BonaireTalk Discussion Group
Dining: Checks and slow dining
Bonaire Talk: Dining: Archives: Archives 2003 -2006: Archives - 2004-06-18 to 2005-03-18: Checks and slow dining
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Marieke de Wijk (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #3) on Saturday, February 19, 2005 - 6:22 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

On the board I read a lot about slow restaurants and slow presenting of the checks. I really think this is an USA problem. In Europe it's normal to wait a while for your food. Nice time to talk and to look around and relax. It is absolutely normal that you don't get your check before asking. It is seen as unfriendly, like you want to get people to leave .
I am European, and I was very unpleasantly surprised by the American restaurants on my trips there.Al ways in a hurry, grabbing your plate only one second after you have emptied it. But when in Rome, do as Romans do. So that's what I do in every country I go. And Bonaire is very much an European (Dutch Antillen)Island, after being a Caribean island first.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jake Richter - NetTech (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5357) on Saturday, February 19, 2005 - 7:12 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Absolutely right!

Here's a paragraph on this subject from www.bonairedining.com (where this text has been for years, as I know, since I wrote it):

Getting Service and Your Cheque
On Bonaire, our philosophy is that people enjoying a meal out shouldn't feel rushed. Waiters and waitresses in our restaurants will check on you to make sure you're doing fine, but are not pushy about it. If you need something, just a simple wave will do the trick. Also, since all meals are prepared fresh from scratch they may also take a little longer to cook and bring out to your table, but once you sample your meal, you'll know the wait was worth it. Finally, when you're done with your meal and ready to move on, you may need to let your waitperson know - Bonairean dining means letting diners determine when they are ready to leave, and that means not forcing a cheque on guests who aren't ready.

Jake

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mare (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #645) on Saturday, February 19, 2005 - 7:16 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hello Marieke and welcome to BT,

When in Rome, we do as the Romans do and we take HOURS to eat dinner. We engage the waiters in conversations and have a good time.

In New York City, when I sometimes have only one hour ten minutes to eat dinner and then get back to work, I do appreciate my waiter bringing my check to me quickly.

Sometimes, I like to have dinner in Bonaire and then do a night dive. I will tell my waiter that I am planning a night dive and wish to eat and run.

It all depends on what you want to do and, telling the waiter your needs.

Mare

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Marieke de Wijk (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #4) on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 5:08 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Mare
Of course I fully agree with you. A dinner in New York city while working is another thing than dining out on your holidays.
But when you are in a hurry, maybe you better go to a Snack or take-away.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Marcus L. Barnes (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #242) on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 9:37 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I really don't think this is a "USA Problem." I think this is an individual problem in that I have read plenty of posts by Americans on Bonaire Talk that have no problem with "island time" at the restaurants and who fully understand how things work on Bonaire. I remember 2 years ago talking to waitress at Pasa Bon Pizza; she was telling us how much they like Americans because they will eat just about anything and are not constantly complaining about the food. Anyway, its good to have the rules posted as they are above. Thanks.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Marieke de Wijk (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #5) on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 2:16 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Marcus, I do not think all Americans have this problem. But I do think that if some tourist has a problem with dining out habits on Bonaire it is mostly an American rather than an European. And I think that is because of the big difference between the restaurant habits in the USA and the habits in Europe cq The Netherlands, which is the mothercountry of Bonaire.
It is not specially Island time. It is also a difference between Europe and USA.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #13124) on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 3:49 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Marieke...careful about wrapping 293.7 MILLION people into "one" category such as your statement..."But I do think that if some tourist has a problem with dining out habits on Bonaire it is mostly an American rather than an European"...you can't lump 293.7 million people into one lump category...with 51 states, and a very multi-cultural population...it is a VERY diverse country...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Marieke de Wijk (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #6) on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 5:16 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I know, Europe is also very diverse too. Have you been there? Of course not everything is the same for everyone. But read the reports with complaining about slow services. They are not from Dutch tourists( which are about 90 % of the europeans that go to Bonaire). They are used to how the system works, like in Holland and the rest of Europe
But be sure, I know there are a lot of different americans. But the ones complaining on this board are mostly americans, can't blame me for this! I can see it because of the flightschedule they present.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Marieke de Wijk (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #7) on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 5:23 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

