-----Original Message-----
From: Kathleen McCabe <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Thursday, September 27, 2001 12:30 PM
Subject: Margarita Island


>I'm hoping to hear quickly from those of you who have visited Margarita
Island, Venezuela.  My husband and I are scheduled to visit Margarita from
October 16-30, 2001.  We've heard about this destination for years and have
always wanted to hook up with one of the shelling groups that go there, but
our dates have never worked out, so we decided to go on our own.  We've been
looking forward to it despite some crazy things we read regarding safety on
the island and in Caracas on the Internet.  Given what happened September
11, we are now not sure whether we should go because of safety and terrorism
issues.  The Washington Times had a two page ad this week about President
Chavez's relationship with Saddam Hussein and Kadafi and his support for the
countries that support terrorism.  While this may be propaganda, when we
read it, it gave us pause because of other things we had read and we
wondered if it is wise for us to proceed with the trip.  Please, we need
your honest advice about your experiences traveling to and from Margarita
including some crazy things we've heard that happen in Caracas Airport and
also how safe you felt on the island itself.  As much as we still want to
go, we don't want to put our lives in danger.  The second part of my
question is, if we are able to make the trip, can those of you who have
visited the island before please guide as as far as where we should go to
look for shells on the island.  I understand shells are everwhere, but we
would really appreciate your tips as far as special spots to go.  Thanks in
advance to all of you who respond.

Greetings....Your query re Margarita Island is one I would prefer answering
personally...If you will contact me at [log in to unmask]  I
will give you a glowing report...although our  trip was a few years ago and
things may have changed politically since then... Mique Pinkerton