By Jeremy Goodwin on Wednesday, October 17, 2001 - 2:30 pm: |
The sun will set on Bonaire Saturday the 27th much the same as it has for eons past - with one exception. I will be there to experience it. I have just (this past weekend) completed my beginner dive training, and have yet to log a 'real' dive.
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By mary pequinot on Wednesday, October 17, 2001 - 3:27 pm: |
Hi Jeremy. If you're not excited, then I'd be happy to use your ticket! Buddy's is a nice place; you'll enjoy it there-it's right in front of a large reef. Bonaire is VERY friendly and comfortable for new divers-I finished my open water certification there. It's pretty easy diving, which is one reason I did it there. Weather will be great. As far as after dark entertainment, there are a few bars with music and one or two small casinos, but Bonaire is a very sleepy island and it's pretty quiet. You will love it there, and I am jealous!
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By Kelly Lott on Wednesday, October 17, 2001 - 4:18 pm: |
Hi, Jeremy! I agree with Mary, you will just love it. It will spoil you for all other diving. The diving is truly the easiest I've ever experienced. The shore diving is unbelievable. Not much night life, just find a fun bar (I suggest Karel's downtown on the waterfront), enjoy the view, and have fun! During the day, I would highly recommend checking out the island. Drive through the flamingo sanctuary, check out the slave huts and salt fields. Definitely make the drive to check out the north side of the island. The waves crashing on the rocky coastline is simply breathtaking and well worth the short drive. Have at least one sunset dinner at Richard's, and I recommend the Wahoo.... Use bug spray if you are out at night, especially sitting by the water for dinner. The mosquitoes will take a chunk! I AM SO JEALOUS I CAN BARELY STAND IT. Have an absolutely marvelous time.
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By Snorkelguy on Wednesday, October 17, 2001 - 4:26 pm: |
Buddy Dive is a fun place to stay…you’ll definitely have a great time. I was there a year and a half ago…could have used a cleaning but was fundamentally sound and a great staff. Hard to say about the weather, it doesn’t rain very much in Bonaire in general but they do get some this time of year. From what I’ve heard they would like some right now, it’s been pretty dry according to a lot of posts. Flight length will depend on which flight and carrier your on, but my suggestion is get on island time before you leave and then it wont bother you. Bonaire is comfortable for all levels of snorkeling and diving and there’s something for every particular skill level, actually there’s lots for every particular skill level. As for after-dark entertainment…we’ll it’s a very quite island and your options are limited in this area. This isn’t a leisure travel destination. Lots of nice little places downtown to have a beer and chat with other divers and interesting people. Buddy’s will do some music and events on some evenings.
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By 2Nancys on Thursday, October 18, 2001 - 10:12 am: |
We just got back yesterday... you will love it. We didn't stay at Buddy's, but it is a beautiful place. You will have a great time.
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By Dorian on Thursday, October 18, 2001 - 1:02 pm: |
I too am heading down for my first trip on 10/27. Any advice regarding currency exchange (do we need to pick up Bonairean dollars) or other tips and tricks would be most appreciated.
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By Jeremy Goodwin on Thursday, October 18, 2001 - 1:16 pm: |
Mary - Kelly - Scott - 2Nancy:
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By Linda Richter - NetTech on Thursday, October 18, 2001 - 1:20 pm: |
Not necessary - most places take US$. It unlikely you would be able to find any Antillean Guilders in the States anyway. ATMs here give out US$ and local currency.
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By Dorian on Thursday, October 18, 2001 - 2:16 pm: |
Thanks Linda, much obliged!
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By mary pequinot on Thursday, October 18, 2001 - 3:17 pm: |
Jeremy, you weren't crass. I was just kidding, and I am understandbly jealous!
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By George Krampetz on Thursday, October 18, 2001 - 4:56 pm: |
Hey! Dorian.
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By Dorian on Thursday, October 18, 2001 - 5:38 pm: |
Thanks George, but don't tell Will or he'll start tipping the dancers with $20s! ; )
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By J Rushman on Thursday, October 18, 2001 - 8:47 pm: |
Jeremy,
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By herman mowery on Thursday, October 18, 2001 - 10:21 pm: |
Hi Jeremy,
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By herman mowery on Thursday, October 18, 2001 - 10:36 pm: |
Well, not the best picture I ever posted but you get the idea. For night life, how about night dives off Buddies pier.
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By Meryl Virga on Thursday, October 18, 2001 - 11:43 pm: |
Jeremy...you cannot not enjoy yourself, weather is usually always good small trade wind with helps with the evening mosquitos...bring bug spray and you will be ahead of the game...they are only pesty in the early evening, and when it rains the call it "liquid sunshine" Buddy dive is a wonderful outfit...but please take the tour of the town and experience Bonaire's hidden nooks and crannies...Alot of wonderful restaurants and plenty dive sites to keep you busy....it is a charming Island with friendly people...all laid back....may take a few days to settle in...but the trip usually flys by...so enjoy every minute.....
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By Meryl Virga on Thursday, October 18, 2001 - 11:47 pm: |
Jeremy....Bonaire was one of my first dive adventures...and I was a novice at that time...(Steve still classifies me as one now after 8 years of diving....) but it is VERY well set up for new or novice divers...and still holds the challange for more intermediate divers.....My parents had huge orange life preservers on me as a child in a one foot wading pool.....(a psychiatrists couch waiting to happen) If I can do it anyone can! Best of luck and I hope you come away with wonderful memories
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By Michelle Schoen on Friday, October 19, 2001 - 6:00 pm: |
Jeremy,
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By Carole Baker on Saturday, October 20, 2001 - 12:21 pm: |
Michelle, sounds like you had a wonderful time on your first trip to Bonaire....my bet is that it won't be your last! You will now begin to feel the PBD blues and signs of "The Addiction" will kick in quickly, too! Carole
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By Bob Liguori on Saturday, October 20, 2001 - 5:36 pm: |
Hi Folks,
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By Dean Botsford on Sunday, October 21, 2001 - 3:16 pm: |
Good man, Bob! Welcome aboard.
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By DIVER DEBBI on Monday, October 22, 2001 - 10:31 pm: |
Bob..welcome to Bonairetalk..hope you will join the group of us that will get together sometime in Feb..seems like there will be alot of us board members tdiving in Bonaire in Feb..staring with Feb 7th on..will pick a date later..
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By Chet Wood on Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - 7:52 am: |
Welcome aboard Bob,
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By 2Nancys on Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - 9:47 am: |
I, too, just returned from Bonaire (aka paradise). First thing we did was go to a bank to convert our dollars to guilders. We found the rate of exchange when you use dollars and get change back was variable. Banks are convenient and just make life easier. Do take BUG SPRAY. I didn't get bitten once, but for some reason they loved my roommate. She was covered with bites. Be forwarned if you are sensitive. We snorkeled, no diving. It was fantastic. Enjoy. I personally, can't wait to go again.
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By Bob Liguori on Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - 9:52 pm: |
Thanks for the warm welcome everybody. Scheduled to arrive 3,Feb 02, depart 17,Feb. Please Keep me advised of any "Board Meetings" scheduled in between.
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