My message was not meant as a moral issue or something!It was meant as an explanation. I hope that everyone who is not used to the restaurant habits on Bonaire understands why things go like they go when dining out. And then again, when in Rome, do as Romans do.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Susan Feldman (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1190) on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 5:37 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Marieke,

Perhaps that's because the majority of the people on this board are American, and the language spoken (for the most part) is english?
As long as you want to pull numbers out of your backside, I'll counter with this (and I have no idea if it's accurate but I think it's as valid a figure as the one's you're coming up with): 98% of the people who post here are American. Of those, I'd say 90-95% are aware of and not bothered by "Island Time", whether you CALL it "Island Time" or "European".

As Cynde said, please stop with the generalities.

Of course Europe is diverse - it's a lot of different countries. I've been to Ireland, Italy, and Switzerland, and I can't say I experienced Island Time dining in any of them. They all had their own rhythms and ways.

America is one large country, and we American's have regional differences, cultural differences (this is where you europeans, and asians more recently, came to escape persecution and poverty), and just plain individual differences.

Here's a generality for you: we don't like people to stereotype us. OK?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By BonaireTalk Moderator (Moderator - Post #22) on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 5:57 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I've moved this thread to dining, as that is what it pertains to, not trip reports.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tim Clark (BonaireTalker - Post #26) on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 9:33 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

On our last trip to Bonaire, we only went out to eat our evening meals. I did notice that it took longer to get my check than "American" restaurants, but I didn't worry about it! After all we were on VACATION and there was no big rush to do anything other than relax!

As an American and having spent time in Europe and the Middle-East, I feel that Americans do tend to be in a bigger hurry. This is just a matter of up-bringing, which can be cured by liberal doses of "Island Time"!

I can't wait for my next dose! ;-}

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mare (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #651) on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 10:48 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Tim and Marieke,

In New York City, our waiters earn minimum wage per hour and rely heavily on tips to increase their salary. The more 'turn-over' a table has, the more folks the waiter can serve, and the more tips he/she can potentially earn.

In the mid-town theater district, most folks come in at 6 to 6:30 and need to get to the theater by 7:30 so they won't be late for the 8:00 show.

If you want a leisurely meal in midtown, make your reservations at 7:45 after the theater crowd is out of the door. THEN you can take your time and not be rushed.

Regardless of where you are in the world, until mind-reading pills are readily available, it is important to let your maître d' or waiter know your needs and desires.

Mare

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By John Carter (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #105) on Monday, February 21, 2005 - 10:10 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

When we were there in August I don't think we had to wait at any of the restaurants for food or service. Often we were able to come in order eat and pay the check in less than an hour. We tried a number of places from Casablanca's to Garden Cafe to It Rains Fishes and a host of others.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By mary pequinot (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #429) on Monday, February 21, 2005 - 7:12 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I think when you're spending time on an island, you need to understand cultural differences. I found the same situation in Turks & Caicos-we waited and waited for our check, not understanding that THEY (the waitstaff) were waiting for us to let them know to bring it.

Sensitivity to a different style and letting the waitstaff know what you need are the keys to enjoying yourself. And why rush? Isn't that what we're all trying to get away from??? :-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mare (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #655) on Monday, February 21, 2005 - 9:29 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

That's why I love Bonaire -- no rushing to get anywhere and one can dive on one's own schedule.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By David Stewart (BonaireTalker - Post #37) on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 - 8:33 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

It depends where you dine, in a restaurant I would feel unwelcome if they were too eager with the bill, a fast food out-let you would expect it. Most good establishemnts will have a bill ready for you when you want it.

If they are slow on the uptake then one way to get the bill quickly is to get up to go, never fails.

Dave

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dennis Abraham (BonaireTalker - Post #13) on Thursday, February 24, 2005 - 8:45 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

If you enjoy liesurly dining, Giorgios is for you! They have one menu on a large chalk board and you eventually get to see it. The food is lovingly prepared over a slow fire. The food was good. The check eventually got to us and back. Plus we got to finsh a crossword puzzle while waiting to see the menu. What could be better for the liesurely dining lover.

