Here are a few more memories of my 1st trip I’d like to share with you – as well as a comment or two – then I’ll sit back reading your trip reports, off-setting the PBD’s, and counting the days until I return to make more memories of my own and maybe even meet you along the way!

FRIENDS:

It’s almost impossible not to make friends in Bonaire – all you need to do is make eye-contact, smile, and a delightful conversation almost inevitably occurs. The pace is unhurried and the topics are mostly diving & snorkeling, though any topic seems to do (although I never heard a word about ‘work’ – thank you!). Though making friends was not a priority for me on this trip – I’ve always been a solo traveler - my new friends are certainly the confectioner’s dream icing on this lovely cake.

Where’s the camera when you need it?!? I met many terrific people, but only had my wits about me to take a handful of pics. Here are a few pics of some of the folks I met and hope to see again! :

Renee & Bryan – we snorkeled, laughed and ate together several times:


Josie – she showed me much of the island, both land and water, and is an amazing lady! She has NO FEAR of Moray eels (somehow they still chill my blood) and taught me what fire corral looks like (before I swam into it). She shared her love of Bonaire and added much to my own growing affection.
Here we are in Lac Bay having lunch before going snorkeling:


And, here’s Josie laughing as she’s getting blown around Lac Bay (windsurfer’s heaven) trying to ‘suit up’:


Ann, Annie & Maggie – Josie and I met them and visited at Lac Bay – them, windsurfing – us, snorkeling...


Larry my travel agent – took me on a northern tour of the island. We had dinner at the Rose Inn in Rincon and ended the evening at sitting the top of Seru Largu looking down on the lights of Kralendijk. Even at night, this island’s enchanting.
Here we are with waiter, Rulian – ‘who are those clowns?!?’


Rulian made me this special sundae – because he was distressed that he didn’t have any nuts or cherries, he substituted grapes! and sprinkles – lol – and it was quite good! :




QUICK PICS – LAND:

I loved the semi-arid landscape!!:


And, the flamingos – who don’t seem to want their pics taken and can run really fast!!


I was surprised at the difference in the water on the windward side of the island – even on a calm day! Not for a snorkeler!!


And, these little cairns at Donkey Beach STILL have me puzzled! Anyone know what they mean?



QUICK PICS – UNDERWATER:
*** Special Thanks to Stewart who happened to have TWO underwater housings for my model of camera – and sold me one! - and without who’s help in adjusting the settings these pics would not have been possible ***

btw, Stewart – I’m still practicing...lol

Here’ that wicked fire corral Josie pointed out to me – sure is pretty!


This UW landscape was shot at Lac Bay. The water was very clear both times I snorkeled there:


Here’s my first Moray! He was sleeping curled into some corral at Lac Bay – Josie was thrilled! I was amazed at his size and a little nervous taking this pic (I was shaking!) :


Out by Klein Bonaire, I saw turtles! Love turtles! This was the best of the pics I took – I couldn’t get very close...:


The drop-off somewhere near Jerry’s reef was an amazing collection of sea variety. These sponges must’ve been 10 feet tall:


Here’s one of the ever present anemones:


This squirrel fish (?) eluded me for almost 15 minutes! Finally got him peeking...:


And here’s a fun combo (the next 2 pics go together). I followed this flounder as he swam by...:


And landed... can you find ‘Waldo’? lol...:


And finally – the best pic of the trip – I swear this little guy was posing! :



Assorted Tips - odds & ends:

PACKING:

Everything I needed for 10 days of snorkeling in Bonaire fit into my snorkel bag and a purse - including the winter clothes I started the travel with in Baltimore that I rolled up and put away as the trip progressed.

Leaving Baltimore I wore the T-shirt under the long-sleeve cotton shirt with my windbreaker (all on the list) and a down vest over the whole thing, along with the gauze pants (on the list) with light long underwear underneath, socks & sneakers (these were replaced by the flip-flops (on the list) in Jamaica).

