I shall start this thread by saying being sick on Bonaire is still better than being sick at home, or at work. With that out of the way, our 14th trip to Bonaire was wonderful. I had tried to make some tentative plans with Annie and Mercy for some Swiss Chalet, but that somehow went south. If it was my fault, I apologize for the miscommunication.

Anyway, getting to Bonaire is always part of the adventure. This time was no exception. In the City of Brotherly Love, the jet was about an hour late taking off, as they had a problem with lighting or something. We did get to San Juan about forty five miuntes late. This was no real catastrophe, as we had a 6 hour layover anyway. As stated in another thread, I had bought Kathi a full body massage at the Inter-Continental. (Kelly told me to man up, and I did) However, as the tradewinds blow, Kathi had a problem with her rib while moving science kits in school. She did not want the massage. So instead of the girl at the Inter-Continental getting a beautiful, petite, woman of 110 pounds, she got a 230 pound former United States Marine with a hairy back. Sometimes that is just the way your day goes. Anyway, it was fantastic. It was my first full body. I'll do it again. I went to Bonaire feeling good already, even with a lot of congestion.

Diving Bonaire:

During the week, we dove the following going from north to south. Karpata, Barcadera, Andrea II, Petrie's Pillar (very cool dive) Small Wall, Something Special, Windsock, North Belnem, Lighthouse Point, Punt Vierkant (square point) The Lake, Hilma Hooker, Angel City.

On Klein:

No Name, South Bay, Forest, and Mi Dushi.

We saw too many things to mention. I was finally able to find a frog fish on my own. This was at Small Wall. We are not photographers, but I think someday I'll give it a shot. After looking at the wonderful pics different people have contributed here, I can see their fascination.

The dining scene was great as well. We ate at Donna and Georgio's, where one can never go wrong. Patagonia had a tough night when David, Janet, Sarah, Kathi and I went. Pablito took a fall in the kitchen and things got all backed up. I hope in June when we go back, they are able to correct some of the things with the wait staff, etc. When they ran Casablanca, it was a well oiled machine. There are some things that need fixing. They are some of my favorite hosts on Bonaire. I have no doubt they will fix it. However, their Agentinian Malbecs are still great wines for the price.

Den Lamen was a trip. We ordered a bottle of white wine, a Chardonay from France. It smelled and tasted like it had been made at the sewage plant. However, Zizza, the owner, made it all good with a bottle of Pinot Grigio that was one of the best whites I ever had. The food, the fish in particular, was outstanding. It is a beautiful setting with great service on top of that. We liked it a lot.

We also did Salsa, Le Flamboyant, Cactus Blue (with Janet and Sarah, as David was still home) and of course our tradition of Capriccio's for lunch. What a great way to spend an afternoon. They were all great. The chicken pasta dish at Salsa is a culinary masterpiece. The herbs and spices that go into it are an infusion of excellence.

Of course, spending only 9 days on Bonaire is just not enough time. We are going back on June 23rd for two weeks, and that is good. We have also booked for next December as well. Thank you for reading my trip experience on the island we all love so well.

We will just miss you in June. The digital shootout @ the Divi is the week before!

Jim, glad you had a good time (despite being sick). Also glad you manned up and went for the massage...best way to spend that 6 hour lay over in my book. Get back to the airport refreshed and ready to start your vacation...I always think a massage is a great way to start a vacation...lol!

Next 2 trips booked...kewl...how is retirement???

I am not going to retire until June Cynde. Unfortunately, Kathi still has a few more years. However, that is why I can retire so I can stay on her healthcare plan until she does. When I say I am retiring, that does not mean I still won't work. I always wanted to sell tires at Sears or be the greeter at Home Depot. LOL

With all the niceities above, I forgot to mention something very sad. While I was gone, one of my best friends passed from cancer. He, thank God, went very quickly. I found this out in the Miami airport when my cell resumed service. His memorial is tonight. He and I worked together for 32 years. I will miss him dearly. He gave credence to the expression, "Only the good die young."

Jim so sorry to hear of your loss..
Great report and welcome home...

Jim, thanks for your report and I am sorry to hear about your friend. Big Hugs coming your way.

Jim, I'm so sorry about your friend. I've lost too many in the last 3 years...all taken too young Big hugs to you...

Jim, we feel your pain friend. Hang on.

Jim, thank you for your report, it was a pleasure to read. I admire your style of focusing on the positive.

I am saddened to hear of your loss. Hug or handshake (your choice) coming at ya.

Jim sorry to hear about your friend, hugs are in the air for you along with our prayers.

Enjoyed your report, gave me some ideas about our next time on Bonaire.

Andy

Jim - thanks for the great report. Sorry to hear about your friend. That is always difficult but you are correct when you say at least it was quick. And sorry we hijacked your other thread regarding your cold/congestion. Sounds like you made the best of it anyway...you frogfish finder you...

The memorial service, last night was beautiful. There were probably 400 people there, which should be a testament to his spirit and soul. Different people got up to speak and tell stories about him. Being the Irish raconteur that I am, I gave some accounts of teaching stories we shared together through the years. People were laughing hysterically, but the funny part was they were true. I was telling some people last night how I found about Michael's demise, in the Miami airport. On the flight, back to Philadelphia, Kathi and I were separated by an aisle. It really did give me a chance to retrospect, 36,000 ft. up about my bud. Maybe he was sitting there with me. Who knows?

Jim, great report! So sorry to hear about your friend, and glad you have had such a great person to share your work & life with!

Jim - I very much enjoyed your report!
So sorry about your friend. May the good memories stay with you always. 400 people there says it all.
Hugs to you & your family and his family also.

Jim, thank you for sharing your trip. I enjoyed it very much. I was really sorry to hear about your friend. I'm glad you made it home in time to attend his memorial.

Jim,

Glad we could share your trip with you and Kathi. Next year I hope we will all leave our microbes at home. So sorry to hear about your friend. It sounds like you were able to help give him a farewell he would have appreciated.

David

Thank you everyone for your very kind words and thoughts. It has been a difficult week for me dealing with my friend Michael's death. You have all helped me in this time. I thank you.

David, I agree. Next year, we leave the diseases of the northlands home where they belong. I hope Sarah is feeling better as well.

McPeak...this is 2 years in a roll I have slacked off and missed you on BON at Xmas.
I would demand better performance on my part if I were you.

Well then get you Two Steppin Texas A$$ down there!!! I want to see you Bar B Quen with a vengeance!!

Sorry Wally, I meant get your Devil Went Down to Georgia A$$ down there. LOL

Hey sorry it didn't work out going out to eat together Jim. I should have found a way for you to get in touch with just me. I always have a cell phone on me so no excuse on my part!

Annie is still working when she's on the island...I'm not and go out every night with someone. Next time Jim!

That's a deal Mercy. It's fun to meet new people and share the Bonaire experience together.

Jim, I was going to just say what a nice report~ LOVE the massage commentary
But in light of your loss, I have to tell you how much it meant to me when my brother died and the church was overflowing and to this day I remember a fellow (don't even know who he is/was) came up to me to tell me a private story about my brother.... I treasure that, even now 25 years later, just as I'm sure that Michael's family & friends will forever treasure your stories.
I hope to have the pleasure of meeting you on Bonaire one day