We took off from Philadelphia on Saturday at 8:30 AM. The flight was supposed to leave at 8:30. It was the beginning of a week that blended a lot of wonderful memories with a lot of great people met along the way. Diving was superb as usual. However, diving with class acts like Ruffino and Orlando out of the Divi, made it all that much more special. Serge, the manager of Dive Bonaire, runs a tight ship. He keeps it all together with great people, and tremendous organization. Their smiling faces, along with the personalization factor, make it all the better.
The Divi, since my last trip, has gone through a metamorphosis which is extremely impressive. Stevo, the GM, has done an extraordinary job in combining efficency, personalization, cleanliness, and character to a place that was headed for the last round up. He rightfully deserves a lot of credit for his outstanding endeavors. I shall return.
We met some really wonderful people along this blissful week. Don Broussard, who contributes to this board, is a great guy and fun to talk to. We shared a lot of info together, and a couple of drinks. His lovely wife was also fun to be around. Ralph, the guitar player at the Divi was a soul man. His picking was outstanding, as was his personality. He even let me play a set. However, when the people stared to leave he smartly grabbed it back. Only kidding. We had a musical blast, and if I can be honest, we sounded pretty damn good.
We also met a guy named Scott Wesfall from DC. He was probably one of the finest gentleman I have ever encountered. That boy could also play the guitar very well. We dove together, ate together, and here comes the highlight. We marched in the "Jump Up" carnival together. If you have not been to carnival on Bonaire, something is missing from your life. You pay 15 guilders, get a shirt, and earn the right to dance for 3 hours in a parade that begins at the stadium, and ends at Karel's. Did I mention you also get to drink free Amstels the whole parade route? Yes, there are 3 Amstel trucks in the parade. We ended at Karel's, did Karaoke, and lost to some Dutch guy who sang My Way by Frank, 3 times. We all agreed it was fixed, but I have to admit he was pretty good.
I had the time of my life and I never felt that way before!!!

We were there the same week. I am working on my report...but loads of laundry..unpacking, and grocery shopping are taking priority! The weather was wonderful and we also enjoyed the Carnival...didn't go to the jump up, but we did go to the kids parade.

As an indicator of Jim's good time he just can't seem to get my name right! lol!

My review of the same (obviously popular week) will be forthcoming when I quit crying in my beer, which isn't Amstel!

You guys make we want to go back right away! Glad to hear that you were as impressed with Stevo and the change at Divi as we were. And indeed, with Rofino, Orlando and Serge as well. Great trip report...waiting on yours, Lise, and Tom's as well!

Thomas, my humble apologies. I don't know how I got Don out of Tom. I must have been "Jumping Up" too much. Anyway, I shall always remember Tom now. I have to go out and find an Amstel, even though we can only by light in Transylvania.

Jim, I too just assumed it was the "jump up" that had your mind foggd...Besides, my wife is always telling that I'm truly a forgettable guy, so I just answer to "hey you" and assume it's a greeting!

I would also like to throw some plus for eateries. First, Raining Fishes was fantastic. I had the Chicken Satay in this peanut sauce that was second to none. I really never had satay done that well. Secondly, the Chibi, at the Divi Flamingo, has a very nice menu for both lunch and dinner. The fish salad was one of my favorite foods of the week. Mi Peron, for authentic Bonairean food was very good. I always enjoy the setting, and the friendly wait staff. Now my favorite of the week had to be Le Wok. I wish Lucille would change the name, as I think people tend to think of it as a stir fry place. It is far from that. She has a very eclectic menu from France, India, Thailand, and Vietnam. Her wine list is also very very good. For example, we had a nice bottle of Muscadet for $13.00. In fact, at those prices, we had two. Everyone loved what they had to eat, and Lucille, formely the owner of Mi Peron, is just an incredible person. I met her on a number of times that week, carnival, Chibi, etc. She puts forth a lot of personality, and is a great ambassador for Bonaire. The restaurant itself is set in an old court yard which might be the most romantic setting in the western hemisphere. Needless to say, we loved every second of Le Wok.

Pleased to hear your review of Le Wok James. We took a chance and had dinner there in January and had an exceptional time ..... gardens were very beautiful and food was incredible. As well, it was a very short walk from the Divi!!