Here’s my list:

	þ CHECKLIST FOR ISLAND TRAVEL
	1	PASSPORT			26	Driver's License (if renting a car)
	2	Addresses for postcards			27	PRESCRIPTIONS
	3	SUNGLASSES (2 pair)			28	Health Insurance Card
	4	Reading Glasses (2 pair)			29	Vitamins (in baggie or 1 bottle)
	5	Snorkeling Gear			30	JASON TEA TREE GEL
	6	Bathing Suit (2)			31	SWIMMER'S EAR DROPS
	7	Water Socks			32	ALOE VERA GEL
	8	Hat (with bill)			33	Dental Floss
	9	Shorts (1)			34	Brush & Comb
	10	Tank Top (2)			35	² Hair Dryer
	11	Tee Shirts (1)			36	² Hairspray or Gel
	12	Long Sleeve Cotton shirts (1)			37	² Shaving Cream & Razor
	13	Long Pants (1) - gauze			38	Nair
	14	Windbreaker			39	Makeup (miminal)
	15	Flip Flops			40	Mirror (mag)
	16	Suntan Lotion			41	CAMERA, chip, battery, charger
	17	COCONUT OIL			42	UNDERWATER Camera housing
	18	Sun Screen			43	Binoculars
	19	Chap Stick w/ Sunblock			44	Watch (WATERPROOF)
	20	² Neosporin			45	Empty bottles for water (2)
	21	² Bug Spray (Cutters)			46	Sponge back brush - suntan lotion
	22	² Shampoo & Conditioner			47	String for glasses
	23	² Soap			48	Book (yoga)
	24	² Face Cleanser & Lotion			49	Cash, Credit Cards, Traveler's check
	25	² Toothbrush & Paste			50	Extra Ziplock Baggies
	² find MINIATURES for these items - or - fill smaller containers

BUGS:

The bugs in Bonaire didn’t bother me (don’t know why!). I spent all my days in a bathing suit (and maybe a sarong) and I went out at night with a tank top and shorts, and didn’t get bitten by even one mosquito. However, there was some kind of bug – sand fleas, maybe – that bit me on the legs from the knees down. I didn’t feel the bites as they happened, nor did they itch or otherwise bother me – I only noticed the little red spots several days after I arrived while waiting for dinner one evening – they were hard to see under my new tan. I ignored them and they went away a few days after arriving home.

If you are bothered by bugs, carry DEET bug spray – I brought some with me and I think it’s a good idea even though I didn’t need it.

ISLAND CLIMATE:

Bonaire is SEMI-ARID! Nowhere in my internet research did I get a full understanding of that! I looked at pictures, and read the descriptions, but still missed this fact. Now, I LOVE that climate and landscape – I lived in Colorado for 15 years (and it’s still my first love) – and I would have clearly known what to pack if I ‘got it’ early on. The hard-pack earth, scrub brush and cactus were a real plus in my book! And the humidity is never a problem!! But, if you’re looking for lush tropical palms, undergrowth, fruit hanging from every branch – this is not the place for you!

PEACE & QUIET:

** Bonaire was such a stress-free, relaxing world that I
quit smoking the entire 10 days I was there. I even lasted a week after arriving home (that’s a record). So, on top of everything else, I would say without hesitation that BONAIRE IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH !! and if I can get a doctor’s order – I’m going back tomorrow!


GLITZ:

There is NO GLITZ on Bonaire. If Club Med or Disney World really rocks your world – go there! Don’t expect to find it here – and by all means – don’t bring it with you!!


GOING HOME:

Here’s what I came back to with my new tan and sand in my shoes:



I had to call a snowplow to clear my driveway before I could even get to my house!!

Is there any doubt that I’ll be back to Bonaire?!?

Oops! Pic above is Renee & Keith ! Fingers & brain had a temporary disconnect...lol

Nice report! Those bites you're describing come from no see-ums. You don't feel them when they bite, but the bites last a long time. They love me, and I have quite a reaction-about 3-4 days of INTENSE itching. Fortunately, they hate anything with DEET in it.

thanks for letting me know what those little bug are! they had a feast with me - looked a little like measles! so sorry to hear about your reaction - what do you use for the itching?

Ann
You may or not remember the guy with the braid and the tequila at Gibi's but I remember you. Your enthusiasm is infectuous. Really enjoyed your reports and your pics. One pair of shorts though????i thought it was me.

Kidding
Welcome to the world of the bonaire addicts

cheesy joe

lol - I do remember you, Joe -- you were way at the other end of the table, but you stopped by my end on your way out and lit up a cigarette - I almost asked you for one (I'd quit only a couple days earlier)!

