Getting there: We flew AA, and had no problems. Left the house at 7:30PM Friday night, and arrived in PR Saturday morning around 10:30AM. We had heard that there was a luggage check place for your carry on baggage, and it took a while to find where it was. It's on the second floor, you have to go out of the security area, in front of AA ticketing down the hall from Cinnabon, and it says "Checked Baggage" above the door. We dropped our carry on's off and then met up with, Rafa (Elvira's son). We drove (well, technically Rafa drove) us into Old San Juan for a few hours. I hadn't spent a lot of time there, so Rafa showed us a lot of new things. It was a parking nightmare as it was a Saturday, and there were a few cruise ships in town so it was pretty crowded. Rafa dropped us off at the airport around 3:00PM because he had an event that he was heading up that afternoon.

Once back through security, went to the Admiral's Club and paid the day rate and hung out, slept a bit, and just relaxed until the flight at 6:30PM. Michael wore the infamous "flamingo hat" in the gate area, and he got some strange looks. Once on the plane, the flight attendant said "did you know that the Bonaire airport is called the Flamingo Airport?" DUH! So we gave her the rundown on the hat, and that it had traveled all over the US...I think some people thought he was lit...hee hee...

We arrived a little after 9:00PM (just a mere 26 hours after leaving California)¡KMartini and Angela met us at the airport, with Polar's...ahhh...the fresh Bonaire breeze blowing...a Polar, and most importantly getting to meet 2 great friends in person finally! We had a package through Belmar, and they had used AB car rental...well, it seemed that everyone on our flight had been booked with AB. All of the rest were empty. Note to self, next time book with Martini's favorite place (can't remember the name now). We didn't have any problems with AB, it was just that we were exhausted and wanted to get some rest and it took quite a while to get the car.

Accommodations: We rented number 22 at Belmar, one of the Penthouse apartments. I'm not really sure I can put into words how unbelievably great this place is. It's all open air (except the bedrooms which have AC). From any angle, in any part of the living space, you see the beautiful water and Klein...we also rented the room with the Jacuzzi, so that was just an added bonus. One morning, when I was making breakfast for Dylon and I before a nice morning dive on the house reef (Sarah and Michael were sleeping in)...I looked up, as I'm scrambling eggs, and a pod of dolphins go by...then, a flock of flamingos fly by...I can¡¦t even explain how wonderful it was! We had chibi chibi's and all sorts of other birds come and sit on the railing (tempted by sugar;-) and chirping...it was so wonderful!

OK, let's see if this will work...

Diving: As usual, great! Martini was doing Sarah's check out dives (thanks again bud), and it was so comforting to know that she was in such good hands. After getting our tags, and renting gear for the kids, we headed back up to the room. Angela went with me to Cultimara to get some supplies (it was great, cause I could ask her what all the things were that I have never been able to figure out...I was like a kid in a candy store..."what's this what's that".... Thanks Angela for being such a great sport...oh, back to the diving..

Sarah getting her "dive briefing"


We headed to Playa Cha Cha, all geared up and Martin and Sarah got in the water to do their thing, and we went for a dive. Saw a couple nice big tarpons, and the usual suspects.

The next day we did Playa Cha Cha again for Sarah's skills, and had another great dive. Then on to front porch (Eden beach) and visited the cams and then went for a dive.

After the Playa Cha Cha dive, poor Martini needed a bright after a day and half with Sarah LOL!


We finished the day at Windsock. The next day we started at Oil Slick. Sarah's first giant stride...poor thing lost her mask and her weight belt, bless her heart and didn't drop either...she managed to hold onto both! AND, now she was a full fledged SCUBA diver!!!! We then went to Martini's fav, Ole' Blue. I've never dived there before, but this is now on my list with Bari...man, it was fabulous! There were tons of juve fish wherever we went too.

