By JIM KENNEDY on Monday, August 19, 2002 - 7:32 pm: |
I know I'm leaving myself WIDE-OPEN for this question! But I have to ask it... Why Bonaire? Why not another island in the Carribean? Don't they all have sand, sun and surf? What makes Bonaire so special?? And please don't tell me I haven't a clue- that one is already used on me...
|
By Phil Denton on Monday, August 19, 2002 - 8:44 pm: |
What are you looking for? Hot night life try Aruba, Puerto Rico,or somewhere else.
|
By Jake Richter - NetTech on Monday, August 19, 2002 - 9:12 pm: |
The people. Both those who live on Bonaire and those who keep coming back. That, and great diving, a slow pace of life, no stop lights, good weather, and no beaches to attract the masses which tend to overrun other "popular" destinations and ruin them, IMHO.
|
By Ginny Stokes on Monday, August 19, 2002 - 10:53 pm: |
Jim, looking at your profile, you'll soon find out what's so special about Bonaire. Looks like you have a trip planned. We are heading back next February for our 4th time; of the many Caribbean dive destinations we have been to, only Cozumel has rated as many repeat visits. And, we have pretty much agreed that we won't be going back to Coz - too many people now!! Bonaire, for us, is a great combination of diving, pace, uncrowded both at dive sites and restaurants. You, too, will most likely join the ranks of BTers bemoaning PBD...
|
By Snorkelguy {Scott} on Monday, August 19, 2002 - 11:09 pm: |
Nice people, very little fast food, strip malls, and all the things that some of us feel we could do with less of in our home towns, the most beautiful water and sea life in the entire Caribbean.
|
By Mercy Baron on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 12:25 am: |
I've been to islands with better beaches....Maui, Turks & Caicos, Grand Cayman, I've been to places with a wilder night life...Cancun,Ocho Rios, and I found the snorkeling on Turks & Caicos comparable, if not a bit better than Bon....but, and that's a big BUT....it's almost hard to explain the feeling I had being on Bon....and I was only there for my first time just a month ago for only 11 days!
|
By Kay Powers on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 1:08 am: |
Jim,
|
By Sarah on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 7:12 am: |
I've met so many dive-a-holic's on Bonaire, my partner Hugh is one of them. Bonaire is their dream come true. And here’s why?
|
By karen gaffner on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 8:43 am: |
be there tomorrow and can't wait.bonaire is an escape from the world. its an adventure without risk.it is a place few know exist and most would never go to.last time we came we brought another couple with us and this year we found 2 more to join us.it is a special place that not everyone will appreciate,but thats okay.
|
By DARLENE ELLIS on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 9:32 am: |
Jim, I am so glad you asked that question because it warms my heart reading all the responses!
|
By Candace Epps on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 9:38 am: |
Jim, you are in for a treat....Bonaire is SPECIAL... because of the people, both locals and visitors, they're friendly, helpful, and a joy to be around! I've been to Bonaire only twice, but intend to spend MUCH more time there!!! The pace of life is slow, laid-back, and relaxed; but NEVER boring!!!! There's so much to see and do (as the other BT'ers have already told you)that you can't believe how fast the time goes by and before you realize it, you're back on the plane going the OTHER direction!!! PBD sets in!!!!! Then you start making plans for the NEXT visit!!!! Why does all this happen???....because Bonaire is SPECIAL!!!! You just have to experience it once and you'll know!!! Enjoy your visit, and please give us a report afterwards?! :-)
|
By DARLENE ELLIS on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 9:39 am: |
I forgot, we had a taxi driver take us to three different stores to find gohda cheese (spelling?)and milk when the Cultimara was out for no charge! See if that would ever happen any where else!!!
|
By Tom Erhard on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 10:59 am: |
I went to Bonaire for the first time this past March for one week. I just returned last Wednesday from my second trip - this one for two weeks. I know - a trip report is due...
|
By Michael Gaunt on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 11:01 am: |
Jim,
|
By Susan R. on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 12:09 pm: |
My first trip to Bonaire April 2002. I am booked to go back Oct. 2002. Enough said.