Yes, only one pair of shorts next time (boy, you do read the fine print, don't you!) - I took 2 pair last trip, but between the sarong and the long gauze pants, I only wore one occasionally and for very short periods of time - usually out to dinner. No need for 2 - and if I need more, I'll go shopping!! gotta' love that!

Yes, I do love Bonaire - guess I'm addicted - not a day has gone by that I don't think of it! Scheming an excuse to get more time off with pay! I'll be back... (said in my *bad* Schwartzeneger accent ...lol)

Beautiful pics and thank-you for the report! I like the ice cream pic!

Thank you Ann! Terrific pics and reporting. You are addicted...welcome aboard! Start planning the next trip now or you will be suffering from PBD for a long, long time! Just a delightful trip report and photo journal. So much fun to see you and everyone you met and the beautiful places you visited. We, too, love Bonaire for her own beauty. It can't be beat in my book. We leave June 12 and can't wait to get back. We work all year long to be able to get the time and money to return. Thanks again, Ann.

Oh, your profile pic is wonderful!! It kind of says it all when you look at it. Nice, nice, nice...that's the right attitude to have...your profile pics says it all. Carole

Great report, Ann. A real joy to read. You are definitely amongst the damned now.

One of the things I got from your report (besides the monkey that climbed on your back) is seeing Josie. She is something and even though I've never had the pleasure, I look forward to the day I do have the pleasure.

Well, Ann,
Re: your 3/6 post:
I've been to all the major HI islands, and I'm not particularly fond of (in order) Nightclubs (Waikiki), Tourist Attractions (Hanauma Bay)(unless referring to WDW in FL-due to their expertise in several areas), Beaches (Waikiki, Folsom Lake, anywhere with what the youngsters call "plastic" or "poser" people or anyone desiring a tan :-( ), Noise (my next door neighbors and Waikiki), Bars (just about everywhere-including Bonaire?), traffic (duh), and stupid people (common anywhere on the mainland - even a few who post to this news group.) So... I have no doubt that I will have extreme (by CA standards) fun and absolute laid back relaxation while my wife and I are there. I can't wait. I'm almost certain I will re-visit every year (until the horde of resorts invades - which I think might be inevitable if the government remains U.S.-friendly). Oh and BTW to anyone else peeking in... I have absolutely no intention of uncovering who "Joe Pacific" is while I am there. Being from one of the most screwed up states, one can never be too careful. I'll be one of the people with an "Iowa Tan" (sort of) playing dumb but affable tourist. Hee Hee Hee. This is kinda fun...
I do appreciate all of everybody's help though. I hope nobody holds it against me that I refuse to identify myself accurately. You (some of you) know how it is these days. LOL
BCNU ;)

BTW - Ann,
None of that was directed at you. It's a couple or ten posts I have read while surfing through here - mostly attitude and maturity issues. Please don't take it as if I was writing toward you since it is an adendum to your post and all...

Have fun!!!! !! !


Me B dinkin bout d place...

ah a' a' ahhh a' a' ahhh ha' ah' aaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!

:]

(yes, I'm streses out here if you hadn't guessed yet)

PS typo on stresseD. Great Pics. BCNU.

Hi, Ann --- it was GREAT to talk to you today. I haven't had much time to look at BT, and hadn't seen your report (I already told Ann this, but for the rest of my friends out there -- I went to Cuba for a week just a week after I got back from Bonaire, then less than a week after that was off to England, where my dad is very ill with lymphoma -- he's holding his own, but it's up and down each day -- it was very good to be there, but I was SO glad to come home).

I'm so proud of your great pics Ann. I could actually see that morey in there!! It was so much fun to share my love for Bonaire with you -- and I knew you'd be hooked from the very beginning. I'm glad we were both at Gibi's that Tuesday evening, so we had the chance to meet. Good food, great people and conversation - what more could you ask for. As well as the great hugs Gibi has for the ladies!!

Cecil -- what a nice thing to say. I too hope we have the chance to meet on Dushi Bonaire some day.

yes, Bonaire is a little piece of paradise -- and it's just the beginning of the story - for all of us! i'll get used to those morays yet! lol

Josie - you're a jewel - so glad to have met you also - hope to see you again soon!

Jose, I do hope your Dad is resting comfortably and I know he was very happy to see you recently.

You have been the true world traveler of late! Ayo. Carole