By Darryl Vleeming on Thursday, December 12, 2002 - 7:58 pm: |
After reading about Bonaire being highly reccomended in RSD, my first thought was 'I hope it doesn't turn into a huge tourist place like the Caymans'. I loved Bonaire because it wasn't the Caymans. Its a laid back, quiet relaxed place. The thought of having the same number of people as places like the Caymans make me sad. I think Bonaire would lose what makes it Bonaire - at least what makes it Bonaire to me
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By Carole Baker on Thursday, December 12, 2002 - 11:21 pm: |
Darryl, don't fret, you have a lot of company in the way you think. It is good, (the ratings) but it concerns us, as well. We received our Interval Inernational Resort Directory last week and opened it up to page 339 to see Bonaire...well, surprise! It's not there! It is Tortola. No Bonaire in the book....I thought "gee, this is not good at all" and then in a flash later I thought "gee, this IS good...don't want too many people to "discover" Bonaire"! I don't think we have to worry about Bonaire turning into another tourist trap attraction...mark my words. But, we do think alike! Carole
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By Snorkelguy {Scott} on Thursday, December 12, 2002 - 11:42 pm: |
An interesting conundrum, we want it to stay the beautiful unspoiled place that it is, but we also would like to see people make a good living, have jobs, food etc. I’m glad it still isn’t the most convenient place to get too for two reasons. It really feels like your getting far away from home and you really got to want to go to make it there. And the amazing thing is we’ll put up with almost anything to get there. I guess if you’re willing to schlep all they way down there, you should be welcomed.
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By Marc @ CrystalVisions on Friday, December 13, 2002 - 5:07 am: |
I think Bonaire has enough room for further growth, without really effecting its character or the environment. And with the increased airlift, that growth is sure to come. One aspect that can be enhanced is activities outside of diving. Not only to broaden the possibilities for those that don't dive, but also for those who do... thereby lifting some of pressure on the underwater world.
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By Ida Christie on Friday, December 13, 2002 - 9:59 am: |
Carole, That was my first thought when I read it. Glad to see I wasn't the only one.
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By Jake Richter - NetTech on Friday, December 13, 2002 - 11:07 am: |
Keep in mind that places like Cayman, Aruba, Provo, etc. all have something that Bonaire doesn't - beaches with lots of nice sand. The sort of tourism they are attracting are not the same sort of tourists (in terms of interest distribution) as what Bonaire attracts. The percentage of divers and devout snorkelers going to the Caymans and Aruba is a drop in the bucket compared to the beach-oriented tourists. For Bonaire it accounts for a significant majority.
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By Glen Reem on Friday, December 13, 2002 - 5:22 pm: |
Jake,
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By Jake Richter - NetTech on Friday, December 13, 2002 - 5:36 pm: |
Given half a chance, and lots of money, the government would probably want to add sand, but the eco efforts on the island would block that.
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By Carole Baker on Friday, December 13, 2002 - 8:53 pm: |
Wow, we will definitely support on-going eco efforts...if we want all that white sand, we will return to Aruba, just as you said. We took our last trip to Aruba in 1998....don't plan on returning now that we have "experienced" Bonaire and her people and all that she has to offer. It is such a wonderfully unique place on earth. Carole
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By Dave Sawyer on Friday, December 13, 2002 - 9:37 pm: |
Sorry to dissapoint all you selfish people who want her all to your selfish selves, but We intend to discover Bonaire in just 13 short days. In addition to the lack of great expansive sandy beaches, Bonaire is hard to get to. Unless, of course you are flying direct from Detroit on the Nomads' "flying clubhouse" Super 727 Who is jealous?
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By Carole Baker on Friday, December 13, 2002 - 11:21 pm: |
Have to admit I am, for sure! We're not "selfish" when it comes to folks who really appreciate Bonaire and you sound like you do, already, Dave! You will discover the best place on earth in 13 short days, you lucky dog! I am certain you will understand our "dilema" (only joking, of course) when you return. Have a great trip and please do tell us all about it when you return. You will start your return trip plans before you even leave the island...that is for certain, as well. 13 days....oh, you are sooo lucky!! Carole
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By Wally and Eva on Saturday, December 14, 2002 - 6:20 pm: |
I'm trying to remember how me and Eva heard about Bonaire. I dove around in the Carib in the late 80's and early 90's but haven't been south since Caymen in 92. Eva and I married 2 years ago. No one was certified but me in the new family so last summer Eva and her son, my daughter and her fiancee(sic), took their class. I joined along in this mini family class so it was pretty cool and brought all the kids together. Our poor instructor was newly certified (we were his first class) and so nervous that everybody felt sorry for him.
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