By Stephen Cantelli (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #1) on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 8:52 am: |
Last October, 2004, myself and 9 other divers visited "It Rains Fishes" a restaurant at Bayside. We were recommended by another diver to go there for "Great Food". We were not only disappointed but left without getting through our dinner.
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By DARLENE ELLIS (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1524) on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 8:58 am: |
That is too bad that you and your dive group had a bad experience there. It is one of my regular stops while in Bonaire and I have never had a bad meal there. I always order the same thing because it is soo good so I can't speak for the rest of their menue. I just can't go there with out getting it! I usually get the catch of the day in their mustard sauce which I think is awesome.
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By mary pequinot (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #538) on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 9:11 am: |
Funny, we have always thought It Rains Fishes was an ok restaurant, but not great. Last time we were there we had a wonderful meal and great service. As I recall, my husband had the tuna as well-it came seared, but that's the way he likes it and he was told beforehand. I had wahoo in mustard sauce, one of my favorites. Sorry your experience was so negative.
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By Ron Gould (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #171) on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 9:19 am: |
Stephen, I didn't get bad food but we did get bad service! Four of us waited 45 minutes at the bar to be seated after being told it would be a few minutes to get out table ready.. In short WE NEVER GOT SEATED That is it!! There are too many great places to eat on the Island and we will never go there again. Of all the years we have been going to Bonaire that is the only poor service that we never got. enough!!
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By Carl Pflanzer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #221) on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 9:49 am: |
Not thrilled with it either, and we've eaten at most of the island restaurants. We will give Richard's another shot next time though, after skipping there the last 7 visits.
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By Rog & Karen Huff (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #168) on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 10:06 am: |
We just got back last night and tried a new Spanish/Tapas restaurant (forgot name since we were not to thrilled with it!) It is on the waterfront just south a block from "It Rains Fishes" which was our 1st choice but was closed on Sunday... We also went to Casablanca (mmmmm) and Richard's which were fantastic as usual.
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By Bob Lyke (BonaireTalker - Post #53) on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 2:46 pm: |
I visited It Rains Fishes the last two trips. I thought the food was very good when I have visited. But, on the last trip I was very disappointed with the service. They sell their ceramic ashtrays. Since they were very busy with their dinner rush we offered to come back later and we were told to come back the next morning at a specific time. It was our last day on the island and we arrived at the specified time to be told by the same individual that he was too busy to help. Even when we explained that we were leaving the island shortly he did not care. While I like the food there I will find it difficult to return to this restaurant due to the way we were treated.
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By Stephen Cantelli (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #2) on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 2:56 pm: |
I guess I'm not surprised that in less than one day 6 other people have had not so pleasant experiences at "It Rains Fishes". Most of us know that we as divers and customers are looking for a "hassle free" experience. I know my time at "It Rains Fishes" was far from "hassle free". Try pleasing a group of 10.
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By Kelly Baum (GDLW) (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #2862) on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 3:54 pm: |
I pack my patience and sense of humor along with the dive gear, that helps tremendously. I realize that the world doesn't revolve around me (it should, but that's another story), and if someone is having an off day, it's okay. I don't expect perfection from any vacation, I just wanna have fun and relax.
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By Mare (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #976) on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 5:40 pm: |
For the record:
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By Toby and Sandy (BonaireTalker - Post #36) on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 7:00 pm: |
Hey here's our two cents...
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By Jane Marie Garchinsky (BonaireTalker - Post #93) on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 7:57 pm: |
We usually dine once or twice a trip at Rains Fishes and have alway been satisfied with the food..Sometimes its packed, you wait longer.
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By Jan Klos - ( Hamlet Bonaire Owner) (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #341) on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 8:13 pm: |
The first time I had Tuna, I was unaware that it is tradionaly served rare... I sent it back asking for it to be cooked medium rare. Now in the states I see Tuna on the menu and when I order it, I ask for medium rare. The server always says that it is Sushi quality Tuna and it should be served seared. I for one just do not want to eat raw fish. After countless meals out, whether on the road, vacationing or just a nice dinner with friends,,, There will be great, good, bad & just plain horrific service or food. There are many restaurants that many a BTer will rave about, we will eat there... and both the service & food was awful. It is a hit or miss situation. no matter where you go. We use a 3 strikes and your out rule...
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By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #13897) on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 10:39 pm: |
Jan, I've never had tuna served any other way than "seared" which, I of course, never have...LOL, I'm with you, I want it cooked! I'm sure if you hadn't had it before, you would assume it would be cooked
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By Wally and Eva (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #835) on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 10:49 pm: |
If it's not cooked it's bait
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By seb (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2327) on Tuesday, July 12, 2005 - 11:59 pm: |
Oh c'mon guys, open up your minds. And understand that the cooks and servers who don't want to overcook your tuna have the same revulsion for what you want to eat as you have for what they want to serve you. Hard to believe, huh?
