Many, many thanks to everyone that have previously written a Trip Report, asked a question or responded to a question. How else would we have found Larry’s Bakery? This was our 3rd Bonaire Trip and even more wonderful than the prior two. Yes, we already have a 3-week reservation for December 2010.

This will not be your traditional trip report. Sorry, no pics. I just want to mention a few above water wonderful experiences.

Ok, lets talk a little about having fun collecting bottles. No…not exactly “e-Bay” quality bottles. Somehow roads and trails seem to attract bottles. Well one bottle attracts another bottle. Don’t know why, but they do. Our trip North to Nukove included numerous stops to procure abandoned bottles. This particular road/trail, around the huge fuel tanks, is best traveled slowly. Just the right speed if your wonderful island resident driver/friends (Sally & Scott) are passionate about the environment. The dive site was great, the lunch even better and the ride home “BOTTLE FREE”.

Bus less—Taxi less-- Did you know that when the cruise boats are visiting, local buses and cabs might be diverted leaving the local population and non-cruise island visitors without transport? So do something nice… if you are tooting around the island, slow down as you approach a bus stop. People will signal you if the are frustrated with their plight. One day coming back from Bird watching at the Park, 2 ladies at a bus stop in Rincon waved to us. I got the message. We turned around, cleared the back seat and the 4 of us headed back to Kralendijk. It was really fun talking to them. One lady was island born, spoke some English, French and Spanish. The other lady spoke no English, spoke Spanish was very nicely dressed and was from Columbia. We stopped at Larry’s Bakery where we all enjoyed some sweets. We then dropped them off near B/J’s BBQ place. What a nice ride back to the big town with our new acquaintances.

Fishy Books. You know the set---Reef Identification Books. We brought all three hard bound. Thoroughly enjoyed them and often fell asleep looking at the wonderful pictures. Well, upon leaving Bonaire, we gave the books to Michael at Chat & Browse, whom, hopefully, forwarded them on to the local high school. The set was still in excellent condition so why did we do this? The children of Bonaire deserve the best of the best so they to can learn to love the island waters.

See if you can find this store! A market on Bonaire is using Red colored bags printed with the statement: “Love & Protect the Environment Create beautiful & Wonderful Life”. Written in Chinese. I’m not kidding. We noticed the printed bag while unpacking from our trip. We have several Asian multi-lingual friends whom interpreted the printing. Look for the red plastic bags.

My early morning swims were glorious followed by 2 wonderful boat dives and then maybe a shore dive. We live in San Diego where we sail, surf, swim and dive yet we dream of Bonaire. Hope you also have a wonderful trip.

Very cool Nan! I love that you gave those wonderful ladies a ride, I'm sure they appreciated it more than you will ever know! I live in the bay area and same here, even though I live in a wonderful place Bonaire is always on my mind!

What a wonderful and warm report! Thanks Nan for posting. I daresay, Bonaire needs more visitors from folks like you. For the life of me, I don't understand the mindset of those who carelessly leave their garbage (read plastic soda bottles, empty containers etc) behind.

You would fit right in with the people of Bonaire Nan. Nice trip report. And we all thank you

Nan, that was a heartwarming trip report. You gave of yourselves and I'm sure were rewarded for it! I'll be sure to keep an eye out at busstops (might have to throw the kids in the back of the pick-up, but...) when we are there in a few weeks!

Thanks for sharing your trip with us!

what a beautiful report. thank u so much
es

Nan, that was a great trip report and a great perspective. I love the people of Bon and find them to be so warm and sharing. Thanks for the excellent reminder!

Very nice. Good work. A guess on the store with the bags. The asian grocery store just north of Sand Dollar on the East side of the main road?

e.