The next day we took a boat dive with Photo Tours, through Yellow Submarine in town. Dove Bloodlet and Country Gardens. Country Gardens turns out to be Sarah and Dylon's favorite site. Martin buddied with Sarah (she wouldn't dive with anyone else at this point, "I want to dive with Martin¡KMartin Martin Martin!" LOL! They found (or so they say, I never saw it;-) a HUGE green moray eel...well of course, the folks in the group behind us moved in to see what Martin was showing Sarah...swam out a bit and watched the fiasco...figured I'd seen whatever he was showing her before, and didn't want to get kicked in the face, body, etc...Sarah turned around and her eyes were as big as oranges and she had her arms stretched out as far as she could like "it was HUGE." It was awesome to see her expression...and how cool she thought everything was.















Sarge guarding his eggs...





one of my favorites...



Thursday (already?) Dylon and I got up early and did a house reef dive off Belmar¡Kit¡¦s a very nice reef. In the shallows heading out we found small eels, anemones, and all sorts of cool stuff. Then Martin and I headed to Eden with a couple of underwater scooters¡Kman, I felt like a female James Bond! We had a turtle sighting as well. We entered North of Eden, trying to find a Tug that¡¦s there, didn¡¦t, so then headed to the cams and buzzed it a few times¡K


Tooled down to Our Confidence, then back to the cams where Martini swiped the lens and did a little clean up¡K

Friday (last day of diving)¡K.booo hooo¡K.We were going to do the cams again, but it didn¡¦t work outƒ¼ Dylon and I did another morning house reef dive, and Angela and Martini came over for a snorkel (and Martini played with the scooter while snorkeling and had a nice barracuda encounter¡Kask him about it;-)

We hung out and did one more house reef family dive¡Kso great to share your passion with your kids, and have them love it too¡Kwe are a diving family now!

Cynde, great trip report and great pictures. We have stayed at Belmar twice in #4 & #6. We love the homey atmosphere and love the staff in the dive shop and the housekeeping staff. It is also nice that they have night security.
Andy

Thanks for the report and photos Cynde. Again that photo of Martin briefing Sarah made me chuckle. It takes a real pro, to wear a Tiara and look serious;-{)} Ooooooo my sides are hurting.

YGM

Cynde, I THOUGHT that pic of the Belmar dock was taken from the penthouse! Sounds like you had an awesome time. Thanks for the report and the pics!
c.

Wonderful Report Cynde and I love your pics!!! I wish I was in the hottub with a glass of wine right now too.

Ok, more...btw, the typos are not my fault...I'm doing it in front page and copying it over...the apostrophes and ...'s aren't transferring! LOL!

Off Belmar dock

Cynde, where exactly is Playa ChaCha located?
Andy

Was Dylon trying to tell us "ten" dives?

Don't forget to pack your Tiara in October:-{)}

Eileen, how was the first day back at work?

Andy, Playa Cha Cha is just North of the Divi, by the Dive Inn. It's a great place for check out dives and such because there is a lot of sand. Surprisingly, we headed South, and saw quite a bit of stuff, but then to me, any dive is better than no dive!

Tom, no, he was just being goofy, like...hey..here I am...LOL!

Dining: Casablanca (great as usual), City Café (better than usual)


Tuesday at Gibi’s…well, pictures speak louder than words ;-)




Martin choking Josie (poor Josie)



Then he decided he would let her go...


Dylon and Sarah receiving Tom's gifts



La Flamboyant (fabulous), Bongo’s lunch (always good), Chibi Chibi for lunch, Old Inn for dinner with Jake, Linda, kids, Martini, Angela and our clan (excellent food).

We decided to have a Saint Patty’s day party on Friday night at the condo. We had Annette, of The Last Bite Bakery (I hope I got the name right Annette!). Absolutely Fabulous (as the UK sitcom would say). If you need some food delivered, or catered, this is your gal. She had chicken somethings (wrapped in bacon and stuffed with spinach and cheese) with a great sauce, beef kabobs, and quiche. Salad, cheese cake and chocolate to die for somethings…Here is Josie (of Josie and the Pussycats) protecting these treasures from Dylon.




