We travelled to Aruba in
the Summer of
2005 to visit Agnes' Mom, and to attend the opening of a Science
classroom at my old school.
The teachers there and the government of Aruba decided to dedicate to
me a
new
classroom in which Physics, Biology and Chemistry
will be taught. I started my schooling at that particular
school
at
the age of 4, and lived near the high-school for my first 15 years.

On the way down to Aruba, we had a 6 hour layover in Miami, so Agnes
organized a trip for us to the
Miami Science Center
and Planetarium.
One of the animals there was this tame baby alligator.

We also met
Mr.
Fossil Frank Perillo, who gave a presentation on prehistoric
wildlife in Florida. He was a very good speaker with great
mineral samples.
Here, he is showing us a moon shell.
After an educational visit, we headed back to the airport and then onto
Aruba.

We brought our skates and gear to Aruba, and we skated everyday in the
back of Oma's house where she
has a covered patio. The floor is nice and smooth and there
is
usually a good breeze blowing. While
on the island, I improved my turns, and we learned to skate backwards
(slowly).

In Aruba we had several nice dinners including this one with Auntie,
Soo San and Chee Choong at the
Blossoms
restaurant in the Wyndham hotel. It was a really
fun evening.

The government of Aruba dedicated a plaque at the entrance of the San
Nicolas Medical Center
to Agnes' Mom for her long contribution to the people of Aruba with her
activities with the Blue
Army Center and the Catholic Church of Aruba. The plaque is
near
Agnes' head.

The plaque reads: Tribute to "Personality of San Nicolas", Mrs. Rita
Kock-Croes.
For her valuable support and dedication to the district of San
Nicolas. Signed:
Minister T.F.R. Lee, Minister of Labor, Culture and Sports.