Friday November 22nd – The Trip Begins

After spending the night in the western hemispheres smallest hotel room (Microtell), which was a good bargain and include parking, we awoke to the densest fog you have ever seen. The fog, saturation and headwinds delayed our otherwise very pleasant first experience with Air Jamaica. We arrived in Montego Bay over an hour late and we were shocked to find our plane waiting for us. Imagine that, holding a plane for passengers.

Arriving in Bonaire a full 2 hours behind schedule, we were excited to finally get to our destination.



We made it quickly through the airport getting all of our luggage without any problems, out the door and into the next hour long line to pick up the car. Emi’s was getting a little sick of waiting in lines, but I’m getting on island time quickly. We meet 2 nice folks in line in front of us who have a rather large box that is beeping. Being mildly paranoid about beeping boxes in airports we strike up a conversation. Apparently one of the computers (the one packed with the ham) got a little to much ham juice and was reacting. Elsbeth and Lee were the beeping ham owners and a very nice couple. Lee happened to have a New Hampshire Dive club shirt and sure enough it wasn’t long before we figured out they were old friends of Jakes.




We were finally on the road to our destination Buddy Dive. Without even consulting the map I homed right in to our favorite island resort, Buddy Dive. As we rounded the traffic circle I reminded Emi of the Sand Dollar Grocery that always had the donkey in front of it the first time we had been in Bonaire. As if on queue, we looked over and there was a donkey, next to the grocery and in front of Lovers Ice Cream store.

We checked into Buddy Dive, unfortunately missing the managers Rum Punch party, but we were shown to the exact same room we had stayed in 2 ½ years ago. It felt like we were at home. We took a bit of time to unpack and headed over to Mangos for a nice meal. I had the blackened red snapper and we both had a couple of Amstell’s. We were quickly getting in the swing of vacation. I soon remembered one of the highlights of the island that are hard to forget, the most amazing mosquitoes you’ve ever not felt nor seen. You all of a sudden realize you have welts on your leg (or measles in Emi’s case).

It was getting late and we headed back to Buddy’s to prevent further exposure to the mosquitoes. A little bit of DEET was applied and helped keep the bugs at bay most of the trip.

More too come soon…

ENjoying your report, Snork! I'll have to read the rest when I return....Thanks for reminding me to pack the bug spray.....margarite

Great start to your report! Can't wait to read the rest of it...

The pictures are great. I know more of what to expect when we come to Bonaire for the first time! We will arrive Dec 6th. But...I am a little worried about the mosquitos! Lisa

I neglected to mention that we made a quick run to the Cultamara (grocery store) Friday night and as usual we were able to find most everything we wanted at reasonable prices considering that you’re on an island. The usual quick breakfast stuff (cereal, milk, juice) and lunch fixings, fruit and snacks.

Also Mangos was wonderful, great food, wonderful service and nice atmosphere. Definitely worth checking out especially if you’re in one of the northern resorts (Buddy Dive, Sand Dollar, Captain D’s, Lions, etc) since it’s in walking distance.

Lisa,

As for the mosquitoes I have to admit I’m pretty sensitive to them. If you are too, just be sure to bring some good spray with a high concentration of DEET. You really only need to worry about them an hour before and after sunrise and sunset. Buddy’s was thoughtful enough to leave a citronella candle on our deck which made it comfortable to be outside at sunset.

Great report (so far ), Scott! Thx 4 sharing.
Let's see what the other days brought u...

Great report so far!! Can't wait for the rest!!!!

Lisa, Do you know about the BT Dinner on December 8th? It is at Hullandas Grill around 7ish I think. If you do plan on going you should maybe let Michael Gaynor know because Mercy, who planned it is already in Bonaire.

Great trip report! I love the Flamingo airport picture, it leaves me with a big grin...gotta book that next flight!

Scott, after reading about the mosquitoes, i rummaged through our fishing bag and found some repellant but it doesnt have DEET in it..Now I am in a panic ;-) Oh well..guess there is still time to buy some (3DAYS!) I am sure I will find a store between here and the airport! Darlene, as you can probably tell I am a NEWBIE BT'er, so I am not up to who's who yet. I would love to attend the dinner at Hullandas grill, (if I can find it) Is Michael Gaynor in the house?
Oh yeah, Scott, I always wondered.. do citronella candles REALLY work?

Great stuff, Snork....keep it comin'! More dialogue and more pics...love it to pieces. Carole

Lisa

Mosquito coils I believe work the best, but citronella provides some help, but not complete prevention. Deep Woods Off contains DEET and is pretty easy to find, maybe even on Bonaire, but I’m not sure. Do be too worried, you’ll be fine.

More modern than mosqito coils are the little blue wafers in an electric heater, by the same company, I believe. Available at Cultimara, for one. They work as well as the coils and I found them easier to use; the coils have that glowing hot point and sometimes go out, leaving the mosquitoes free to strike.

Hi Scott,

I love your report so far and look forward to more.

Karl