Josie protecting the delicious chocolate desert (from Dylon)


That's all for today, I'll finish off with the Donkey Sanctuary pics (and mishap) story tomorrow!

Darlene and Tom

oops...that double of Josie is Sarah doing her navigation skills for her check out certification! LOL!

Hi Cynde,

Mah-vel-ous trip report. I love the St. Patty's Day hats, headbands, and plastic leis.
Did you drink green beer (EEEeeeeew!)?

Mare

Cynde, it's great to see the pics again! Love all the hats and antics! LOL! Definitely think a stay at the Belmar is on my list of things to do!

More More More!!

Cynde, the first day back to work wasn't bad, it will be a busy and tough year ahead. Quinn is having fun at my parent's! Now to tackle Day 2.

Again Cynde, thanks for the photos, they are great.

I hope there are more family dive outings in your family's future.

LMAO!!! My eldest was just sitting next to me having his coffee. He started laughing as I was scrolling down the page. He said "What is it with you folks wearing Tiaras and silly hats?" I told him it was a Bonaire thing, he would have to go there to understand;-{)}

Cynde, great trip report. Enjoyed the pictures and that place you guys stayed looks marvelous. Have to say love those hats specially St. Patrick's hats!!! Thanks for sharing.

Glad you guys spend sometime with Rafa. No pictures?!!!

Great report Cynde, I'd give it a ten if there were more pictures . Looks like you had a great time.

Hi Cynde
Great report!!It was great to meet you and the family.What a fine bunch of coconuts! Just kidding of course! It was a lot of fun and I only wish we had more time together. Your place was incredible!!!!! My mouth dropped open when I walked in and saw the view!!!!! Hope to see you again in October!!!

Wowwww, that was certainly worth the wait !! Great pictures... more more more...

Cynde, Great report!
Darlene raved about your place - now I see why!
Any more photos? (Please? )

Great report and pictures Cynde. Bubbles and I only have 62 days 21 hours and 30 minutes till our trip report starts.

Aquaman

Thanks guys, it really was a great trip...I look at the pictures constantly...I want to go back!!

Darlene, I think you need to post a picture of your new tattoo ;-)

Elvira, the pictures of Rafa are on Sarah's camera, I'm waiting for her to send those to me

Cecil, I'll try to get more pictures in the next grouping ;-) I have the donkey sanctuary mishap to post...and then the cam pics...I didn't get to the cam again, and had so many more signs, so if you didn't see your name, please don't be offended...I just never got back! October!

Great Report, Cynde! Yes, more pics!

Wow! Thanks, Cynde. CArole

Great report and (fabulous) photos Cynde. The kids will never stop talking about this trip - there'll be lots of "remember when...." in the years to come. It looks like it was a real special week!

Cynde - what a great report!!!! Now I really am ready to be on the island!!!

~10 more hours until touch down - unless the travel gods are against me

Tom - love the reply to your oldest on the silly hats - my kids are shaking their heads at the toys that I am bringing!!!Bryant at least understands - Alex - just thinks I am weird!!!LOL!!

Cynde, thanks for the info on Playa ChaCha. sorry it took so long to get back to you with thanks, was unable to be on the computer yesterday. The pictures of BelMar and u/w are great.
Andy

Loved your report, masha danki!

One of the most fun things we found to do on our way home in the evenings, was flamingo tipping. The best part, is as they usually stand on one leg, it was really easy to tip them (I have a picture somewhere but can't find it right now...Freddie, Annie, Barbara, do you have that picture? ;-)

We also went to the Cinnamon Art Gallery. It is really nice, and is so wonderful to see a place where local artists can display their work in a real gallery. Avy, who does primarily African art was there both days, and he is such a sweetheart. If you stop in, make sure you introduce yourself to him. He also has a good sense of humor! Last time I was on island he had been making these really beautiful trays, but wasn't making them at the time. He had one more at home with turtles on it, and was kind enough to sell it to me. Jake and Linda's art is also displayed. Linda has created some really wonderful pieces (and of course, I had to get the Flamingo Sunset...ha ha Tom)!

