Just got back from three weeks on Bonaire. This was our first trip and it was fantastic. I am going to keep this very short, as I am extremely tired and still trying to get everything in order after three weeks away. I'll try and post a more comprehensive report at a later date, but there are a couple of people I'd like to mention now.

First of all, I would like to thank and acknowledge the assistance that Ann Phelan provided to us. Not only did she provide us with great recommendations on accommodations, she also got us a very good rate on a truck rental. Thanks again Ann for all your hard work.

Ann originally asked us what we were looking for in accommodations, and then gave us a number of ideas. We chose to stay at the Coco Palms / Casa Oleander. We were very happy there. I should say this is probably not the place for everyone. It is not a hotel and you are not catered to. The prices however are very reasonable and the staff are great (special thanks to Marion and Nicki). For us, this was a great pick.

We also did a couple of snorkel trips with Rene, one of which was a night snorkel. I'd highly recommend Rene as she is very knowledgeable and provides a great service.

And finally, I have to mention the Cactus Blue restaurant, with a special mention to Corina.

We had eaten there once during our stay and really enjoyed our meal. We decided to have our final dinner, Friday night, at Cactus Blue. My wife and I sat down, ordered our drinks, and heard a crash. It was another vehicle which backed into our parked rental truck. Remember, this was our first trip to Bonaire and our last night on the island. I wasn't sure what to do, other than to go and get whatever particulars I could off the fellow who was driving the other truck. Corina came out and advised us we should phone the police right away. When we told her we didn't have a phone she called for us. She also called the rental company for us, and then gave us some excellent meals to go, as we had to make a trip to the rental company to make sure everything was sorted out. She really took us under her wing and I just can't thank her enough. Great, great, great service!!!

I should also note that the fellow in the truck who backed into our parked truck was a local and a very nice fellow. He admitted right away this was his fault and I really don't anticipate any trouble. If it wasn't for Corina helping us through the process though, we may not have taken all the necessary steps to satisfy the rental company. The rental company told us we had all the necessary paperwork and that everything should be fine. Once again, we just could not have done this without Corina.

Glad you had a good time! Corina sounds like a gem, we haven't eaten at Cactus Blue yet, but we have it on our list...maybe August!

Welcome home

We LOVE Cactus Blue -

unfortunately they were closed for Easter when we went for dinner end of this past March - - If you go say hi to Corina and Hagen for us!!!

Gord,
Too bad about the accident. I am very happy, it does not sound like you let it spoil an otherwise great trip! Folks we were with in February also had their parked truck backed into (not at Cactus Blue). Unfortunately the person drove away without reporting it. It was on the resort site, so no doubt not a local, but another fellow vacationer. Oh well, it was handled as well as could be expected, actually a bit easier than in the states. While it was a bummer, they did not let it spoil their otherwise fantastic trip. Accidents do happen... We also love Cactus Blue, the food and service are wonderful!!! We had the baracudda...awesome!

Gord-
Glad you enjoyed Cactus Blue and that Corrina was able to assist. Have eaten there many times, her and her husband, Hagen, create a nice atmosphere and wonder meals.