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By Dean Botsford (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #351) on Wednesday, July 13, 2005 - 6:14 am: |
The late De Tuien served a seared Tuna dish that was beyond great. Sadly they have closed.
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By Tom Cousino (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2046) on Wednesday, July 13, 2005 - 1:39 pm: |
Stephen, I wish I had warned you last weekend, that many of us on this board are leary of negative first posts. Had you first shared (as you did with me) the positive experiences you had while on Bonaire, along with some of your photos, a few of the replies you received on this thread might have been different.
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By Kelly Baum (GDLW) (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #2870) on Wednesday, July 13, 2005 - 2:41 pm: |
Ohhhh Tommmm... AMEN on the mustard sauce. Although my favorite "sauce" on island is the mushroom sauce at Casablanca served with the filet. I could eat it straight out of the can. lol
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By Bill Perkins (BonaireTalker - Post #63) on Wednesday, July 13, 2005 - 2:54 pm: |
That can happen at any restaurant on any given night. I even had a bad meal at the Mona Lisa during our list trip and prior to that the food was great. We ate at It Rains Fishes numerous times on our last trip in February and the food and service were excellent. I would give it another try if I were you.
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By jos van osnabrugge (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1814) on Wednesday, July 13, 2005 - 10:02 pm: |
Wally ,
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By andrew hamilton (BonaireTalker - Post #70) on Monday, July 18, 2005 - 2:53 am: |
My wife and I regard 'It rains fishes' as the poorest of the well known restaurants on Bonaire (been twice, very disappointed twice). Very average food, very lax service, and the second time we had cockroaches right up close and personal. It amazes me that it still has so many supporters, but there you go......
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By DARLENE ELLIS (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1541) on Monday, July 18, 2005 - 10:50 am: |
Andrew, I find it very interesting and insulting that you call people with positive attitudes who have had nothing but good experiences in Bonaire MAFIA.
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By Mare (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #996) on Monday, July 18, 2005 - 11:22 am: |
Andrew, to enlighten you: In Sicily, the spirit of hostility to the law and its ministers prevailing among a large portion of the population, and manifesting itself frequently in vindictive crimes; the body of those who share in this anti-legal spirit. In the U.S. and elsewhere, an organized secret society existing for criminal purposes. Also attrib. and transf. Hence maf(f)i"oso (pl. -osi), mafi"osa (fem.), "Mafiaist, a member or supporter of the mafia; "Mafiaism, the doctrines or practices of the mafia. there is a bit of a mafia on the board when it comes to discussing such things.......
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By Debbie Babcock (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1887) on Monday, July 18, 2005 - 11:27 am: |
I agree with you, Darlene. I just read each and every post to this thread and nowhere do I get the idea of MAFIA at all and I think that indeed was not nice. I have eaten many times at It Rains Fishes and have not had very good service, but food has always been o.k., they do like to use a lot of sauces on their dishes. I had tuna served "seared" for the first time last May and was a little like Oh Oh, what is this, sushi? But, I am willing to try almost anything once and glad I did, it was very tasty. I think I had it a Cappriciol's with some friends for an appetizer. The party I was with was shocked that I never had tuna that way, said that was one fish that was best served that way! So, each to their own. Shame no one tried their fish, they may have been pleasantly surprised as it was stated no one ate the fish, just the veggies.
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By Cam (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #439) on Monday, July 18, 2005 - 11:41 am: |
Although I am not a tuna fan, I have seen it cooked on a number of cooking shows....on all of the shows, including Emiril, the tuna was seared and VERY rare....from what I understand, if the chefs (at It Rains) served it any more cooked, they would probably get more static from customers....to me, nothing beats a steak (good ol' Alberta beef) served so rare the nerves still twitch when you stick your fork in it
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By Debbie Babcock (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1888) on Monday, July 18, 2005 - 11:42 am: |
Mare, LMAO! Here I take the time to read all the above posts, think things out carefully before posting and you post that picture and I just fell off my chair laughing so hard. I have no idea where you find these pics, but they are too funny for sure! I am really going to have to learn how to do some of these things. Debbie
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By Mare (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #1000) on Monday, July 18, 2005 - 11:56 am: |
Debbie,
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By Beauregard Bales (BonaireTalker - Post #43) on Monday, July 18, 2005 - 12:01 pm: |
Thars that Tanya gurl agin.
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By Beauregard Bales (BonaireTalker - Post #44) on Monday, July 18, 2005 - 12:05 pm: |
Wut!!!! Ms. Mare, iz you tellen us thet iz you?
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By Stephen Cantelli (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #3) on Monday, July 18, 2005 - 12:09 pm: |
Mare, Tom, Kelly and Andrew,
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By Mare (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1002) on Monday, July 18, 2005 - 12:09 pm: |
Dude -- Tanya here -- don't let Mare know -- I've already packed the nerf gun with extra nerf balls. Let me know secretly who the target will be.