Our last night, Jake and Linda invited Michael and I, Martin and Angela to a wine tasting at Harbor Villiage. They had 4 or 5 different companies with their selection. We had ordered wine to be delivered before we arrived from the Antillean Wine Company. That was extremely easy. I emailed them the selection I wanted, and they emailed back if they had it, and if they didn't have it they had recommendations for replacement. I will certainly use them again. Another one we liked were from the wine store, that is connected to one the gift shops in town on the main street. Of course, now I can't remember the name of the store. Anyway, that man knows his wines! He had several and next time when we need a bottle or two, that's where we are going to go!

Also, Martin had recommended the Jewel of Bonaire if we wanted any jewelry (he bought something cool there). They were very nice and had reasonable prices as well.

Now, for the Donkey Sanctuary....

We went to the Donkey Sanctuary on our no dive day, met Marina for the first time, and it was very fun. She is so nice, and really loves those donkeys….Sarah got to feed an orphan, which she was just thrilled about!



They have the orphans in this cute little special area...


She also has an iguana area with about 16 different types of iguanas, and baby chicks roaming around…



Now, for the "incident." We took a bunch of apples for the donkeys and cut them up. We went out into the open area, and the assistant told us that we could go under the "covered area" behind the small wall if we didn't want them hounding us…no problem, we love the donkeys…well, as soon as they saw us with the apples, they ALL came hearding in….and wanting the apples…it was fine, then for some reason, I felt a little "claustrophobic" and I was afraid I would get my feet stepped on, so I thought, I'm heading to the covered area behind the wall…so I started walking, and they surrounded me…then for some unknown reason I totally panicked! LOL! So I took off running full speed for the covered area…seeing the wall….thinking…MUST LIFT LEGS OVER WALL…,well, my brain and legs didn't coordinate and I hit the wall like a brick, went flying over it….landed on the cement floor...sun glasses flew off…apples flew everywhere…I landed on the cement on my elbows and knees….i laid there…and just burst out laughing hysterically as my family, visitors, and marina looked on like WHAT THE HECK???? Marina comes over and is like "they won't hurt you" and Michael comes over and said "DID YOU NOT SEE THAT WALL?" It was the funniest thing I swear….most embarrassing moment number 1….it beats all the others. Here are the pics...




Me making a break for it...






I had a sore knee, but other than EXTREME embarrassment, all was OK. Poor Marina just looked at me like...well...you know...bless her heart, she really does love them. The place is unbelievably clean as well.

We also travel with "Turtle Turtle"...when I was in Puerto Rico last year, Michael's key word to me to "relax" and take a deep breath was "turtle turtle." One day, I got a box, and in it was Turtle Turtle...when he was in Florida last fall for 6 weeks, I sent turtle turtle to him (the gal at Mail Boxes etc. was a bit confused...you just want me to put this in a box and send it? no note? LOL!) Anyway, so we decided that turtle turtle now needs to go on all of our trips, so he came along. He really enjoyed the view from the balcony, and the jacuzzi...



Belmar has a few resident iguanas that hang on the ledge of the water and you can get quite close to them!




Now for the sunsets....man do I want to go back!




We spent so much time diving (well sort of) and relaxing in this wonderful condo, that we didn’t really get a chance to do much driving around the island this time. Michael took Sarah south, and around to Lac Bay while Martini and I went scootering, and Dylon snorkeled…

Cynde, that is jus too funny. Enjoyed all the pictures and those sunsets wow!! Take care my friend!!

Oh Cynde -- I laughed so hard that I could no longer see the computer screen -- Will you star in this B Movie: Killer Donkeys -- or better yet -- Killer Blue Walls!

