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Robbert van Duin |
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| From: VanDuin, Robbert [Robbert.VanDuin@delta.com] Sent: Thursday, March 24, 2005 9:18 AM To: dje9537459@austin.rr.com Subject: Lago Colony of course !!!! |
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| G'day. My name is Robbert van Duin, and I lived - and am living again in the colony. My father was Engelbertus (Bert) van Duin, and we moved from Holland to Aruba in 1968. He was a pilot, bringing in ships in the Oranjestad harbor. He transferred to Lago and we moved to bungalow 248 in 1968 or 1969. In 1978 we moved to bungalow 327, which we bought and where my mother continued to live until she moved back to Holland in 1996. I have the fondest memories of growing up in the colony with the Esso Club, tennis courts and beaches. It was dream upbringing and only later I realized it. I attended public school in Aruba, went (away) to study in 1985 and returned to Aruba in 1990. In 1992 I moved in bungalow 231 thanks to Mr. Henri Coffi, who offered me that house right before Exxon was transferring the area back to the Aruba government. In 185 (1995?) I moved to bungalow 160, which I am living in and was able to buy from the government 4 months ago. It has been renovated and the painting process should be over by next week. Yard work will not be mentioned !!!!!! | |
| I have always been very happy growing up there, and it was through the colony that I spoke English without ever being officially taught. Many American friends came and went, and good memories remain. The colony is a sad shadow of the past, but the government has initiated a plan to at least sell all the homes. This would definitely upgrade the neighborhood, but the speed of government action is disappointing. | |
| I will look for pictures to scan and send, but it has always been a desire of mine to remain in touch with friends from the past. My past was obviously the period from 1970-1985, but I greatly enjoyed the old pictures found on this site. Yvonne Brinkman told me about it this morning when I saw her !!!!Please let me know if I can provide you with any additional info or if there is anything you would want. You have my email. | |
| Best regards, and thanks again for this opportunity, Robbert. | |
| March 27, 2005. I sent an email to Robbet, he works for Delta Airlines, and asked him about the price of houses in former Lago Colony. He said: "The houses were appraised and the prices vary between USD 15.000 for a abandoned house to USD 80.000 for one that has been decently maintained. However, they still need to be fixed up." | |
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