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Arubans living abroad

ORANJESTAD — Aruba Today is connecting to our be- George Floyd
loved readers abroad who have a special bond with “I was born and raised
the island. We launched columns like Aruba to Me … on the beautiful island of
and My Favorite Hotel Staff where our fans can send Aruba, I have lived in the
pictures and words that express their love for Aruba USA since 1981 and I am a
and its workers in the hospitality industry. proud resident of Minneap-
olis since 2001. Minneapolis
In these difficult times we also think about our Aruban and St. Paul are also known
friends living abroad. How they are doing and what as “the twin cities “and are
is their life experience right now, we wonder. The first very cultural, very diverse,
story in this series was published April 17 and came Vivian says. “I just wanted
from Aruban Arturo Desimone who lives in Spain. April to share some of my own
22 we shared the wonderful story of Jairo Loefstop experience in light of what
who lives in Costa Rica. April 29 we got a glimpse of has recently happened to
the world of Jennifer Maduro who lives in Montreal, Minneapolis. In a few words
Canada. How amazing it was to hear from Jacque- utter shock and disbelief!
line Raven – Hagens living all the way in Dubai, article As a resident of Minne-
published on May 15. apolis currently residing in
Today we share the life experiences of Vivian Koole suburbs we all got a reality
who lives in Minneapolis, United States of America. A check.” Racism is very real
city that has a lot of attention now due to the recent and I was lucky enough not
happenings. to have encountered that,
she continues. “Our police
officers are here to pro-
tect our community and
no one should be afraid. I
believe that all of our lead-
ers should take a deep look
at their police department
which has happened here
in Minneapolis.”

COVID-19
Corona virus affects me
daily. I work at a hospital
and yes it worries me but
I trust the leaders of my
work place. The corona
virus is still very real and in
Minneapolis its mandatory
to wear a mask in all pub-
lic places. As an essential
health care worker it’s so
uplifting to hear “ code joy
“ on the intercom, mean-
ing another patient got
sent home and recovered
from the corona virus. Cur-
few got put in place which
has been lifted and some
of our stores went back to Community coming together to help and rebuild
limited hours recently. check in. Do a temperature island is keeping us close
check and make it manda- even though we are living
Aruba’s re-opening tory to put a mask on. I miss far away. As last note I love
Americans will travel to Aru- my beautiful island of Aru- to tell all the beautiful peo-
ba, but the island should ba a lot and I’m so happy ple, my family and friends
open its borders with cau- to belong to the Facebook to do the hand washing
tion, Vivian thinks. “I think it page group “Arubans living and social distancing. Be
This my daughter Katie and granddaughter Olivia in a quiet really starts as to when the in the US”. Sharing positive safe and see you all soon.
neighborhood of Minneapolis passengers are about to things about our beloved Te oro. “q