.... abe and gail
Concord, NC

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ruth van Tilburg (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #328) on Saturday, February 26, 2005 - 6:30 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

There are only three (sort of) American owned restaurants here (as far as I know-I haven't been out much lately): Richard's, KFC & Will's Tropical Grill. I stated "sort of" because both KFC & Will's are half American (wives are, husbands are Dutch). I believe the restaurants at the resorts that seem entirely "American," like Divi Divi or Cpt. Don's, are actually run, and/or owned by Dutch operators, as are most of the restaurants here, so I'm not quite sure which restaurants are the subject of the complaint that started this thread.

As to the slow issue: Many guests do find the slow-to-receive-check procedures frustrating, especially if they're trying to do a night dive, or are exhausted & want to get to bed so they're fresh for the next morning's dive. But what many overlook are the tables of 16, that want 13 different cheques (or even a table of 5, who wanted 4 separate cheques; this is based entirely on my own experience as a former owner/operator, I am not making this up). This happens quite frequently, and definitely slows down the system.

Writing up guest checks is time consuming in most restaurants, because the sophisticated (read: expensive) cash register systems that do this quickly, are rare here. Most cheques are done by hand, presented to the guest, then the guest returns the check with the form of payment (cash, credit card, debit card, traveler's cheques, etc), then that has to be entered into the register, then taken back to the guest as change, or something to sign--when you look at it this way, it's a lot of steps (more if there are questions, mistakes or disputes). Meanwhile, the other guests must keep getting the attention they deserve. It's quite challenging to please everyone as we'd like to, including employees who want to go home on time.

Bonaire is Bonaire, a caribbean island, tolerant and adaptable of many differing influences. In our small population, a lot of different nationalities work, visit & live here in peace. Don't sweat the small stuff, as some might say.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Fiona Rattray (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #290) on Monday, February 28, 2005 - 3:33 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ruth, thanks for that clear restauranteur perspective on cheques...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dennis Webb (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #6) on Thursday, March 3, 2005 - 5:53 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Most people need to chill out. Everyone I know in the US gets way too impatient. Its this computer culture thats caused it.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3878) on Thursday, March 3, 2005 - 5:57 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

But the computer culture has formed this great relaxed group of people as well... :-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Vince DePietro (BonaireTalker - Post #76) on Saturday, March 5, 2005 - 7:50 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Well I for one have no real recollection of an inordinate amount of time waiting for a check in Bonaire. I guess this is because no matter where I am in Europe or Bonaire, I NEVER wait for a waiter to bring me the check & ALWAYS signal him/her when I'm ready to leave.. You know the universal signal of holding the left hand out & using the right hand mimicking signing a receipt. This works wherever I dine... So, I suggest if someone is tired of waiting ( I must confess I'm certainly not big in the patience department) use this method.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Marieke de Wijk (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #9) on Saturday, March 5, 2005 - 4:22 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ruth, it was not about the american restaurants, it was about the american tourist. Some of them do not know about the check habits. In Bonaire, like in Holland and most parts of western Europe you don't get the check without asking for it.
It seem a waist of time to me to wait for something that will not happen. SO just ask for the check when you are finished and want to leave.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By michael gaynor (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1893) on Sunday, March 6, 2005 - 8:35 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

One of our more popular restaurants uses the following method: His wait staff codes each check with an A for American and D for Dutch (or other European so that the cooks and other staff know that they have to react a bit differently to the various needs and habits. Also, if you are in a hurry (can't imagine why on Bonaire) make it known to the server at some point and they will be happy to be able to turn our table, especially since most of the places are full!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ruth van Tilburg (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #334) on Sunday, March 6, 2005 - 10:40 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Sorry Marieke, my misunderstanding--when I read "I am European, and I was very unpleasantly surprised by the American restaurants on my trips there," I thought you meant the American style/owned restaurants on Bonaire. No harm, no fowl.
;-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #13238) on Sunday, March 6, 2005 - 1:25 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Michael...hmmmm...one MORE reason to learn Dutch...maybe I need to learn just enough to order my dinner so I get a "D" instead of an "A" ;-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3881) on Sunday, March 6, 2005 - 1:32 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Or eat out with us... We can do the teaching, and you'll be ordering... LOL

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #13240) on Sunday, March 6, 2005 - 1:41 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

ohhh..Martini, I like that idea...I am however going to spend some time today on that online Dutch teaching site to learn a few things...LOL!-

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3882) on Sunday, March 6, 2005 - 1:56 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

And I want to hear you say it out load... Try to say: "Hallo Martin, leuk om je eindelijk eens persoonlijk te ontmoeten."

