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Trip Reports: Is a passport really required to dive the reef?
Bonaire Talk: Trip Reports: Archives: Archives 2006-2008: Archives - 2008-03-01 to 2008-07-31: Is a passport really required to dive the reef?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Vince DePietro (Bellevue Condos ) (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1483) on Thursday, May 29, 2008 - 5:50 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Excuse the tongue in cheek title. Well it’s been a long time coming (approx 3 years from our first involvement with Bellevue) but we recently returned from a 3 week trip to Bonaire & spent time in our new condo at Bellevue. Unfortunately the trip was 90% business & 10% pleasure (especially if there are any IRS agents out there). In fact, we were the first to stay in the brand new condo having commandeered the electrical supply from the construction operations which were ongoing.
.
The outside of the property is still a construction zone; we estimate the final completion the beginning of July. It would have been nice to take a dip under the waterfall which they’re putting in by the pool but alas no water. However the beach certainly wasn’t too shabby! It was wonderful to swim & gain access to the ocean in bare feet on the soft sand beach out front.

As a US citizen, I found it hard to comprehend that a passport was required for any & all business transactions on Bonaire. It took us about 5 trips to finally set up our on-line banking. Of course passport required. We purchased a contents insurance policy, again passport required. I must have paid at least 5 visits to Telbo; passport was required. Once I was escorted into their upper floor offices for a business meeting & again passport required just to attend a meeting. On this subject gaining access to the “inner sanctuary” of the upper floor offices at Telbo was like gaining access to Fort Knox. I’m surprised I wasn’t subjected to a retinal scan!

But, I must say it was all taken in stride. One of the few who didn’t ask for my passport was Michael at Chat n Browse from whom we rented our cell. It all worked out well.

This is certainly not your usual trip report as the bulk of time was spent shopping for furnishings, decorating, visits to the local shopping establishments; hardware/furniture etc. Yes, I believe we went to them all.  Bought some Dorado next to Richards at the price of approx $3 per pound (12 guilders for a kilo). We had this on our terrace steamed in a tomato sauce & pasta. Yum!! Leftovers went for lunches.

We’re already planning our next trip for late Aug/early Sept at which time the entire complex should be completed. Already have a list of items which we’re bringing down which were completely unavailable on island. But notwithstanding all the work, it is the realization for us of something that has been in the planning stages for close to 10 years finally coming to fruition. Life is good & it’s even better on Bonaire. :-)

beach

Nina on terrace

living room


 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kobi in Virginia (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5800) on Thursday, May 29, 2008 - 5:54 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

VERY NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Are any more units for sale? You guys did good :-)

Thanks for sharing pics of your piece of paradise!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jerry (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #11178) on Thursday, May 29, 2008 - 6:07 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Vince, it's time to put your feet up. You did good.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Boat Chick************** (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5357) on Thursday, May 29, 2008 - 6:53 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Wow, Vince, outstanding! I know this has been a long three years for you, and the place looks beautiful! Any pics of the other rooms? that beach looks delicious!

Congratulations, and I bet you are looking forward to Aug/Sep when you can really enjoy your new property.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jeff Fafoglia (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #2) on Thursday, May 29, 2008 - 7:41 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Vince, your condo is beautiful! So where is Bellevue located?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tribs, Live From Bonaire (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5972) on Thursday, May 29, 2008 - 7:48 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Wow! That is awesome. Way to go!!! I'm with Jeff, where is Bellevue?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jake Richter - NetTech/Bonaire Insider (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #6302) on Thursday, May 29, 2008 - 7:54 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Interesting about the ID requirement to visit Telbo. I've never had that issue there. Mind you, I have gone for scheduled meetings and found my contact to be out of the office, but that's different.

You definitely need photo ID to set up most any sort of account though, be it Telbo, the bank, WEB, etc.

