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Everything Else Bonaire: What's so damn special about Bonaire compared to any other island?
Bonaire Talk: Everything Else Bonaire: Archives: Archives 1999 - 2004: Archives - 2002-03-27 to 2002-12-01: What's so damn special about Bonaire compared to any other island?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By JIM KENNEDY on Monday, August 19, 2002 - 7:32 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I know I'm leaving myself WIDE-OPEN for this question! But I have to ask it... Why Bonaire? Why not another island in the Carribean? Don't they all have sand, sun and surf? What makes Bonaire so special?? And please don't tell me I haven't a clue- that one is already used on me...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Phil Denton on Monday, August 19, 2002 - 8:44 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

What are you looking for? Hot night life try Aruba, Puerto Rico,or somewhere else.
Great shopping check out Freeport or anywhere you want.
Bonaire is great for those who like the clean, easy, and unpretencious.
Interested in the more natural and "unimproved"?
Like the view from below? A spirit of adventure but not to extreme? A friendly place which is somewhere else but not so unfamiliar that it is uncomfortable? If you don't like beggars and don'twant to have to worry about getting the runs from the water? Then Bonaire is an island you could check out.
We like it so much we bought a place there. Phil

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jake Richter - NetTech on Monday, August 19, 2002 - 9:12 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

The people. Both those who live on Bonaire and those who keep coming back. That, and great diving, a slow pace of life, no stop lights, good weather, and no beaches to attract the masses which tend to overrun other "popular" destinations and ruin them, IMHO.

Jake

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ginny Stokes on Monday, August 19, 2002 - 10:53 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jim, looking at your profile, you'll soon find out what's so special about Bonaire. Looks like you have a trip planned. We are heading back next February for our 4th time; of the many Caribbean dive destinations we have been to, only Cozumel has rated as many repeat visits. And, we have pretty much agreed that we won't be going back to Coz - too many people now!! Bonaire, for us, is a great combination of diving, pace, uncrowded both at dive sites and restaurants. You, too, will most likely join the ranks of BTers bemoaning PBD...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Snorkelguy {Scott} on Monday, August 19, 2002 - 11:09 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Nice people, very little fast food, strip malls, and all the things that some of us feel we could do with less of in our home towns, the most beautiful water and sea life in the entire Caribbean.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mercy Baron on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 12:25 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I've been to islands with better beaches....Maui, Turks & Caicos, Grand Cayman, I've been to places with a wilder night life...Cancun,Ocho Rios, and I found the snorkeling on Turks & Caicos comparable, if not a bit better than Bon....but, and that's a big BUT....it's almost hard to explain the feeling I had being on Bon....and I was only there for my first time just a month ago for only 11 days!

There is this feeling I got that Phil mentioned above...not so unfamiliar that it would be uncomfortable, but certainly MUCH different then what I have to experience living in Los Angeles! It felt so easy walking around as a single woman, day or night without feeling threatened. The restaurants alone made me feel like I was at home in my city because there were so many choices and pretty much anything I could want from back home, yet there was the local food places too which I love.

No doubt a slower pace, but not so slow that you wonder if you would be bored to death. I mean, there is still live music if you want to go hear it and the restaurants all have bars to hang out in if that is your scene.

But the best thing?? HAS to be the friends you make right on this board that will come greet you and invite you to their house for dinner like you were an old friend. And the ones that are visiting at the same time you are and want you to go out to dinner with them. I basically didn't have one night free while I was there, had dinner dates with all my new friends every night and all from Bonaire Talk! I had a whole new life there in less than two weeks! Of course that is just my experience, but I've heard quite a few others like it here in the short time I have been talking on this board. I only discovered the site like 3 wks before I left!

And the proof of it all?? I'm going back in December already! I can't wait!! This time for much longer as I go to help my new friend Annie Phelan with the King of the Caribbean Windsurfing Championship she is promoting. You all must come if you are there, Dec. 11-15.

