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Trip Reports: Scott, Wendy, Jourdan Part 3
Bonaire Talk: Trip Reports: Archives: Archives 2000 to 2005: Archives - 2004-08-02 to 2005-05-08: Scott, Wendy, Jourdan Part 3
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Scott Huffman (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #5) on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 - 10:56 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

First a footnote to Part 2. I need to relate a few details from Fri night post-dinner to set up the continuation of my report. Sometime that night between dinner at Lions Den and early the following morning we were victimized by some of the local criminals we had heard so much about. We drove down to Subway that night and bought sandwiches to pack for our planned trip to the Washington/Slagbaii Nat'l Park (I love that name) next morning. Back at the villa, we turned in for the night. I slept soundly, all was quiet...

SAT OCT 9

We arose early, had a quick breakfast of cereal and fruit, then loaded the truck with snorkel gear, cooler, cameras, etc. and headed out for a full day exploring the Nat'l Park. We started down "the hill" and glancing at the fuel gauge, I was surprised to see it flat on "E". I could'nt believe someone had stolen our gas. Whats worse, they had cut the fuel filler hose to get past the locking gas door. Not realizing this at first, we detoured into town to fill up and started pumping gas right onto the ground. We then drove to Total Car Rental's main office, it was closed, no one there (which I can understand,you know its Saturday, your on an island).We did'nt have a cell phone to call them(we had hoped to get away from those things for a week) and we did'nt want to try for the airport on fumes. So back up "the hill" we went, making it back to the villa.
Got Total on the phone right away,and they said the manager would bring another truck out to us. They did'nt seem surprised at the theft and damage to the vehicle, actually acted like it was routine. The manager got there in about an hour, only to tell me that I could use a loaner while they repaired my rental, and I would have to come back to the airport to swap trucks after the repair was completed. The loaner was really bad with no power steering, a pull to the right, worn shocks, and no spare tire. It was obvious our trip to the park was postponed.

We decided to take our already packed cooler and return to 1000 steps. We had enjoyed that spot so much, and did'nt want to go far in the loaner. We love that little road along the the cliffs with that gorgeous blue water. Lizards all along the road. The snorkeling seemed even better than before. I remember huge schools of fish in the entire water column, a platter-sized French Angel, and a turtle that swam right up to us! Wendy found the first of many peacock flounder we would see. Back on the coral rubble beach the lizards were just outrageous. On the cooler, on the beach towels looking for handouts. They were funny. It was a great time.

Anxious to get the rental issue resolved I called Total and they said someone would meet me at the Tropical Carwash in 20 minutes. I got there and no one showed. Waited another 20 minutes and finally drove on over to the airport where I got my original truck back. Never thought I'd be glad to see that thing. As you can imagine, other than the pleasant hours we spent at 1000 steps, this whole thing really messed up our day. Although compared to the recent terrible crimes on Bonaire,
which I'll comment on later, the whole thing was no more than an inconvenience, and must sound petty to some. Our hearts go out to those folks.

Dinner that evening was at Rumrunners. Can't remember what the girls ordered (I think I had scallops) but all was good. Wendy and Jourdan really enjoyed the resident cats!

Sorry about the multiple posts. Its hard to find the time. I need to get Jourdan to type for me. She's much faster than I am.

Plan to finish soon...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Linda Stoltzfus (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #355) on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 - 11:07 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I, for one, am enjoying the installments. Eager for the next one.....:-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Lisa Barclay (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #309) on Thursday, October 21, 2004 - 9:51 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Scott, I am so glad you don't let the set backs get in your way of enjoying your trip. I love your report so far.....

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Marabeth Owens (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #269) on Thursday, October 21, 2004 - 9:52 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Me too!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Belinda Z (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #203) on Thursday, October 21, 2004 - 10:04 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Scott,

Installments are great for those of us still on dial-up - makes loading lots faster than one long thread.

Looking forward to more...

Belinda

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Houtsinger (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #7) on Friday, October 22, 2004 - 5:09 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Scott,
Did you have to pay for the damages to the vehicle?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Scott Huffman (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #7) on Friday, October 22, 2004 - 9:07 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jim,

No I did not. But thats only because I had purchased the "full coverage" insurance at $18.00per day in addition to the rental rate. I was told that coverage included quote "everything" but they still charged me for the stolen gas, it was like $45.00. I even insisted they call the manager back, as he knew the situation and had come to the villa, but they still wanted payment.
They were tough to deal with. I won't use Total Car again and wouldn't recommend them.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim Houtsinger (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #8) on Saturday, October 23, 2004 - 2:24 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hate to sound negative but, I have a hunch all the car rental joints are the same, out to get your hard earned dollar and when you have a problem it falls on deaf ears. With all the stealing,breakins,etc. I kinda regret booking another trip to Bonaire. To bad we all have to shell out more bucks because of the SOB's causing trouble. Sorry about this, guess I needed to vent.

 


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