|
By Mercy Baron on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 1:08 pm: |
Hey Darlene! I am so looking forward to meeting a fellow BT and snorkeler! Yes, we must plan a BT dinner with whom ever else will be there at the same time. And just dinner together no matter what! Annie P. sent me a special that Air Jamaica will be running just for people attending the windsurfing compt, and my travel agent said they will announce the special Wed or Thurs of this week. I'm hoping to get a good fare as the others are too expensive right now. The other special they're running which is so cheap, you have to come back by Dec 12 and I can't do that when the competition is the 11th-15th! Stay in touch, Bon rules!
|
By Linda Richter - NetTech on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 1:14 pm: |
Hi Tom,
|
By Bud Gillan on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 1:52 pm: |
Flamingo Feelings....
|
By Cynde Lee on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 2:55 pm: |
Jim...having been raised on a farm for the first 13 years of my life, then moving to San Diego, California...I love the beach, but when I go on vacation, I don't want a crowded beach...some of mine are repeats, but here they are anyhoo...
|
By Tom Erhard on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 3:57 pm: |
Linda,
|
By Leif S on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 4:42 pm: |
Top Ten "Why Bonaire (as compared to anywhere else)":
|
By Brian J. Walsh on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 6:39 pm: |
I would agree with everyone else and I have two stories to add.
|
By Carole Baker on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 7:56 pm: |
So....wadda ya think, Jim?? PS I'll be over in an hour to come pick some sweet corn, OK? Deal? Bonaire is a feeling. Experience it and you will love it. Carole
|
By Snorkelguy {Scott} on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 8:17 pm: |
Flamingo Feelings....I like that Bud, it has a lot of meaning.
|
By Eileen Kimmett on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 9:04 pm: |
Bonaire sounds like my kind of island, just perfect! One day I will go!
|
By Snorkelguy {Scott} on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 9:41 pm: |
Oh yeah, they also have the best passport stamp…
|
By Mercy Baron on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 12:49 am: |
Hey Bud, love that Flamingo thing! And I'm happy anytime I'm sticking my head and whole body in the water! Look at me...I'm a Flamingooooooo!!!!!
|
By Marc @ CrystalVisions on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 6:32 am: |
So this is you, Mercy?
|
By Sarah on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 7:13 am: |
Scott, seeing your BON stamp reminds me of this thread:
|
By Snorkelguy {Scott} on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 8:36 am: |
What a great thread, somehow I missed that last year. I could have been a contender! But I don’t think I would have bettered your collection.
|
By DARLENE ELLIS on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 8:49 am: |
Scott,
|
By Candace Epps on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 10:01 am: |
Ok Jim, you've had two days to read all the good thoughts and feelings we have about Bonaire....so are you anxious to see for yourself? Wait till you are there and experience the "flamingo feeling"....Bonaire is special to many people for various reasons, but basically we all agree that Bonaire is a very special experience (an experience that we can't wait to enjoy over and over again!!!!!) :-)
|
By Snorkelguy {Scott} on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 10:40 am: |
Darlene,
|
By Michelle Mouton on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 11:25 am: |
You guys - I'm going to be there in 30 days from today! This thread is incredible. I just can't wait to get away from the incredibly hectic life that I lead - I want to see the stars and swim with the fish and coral in crystal waters....I am interested to see this donkey phenomenon -as well as the famous flamingos. I just got my new passport (the new ones are flashy! ..US, that is) and my first stamp on it will be Bonaire's.
|
By Candace Epps on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 12:41 pm: |
Oh lucky you, Michelle!!!! Once you are there and see what we've been talking about, you won't want to leave!!! We're hoping to go back in December, and it seems sooooo far away!!!! It's so different from the hectic life most of us (here in the US anyway) lead, it's almost impossible to believe there can be a place like Bonaire!!! Have a great trip! :-)
|
By Rtshineto on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 1:00 pm: |
Sarah, that was a fabulous Thread you posted the Link too!