Bon is special, like no other place, you'll soon find out!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kay Powers on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 1:08 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jim,

My first trip to Bonaire was in 1996. I since have been back 6 more times with my last trip in February 2002. The following is why I keep going back.......

1)The freedom of diving - is great with the option to dive anytime of the day you choose. 10 to 15 minute boat ride to most of the dive sites and the marine life is breathtaking. If you choose to do only shorediving, there are over 50 shore dive sites that are marked around the island with various ratings based on experience. There are many sites which are only accessible by boat.
2)The friendliness of the people - I have met so many wonderful people on each trip (locals and tourists).
3)The pace - Forces you to slow down and escape the fast pace we generally live day in and day out in America.
4)Weather Conditions - Out of the hurricane belt and full of sunshine 365 days a year.

Even though every island has sand, sun and surf, the difference goes beyond sight. Bonaire is an island that keeps so many of us coming back year after year. I have met people that after 25 years are still coming back each year. Once you arrive you will not only see but feel the difference.

Have a great trip! :)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sarah on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 7:12 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I've met so many dive-a-holic's on Bonaire, my partner Hugh is one of them. Bonaire is their dream come true. And here’s why?

1.Filled tanks available 24 hrs a day, every day!

2.50+ dive sites. And as the reef is close to the shore, many of them can be enjoyed without having to get there by boat. (marked with yellow rocks).

3.Visibility is often excellent.

4.Excellent dive operators that supply their guests with all kinds of cocktails!

5.Bonaire is proud to have some of the most diverse dive sites in the Carib.

6.Around 250 different species of fish. (could be more).

7.Bonaire has a very successful conservation program.

So what else does Bonaire have to offer?

Never crowded
No traffic lights
Very unpretentious
Many good restaurants
Direct flights from Europe..:)
Flora and Fauna.. a number of species are unique to Bonaire.
Friendly people (every year I learn something new about Bonaire from the taxi drivers)!

Our first visit to Bonaire was in Dec 1997; Dec 2002 will be our 7th trip. Bonaire is like a second home to us, it’s not just the diving/snorkelling we look forward to, it’s catching up with friends on the island too. I even have a donkey named after me at the Sanctuary! We don’t spend as much time on Bon as we would like, but that’s going to change sometime in the not too distant future. (just going off to get my lottery ticket now)!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By karen gaffner on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 8:43 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

