BonaireTalk Discussion Group
Trip Reports: Just back today..BAD PBD
Bonaire Talk: Trip Reports: Archives: Archives 2000 to 2005: Archives - 2001-11-30 to 2002-09-25: Just back today..BAD PBD
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ann Phelan on Sunday, April 21, 2002 - 5:59 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Well, home again from a biz/pleasure trip # 5 since Aug. 01. Ya, I am spoiled and LOVE it..each trip brings me closer to my search for meaning as to why I LOVE the islands..Nantucket was my first love, Bermuda, Antigua, Montserrat...ahhh...Bonaire is very special indeed and yes, I still want to live there..this trip was another fun filled week of exploring and more..

I was hosted by Pam at Sand Dollar. I was in Unit C8 , a 2 bedroom unit with views of the sea and gardens. It was magical. The accommodations were spacious and comfortable. The pool, restaurant and seaside were fabulous. The only downside was the thin mattresses on hard platforms (good for those liking firm) and Maggie getting bitten every night in her bedroom..like 40 bites total..I got NONE. She used Cutter each night and we had NO open windows..very curious.

Our last two nights Frits was my host at Divi. Thi s was my second stay and totally wonderful. The pool, grounds and staff are super. We had an AC problem where it dripped LOTS of water soaking 4 bath towels each night but after 4 maintance contacts they seemed to fix it ok. I love this property so very much.

Eating is my fav pastime. We had LOVELY Dorado at Gibby's for lunch. Turns out I have been there before but thought it was San Miguel. Again, it was super. I had fish at Croccatinos and it was tough and not pleasing. Maggie's Gnocci in Gorgonzola was lovely as is their bruscetta. Dorado at Den Laman with the papaya mango sauce was great. I love the setting but worry as no one is ever there..hope they can survive. I had Dorado at Amadeus..another cool spot with GREAT staff but it was just ok...I took friends to Mona Lisa..my first trip. It is a fun spot. I had grilled lobster. It was lovely ...the bill for 4 adults and a child was 171.00 USD...or thereabouts..everything was yummy. Had Chinese at some hole in the wall near Antriol. It was really ok but I felt ill later..not sure if there was a coincidence.

Had a dental nightmare..at Bonairelive my crown fell out..I called Michael and he referred me to Dr. C..on Kaya Corona..forgot his last name..they took me that day..it took 2 hours but was 95 naf!! I was so appreciative..met Ellen there too who was having dental work. Nice to meet such a lovely person...yet not a nice way to meet but truly, this dentist was SUPER!!!!

I was in town two nights..City Cafe and Karel's had lots of action. Otherwise I was not a party animal..LOL..Oh Bongos was fun for Fri. night Happy Hour..lots of sea glass on the beach for Maggie..super place that really jumps with activity.

Snorkeling ruled this trip. Jeff Davis was a fav for Maggie and I (lots of brain coral) as well as Nucove! Wow...what fun..a little hard to get into Nucove with the waves..Our FAV was the drive to Slaagbai..oh my..what a wild and hairy trip in the heat with the roads..but what a find and GUESS WHAT? I took the plunge and climbed the cliff and jumped off the cliff..YIKESSSSSSSSSSSSS..it was a rite of passage for me..snorkeling was super.

Wind was iffy this trip. I sailed 4 half days on 5.0's and 5.5's. When not sailing instead of waiting we went off..I also worked a lot on my event..was even on TV and the radio. Thanks Ernst for the gear...and hugs to Elvis and Patoun and all the Bonaire Kids..they are really getting beyond belief..if u do NOT windsurf make sure you visit some windy day to see their sailing..unreal!

Hertz hosted my car rental as usual..Jimeno provided a Cellone phone and truck..LOVED it for Washington!

Saw BT friends Dara, Jake and Linda. Spoke to busy Michael Gaynor..met Sue Taft at the airport at the weary hour of 4 AM..Also visited with Benny of Bonairetownhomes while he sailed his remote control boat at Harbour Village. Saw Jack Chalk at his FABULOUS resort..oh lots of friendly chats...didn't see Bas and his mini...missed that little car..

Speaking of flights..to BON via SJU on AA was fine but ALL island flights in SJU were overbooked so they offered 100.00 vouchers for other flights..the longer it took the higher the vouchers were..silly...Coming back we got to the airport at 4 AM and the AA desk did NOT OPEN TIL 4:25!!!! A couple arrived at 5:15 and got on fine. There were 6 empty seats.

We were done checking in by 4:45 so drove to Julios Place in town to see the closing of clubs and the early hour munchy crowd I had seen hours before on the dance floor. Maggie and I got a take out goodie bag, returned the car and got on the plane..all was uneventful aside from LOTS of turbulennce from SJU to BOS, a crying baby and the flight attendant trying to take my pillow out from my head as I was sleeping because I had TWO..Maggie told me this ..she asked for a pillow so they tried to take mine..Crazy...

