We left on December 26th from Philadelphia. Originally, we were supposed to fly AJ from Philadelphia to MB and on to Bonaire. That flight got cancelled, so we had to fly to Curacao instead. When we arrived in Curacao, the miserable attendant of Dutch Caribbean informed us that our flight to Bonaire had been cancelled. We had to fight and claw to get a refund, but finally got it. I immediately went to Bonaire Excel, and 20 minutes later we were on our way to Bonaire. We actually got in the same time we would have on DCA. My son Tim started his Open Water certification classes the next morning with an instructor named Jim Rodgers at the Dive Inn. I cannot say enough about Jim's professionality and diligence. In the meantime, Kathi and I did some dives with Divi and the Dive Inn while Tim was in class. We ate at all the usual restaurants, Old Inn, Casablanca, Lucille's, etc. A new good find was Mai Mai, with some really interesting things happening. Walter, of De Tuin, and his beautiful wife opened this up on the waterfront, and it was great. We also did Jake's on New Year's Day, along with Gibi's on the 30th. Jake's pot luck was tremendous with Wally manning the grill. This guy was in BBQ mode for 4 hours straight making ribs, chicken, burgers, hot dogs, and tenderloin. It was sensational to say the least. Jake and Linda's open arms policy, along with their hospitality was incredible. They are indeed very special people. Tim finished his certification on January 1st, and we made our first dive together. Very cool. He loves it too. Our 7th trip to Bonaire ended entirely too soon. We did not get home until midnight last night, and I have already taught two classes this morning. I have the Chinese disease of Dragon Ass very badly. There is so much more to write about, but I'll save it for when I am awake.

Thanks for the cudos...after some much cooking I tore into the Amstal and ended up leaving my Mr. Pig Out apron hanging on Linda's porch light....sorry Linda....dogs probably have it buried by now though.....

I got the Piggy all washed so the dogs would not be interested anymore. I think we also found a cap that might have been yours "Marina at Hawk's Cay"

Jim, glad you and Kathi had a great time, and that Tim enjoyed his first taste of diving! I hope you tipped a couple of Amstels (or wine, or anything) to your soul sisters

Thanks Linda for washing the Piggy apron...I'll miss it at the July 4th cookout...but..."I'll be back" ....the hats not mine though so that's party booty

If you want the piggy back sooner, let me know. I'm heading up to the cold north in a couple weeks and I could mail it to you.

Hi Linda -
The hat is mine - and a sentimental favorite (my certification trip to the Keys in'99). Would you mind hanging on to it until we get back there?

-David

I can tag it with your name and pop it into our office. But you have to ask for it when you get back. I forget these things.

Jim, sounds like a fun trip, but not as much fun as hanging out with the soul sistas and doing donkey calls and "hello this is Coffee Talk and I'm your host, Linda Richman..." LOL

Miss you and Kathi! Hope to see you next time.

One of the funniest things to happen to me while on Bonaire happened at Casablanca. Tim and Kathi were getting ready, and I went up to Casablanca to get a table. The older woman, who I believe is the mother of Pablo, the owner recognized me immediately. She asked me if my picture was on "Bonaire Talk" in the summer. She said, "I remember you. You came in with a group of people and sat right over there." I started laughing, thinking about the crazy night with you, Cynde, Arie and his wife, and of course kathi. The donkey came around, and we were having a blast. The picture is still under the archives of one of your posts back in July. She remembered my red face, which I had again this year.

That's so funny, I think her name is Inez... she remembered me too when I was there in November. Wow that's impressive! Love your red face!!

Boy, we must have made quite the impression on Inez! LOL! I love Jim's red cheeks Must have been all that wogga we drank! BTW Jim I still have that video clip of you and your donkey impression...and of the donkey coming up immediately afterward....did ya miss us?

Oh yeah!!!

Glad you had a nice trip, Jim. Cheryl and I are looking forward to coming back and hooking up with you guys again. Derek got his first stripe. He is still in MOS training at 29 Palms.

Airey, good to hear from you. I hope all is well in the Lone Star. Please give Derek a big Semper Fidelis from his older brother. Please give Cheryl my best as well.