By Dominic La Polla (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #4) on Thursday, July 7, 2005 - 1:09 pm: |
Hi Everyone Just returned from 7 nights in Bonaire and 8 nights in Aruba. Ok where do I begin?? 4AM Wednesday Morning American Airlines Mccarren Airport. Boarded 1st plane of 3 This was the beginning of my trip to hell. Almost 20 Hrs later arrive in Bonaire Airport. After waiting over 2 hrs for a rental car person who was supposed to meet us (we were told by reservations we were sooooo important and they would make sure someone would be there to meet us) at an after hours rental car company booked by Sand Dollar that never showed, so needless to say we were very disgusted what a bad way to start a trip. Took a taxi to Sand Dollar where they were supposed to be waiting with open arms for us.(Again since we were soooo important and they wanted to assure that we were taken care of) Yeah right had to wait another 1/2 hour to find a guard to give us our key to the requested best upstairs room, with the best view which is supposed to have central air and the best views in the house. Open the door to our nightmare which took the form of Studio condo F7, the fumes of bug spray and the stench of mildew almost made us gag. The A/C unit was a wall unit that was on it's last leg and it made the room sound like we were sitting on the wing of a jet airplane, so we headed for what we thought was our salvation (our promised best view in the house (Ha Ha) we opened the sliding glass door and WOOOOOW what a view as far as the eye could see bushy trees and a tiny view if you had binoculars of the caribbean. So trying to tell where our tears started and the condensation of the crappy A/C ended, we set out to find our trusty security guard to see what had happened to all these promises that were so eagerly given to us. We were informed by an on premise manager who we had to wake up. She explained that we had no choice but to stay in the room for the night and fix these problems in the morning. Of course they would gladly reimberse our taxi fee's the next day. After a wonderful night in the roach motel we set out to fix these issues. It turns out (according to the car company) they were never informed of our arrival. So they wanted us to pay another taxi to go back to the airport to get our car. We refused so they agreed to pick us up and bring us back to the freakin' airport to get our car. On the way to the airport we had the rental guy bring us to Divi but they were booked up( Turns out to be one of the best things that could have happened to us). We could not understand how all the people on this forum could be wrong especially after communicating with Joan and Alan Zale there was no way they were crazy. Maybe our expectations were just too much!! OK we arrive back at sand dollar ( we were just gonna call around to find another place when Mary at the sand dollar started to show us around. She was very nice and we were happy with her willingness to please. It seems there is some sort of dimensional time warp over there at sand dollar because just as the entrance to hell was named F7 the entrance to HEAVEN was labeled A4. When Mary opened the door to A4 the warm arid breeze and the breathtaking views were the first to grab hold of our senses, next was the decor both inviting and simple which made us feel like we were in our own little beach condo. Finally it was the cheerful and friendly voices of the dive masters having a snack at the dive shop table right below us. Mary pressed a button on an unfamiliar white remote control with a smile and we were engulfed in refreshing cool air which had not compromised the peace and quiet in which we were now in the middle of. We pinched ourselves and realized we were not dreaming it all started to come into focus we had indeed passed through our version of the Pearly Gates!!
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By Marcus L. Barnes (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #366) on Thursday, July 7, 2005 - 1:29 pm: |
Welcome to the Society of the Bonaire Addicted. Who was the car rental company just out of curiosity?
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By DARLENE ELLIS (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1512) on Thursday, July 7, 2005 - 1:42 pm: |
I am glad you found heaven after your very rough start!!
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By Randall J (BonaireTalker - Post #20) on Thursday, July 7, 2005 - 3:35 pm: |
Glad that your trip improved after such a stressful beginning. Thanks for the report.
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By Carole B. (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #5083) on Thursday, July 7, 2005 - 6:11 pm: |
Glad it turned out so well for you both. I can't imagine having to stay on ARuba for a week after Bonaire....what a come-down. Believe it or not, Aruba had NO nightlife at one time not that long ago....they have completely destroyed the place in my eyes. We stopped going there in the nineties and will never return. If folks want beach chair to beach chair lined up along the sand and tons of drunken partying youngsters and traffic up the wazoo, then Aruba is for you...along with Cancun, and a few other "hot spots". We "discovered" Bonaire years ago and will continue to return forever.
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By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #13879) on Thursday, July 7, 2005 - 11:26 pm: |
Dominic, I assume you now have PBD? (Post Bonaire Depression)...or maybe you had it while you were in Aruba? I agree with Marcus...welcome to the Society of Bonaire Addicts...it will haunt you forever!
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By Dominic La Polla (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #5) on Friday, July 8, 2005 - 1:57 am: |
The car company was national/alamo booked through the reservation place for sand dollar in florida
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By Scott Knobler (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #7) on Friday, July 8, 2005 - 4:44 pm: |
Is the NY Times that much in need in Bonaire? I am very excited to make my first visit to Bonaire during the first week of August and would be happy to bring a copy or two of the times if people want it. I am coming from NYC and the local version is much better/thicker than the versions you get elsewhere (the Sunday times especially).
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By John"Smack"Anderson (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #777) on Sunday, July 10, 2005 - 5:57 am: |
Scott, Micheal Gaynor at Chat n Browse is originally from NY and he WILL light up when he sees anyone approach with a copy of the times, especially the Sunday edition.
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By Scott Knobler (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #8) on Sunday, July 10, 2005 - 10:48 am: |
sounds good John. I will be sure to bring him a copy. I hope it will not be too dated (a few days late) for him. I have read about the Chat n Browse...but where is it exactly? I am staying at the Divi. Thanks.
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By Michael Stanfield (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #10) on Sunday, July 10, 2005 - 2:17 pm: |
Dominic,
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By Josie (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1083) on Sunday, July 10, 2005 - 6:16 pm: |
Scott, Chat n Browse is north of town, in the little plaza on the left immediately after the traffic circle -- next to Sand Dollar Grocery and Lover's Ice Cream, and just before you get to Sand Dollar itself.
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By Ron Gould (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #166) on Sunday, July 10, 2005 - 8:24 pm: |
Chat n Browse is next door to Lovers Ice cream. Ron
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By Mermaid (BonaireTalker - Post #46) on Friday, July 15, 2005 - 8:33 am: |
Dominic,
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By Iris Rivera (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #7) on Thursday, August 25, 2005 - 12:25 pm: |
I'm from New York City. Going to Bonaire for the very fist time (my boyfriend and I are so excited). Who needs the NY Times? We can accommodate :o). Since this is our first time, where should we start diving? (I'm a novice)
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By Linda Stoltzfus (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #615) on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 1:11 pm: |
Iris,
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By The Tominator (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2303) on Sunday, August 28, 2005 - 1:26 pm: |
Michael also likes Folger's (red), no really!!
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By seb (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2363) on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 - 9:27 am: |
Iris, there is no shame in diving in your own backyard. If you are staying at a resort with a dock make repeated use of it. Everything underwater is wonderful and new to you, and it's important to simply practice your skills. I take off by bcd with ease underwater to practice my skills, and it's pretty fun to do as well. When I had to do it the other day to adjust my tank it was easy. You, too, can learn to straddle your tank.
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