visitors... they ( i believe) are raised and have always been told not to do it, talking about alcohol and smoking, that's why as soon as they get the chance.. this is the first thing they do, and to be honest, is not only on Aruba.. or haven't you see the "Wild On Show" on E! Entertainment Television... this is all over the world!!!
So instead of campaigning around the world to change legal drinking age, why don't we educate our children to be conscious enough to make the right choices; so they can behave the right way even when they are alone?

Aruba is a safe place by any world standards. Nevertheless Aruba must now prove worthy of it's choice of self-government by showing that it can and will properly administer justice with absolute equality and without malice or prejudice. A crossroads has been reached and now Aruba has the opportunity to differentiate itself from the many so-called Banana Republics of the region.
Many very unfortunate events have already occurred during the course of this investigation which will make a future prosecution of those involved not impossible, but at the least very difficult. Assuming of course that a crime has indeed been committed.

Have cell phone/phone records all been checked? Which cell antenna received each call? Has the mileage on the car been checked? Have tourists been asked to check their video-recordings? Are these suspects finally being completely isolated from one another while detained? Have DNA samples from all relevant locations and clothing been taken? Did the Dutch boy have access to a boat that night/next day?

Aruba must not tarnish it's otherwise fine record by any suggestion of impropriety or obstruction of justice. To do anything less would be disrespectful to itself, its people, Natalee and her family.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to them during these difficult days.

Aruba is a terrific place;just don't make the mistake of going to El gaucho;!

Aruba is a terrific place;just make sure you go to El gaucho;!<BigPapa>

It's not about fear...I'm 6'7"/265 lbs.Aruba is just a freebird island that's very permissive and anything goes...Not much is illegal there. Lots of drunks & drugs and if that's what you're into, Delta is ready when you are..After the hotels there's not much else. We actually have nicer beaches here and not at 107 degrees. The island hopeful is that you get all liqoured up and head for the casinos....Happy Sailing!

Tom going to El Gacho is only a mistake if you happen do be a vegetarian!

This place is great!