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By Debbie Babcock (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1889) on Monday, July 18, 2005 - 12:21 pm: |
Mare, Well I'll be darned! It is you! Debbie
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By Tom Cousino (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2070) on Monday, July 18, 2005 - 5:52 pm: |
Stephen, I did not miss your point, you went to "It Rains Fishes", in you and your companion's opinions the food was bad including the meals which were not based around the tuna, the service was bad and the manager did not compensate for your unpleasant experience by adjusting the price which you felt was deserved. Further, in reading between the lines, I read that you will never go back. Had you first shared (as you did with me) the positive experiences you had while on Bonaire, along with some of your photos, a few of the replies you received on this thread might have been different.
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By andrew hamilton (BonaireTalker - Post #71) on Monday, July 18, 2005 - 6:05 pm: |
Darlene et al - I love Bonaire, been there 3 times, its one of my favorite West Indies destinations but I think It rains fishes is carp (an English play on letters). And I assume by your response to my Mafia comment you are being ironic (otherwise the US and its citizens truly are lost).
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By Jeanine Clark (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #283) on Monday, July 18, 2005 - 6:28 pm: |
Born in Chicago and currently living within walking distance of Capone's Hideaway, we know mafia...or would that be the mob? (lol)
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By William Borek (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #9) on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 11:20 am: |
Just to put my two cents in, (as a new poster). My wife, a friend and myself went to "It Rains Fishes" on our recent trip in April. The restaurant was fairly busy and I thought the service was fine for the amount of people at the restaurant. I happen to have the tuna that night and as someone who loves fresh tuna, I found the dish prepared very well and would order it again. The mustard dressing on the tomato and mozzarella appetizer was unique and also very good. The other meals served were excellent as well.
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By seb (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2331) on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 12:31 pm: |
Opinion cannot be wrong. If you don't believe me, watch FOX.
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By George Blanchard (BonaireTalker - Post #98) on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 12:33 pm: |
In the past 2 years we have eaten with other couples at least 5 times at It Rains Fishes and all of our experiences were good. If crowded, the service can be a little slow but you are on "Island Time" so enjoy another Bright and relax. We tend to rely on the waiter's recommendations and have never been disappointed.
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By David F Pascoe (BonaireTalker - Post #27) on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 1:41 pm: |
We have a home on Bonaire and have been going for 20years. Like many others I do not post other than when I feel I have something to contribute.
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By Carl Pflanzer (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #228) on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 6:04 pm: |
I loved the comment 'kind of put a damper on things'. :-) Sympathies for you that night, definitely.
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By andrew hamilton (BonaireTalker - Post #72) on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 7:07 pm: |
Crikey David thats an awful story - my comiserations. Perhaps I should not be surprised - when we complained about the cockroaches peering hungrily over our shoulders at our food we were just laughed off.....
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By Niki Harris (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1416) on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 - 7:34 pm: |
Outrageous restaurant experience, David! What an awful attempt at dinner out! No wonder you don't return.
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By Ron LaCourse (BonaireTalker - Post #28) on Wednesday, July 20, 2005 - 2:59 am: |
Seb, you often seem a short tempered man. Tables of 10 are usually appreciated and waiters long to have them, they are often charged a gratuity and many people not understanding the tip has already been added leave a additional tip. I also believe It Rains Fishes would prefer that 10 people would take up 2-3 tables then 10 separate ones, but I guess you were just being funny.
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By seb (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2336) on Wednesday, July 20, 2005 - 7:25 am: |
Well Ron, I spent years in food service, and I never heard any waitperson happy to have a large group. It is quite the additional onus to make ten meals come to the table at the same time, on the off chance they are all too stupid to realize they tipped you once and might do it again. Sounds like a sleazy band of waitrons to me.
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By BEVERLY A FILLIO (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #113) on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 12:02 am: |
Exactly Seb A large group is always difficult to please. We have gone to Bonaire for over 15 years and we love IT RAINS FISHES We also loved the restaurant they had prior. The mustard sauce is great but the Shrimp dish and the Gratins are also wonderful The sole is great as are their escargot. Too bad you had a bad meal but it is a real exception in my opinion
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By Ruth van Tilburg (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #393) on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 12:14 pm: |
From my own experience: I know of no restaurant/waitstaff here that loves big tables--especially because most do request separate checks (worst case is when the separate checks are asked for after the meal, rather than before-nightmarish situation for all). For example, I frequently had tables of 5 asking for 4 separate checks...if the kitchen is busy, 4 checks = 4 tables (often times the table # is overlooked by the kitchen), so chefs/cooks prepare in the order the checks were presented, hence not everyone at the same table is served at the same time. Same with paying, 4 separate checks take much longer than one, etc. Another simple fact is that many of the restaurant's kitchens here are small, and few, if any, have sophisticated cash registers that easily handle lots of checks at once; both of these contribute to slower service.