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #13241) on Sunday, March 6, 2005 - 2:27 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

y tu tambien martini....oh, I think I can say "Ik wil graag vijn"...that will be the most important phrase...LOL!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3885) on Sunday, March 6, 2005 - 2:34 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ik wil graag een Amstel Bright.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Freddie Hughes (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5927) on Sunday, March 6, 2005 - 2:36 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

HUmmmm so would I Martin!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Freddie Hughes (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5928) on Sunday, March 6, 2005 - 2:38 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ik zou ook van en Heldere Amstel houden

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #13243) on Sunday, March 6, 2005 - 4:01 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Freddie...vijn vijn vijn :-) wogga wogga wogga

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Wally and Eva (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #705) on Sunday, March 6, 2005 - 9:46 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

All I can add is if you go to the swiss restaurant on Bonaire....the lovely lady running the joint will make you clean your plate....and will give you a great big hug if you do.

Of course generally people have to run me off...so what do I know.

PS I thought Bonaire was established by the Pennsylvania Dutch....you mean it was the dutch Dutch. Small world

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ruth van Tilburg (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #337) on Sunday, March 6, 2005 - 10:44 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Martin, ik wil een Polar (of twee, of drie...). Mar, denk aan je calculator!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3892) on Monday, March 7, 2005 - 2:12 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ruth, Ik weet dat je een pro bent... :-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ruth van Tilburg (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #339) on Monday, March 7, 2005 - 9:38 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Goed zo!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tom Cousino (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1475) on Monday, March 7, 2005 - 9:53 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ditto Wally. Suzy is a sweet heart.

Cynde, The restaurant Wally mentions is the one I was trying to give you directions to.

Martin, Please make sure Cynde knows how to get to the Swiss Chalet. I am afraid that with the directions I gave her, she will end up in either the Hospital or Rincon:-{)}

Ruth, Ruth, Ruth, First you spoil me/us by arranging some of the best fresh Tuna meals ever (Right Martin?). Now I see that you are no longer associated with Mangos:-{(}

Tell me, does KFC have it on the menu yet?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3893) on Monday, March 7, 2005 - 6:01 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ruth, we moeten dat volgende week maar weer eens testen... :-)

Tom, I sure do remember! It brings back great memories...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Wally and Eva (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #706) on Monday, March 7, 2005 - 7:47 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

The easy way to get to the Swiss Chalet is to pick up Paul (from WannaDive) and Margret (from Bongos)and turn were they tell you to. From Eden go north a little ways and then turn east on a paved road that goes past a toyota car lot and pretty quick turn south and go past the guy living in a shipping container and then through a little chicane and it's on the right if you pass it and turn around or left of you see it before zipping past. When it comes to men's navigation skills I'm a legend in my own mind.

Ruth...you a jersey girl!!!! How did I miss that. What exit?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tom Cousino (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1483) on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 10:47 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Wally, LMAO!!!

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ruth van Tilburg (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #341) on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 11:21 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Well, since you mention it Tom, KFC will have fish sandwiches (not tuna though) on the menu soon....they were supposed to be here in time for lent (technically they still will be), but we intend on keeping them on the menu permanently if they're well received. (We'll also serve it as an optional topping to our green salad too.)

If the Mango's kitchen staff can handle it with what they're working with now (limited seaside menu/facilities-work in progress), I can arrange an intro & give them the tuna recipe--no worries there. I'll keep you supplied, you tuna addict!
;-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3896) on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 3:26 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

GREAT!!! Maybe next week???

