so the big burglary is over. what have we learned, lol.

we've learned that the island is laid back but when they are lucky enough (not for lack of trying) to find a passport or two, they are more than thrilled to return it to you. i have never seen two cops smile more happily and proudly. it may seem trivial but passports usually do not come back.

we learned that the crime tech is very thorough. he did his job well and if the burglar ever bleeds on anything else they will catch him.

we learned that the aruban business community is amazingly kind and caring.

we learned that no matter how much safety is in place on a vacation, things can happen.

but most of all we learned how screwed up the state department/homeland security and at least one american consulate are. i am still laughing at the voice mail messages that are on the consulate phones. something to the tune of 'if you have a lost or stolen passport, our office is open monday, wednesday and friday 9-11 am' but of course they are closed on national holidays so we have to assume that those who can help work 4 hours a week. funnier yet, the operator actually switched me to this department when it was closed instead of to someone who could actually help. i also want the person at the state department that kept insisting i would have big problems without a passport when going thru customs in miami to get with it. she didn't believe me when i said that flights from aruba are considered domestic flights and that our customs people in aruba had assured me that my police report and picture id would be enough. why does a tourist know more than homeland security?

in all it was not fun but compared to the problems others face in daily life, it isn't as bad as it seemed. the best thing is we have less than 60 days until we can go back to aruba and maybe really have a vacation.

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it seems like i am spending the last several days telling 'the rest of the story' on that bad spell in our lives. hopefully, this will be the last part of it.

i just got a call from our insurance company. they are direct depositing a check to pay the entire claim (less the cash). i have to say, fireman's fund was the most pleasant part of this entire story. they have been amazing, efficient and have made us feel at ease.

best of all, when i didn't get my yearly bill last week and i thought 'omg, they've cancelled me', lol, i called them. not only had they not cancelled but they hadn't even increased my premium. better yet, the broker knew the story and suggested that for $10 each per year we could attach a rider for our computers so no deductible would be taken out if there was a mishap. that is a good insurance company.

so the tale has been told and the countdown is on until our august trip. we absolutely can't wait. maybe this time we will get to the beach?

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Good grief Sherry, I certainly hope you do get to the beach in August!!!!
Leave that computer home. Just go and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.

Glad to hear Fireman's Fund did a good job. I used to have them for some things but not anymore. Luckily I never had any claims, (wood knocking sounds).

Your experience and suggestions to help reduce/prevent the same have been a big help. I'm fine tuning my lists and preparations accordingly.

See you on the island for a beverage or two.

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