Hi, and thanks to everyone who influenced our decision to head for Bonaire.

We traveled via Air Jamaica, Newark/Montego Bay/Bonaire and arrived on time. The first thing that impressed us was the cleanliness of the island. We have been to a dozen or so other Caribbean islands and Bonaire is the cleanest and best maintained that we have found. We had a studio condo at Sand Dollar that was just perfect for us: full kitchen, large living/sleeping area, screened porch, cable TV, stereo, A/C. The staff were friendly and helpful, even when we locked ourselves out from the porch side and there was no spare key, so they had to break us in! We liked the quiet beauty and atmosphere at Sand Dollar, and looked at most other properties and have decided to return there again once or possibly twice next year. The restaurant adjoining the property, Den Leman, was quite good (bring plenty of "OFF" for those darn no-see-ums), and there are several others within walking distance. We ate at It Rains Fishes, Richards, Zee Zicht (GREAT burgers!), Blue Moon, Capriccio, Den Leman, Chibi for lunch, the Plaza and Liberty (for a breakfast sandwich!). We were pleasantly surpised at the quality of food on the island. Most were superb, the Plaza buffet being just so-so. Usually we find island food to be mediocre at best. Even the grocery store (Cultimara was the best) has nice fresh meat, produce, baked goods, should you choose to cook. Prices are what you would expect, dinner cost us between $45-$60 with one drink each.
We are snorkelers only, so headed right out with Renee on the Woodwind as per newsgroup raves, and we had a great snorkel off Klein Bonaire at No Name Beach. We had two guided snorkels with the naturalist at Sand Dollar, Jerry Ligon, to Windsock, Bari and Front Porch and he was exceptional. We also went several times in front of Sand Dollar and there were lots of fish, not much coral left there. Heading up the coast, we did Oil Slick Leap, 1000 Steps and Karpata. Karpata was the only place we found coral and formations untouched by the surge, and it was clear with tons of fish and just fabulous. Don't miss it.
Being explorers, we saw most of the island. The southern venture was beautiful, saw plenty of flamingos, the salt flats, slave huts and then over to Lac Bay. The Donkey Sanctuary was a favorite spot. Also be sure to go North to Gotomeer for more flamingos and the inner island to see little towns.
We walked around downtown every night after dinner. It is such a pretty, friendly place. The Bonairians are the nicest island folks we have met. There are also several nice shops, movies, ice cream spots - just a lot of good things to do.
Our only two problems were with the rental car (3 in 2 days) and Air Jamaica was delayed 3 hours in Montego Bay on the way home, added a stop at Baltimore, and then had plane trouble there. We did not get home until 3:30 am, 5 hours late! But both were bearable considering the rest of the trip was just perfect. Can't wait to return next year! Please feel free to email me at grahams@mail.montclair.edu if anyone wants any more specifics.

Very nice trip report. Thank you.
P.S. Glad you had a nice time.

Great report..between your write-up, and Dean's trip report below, it is getting very hard to hold out until mid-January.