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #13258) on Tuesday, March 8, 2005 - 8:46 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Wally, I guess this means I need to meet Paul and Margret huh? LOL! I think Martini knows where it is...but then, he will probably give me directions in Dutch...<wink>

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3900) on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 1:33 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Cynde, is there another way? If I'm asking directions in the US (where ppeple speak English), people will not reply in my language, but in English. Why would people on Bonaire reply in English, when the local language is Dutch??? :-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ruth van Tilburg (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #342) on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 8:16 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Martin-yes to fish s/w by next week, maybe even by Saturday (if all goes well...everything's here, now just have to rally the troops to get their butts in gear).

And you should know better--Papiamento is our local language, Dutch 2nd...and let's not even go re: directions on Bonaire! (And you found English speaking people in the US? Wow. Every gas station attendant-not that I ever ask directions-my last trips up spoke either Russian or Spanish).

Wally-7a, then due east to "shore points" on 195 (grew up in Oakhurst, went to beaches from Sandy Hook to Seaside, but usually Deal, which is just east of Oakhurst (between Long Branch & Asbury Park). BTW, when I go back now, I just look at the ocean-can't imagine how we ever thought it was GREAT when water hit 70 degrees in July/Aug!Jersey (Shore) Girl ;-) (And I still hate pumping my own gas in other states-how crude!) Glad Bonaire is as sophisticated as NJ re: gas (or benzine, as it's called here)--FYI, it's totally ok/appropriate/but not obligatory here to tip your gas guy/gal a guilder or so. Gas prices are gov't controlled, so self-service is same cost as full service.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #13260) on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 1:55 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ruth, you forgot to mention that when you go to a fast food restaruant in the states, non of them speak English either...usually I just end up saying no thank you because I have no idea what they said. Then THEY get mad at me because I can't understand what they are saying and ask them kindly to repeat...I don't know how many times they have gotten my order wrong (mostly Taco Bell, my fav ;-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3901) on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 2:27 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ruth, Saterday has been kind of booked... :-)

And the official language on the islands is Dutch, isn't it?


quote:

The official language of Bonaire is Dutch, yet the native language is actually Papiamentu, spoken exlusively in the ABC Islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.



(source Infobonaire.com)

And how about cab drivers? Are they speaking some sort of language kind of related to Americanis??

Cynde, in most of the fast food restaurants on Bonaire you can speak Americanis and they'll understand you. :-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #13262) on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 5:51 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Martin, I still want that "D" on my ticket ;-)

Reminds me of PR...the first time I went to Wendy's, the menu was in Spanish, and they were all speaking Spanish, so I started to order in Spanish, well, it must have been pretty bad because the girl looked at me and said "I speak English, please order in English"...huh?

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3904) on Wednesday, March 9, 2005 - 6:08 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Trust me....

We'll get it done for you...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ruth van Tilburg (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #343) on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 12:11 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Yeah, think of how I feel when hiring (and most tourist related biz here)--it's normal to ask if 4 languages are spoken and/or understood & written, (Papiamento, English, Dutch & Spanish). Can you imagine doing that in the US, while offering slightly more than min. wage, at a fast food place, none-the-less? Many of my staff can understand the different languages, especially since my menu is all in pictures, and has numbers....and guests soon figure out to point...but we lose a lot when something needs to be explained (that's when you get the blank deer-in-the headlights stare). Sigh. Another tidbit I found unusual, was that (according to quite a few of my employees) all the white people look alike to them. I only came across this because I was trying to get them to understand that they don't have to give mayonaise to the Americans with their fries (at which point they told me they couldn't distinguish Americans from Dutch--no "A's" or "D's" on our cheques!). Bigger sigh.

Martin, legal docs are in Dutch, and one radio station, but reality is that life operates in Papiamento here.

Cynde-if you want that "D"--then be prepared to order an appetizer, main course, dessert, (with diff. wines if poss), coffee & after dinner drink, and plan on spending the entire evening on your dining experience.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #13271) on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 12:33 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ruth...yes, no mayo with fries...ahhh..I think you, Michael, Martini, Angela et.al. need to go out for a real "D" dinner ;-)

Oh, and I can handle the vijn (sp)...sorry Martini ;-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3908) on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 2:08 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ruth, I know the main language is Papiamento. :-)

And I ditto Cynde's proposal...

