Well, been home over a week and still can’t get back to normal life. This last trip to Bonaire was special for several reasons. First – I turned 40 while on island and could not think of a better place to do it. I was never much for birthdays so the island’s laid back charm did the trick for me. Second – We returned back to our condo in much better shape then when we bought it this past November after spending much of that last vacation upgrading. Third – This was my first full three week vacation in my life, and quite honestly it was not long enough. If we had brought the cat I would have no reason to return to the states.

Random Bonaire Thoughts:

Richards – Finally made it for the first time for dinner and as it was Susan’s birthday (both Gemini’s) I reserved the pier table as a surprise. HOME RUN! Richard is a great host and everything from the sunset to the wine to the meal was perfect. This will now be a must every trip and I highly recommend it.

Budget Marine – Just behind Last Bite Bakery this is a marine store plus. We found several things for the condo we needed and they also have lots of other misc. items besides boat stuff, worth a look if you are on island for a while.

Sand Dollar Pool and Restaurant – After much work the pool is in brand new condition and open. The restaurant is now run by Eddie Sr., wife Sonya and son Eddie Jr. whom many know from their other ventures. IMHO the food is great with lunch reasonably priced and served fast. The old furniture is gone with all new tables and chairs. Not sure why but I also noticed many people playing tennis this trip at Sand Dollar.

Animal Shelter – We made are usual stop-in’s for a pet fix and were not disappointed. Met and chatted with “Tribs” from BT which was cool and also dropped off the toys and stuff we brought. Jane and the gang do a great job in helping the island critters and we are happy to support such a great cause.

Michael and the Dictionary – I now consider Michael at Chat N Browse a friend and have witnessed first hand how generous he is. The new Papiamentu-English dictionary now is available and part of the sales price goes to the Jong Bonaire after school program. If you do not want the island kids up to no good you better give them something to do, hell I was a kid once. Michael had a part in this project and I had the honor of buying the first dictionary from him at his store. For those who spend more time on the island this will be a big help in talking with the locals. Many also know Michael keeps an envelope handy to help pay for special parties for the Hopner Boys with any donation amount appreciated.

Solo Diving – I posted a thread a while back on solo diving and again thank all those that responded. I am happy to say I am now a SSI certified solo diver. I used Walt at RecTecScuba as my instructor and would recommend him without hesitation. It’s a one day course and now after 10 or so Bari Reef solo dives I feel very confident in my skills. Now I just need my own pony setup for the next trip. Used a 27cf bottle for training but feel 17cf will be fine for my normal dive profile and consumption rate.

Diving – Susan and I had a very unique experience at Margate Bay in that we had the pleasure of not one, or two but three turtles at the same time to swim with. Susan is a turtle freak so this was one of the highlights of the trip. Naturally the camera was back at the condo so you will have to take my word for it, but it was special and lasted about 20 minutes.

Pizza – Being from NJ with the best pizza in the world (let the arguments begin) we take this food group seriously. As usual Joe at Pasa Bon Pizza did not disappoint and we have now come to include at least one fish pizza per trip. I also tried his Lasagna and it was spicy but worth getting again. Went over to Capt. Don’s for oceanfront pizza and it was different, thin crust, but also good with excellent service on a busy night.

Bruce at Carib. Inn – What can I say except Bruce is a great guy, has a well stocked store, and he again adjusted my reg. for no charge except an animal shelter donation. If he uses parts you pay. We actually tried to stay at the Inn before we bought our condo, and with only 10 rooms the place is a gem and it’s no wonder he is constantly booked. Bruce is also a Jersey guy so we have to stick together, yo im talkin to you!

Life – Susan and I have been lucky enough to travel around the Caribbean, Belize and Mexico a bit and truly feel blessed that we found Bonaire and now have a small condo as our second home. Although not for everyone, the island has put a spell on us as it has for many of you. A wise old friend has told me often - if you live right the first time ain’t no reason to come back. For us Bonaire is living right.

Until we return - safe travels to all,
Patrick

Hey Patrick, nice report! I didn't know Bruce was a Jersey guy, learned something new today, this Jersey gal did. Bruce is a sweetheart, he has helped out with repairs and gear purchases many times over the years. Congrats on your solo diving cert! Turned 40, eh? Well, you are still a puppy, glad you got to spend it at your place. Do you have any pictures of your place to share with us? Would love to see them.~Plus any of you and Susan too would be great as would be any down under shots, I ask a lot, don't I?

Patrick, thanks for the trip report.
Nice to hear you got to spend that special birthday on Bonaire.

Great report! Isn't solo diving an amazing experience? Remember, bring the cat next time.

Hey Pat..Congrats on your B day & I quite concur, probably no better place then Bonaire (especially in your own condo) to celebrate same. I've never been inside the Budget Marine so now I'll check it out.

Our last trip we celebrated Nina's B Day (can't divulge her age) but we had her b day dinner at Capriccio's (since we're both Italian) of course. Fantastic meal & great osso buco!
Three weeks is nice isn't it.
Perhaps we'll meet up with you some day & toss a few back .

Great Report, Thanks for sharing!

Scott

Thanks everyone, I will ask Susan to post a pic or two this weekend of the condo. Did not use camera diving so no dive pics. YES - Solo diving was an incredible experience and but I must admit having Bari right out front which I know well made it easy.

Scott - Like your quote - my wedding song was tin cup chalice as wife is huge Buffet fan and we now have a sign, just brought back from Bonaire, on our sun porch that reads "I wanna go back to the island." I really really do.

Vince we will have that beer someday soon.

Patrick

I would also like to say that Bruce's shop is top notch!

happy b day from another jerseyite. afraid u are a pup. glad u got ur certification