Questions we have:
- is US dollars cash are good currency to use or exchange to local currency is required
- what is the power there and the plugs - are they like in US or Europe.
- Security at Belafonte while we away diving. (have to take laptops and other things)
- Security while diving - we got a truck. i heard they break windows and better to live truck open with the windows down?!
- Party - are people party there at night? I guess i'm asking is the island is dead at 10 pm? Nobody party? I understand that this is not a New York city but still this is vacation tourism. Vodka, beer, girls, food, diving - everything.

thanks
Vlad

1: Yes
2: 127v or 220v 50 cycles.
3: Lock all valuables in a safe
4: Don't take valuables, leave windows down and vehicle unlocked.
5: City Cafe and Little Havana have live music and are open til early hours, especially Sat & Sun.
6: Have a great time!

what about actual plugs - are they like in US?
I can't believe i have to live car open with the windows down. this is sick. I need to dive with my cell phone? Call penguins long distance?
What is the average age of people there - tourists (to me feels like 45) and ratio male to female anyone?
10 days there probably a lot so i want to know what crazy things i can do there. What's fun guys? I know donkeys, flamingo, two casinos blah blah blah. What else?
Moderators - May I suggest to add new section like Fun&Entertainment. For example if I want to throw a party I can invite people or share ideas for fun after hours except night diving which is a lot of fun.
I refuse to sleep I want to do things

The plugs are the same as in the US. Electricity is 50 cycles instead of 60 in the US. It really only effects clocks and timers. Look on the power supply for your computer, must now work on 50 or 60 cps. No big deal about leaving the windows down. Keep em up if you want.

if you leave your truck windows rolled up, don't lock the doors.

thanks for the info.
what about the fun, average age of folks there?

There are reasons, gleaned from experience, that you are recommended to leave windows down and leave nothing of value in your vehicle. You are free to do as you please. Good advice is to do as you would when at home. You may live where a cell phone left in sight in an unlocked vehicle is safe, but not in my world.

Vlad, let me put it to you this way, I have been going to Bonaire since I was 25, it wasn't and still isn't a party island. There are lots of cool people, both locals and visitors, to meet and hang out with, some fun bars to hang and have drinks but you won't see crazy girls gone wild kind of stuff like you do in many other vacation destinations. Bring your own party!

this is cool, thanks RosAnne!
Can't wait till Sunday.
Diving, good food.

Ohh guys and girl one more question.
we would love to cook our self's. yes, we try few local restaurant.

I figure there are plenty of fish there and should be a lot of markets that sell fresh fish. My idea is to buy fresh fish on the market, and cook it, make sushi and sashimi. Is that easy to do? I heard there food cost a lot. I love meet a s well - can you buy there a good meet (not the donkey) preferably beef?
Is it easy to buy food there? In Cuba it's impossible - stores are empty. I hope it's better in Bonaire. Hey i can loose few pounds though I'm not fat - 6 ft 205lbs hehe

Vlad -click here for local fish markets

There is a good choice of beef at most times

(Message edited by muddysoapfish on January 18, 2008)

what are the prices just out of curiosity for the fish and beef in US dollars

Also we are arriving at 9 PM on 21st of January
is there a chance for us to get any food at the stores or restaurants?

Last year Warehouse had frozen beef tenderloin that sold for about $4 US per pound. Argentine beef, I believe. Most tender and great flavor! It was cheaper than lunch meat.

Vlad nothing will be open and you will lucky to score some beer. Planning on getting supplies the next morning after your dive orientation. Also plan on it taking a bit, because you generally have to hit all three stores to get everything.

You can buy as much beer as you want to go from any of the sancks...they also have some pretty tasty food to eat in or to go..China Nobo comes to mind as does Great China, Bon Apetit or Peking..you wont starve..There is lots to do once you network with a few locals..Also, don't think you will loose weight...

(Message edited by gmichael on January 18, 2008)

10 Days is not long at all!! Most of us go there to dive 24/7. Happy Hour & dinner is an important break! Enjoy your trip!

Timmmy, thank you for the list of fish markets. I've printed them out to take to Bonaire in just 13 sleeps. Just a couple of questions though:
when is the best time to hit the markets? Fresh fish caught in the day and brought in in the late afternoon or caught at night and there first thing in the morning?

we have usually shopped for fish in the afternoon. we start looking about 3PM.

Vlad, go to Havana as Antony said or Karels or City after 11 PM. You might get home around 3 or 4 AM. Or go to Julio's Place across from MCB Bank for a snack.

Paula - You are very welcome ... Have a wonderful time - The Wahoo is always tasty! and as Pat said above mid-afternoon is a good time to shop for fish.

What kind of fish is the best there?

Also i got a brand new diving gear - everything is 100% brand new. it's not even connected yet.
Will i get help from dive shop to hook it up to stage 1? do i need to test this gear in a pool at home before going to bonaire this sunday?

Another question - if i wanted to rent a yacht for one day is this possible? I don't have a capitan license but i have a lot of skills.

Vlad, go to your local diveshop and let them build your regulator. It is best to try your gear out at home in water! Just because it is new dosen't mean that it works!

Yacht's are for Charter on Bonaire, not for rent without a Capitan's license!
I see that you say that you have alot of skill's! Then why don't you build your regulator yourself? It is quite simple.