Jake

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kate Hickson (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #244) on Friday, May 30, 2008 - 6:33 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I'll ask too....where is Bellevue?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mary pequinot (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #719) on Friday, May 30, 2008 - 7:16 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

What a beautiful place; well worth the hard work. Are you planning on living there year round?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By michael gaynor (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3130) on Friday, May 30, 2008 - 8:50 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Normally we are asked for an ID for anything we do on island. My employees go to the bank daily to make a deposit and must show the sedula each time! I am a frequent visitor to TELBO and have to get a pass to enter the upstairs, however, I have not had to show and ID there.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Boat Chick************** (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5361) on Friday, May 30, 2008 - 10:23 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Bellevue is on the South end, in Belnam.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Gail T. (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #2960) on Friday, May 30, 2008 - 10:40 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I could live there! Substitute me for Nina in my dreams!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Vince DePietro (Bellevue Condos ) (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1484) on Friday, May 30, 2008 - 12:00 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks for all the great comments! I've spoken with many people on island & have gotten a blank stare when I mentioned Bellevue since there is really no sign out front advertising as such. However I've found all I need to do is mention the 8 meter sign & then everyone knows it. Bellevue is on EEG in Belnem.

**Mary** No plans of living there year round. I've got 5 weeks vacation time so you know where it will be spent!

**Michael** I'm sure that's because everyone knows your smiling face :-)

OK here's some other photo shots. Furniture for our master bedroom never made it from Holland. It was still enroute so nothing to show there. As you can see the pool/spa is not yet ready for prime time.
When we left they were constructing exterior shower, rinse tank & dive storage locker by seaside. Tiles for pool deck still coming from Venezuela!

terrace
living room
exterior
pool

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Vince DePietro (Bellevue Condos ) (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1485) on Friday, May 30, 2008 - 12:10 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Oops..I see I forgot the guest bedroom which overlooks EEG..
guest bedroom

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Boat Chick************** (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5364) on Friday, May 30, 2008 - 2:12 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

vince, truly a dream come true:-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Debbie Babcock (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #7288) on Friday, May 30, 2008 - 2:30 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Vince, Island time, island time. :-) Looks promising for being done soon though! Glad you got to finally stay there, I remember the first time we stayed at our place on island, it was sooo goood!

Are there screens in the windows? We finally gave up getting stuff on island in regards to furniture after a year and had it shipped from the US, bought the stuff, shipped it to Amcar and let Mercy take it from there to Bonaire. If you pack it right, all should make it down to Boniare, a bit more money to ship, duties etc., but peace of mind knowing you have what you want.

We even boxed and crated a gas grill to go there that would last in the elements from Home Depot in Miami to amcar then to Bonaire and was so worth it, enjoy using it every time we go!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Vince DePietro (Bellevue Condos ) (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1486) on Friday, May 30, 2008 - 3:07 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Cyndee...You are absolutely correct. It really seemed like forever with all the various permutations which subsequently developed after we signed. Won't bore you with the details. If we meet sometime on island, would be interesting fodder for conversation (of course over a cold one)!

**Debbie** Every opening to the outside (with the exception of the terrace overlooking the EEG side off the guest bedroom) is screened. You can't really see the screens from the photos. The front door also has wooden slats which open to take advantage of the east-west winds & it is also screened.

We did not notice any bugs at all in the unit. I think being up high also serves to mitigate the mosquito problem as I suspect they like to congregate a bit closer to the ground. I thought the windows in the bed rooms & living room were cleverly designed, the 1 on the left would open to catch the tradewinds, & the others would open in the opposite direction for the best view. Really, can't wait to return. OK, back to work. :-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mary pequinot (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #720) on Friday, May 30, 2008 - 4:00 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks for sharing! Post updates as you progress-you'll get there.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By elaine sculley (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #125) on Saturday, May 31, 2008 - 12:22 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

vince
is the table set up for all of us? what a beautiful apartment. i am green with envy. best of luck. will also be down end of aug beginning of sept. staying at the divi.
elaine restaino sculley

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By A rose by any other name..aka RosAnne (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2468) on Saturday, May 31, 2008 - 12:46 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Vince, how beautiful! Lucky you, I will have to live vicariously through you since I only get to visit a few weeks each year! Best of luck, may you collect lots of wonderful memories in your home away from home!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dave Goodwin (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #232) on Saturday, May 31, 2008 - 1:37 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Vince,

All I can say is nice..... very, very, nice.