be there tomorrow and can't wait.bonaire is an escape from the world. its an adventure without risk.it is a place few know exist and most would never go to.last time we came we brought another couple with us and this year we found 2 more to join us.it is a special place that not everyone will appreciate,but thats okay.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By DARLENE ELLIS on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 9:32 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jim, I am so glad you asked that question because it warms my heart reading all the responses!
I just discovered the Caribbean islands seven years ago and vowed to go to a different island every year till I had seen them all untill I reached Bonaire almost 4 years ago! Now I try to get there twice a year and would try more if my budget would allow! It's people is what I call the "The Charm of Bonaire". It is the first island that I feel so comfortable to travel without my husband. I walk the streets into town with no fears and only beauty along the way! I have many friends there who would do anything for you to make your stay the best possible. The first time I went there without my husband, I couldn't believe all the fun times they had planned for me! Everytime I go, it just keeps getting better and better. Each trip Renee from the Woodwind always takes me on a special trip to see something she knows I haven't seen before and I think she gets as excited showing it to me as I get seeing it!! A few of the special treats have been a nurse shark, a high hat and a seahorse! I only snorkel and do not dive so I never thought that I would see a seahorse! Janice Huckaby showed me my first frogfish whch is something else I never thought that I would see! When I was stranded in Bonaire during Sept. 11th, Jake welcomed me to his home for the day to share our sadness and fears and I ended up calling it Thanksgiving in September because of the greatfulness I had to be around family life during that horrible time. Let's not forget when I broke my knee there and Janice Huckaby was at the hospital before I even had seen the specialist!! I think I had more signatures and fish drawings on the cast than I would of if I was home!!!
Bonaire talk is another special reason as it keeps my love for Bonaire going all year long and I am so grateful to Jake and Linda for keeping it going out of the kindness of their heart!!! Prior to Bonaire talk I did not have any friends that shared my same love for the sea now I have a whole group of friends in my area that have my same interests. I even feel special when I am in Bonaire because twice now I have heard a stranger who obviously has read my profile, call to me and say, "Hi, are you Darlene?" and another friendship blossems!!
I also like that the island is so small with out all the big traffic jams and it is probably one of cleanest island that I have seen. The flora and fauna is a great way to spend a day! Their main street in town has just the right amount of shopping to satisfy that need.There are many fine dining experiences to be had on Bonaire. I can't believe all the restaurants for such a small island and surely enough choice to satisfy anyone!
Last but not least, we love sailing on the Woodwind and having the best guided snorkels with Renee! We choose to sail daily because we enjoy it so much. I also love the snorkeling freedom in Bonaire. You can go just about anywhere even in front of your hotel, and get in the water and witness the most incredible multitude of beautiful fishlife!!!! All the other islands that I have been to couldn't even come close to offer what Bonaire has to offer both on land and in the sea!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Candace Epps on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 9:38 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jim, you are in for a treat....Bonaire is SPECIAL... because of the people, both locals and visitors, they're friendly, helpful, and a joy to be around! I've been to Bonaire only twice, but intend to spend MUCH more time there!!! The pace of life is slow, laid-back, and relaxed; but NEVER boring!!!! There's so much to see and do (as the other BT'ers have already told you)that you can't believe how fast the time goes by and before you realize it, you're back on the plane going the OTHER direction!!! PBD sets in!!!!! Then you start making plans for the NEXT visit!!!! Why does all this happen???....because Bonaire is SPECIAL!!!! You just have to experience it once and you'll know!!! Enjoy your visit, and please give us a report afterwards?! :-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By DARLENE ELLIS on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 9:39 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I forgot, we had a taxi driver take us to three different stores to find gohda cheese (spelling?)and milk when the Cultimara was out for no charge! See if that would ever happen any where else!!!
Also, Mercy, it looks like some of our time is going to overlap. I will be there on the 7-21st so we will have to plan a BT get together!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tom Erhard on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 10:59 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I went to Bonaire for the first time this past March for one week. I just returned last Wednesday from my second trip - this one for two weeks. I know - a trip report is due...

My wife Sue and I had a discussion during an extended layover in Montego Bay with a couple who have been going to bonaire for 30+ years about what keeps people coming back. We all agreed that it was the people there and the "nothing-ness" of the island. What I mean by that is no big resorts, no hugh shopping disrtict - the things that have turned my wife and me off on other islands.

Sure, there aren't a lot of "beaches" to hang out at but I can do that in New Jersey.

This board is a great device to meet people with the same feelings. We were on the plane going down and just by the actions of the couple sitting behind my wife and son, I knew they were Seb and Mary from this board.(I did know before hand they were on the same flight) We introduced ourselves which then led to dives and dinners together. What great people! Also, meeting Jake and Linda and their 2 beautiful children for dinner with Seb and Mary (at Gibby's of course) was a lot of fun. Jake - our son Dan still talks about the Iguana soup he had there and the hot sauce you made! :-)

As stated in other posts above, once you go, you seem to be always planning your next trip there...now if I can only find a way to get there before the end of the year......