|
By Michelle Mouton on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 1:15 pm: |
I have to say - I went to that passport flexing thread and am totally LOL! All of you oldtime BT'rs have some really funny stories - but Linda's was the absolute funniest- albiet (glad it was her and Jake and not me and John!).
|
By Sarah on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 1:34 pm: |
Yes, those were the good ol' days, eh Dave?
|
By Ginny Stokes on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 1:38 pm: |
This thread is so much fun, as was the previous "what's special about Bonaire" thread. Brings back so many wonderful memories as well as heightens anticipation of the next trip. I just finished reading an essay from a collection called "The Best American Travel Writing 2001" and want to share a small quote which I think speaks to the heart of the enthusiasm for bonaire expressed here:
|
By Sarah on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 2:23 pm: |
And yes, "absence does makes the heart grow fonder".. .. seems appropriate.. S.
|
By JIM KENNEDY on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 5:30 pm: |
From ALL the replys, two things really jumped out at me - All you people are very, very sick and need professional help and SOON! Or you have experienced something that I'm looking forward to in the near future. I honestly can't wait to travel to Bonaire and experience it for myself. And Lord knows I love to dive and dive and dive...Hopefully I'll meet all you if you're there in the mid-November timeframe and if not I'll email you my trip reports for sure...Thanks for responsing to my post and keep them coming!
|
By Cynde Lee on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 5:47 pm: |
Jim welcome to the nut house!...oh, and you can joint our PBD (post bonaire depression) group as soon as you return from boniare...
|
By Mercy Baron on Thursday, August 22, 2002 - 2:12 am: |
Hey Marc@CrystalVisions, HOW in the heck did you get that pic of me?? You managed to single me out among all my feathered friends! LOL!
|
By Liz Ginocchio on Thursday, August 22, 2002 - 2:28 am: |
Jim, I too have been "Bonaire Struck". My husband has been diving in Bonaire since 1976...he took me there the first year we were dating...now we are married, go back minimum once a year, first bought a timeshare, now we own a home...go figure...We can all tell you how great Bonaire is, but you really won't understand until you get there. It is almost a religious experience. To this day I kiss the tarmac at Flamingo Airport when I arrive...my husband thinks I'm crazy, but I'm letting Bonaire in all its splendor and glory know that I'm home... Once you go there and see for yourself, you will know exactly how we all feel!
|
By Susan Feldman on Thursday, August 22, 2002 - 8:14 am: |
Hey Liz,
|
By Ellen Muller on Thursday, August 22, 2002 - 1:12 pm: |
Hey, Sarah. Thanks for posting the link to the passport thread and reminding me that my 22nd anniversary on the island is coming up tomorrow!! Am I lucky or what??
|
By Sarah on Thursday, August 22, 2002 - 5:31 pm: |
You're welcome Ellen.
|
By Deborah Fulton on Friday, August 23, 2002 - 10:41 am: |
Ellen,
|
By sherry baker on Friday, August 23, 2002 - 11:15 am: |
ellen, you are lucky, 22 years on bonaire. you profile picture is great and cute , but i think you should post one of yourself, you are prettier.
|
By Kay Powers on Friday, August 23, 2002 - 8:29 pm: |
Happy Anniversary Ellen! You know how many people envy you right?
|
By Ellen Muller on Saturday, August 24, 2002 - 1:17 pm: |
Thanks Deborah, Sherry and Kay. Bas, Dara, Benny and I went for a lovely dive yesterday afternoon, La Dania's Leap to Karpata. I can't think of a better way to celebrate than underwater!
|
By Cynde Lee on Saturday, August 24, 2002 - 1:21 pm: |
Happy Anniversary Ellen! Wow! does that make you a "native?"
|
By Liz Ginocchio on Monday, September 2, 2002 - 11:11 pm: |
Hey Sue!
|
Visit: The Bonaire WebCams - Current Bonaire images and weather!
The Bonaire Insider - the latest tourism news about Bonaire
The Bonaire Information Site, InfoBonaire
Search Bonaire - Search top Bonaire Web sites