I keep on seeing this hitchcock scene in my head of the ending of the Birds -- except it's you in a field of complacent donkeys. And instead of saying Noooo, no, no, you're saying Turtle turtle, turtle turtle.

I've had walls sneak up on me before -- but only when too much wagga wagga was involved.

Thanks for the laugh!

Mare

LOL Mare...I swear, Michael kept saying (over and over again) "did you NOT see that wall???" That and apperantly as he, Dylon and Sarah watched me "make a run for it" they were all trying to figure out what in the heck I was doing...and then of course...I hit the wall and tumble to the other side...the pictures actually are out of secquence...here is the fatal scene...

I must also add, that I really do love the donkeys too. Heck, BT has adopted a few, as I have as well. They really are loveable creatures, and wouldn't hurt anyone...obviously as I was the ONLY one that ran for the wall, while the rest of my family watched...with the donkeys they were feeding...trying to figure out what I was running from...LOL!

Cynde, the donkeys just wanted your shades --



Mare

Cynde, I don't care who you are that right there is funny. LMAO!!!!

ROTFLMAO! Great story Cynde!

Ouch!!!! Too bad you didn't see that wall coming!!
Here is my Angel tattoo thanks to Martin's photography.

Mare...ROTFLMAO....I swear, I still laugh hard when I envision my "most embarrassing moment" so far in my life...I'm not sure I can top this one (or want to!)

Darlene, I am now more motivated to actually get one on the small of my back...I want a sea horse, Michael wants a turtle...hee hee...Susan sent me a link of someone local that has a good reputation, so I can't use that excuse anymore!

Great story and pictures Cynde... love the donkeys in the shades, too.

Darlene that is a great tattoo !! I love it!!

Now where is that picture of us flamingo tipping?

Also, I cannot believe that NO ONE has commented on Martin's "gadget" in the photo of he, Dylon and I in the water...

I had to scroll back up... whoa... that's some gadget, Martin !!!

Yea, and we were giving John (Cam's friend) grief about his "light"

Great report Cynde! LOL! It was good to see some good things that happen on Bonaire as well as some of the not so "lucky" things as well! LOL!
There have been so many reports of bad things lately, it was very refreshing to read your report! Debbie

Great photos and even better memories. Thanks for sharing them! I can not wait to go!!

I have to admit it was not my gadget... I borrowed it from Mare, I'm ashamed to admit her gadget is so much bigger then mine...

Cynde, I was laughing so hard as I was reading your post. Ashley came down to see what I was laughing about. I love the pictures and the report. Those sunset pictures look amazing!

Lisa...I still ROTFLMAO when I think of itl...I swear, if there had been a video of it, I would have one at least 100,000 on America's funniest videos!

Boy Mare, you sure get blamed a lot...gadgets, thongs, tiaras!!! Great report Cynde!! I'm still shaking off the PBD from February, but I think that Sheryl and I will be back at the end of September (Kelly, I think we can work it to jive with your trip....Thonga!!!!!) I wanna go diving!!!

Cam, I prefer to think if it as taking credit rather than getting blamed ;-)
And let's hope that Martin does not get a bad case of gadget envy because mine is "so much bigger" than his.

tee hee
and thanks for the chuckle,

Mare

Cam, that is great news, I really look forward to meeting you both and participating in this unbelieveable event. Guess I better start doing my lunges...

I am evil HoMER! I am evil HoMER! Thonga Thonga Thonga!! I wonder what Gloria Estevan and Miami Sound Machine are doing that week

Beluga Beluga Beluga

Oh, and Cynde....it wasn't John, it was his brother Joe, and it wasn't a light, it was a whistle I'm still trying to figure out how Mare got Joe to do that for the webcam Priceless!!!