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Michael Gaunt on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 11:01 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jim,

Below is a link to an older thread that may help answer your question. I'll stand by my original post in this thread. I hope you have a GREAT trip. I doubt you'll be disappointed. :)

Michael

Why Bonaire Archive

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Susan R. on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 12:09 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

My first trip to Bonaire April 2002. I am booked to go back Oct. 2002. Enough said.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mercy Baron on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 1:08 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hey Darlene! I am so looking forward to meeting a fellow BT and snorkeler! Yes, we must plan a BT dinner with whom ever else will be there at the same time. And just dinner together no matter what! Annie P. sent me a special that Air Jamaica will be running just for people attending the windsurfing compt, and my travel agent said they will announce the special Wed or Thurs of this week. I'm hoping to get a good fare as the others are too expensive right now. The other special they're running which is so cheap, you have to come back by Dec 12 and I can't do that when the competition is the 11th-15th! Stay in touch, Bon rules!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Linda Richter - NetTech on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 1:14 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hi Tom,
How is Dan's ear doing?

Linda

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Bud Gillan on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 1:52 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Flamingo Feelings....

Mercy.
That feeling you are describing means you are getting a little flamingo in you. You will want to go back to the island regularly. Hang out with your buddies. Eat some great seafood. Check out the incredible aquablue water. Fly around the island. Look at all the cool nature. Find some other flamingoes. Stick you head in the water. That's what flamingoes do.

These BTers are all getting some flamingo in them. I have had it since 1966. What do they say, birds of a feather...

That is my school of thought. Bonaire is at the intersection of purpose and meaning. It gives both.

Bud
Flying Fish

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde Lee on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 2:55 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jim...having been raised on a farm for the first 13 years of my life, then moving to San Diego, California...I love the beach, but when I go on vacation, I don't want a crowded beach...some of mine are repeats, but here they are anyhoo...

1. No traffic lights
2. Having to stop for a donkey or goat to get out of the road.
3. Only 2 towns on the whole island.
4. True meaning of "island time." Noone is in a rush...driving around with a local, you will get honked at a LOT...not because they have road rage, but that is their way of saying "bon bini" friend.
5. Best shore diving at your own place in the world.
6. No beach vendors
7. Safe to walk around in town at night without having to look over your shoulder every 2 seconds.
8. Stores close from 12-2 every day, and all stores close at noon on sundays...no matter how many visitors want to buy something.
9. Affordable accomodations, diving, and eating.
10. Phenominal diving...you will have BPD when you get back, and will wake up to the sound of parrots crunching on coral, and dream of schools of tangs...
11. Probably one of the most wonderful attractions is the people, and the people i have met on this board...and have met while in bonaire. i had a birthday party while there, and got gifts from holland to san franscisco...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tom Erhard on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 3:57 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Linda,

Dan's ear is doing fine - thanks for asking. Actually, when we got home, he was invited to the Pocono's for the weekend with a friend and his family and spent the time swimming, water-skiing and tubing - so it didn't bother him much by then! :-) Oh, to be 11 years old again......

Hope to see you real soon. We will be back...

Tom

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Leif S on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 4:42 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Top Ten "Why Bonaire (as compared to anywhere else)":

My submission... I think Jim was just teasing us by pretending to really doubt these points...

10. Not a single traffic light - anywhere.
9. No smelly street or beach vendors hawking silly souvenirs.
8. All silly souvenirs are conveniently located in air conditioned stores.
7. Never more than one cruise ship in town at a time.
6. Surprisingly affordable basic medical and pharmacy rates, thanks to reliance on the Dutch health care system. (not to mention a deco chamber within 10 minutes from 70+ divesites.)
5. No other island has a group like the BT'ers.
4. You will never need a lawnmower if you live in Bonaire.
3. Available lodging for the preferences of Americans and Europeans, luxury types and backpackers, and even the clothing optional set.
2. No golf courses = no golfers, no golfcarts, no Porsches or Cadallics.
1. It's all about "diving freedom".

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Brian J. Walsh on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 6:39 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I would agree with everyone else and I have two stories to add.

On our first trip(4 total) we got in after dark, wew were not sure how to get to Sand Dollar. the woman from the rental agency drove there and let us follow her there. That happens a lot in the states, right.