Maggie and I ate Patescis alot..my tummy shows it. Love the Dutch style yogurt and of course Mangoes from the fruit stand in town. Missing BONAIRE already...3 months and counting..

Oh, found a new babysitter..used a previous one who is SUPER but last minute Sand Dollar set me up with Eveline..WOW...she was super..if at Divi use Maria's daughters..they are super..also Jacoline Havedings is WONDERFUL. She is a 16 y. o. mature young Dutch woman who will be on island for another month. ..I have all of their phone numbers...

So, in essence, I still LOVE Bonaire, still want to MOVE there..and well, am down right blue already...sigh...at least it is a lovely day on Cape Cod..

Annie
Cape Cod

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Meryl Virga on Sunday, April 21, 2002 - 6:10 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Annie...great report...seems like your always there! How old is Maggie? We always stay at Sandollar and love it there..once though the Bamboo beds had alot of critters under the mattresses...we had to have them give us new beds...this was only in my daughter's bedroom and it was quite a few years back...When in Nov. are you going.?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ann Phelan on Sunday, April 21, 2002 - 6:13 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Maggie is 9 going on 14..LOL..she is a gem..such a good kid and pal.

We are there July-Aug. and then Nov. 27-Dec. 31...


What kind of critters?? LOLLLLLLLLLLLLLl

Annie
Cape Cod

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mary pequinot on Sunday, April 21, 2002 - 6:13 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Sounds like a wonderful trip. Your occupation gives you some perks! :) Have not been to Bonaire for a year, but plans are in place for early November. I've been to lots of islands, but not quite as special as Bonaire.

P.S. Last week in Michigan it was in the high 80's. Today? SLEET!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Hazel Scharosch on Sunday, April 21, 2002 - 10:49 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Aw, geez - you forgot to take along your babysitter - namely, MOI!!! What a wonderful trip. Cliff diving, eh? I remember watching it on TV, live from Mexico, as a kid. Well, you've *almost* done it all on the island now, girl. Tell Mags I know how she feels about the bugs. It's a pheronome (sp?) thing, so she must smell sweet. That's GOT TO BE why they always get me, LOL. Great report!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Meryl Virga on Monday, April 22, 2002 - 9:03 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Annie....not sure I didn't want to look...girls were pretty upset though! I would imagine termite type bugs since they were in the bamboo...
Thats a great age,,don't rush 14! Wow a whole month on Bonaire! Know wonder you get PBD so bad...it must feel like you live there! Longest we stayed was 11 days and it seemed like we just started to relax and had to go...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Michelle Fuqua Bryson on Monday, April 22, 2002 - 12:48 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Annie- Great report. We are going for the first time in July. I have three girls ages 1, 8, and 15. We are staying at Crown Villa 44. The rental company has offered to find a babysitter but I would love to have someone that is recommeded. Will you please send me the phone numbers for anyone you think could handle a one year old? Also, were you able to take Maggie to all the resturants or do we need someone in the evenings also?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kate Hickson on Monday, April 22, 2002 - 2:50 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Annie-
Where are you staying in July-Aug. and again in Nov.-Dec.? Did you end up finding housesitting? I'm so jealous!! I've got to stay here (Nantucket...not so bad really) and sling drinks for the tourists. No, I'm not biting the hand that tips me.........

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ann Phelan on Monday, April 22, 2002 - 4:44 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Kate, I am housesitting for Jake and Linda..can u imagine..taking care of Blikje and Grendel and other critter friends for a month..YAHOO..will be on island 6-8 weeks as I see it now ( I am considering extending what I have which is 4 weeks to 6)..that will tell if I can make it for longer term..still need a house sit for Nov. Dec but have one pending (not a freebie but cheap).

I truly want to move there. Realize I would probably homeschool Maggie..not sure..I would REALLY welcome info from parents on their perspective on education in BON. The young adults I know tell me horror stories about what goes on in the schools..being a counselor I am very wary.

Michelle, I take Maggie EVERYWHERE..always have and always will..sure, I want time alone so had a sitter a few times but I think all the dining spots are very kid friendly...She was 3 days old when I took her out first to fine dine. When she was 5 months she sat next to the Columbus Descendant party at Lantana in Bermuda for the Quinsentennial celebration...LOL..

Ok, email me at

ann@bonairewindsurfing.com

and I will give u the phone #'s. If your 8 year old wants to play with Mags we will be on island July 13- Aug. 19...HUGSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Annie
Cape Cod

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By DARLENE ELLIS on Monday, April 22, 2002 - 4:51 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Great report, Annie. I am starting to show signs of envy of how often you are in Bonaire!

 


Visit: The Bonaire WebCams - Current Bonaire images and weather!
The Bonaire Insider - the latest tourism news about Bonaire
The Bonaire Information Site, InfoBonaire
Search Bonaire - Search top Bonaire Web sites


Topics Last Day Last Week Tree View    Getting Started Formatting Troubleshooting    New Messages Keyword Search Contact Moderators Edit Profile Administration