We are staying at the Carib Apr. 2-9. Are there any grocery stores nearby? I would like to pick up breakfast stuff.

Jim

There is a small store nearby. I think it's called "Jokes Mini Mart". It's about 1/2 block from Carib and an easy walk. I don't recall the exact directions, but basically, across the street from the Carib is a street heading away from the ocean. Head down that street and you'll find the store.

I don't know what kind of breakfast stuff they offer. We usually go there for pop and snacks.

You will be a 10 - 15 minute walk from Cultimara as well, a grocerystore in town. You will be within easy walking distance.

Jim:

From the Carib Inn, head south on the road. Turn left onto the first road (it is in less than 1/2 block). I think there is a little sign at that corner up on a pole. Joke's will be dead ahead in about one block. Her hours are a little odd -if you ask Bruce or Kitty they will probably know.

The Divi used to have a small store as well.

Further away but still walkable:
a) Cultimara is larger. From the Carib Inn, head north on the road. You will go past Casablanca (on your left) and then the post office (on your right). When you get to town (playa), keep going straight onto the one way rather than bearing right. Walk through town (this is sevral blocks) and, at the end of the one way (just past Littmans and right be Julio Snacks), turn right. In about two blocks, Cultimara will be on your left (after Exito bakery). The entrance is on the east side of the building.

b) Bonaire Warehouse. From the Carib Inn, head north on the road. In a short distance (right across from the Divi Casino), you will turn right. Follow that road for a ways (past Lisa Gas, etc.) and Bonaire Warehouse will be on your right.

If it were me, I would hit Joke's (she has a lot crammed into that store) and get what you need (especially any drinks). Then head to Exito or Cultimara and grab the rest of what you need...

Bill wrote:

"...We usually go there for pop..."

Pop - a.k.a. soft drinks

Just kidding Bill. I grew up in Michigan (Southfield) but have lived in NJ too long. I guessed you were from the midwest too.

Jim, anything in particular you're looking for? Joke's has bread, eggs, frozen OJ. Occasionally there are shortages of items on the island, some things are never available, and some things, although available, will not be up to your expectations. E.g. Thomas' English Muffins - The store near Sanddollar (adjacent to Lovers Ice Cream (another stop worth the trip) and Michael's Chat & Browse)reliably had English Muffins. Now it's not as reliable but other places have them too. Dry cereal (e.g. Kellogs, Post)- being on the shelf in an inhospitable climate, cereal tends to not be very fresh.

There are, however, always lots of fresh breads and other bakery products available on Bonaire. Another popular breakfast item are pastechis. These are deep-fried pastries filled with cheese, meat, or fish. I'm not a fan of fish pastechis, but the meat and cheese are very good. Joke's has pastechis, but if you go out on a morning dive with the Carib Inn, Jokes will likely have run out of pastechis by the time you get back. (Aside to Diana G - Did you ever have the pastechis from Wood's Bakery in San Nicolaas when you worked at Lago? I've never had any better. I'm guessing Wood's is now closed. I couldn't find it the last trip there).

Good info, I appreciate it. Those pastechis sound great. I grew up in Michigan as well, if you say "pop" down here people look at you funny. They call everything "coke" here in the Peach State.

Jim

just so you know...when you ask for the place, it's pronounced "yokies" or sometimes "yokes"...not like "jokes..ha ha".