Recently we got in late in the day after the office closes at Belmar by two hours at least, they waited for us. At check out time they advised us to check in early and come back to the room to watch the Air Jamaica Plane land before we went to the airport. This was hours after the posted check out time.

I have never had experiences like that at any other destination.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Carole Baker on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 7:56 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

So....wadda ya think, Jim?? PS I'll be over in an hour to come pick some sweet corn, OK? Deal? Bonaire is a feeling. Experience it and you will love it. Carole

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Snorkelguy {Scott} on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 8:17 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Flamingo Feelings....I like that Bud, it has a lot of meaning.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Eileen Kimmett on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 9:04 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Bonaire sounds like my kind of island, just perfect! One day I will go!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Snorkelguy {Scott} on Tuesday, August 20, 2002 - 9:41 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Oh yeah, they also have the best passport stamp…

flamingo

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mercy Baron on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 12:49 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hey Bud, love that Flamingo thing! And I'm happy anytime I'm sticking my head and whole body in the water! Look at me...I'm a Flamingooooooo!!!!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Marc @ CrystalVisions on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 6:32 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

So this is you, Mercy? s
fl

No traffic lights... sounds heavenly... bg.
Plus, an extra plus for me: Dutch is an official language there!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sarah on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 7:13 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Scott, seeing your BON stamp reminds me of this thread:

http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/27/9961.html?

Passaporte Flexing

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Snorkelguy {Scott} on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 8:36 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

What a great thread, somehow I missed that last year. I could have been a contender! But I don’t think I would have bettered your collection.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By DARLENE ELLIS on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 8:49 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Scott,
The Picture of the passport stamp brought a huge smile to my face!!! I can't wait to get my next one in December!!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Candace Epps on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 10:01 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ok Jim, you've had two days to read all the good thoughts and feelings we have about Bonaire....so are you anxious to see for yourself? Wait till you are there and experience the "flamingo feeling"....Bonaire is special to many people for various reasons, but basically we all agree that Bonaire is a very special experience (an experience that we can't wait to enjoy over and over again!!!!!) :-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Snorkelguy {Scott} on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 10:40 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Darlene,

Glad to make others smile. Bud’s comments above really got me thinking about returning this November myself. Looking forward to another stamp t!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Michelle Mouton on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 11:25 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

You guys - I'm going to be there in 30 days from today! This thread is incredible. I just can't wait to get away from the incredibly hectic life that I lead - I want to see the stars and swim with the fish and coral in crystal waters....I am interested to see this donkey phenomenon -as well as the famous flamingos. I just got my new passport (the new ones are flashy! ..US, that is) and my first stamp on it will be Bonaire's.
:-)
Michelle

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Candace Epps on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 12:41 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Oh lucky you, Michelle!!!! Once you are there and see what we've been talking about, you won't want to leave!!! We're hoping to go back in December, and it seems sooooo far away!!!! It's so different from the hectic life most of us (here in the US anyway) lead, it's almost impossible to believe there can be a place like Bonaire!!! Have a great trip! :-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rtshineto on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 1:00 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Sarah, that was a fabulous Thread you posted the Link too!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Michelle Mouton on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 1:15 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I have to say - I went to that passport flexing thread and am totally LOL! All of you oldtime BT'rs have some really funny stories - but Linda's was the absolute funniest- albiet (glad it was her and Jake and not me and John!).
Any newer BT'rs like myself should go and take a look - it's a riot.;-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sarah on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 1:34 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Yes, those were the good ol' days, eh Dave? your picture

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ginny Stokes on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 1:38 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

This thread is so much fun, as was the previous "what's special about Bonaire" thread. Brings back so many wonderful memories as well as heightens anticipation of the next trip. I just finished reading an essay from a collection called "The Best American Travel Writing 2001" and want to share a small quote which I think speaks to the heart of the enthusiasm for bonaire expressed here:

"Why We Travel" by Pico Iyer: "Travel, then, is a voyage into that famously subjective zone, the imagination, and what the traveler brings back is --- and has to be --- an ineffable compound of himself and the place, what's really there and what's only in him."