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Mare (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #685) on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 6:52 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Martin,
May I join you too?
tee hee,
Mare

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Wally and Eva (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #720) on Thursday, March 10, 2005 - 10:26 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Mayo on fries!!! quiver

What I know about New Jersey. I going along building my little skiffs for shallow salt water fishing. This is about 7 years ago. I figure my market is Florida, the gulf coast, up through the Carolinas behind the barrier islands, Louisiana, east Texas. So this Jersey guy comes through one day. Fast talking...got an ear ring. Wants to buy 6 boats for his dealership. He has never bought or sold new boats. But he is a good mechanic. I sell him the boats and do not ever expect to see him again. About 2 weeks later he calls and needs 6 more, and then again 6 more. This has been going on for all these years. When he needed a deep water line I introduced him to a friend in Panama City building those type of boats. Joe has made me the 5th largest brand in Jersey. And my friend is in the top 20 now. I love New Jersey. I'm going to go there one day. I'm pretty sure about this.

Lanoka Harbor Ruth...just abit south of your old haunts.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3910) on Friday, March 11, 2005 - 2:01 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Of course Mare, you may always join us.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ruth van Tilburg (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #345) on Friday, March 11, 2005 - 9:12 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Actually, I like mayo on fries (when in Rome...), and even better: patat oorlog-yum (fries w/ketchup, mayo & peanut sauce)--fat on top of fat, what could be better? I just don't want to see it wasted at KFC (amazing how expensive little packets of mayo are).

Wally, I would've guessed more north, like the Atlantic Highlands area (for your shallow water boats)--the water between Sandy Hook & NYC is really shallow--some parts only 3' deep. The Jersey Shore is a fun place, especially in the summer--love the smell of salt water, cotton candy & fries that's always wafting around the boardwalks.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Dennis Abraham (BonaireTalker - Post #20) on Friday, March 11, 2005 - 10:33 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

What a small world indeed!! Wally and Ruth, I graduated Clifton HS school in 1960 and dad had a boat in the Highlands Basin (not Atlantic Highlands) from around 1954 until we moved it down to Belmar. I have many fond memories of clamming just inside the hook, surfcasting in the wee hours with some nice smoked whiting wrapped in newspaper, not to mention a few huricanes that demanded tending the mooring lines as the tide rose.

Did you ever bank at the Long Branch branch of the Red Bank bank?

... peace ...
abe and gail
Concord, NC

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Will White (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #9) on Friday, March 11, 2005 - 10:40 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

I'm a mayo on fries guy myself. :-) I have a tough enough time with English to worry about 4 languages...learning that many languages has to be an art form.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3912) on Friday, March 11, 2005 - 2:45 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Ruth, a "Patatje Oorlog" is not only with Mayo, ketchup and peanut sauce, but also small pieces of union... Hmmmm, do you guys serve that???

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Tom Cousino (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1513) on Friday, March 11, 2005 - 3:01 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Stop this talk before we all need to have our arteries scraped.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By ceestoosmiekesuizanne (BonaireTalker - Post #15) on Friday, March 11, 2005 - 3:13 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I love this multi-culti talk.
One time we do, next time we don't agree. American or European. Seems like we are Earthians, don't we?
Toos

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Ruth van Tilburg (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #346) on Friday, March 11, 2005 - 5:45 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Nope Dennis, but my Mom worked in Long Branch's Shadow Lawn Savings Bank (in the early sixties). Small world indeed!

Funny Martijn-under all that other stuff, never noticed bits of onion. It is on the "to do" list for KFC....

;-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3916) on Friday, March 11, 2005 - 5:54 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

OK Ruth, I'll be available for trying it next week... :-)

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Lynn Franzson (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #9) on Saturday, March 12, 2005 - 5:13 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

We moved from Highlands NJ to Saba, N.A. just about a year ago -- lived in SeaBright, Atlantic Highlands and Highlands for a good 20 years. Lost our home in SeaBright (right on the seawall) to the Storm of the Century -- were homeless for 10 months. Enjoy the Caribbean a little better. ;-)

 


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