OK, I have to tell you (Kelly, Mare and Cam) I was telling Michael about the "thonga line" and he said, gee, what, you will have all of 5 people???" We really need to get everyone that is there at the time in on this (at least those that will participate)...maybe we need a "thonga plant" to fund thongs...LOL! Should we contact Guiness now?

Okay, seriously, is someone contacting Guiness? This is funny stuff.... I hope we have a bunch of folks show up !!

The "World Record for Underwater Conga Line Wearing Thongs" AKA Underwater Thonga Line... Me likey ..we could call it "ScubaThong 2005" (why did I never get into advertising ).....this thong thing has a life of it's own....we could have Banners! Party Favours! Champagne!! Whistles!!! No, wait.....forget the whistles (shudder)

Cam, even if there are only five in the conga thonga line, doesen't sincerity count?

(Will sincerity 'read' on the webcams? These and other questions like it keep me up late...)

Mare

As soon as his office opens I'm calling my stock broker and telling him to"BUY THONGS!!!!!! BUY BUY BUY!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA (crazy laugh).....It's ALIVE...It's ALIIIIIIIIIVE!!!

Cam, help me out here...why am I thinking peacock feathers?

I think t-shirts are in order. ??

I checked on Guinness World Records and they gave no record for "The longest Underwater Thonga Line" so I think you all should be the ones to set the bar. Maybe others will try to follow in your footsteps.

Kelly, I agree that t-shirts are in order.

T-shirts....OR...tacky tourist Hawaiian shirts....I am booking our flights this week...Kelly, what are the dates you will be in Bonaire again?

Mare ROTGLMAO

Peacock feathers??? That's a CHORUS LINE, not a thonga line I don't think I have the bosum for that (gimme a few years )

Sept. 30th to Oct. 12th!!

Cannot wait to meet you and Sheryl !!

Us too....we're spoiling ourselves....two trips to Bon in one year!!! I can't wait to hit the water again...AND bring a Calgary Stampeders (CFL Football) flag/pennant for Gibi's....

Cam, we'll get you a man-zier made out of coconut shells and 'fill you in' where needed.

Not to worry, no whistles involved; just peacock feathers.

Details to follow

;-)

Mare

BREAKING NEWS!!!!! I have just booked our flights to Bonaire (AA)...Business Class!!!....Leaving on the 29th of September...overnighting in Miami....the next day off to Curacao...arriving in Bonaire at 3:00 on the 30th!!!! We will be staying in the Sand Dollar again (we're still looking to buy)....Liz (if you're listening), the BBQ at Karpata is a go!!! I will book my fishing trip when we get there...maybe Ed will want to tag along....Kelly et al....warm up those thongs!!! WE'RE COMING BACK!!!! Thonga Thonga Thonga....I will officially start a new thread to gather potential Thongers tomorrow....man, I'm bouncing off walls...Gibi's chicken stew....drool drool....I call dibs on the purple with black stripe thong (grrrr)...am I making sense???

Oh, I forgot...

Cynde, love the donkey pics! The secret is out about Marina's donkey cloning however! Now, if only I can figure out an early October trip! I'm sure the boys can come up with a few more "thingies'" to dangle in front of the camera, wonder if Smack wants to show us how to use a "flashlight".... he was as good with that as Joe was with the "whistle"

Babs

You simply HAVE to be there in October...Thonga!

Thonga-Thonga-Thonga!!! We will be there Cam, tell Cheryl I got her email, thanks! Also Ed can't wait to go fishing with you! Talk with you guys soon! Hugs!

Liz and Ed

Liz....I may need the purple with black stripe thong (grrrr) to come out of retirement

Cam,

I'll have it waiting, stitched up for you! LOL! Liz

Liz

I have dropped off your card at my dive shop...I will be going in to see them tomorrow as I (in my rediculous state of mind) just bought a new dive computer and stages....nice!!! Their webpage is

http://www.adventuresinscuba.com/

As I mentioned earlier, they are planning a trip in February...I will do what I can...I have also ordered a housing for my digital camera....I will have pictures!!!