Trip report Harrison 3/3/04 to 3/13/04
Have used Bonaire talk to glean info in the past, but never contributed. Just returned from our 3rd trip to Bonaire and have a few new things to add that hopefully will be useful to someone else in their planning.
We used Air Jamaica again, and the new additions to both the terminals in Jamaica and Bonaire were nice improvements.
We stayed at Kristins beach villa (unit 10) formerly Bonaire Beach Villa. Bonaire Beach Villa continues to rent the other villas, and only unit 10 is now with Kristin. I have read complaints about BBV on Bonaire talk in the past, but have always been quite satisfied. If we have had a problem, and brought up our concern, it has been addressed to our satisfaction. We stayed in the same room for the 3rd year 10C. It has a small balcony, refridgerator and coffeemaker. This meets our needs as we eat out for dinner. Kristin has plans to make a downstairs kitchen a community access area. There is a line to hang out wet gear, and Cliff is right out front. Last year the water lines in the Hamlet area were being revamped, quite successfully, since this year water pressure was great. Kristin and Dan were very helpful, offering use of coolers, chairs, and hibachis. We love the location, as it is just a waterfront walk to Capt. Don’s, and the other restaurants. Going north past Andrea I and II is a nice traffic free run for our morning exercise. We used Photo Tour divers, right in Hamlet, which was very convenient. They were also very helpful.
This was the year of the slide show for us. We went to almost all of them. The turtle show and Touch the Sea were very informative. I would rate them as not to be missed. We also enjoyed Fascinating Fish, and of course Capt Don’s Memories. The slides, and the persona of Capt. Don himself are quite interesting.
One of us had problems with our ears, and we went to the clinic for assistance, at the suggestion of Dee (Touch the Sea). Without an appt. we waited only 50 minutes, and paid only $40 for an exam and flush to remove ear wax. It was only $7 for an ear drop prescription. Problem solved. We would have not faired nearly as well with our HMO in the states. The clinic is across the street from the hospital and next to Cultimarra. The pharmacy is next to Bendletons on the main street. Both were immaculate, professional, and efficient. (What is wrong with health care in the US? Don’t go there, another topic) We were thankful for Dee’s suggestion, and our excellent treatment.
We also made use of shopping at Cash and Carry warehouse on Kaya Industrial. Found some good lunch meat, cheese, juice, yogurt here, as Cultimarra had less than usual this year.
We predominantly snorkel, although we shore dive as well. Cliff always has a nice assortment of fish. There is a large engine block close to shore just south of the desalination plant which has interesting occupants at night. We saw a huge parrot fish, and others have reported a huge eel. We snorkelled Karpata from the entrance south beyond the La Dania’s Leap marker, and back. We always do this in the AM. The wave action and current made us work a bit, but the coral is just beautiful, snorkeling or diving, and we have always seen turtles. We had a great snorkel south from Andrea I. Huge parrot fish, and cornet fish, and saw a foraging octopus in the daytime. We also snorkeled and dove the Salt Pier. Both were great. Saw a big frogfish diving, but the snorkel was well worthwhile with all the colored sponges catching the light. Also saw a big spotted Eagle Ray while snorkeling.
Not to be overlooked, in the restaurant department Den Lamaan was always our favorite, but closed for construction going on there this year, and they plan to build and reopen . Uncertain of time schedule here. We especially enjoyed Bobbajean’s, Donna & Georgios, Grill night at Budddy’s, and Richard’s.
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By Diane Korzeniewski (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Sunday, March 21, 2004 - 3:55 pm: 