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By Stephen Cantelli (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #4) on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 12:40 pm: |
Ruth,
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By andrew hamilton (BonaireTalker - Post #73) on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 4:31 pm: |
I've never understood this business of going out as a big group and then subdeviding what has been spent into seperate bills etc. In the UK almost invariably when you go out in a big group the total is simply devided by the number of diners and each pays the same - its simple, its fast and as a result big groups ARE generally welcomed in UK restaurants. Getting into the minutae of who had one more expresso or one more beer than someone else is seen as unecessary.
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By Jeanine Clark (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #398) on Monday, July 25, 2005 - 4:48 pm: |
I just had to chime in here regarding the big group and splitting of the bill. Yes, it is a pain, but sometimes if you have friends who you would like to keep as friends, even though they are cheap (or broke and won't admit it), you ask to split the bill. We are very cautious as to which groups we go with and to where we go. On more than one occasion, we have been stuck footing the majority of the bill because when everyone pony's up, there is not enough to cover the tab plus tip. We do have friends where this does not matter and we just split the bill down the center as previously suggested, but we also have friends who count every penny and then forget a little thing called tax and tip. Too many times we paid way too much, so we always ask in advance if we can split the bill and then we over tip to compensate for our friends who are not so friendly tippers.
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By Ruth van Tilburg (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #394) on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 8:37 am: |
What I saw was many "groups" that were created sponateously--people who met others while diving, etc, then say "let's meet for dinner...," so of course, in these cases, there would be separate checks (paid by cc's, cash, traveler's cheques, you-name-it). We always accommodated, and only had trouble when guests had unrealistic expectations (yes, even when told that not everyone may be served at once, that creating 16 checks will take extra time, yada-yada); slowing down what already is "island time" is something guests didn't always understand. And many did gripe about the 15% service charge added to tables with split checks, rather than the regular 10%. Anyway, not my problem any more--Mango's is sold, so now I have only 1 restaurant to worry about...and my menu is all pictures, you order & pay (cash, $, fls or euro) at the register.
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By Tom Cousino (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2111) on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 8:52 am: |
Ruth, I know I am not alone when I say, I am happy that your problems are lessened. At the same time and for selfish reasons, I am sad. Unless that is, you have taken that wonderful Tuna recipe with you to KFC;-{)}
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By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #13998) on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 6:28 pm: |
Tom, Great picture! Ruth, we have to meet for sure in October, since we missed you last time.
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By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #13999) on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 6:32 pm: |
OH, I forgot to ask, Stephen, why has it taken almost a year to post your disastisfaction? Did you post a trip report as well? Almost seems like a cheap shot to me.
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By Stephen Cantelli (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #5) on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 7:10 pm: |
Cynde,
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By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #14001) on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 7:21 pm: |
Stephen, I'm sorry about your divorce, been there too...and I was a very angry person for quite a while...I'll ignore the half-empty person comment, as I have never met you (thus you have not met me), nor do I know you, you really have know way of knowing if I'm half empty, half full, or working on becoming full...read my personal quotes, that will give you a little insight at to what kind of person I am...
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By Gail Thomas (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #650) on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 8:59 pm: |
Stephen,
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By Glen Reem (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2109) on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 - 11:49 pm: |
I read Stephen's comment to mean that he, a just divorced person, was half a half empty person with no reference to Cynde! Some times here we all take comments a bit to personally, yours truly included.
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By Bill Perkins (BonaireTalker - Post #70) on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 12:24 am: |
It sounds like Stephen could mean his words are: 1) An expression of compassion concerning the loss a divorced person experiences due to their loss leaving them feeling half-empty or half-full, depending on whether or not you're an optimist or pessimist.
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By seb (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2347) on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 12:44 am: |
One bad apple don't spoil the whole bunch, girl.
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By Ruth van Tilburg (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #396) on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 7:57 am: |
Tom, next time you're here, you bring the tuna & Brights, I'll supply the chef and Polars. That is, if you don't mind eating in my air-conditioned kitchen surrounded by my puppies... Doorbell is next to the big (now purple) garage door.
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By Stephen Cantelli (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #6) on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 8:12 am: |
Glen & Bill,
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By Menno de Bree (BonaireTalker - Post #15) on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 9:28 am: |
Dear All,
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By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #14005) on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 - 10:52 am: |
Menno, could not have said it better...thank you...
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By JPA (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #10) on Thursday, July 28, 2005 - 11:36 am: |
We Loved it!
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By Koert Prins (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #2) on Thursday, August 11, 2005 - 1:46 am: |
Hi guys from it rains fishes,
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