Am I jealous? Can't even begin to find the words to expound......

Congratulations!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jim McPeak (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1525) on Tuesday, June 3, 2008 - 2:57 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Vincenzo, way too beautiful. Congratulations!!!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By jan angier (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #489) on Wednesday, June 4, 2008 - 9:44 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Okay people....now it's my turn to make you jealous!!! After 11 years of returning to Bonaire for vacations, I now also have a piece of paradise. Bellevue unit #3 is mine. I am on the ground (beach) level. If you look at Vince's photo of the pool, my unit is the on the end near the rinse tank being constructed. I don't have any beautiful photos yet to share. My unit was not completed when there May 23-27, so my furniture is stacked in the living room and they were finishing the last of construction.

My solution to the furniture problem was a trip to Curacao last February. I was able to find nearly everything I needed there, and shipping was easy using Meyer Transport out of Curacao, and Achie Tours as the local Bonaire agent. Both sides have great people with a "can do" attitude. They basically said, "Don't worry, we will take care of it for you." And they did!!!

Bonaire is getting more shops with more selection than I've ever seen before. I was able to buy the TV, DVD, toaster oven, etc at Bonaire Super Store. They too were friendly and efficient.

I will be on the island for 2 weeks at the end of June and first part of July. Anyone there at that time, stop by and say hello.

Jan Angier

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Boat Chick************** (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5449) on Wednesday, June 4, 2008 - 10:32 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jan, wow, another dream come true! You haven't posted in awhile. Last time I saw you was at J and L's old house in Hato (years and years ago). You had just finished with your signs, and I was just arriving.

Congratulations, how wonderful!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rog & Karen (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #503) on Wednesday, June 4, 2008 - 10:41 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jan, can't wait to see you guys (you, Catherine and Rob) in July and of course Bellevue #3. I will be sad though that we aren't staying in the same place anymore :-(

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tribs, Live From Bonaire (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #6064) on Wednesday, June 4, 2008 - 3:23 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jan...I may take you up on the offer to visit. I'm staying in North Belnem and using Belmar for my diving, so I go by your place a few times a day.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By jan angier (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #490) on Wednesday, June 4, 2008 - 8:34 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jeannie,

We will use Belmar for our tanks, etc. Probably see you on the dock. My 6'4" brother will be with me this time....can't miss him.
Can't wait.
Jan

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By BarbaraG. (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #6) on Wednesday, June 4, 2008 - 9:00 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Early July (Jul5-12) must be tall week! I'll be there (Capt Don's) with my 6'4" daughter, her 6'3" other half, my 6' 3' son and 6'5' husband. I'm the shrimp at 5'10"

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tribs, Live From Bonaire (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #6070) on Wednesday, June 4, 2008 - 9:05 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

The shrimp would be me at 5'0". :-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Vince DePietro (Bellevue Condos ) (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1495) on Thursday, June 5, 2008 - 6:50 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

**Bonaire is getting more shops with more selection than I've ever seen before**

I completely agree on this issue. This is one of the positive trends with all the building which is going on. Just as the restaurant scene on Bonaire has advanced multi fold over the last 15-20 years,
the general shopping will inevitably (and is) following suit.

Now if they can just get that water sanitation/treatment plant project moving! THAT'S what I want to see.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By YucatanPat (Sand$ A3) (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #174) on Monday, June 16, 2008 - 5:40 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Vince, just returned from Bonaire and was glad to see your post. Susan and I did stop and look around and it was still a buzz around the place as of a few days ago. Congrats and enjoy!!

Patrick

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Vince DePietro (Bellevue Condos ) (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1511) on Monday, June 16, 2008 - 6:00 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks Patrick..Sorry we missed you. Perhaps another time we can get together & chat in person. :-)
We're planning a return visit for final photos end of Aug and into Sept.

 


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