We have followed Bonaire Talk for a couple of years, and would like to now join in the forum to share something that happened to us on our recent trip at the end of March.

Some years ago Speedy Muffler had a slogan - “We make you feel like a somebody”. Well, the people of Bonaire make us feel like a somebody. Leaving the airport exhausted after a long flight from Toronto/Curacao recently, we got lost trying to find the route to the Sand Dollar. After a few minutes of driving down dark streets, we saw a car pulling up along side of us. A police car. I thought the police officer (a woman) was attracted to my brown eyes and unshaved face - but alas, I think she just wanted me off the road as soon as possible. She asked if we were lost, and when we asked her the way to the Sand Dollar, she looked at us hard for a minute - we clearly looked too tired to follow directions - and said she would lead us there, and pulled in front. I started the car (a standard, which I haven’t driven for 30 years) and stalled; started it again, stalled again. After I stalled it the third time, she got out of her car, came back to ours, and said, “Sir, we’ll be here all night. I’ll drive.” She pushed me into the back, hopped in, and drove us all the way to the Sand Dollar, with her colleagues in the police car leading the way.

I will look forward to seeing her again on my next trip - but with my luck the next police officer I encounter will be some 6'5" guy who doesn’t appreciate some unshaven visitor tying up traffic.

This encounter with the police - our only one in three trips to Bonaire - certainly reinforces our appreciation of the charm of the people of Bonaire!

Good news is always welcome!!! TKS.

didn't she gave you this sticker? We got a few last year saying: Mi "red heart" Polis di Bonaire

We had no idea they provided stickers as well! What kind of stickers? We'll have to go back and get one....any excuse to plan another trip!

again...good to hear positive spin in this area

like i said, a white sticker with a big red heart saying: Mi "red heart" Polis di Bonaire
wait a minute, i'll make a picture:

to read about why we had to visit the police, follow this link:
http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/1022/85303.html?1051661004

Karin,

Thanks for adding that link. What a miserable experience to have to start off a holiday. I assume you found the police officers as pleasant to deal with as we did. In the event we ever encounter them again, we will ask for a sticker for our car. I can't imagine what the drivers of Toronto would make of that!

well, actually, in the end it wasn't that miserable, insurance covered all losses, it didn't spoil our holliday (just that it did cost some time to get everything arranged with the police report etc, we where at the police station every day). As a matter of fact: we will return to Bonaire in 25 days! Fell in love with that place!
I can send you a sticker if you want too (i have 3)? drop me an e-mail with your address.