He concludes his essay with "And if travel is like love, it is, in the end, mostly because it's a heightened state of awareness, in which we are mindful, receptive, undimmed by familiarity and ready to be transformed. That is why the best trips, like the best love affairs, never really end."

Maybe this writer captured the flavor of 2 things, why some of us return to Bonaire over and over (and wish to live there), and why this board is so active.

Happy travels to all!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sarah on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 2:23 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

And yes, "absence does makes the heart grow fonder".. your picture.. seems appropriate.. S.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By JIM KENNEDY on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 5:30 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

From ALL the replys, two things really jumped out at me - All you people are very, very sick and need professional help and SOON! Or you have experienced something that I'm looking forward to in the near future. I honestly can't wait to travel to Bonaire and experience it for myself. And Lord knows I love to dive and dive and dive...Hopefully I'll meet all you if you're there in the mid-November timeframe and if not I'll email you my trip reports for sure...Thanks for responsing to my post and keep them coming!

Safe Diving, JIMINI

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde Lee on Wednesday, August 21, 2002 - 5:47 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jim welcome to the nut house!...oh, and you can joint our PBD (post bonaire depression) group as soon as you return from boniare...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mercy Baron on Thursday, August 22, 2002 - 2:12 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hey Marc@CrystalVisions, HOW in the heck did you get that pic of me?? You managed to single me out among all my feathered friends! LOL!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Liz Ginocchio on Thursday, August 22, 2002 - 2:28 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Jim, I too have been "Bonaire Struck". My husband has been diving in Bonaire since 1976...he took me there the first year we were dating...now we are married, go back minimum once a year, first bought a timeshare, now we own a home...go figure...We can all tell you how great Bonaire is, but you really won't understand until you get there. It is almost a religious experience. To this day I kiss the tarmac at Flamingo Airport when I arrive...my husband thinks I'm crazy, but I'm letting Bonaire in all its splendor and glory know that I'm home... Once you go there and see for yourself, you will know exactly how we all feel!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Susan Feldman on Thursday, August 22, 2002 - 8:14 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hey Liz,
I went to look at your townhouse (I'm still trying to convince my husband we should buy something in Bonaire) and the link said "website disabled.", I thought I'd let you know.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ellen Muller on Thursday, August 22, 2002 - 1:12 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hey, Sarah. Thanks for posting the link to the passport thread and reminding me that my 22nd anniversary on the island is coming up tomorrow!! Am I lucky or what??

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sarah on Thursday, August 22, 2002 - 5:31 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

You're welcome Ellen.

ps: I love your WWW and profile pic.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Deborah Fulton on Friday, August 23, 2002 - 10:41 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ellen,
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!
Debbie

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By sherry baker on Friday, August 23, 2002 - 11:15 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

ellen, you are lucky, 22 years on bonaire. you profile picture is great and cute , but i think you should post one of yourself, you are prettier.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Kay Powers on Friday, August 23, 2002 - 8:29 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Happy Anniversary Ellen! You know how many people envy you right?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ellen Muller on Saturday, August 24, 2002 - 1:17 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Thanks Deborah, Sherry and Kay. Bas, Dara, Benny and I went for a lovely dive yesterday afternoon, La Dania's Leap to Karpata. I can't think of a better way to celebrate than underwater!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde Lee on Saturday, August 24, 2002 - 1:21 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Happy Anniversary Ellen! Wow! does that make you a "native?"

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Liz Ginocchio on Monday, September 2, 2002 - 11:11 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hey Sue!

Our website is up and working fine...confusing problems at homestead, but we just fixed!!!! Now you can go see! Let me know what you think!

 


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