My wife Jodie and I spent our second vacation in Bonaire this past July, and had a wonderful time, thanks not only to the great diving, but to the exceptional hospitality of Benny at Bonaire Town Homes, and of all the folks at the Bonaire Cycling Club. Last year we stayed at Buddy's, which was great, but we were looking to conserve on the budget a bit, as well as get to know the locals a little better, and we were well rewarded. I had contacted Benny before we arrived about participating in the annual Bonaire Road Race, and he hooked me up with the Cycling Club, as there are no road bike rentals on the island. They found me someone who would be willing to lend me a road bike for the event. Well, after a training ride around the island, I discovered the seat post would not go down far enough for (gulp!) comfort. I worked on the thing for two hours, and it wouldn't budge - I was resigned to racing standing up. Then we came back from a dive, and somehow Benny had completely fixed it... I didn't ask him to, and I don't know how he did it, but I was very grateful. So I was ready when Race day arrived, and everyone made me feel very welcome (I'm pretty sure I was the only tourist in the race). I'd like to thank Richard in particular - big and strong, his kindness was appreciated even more than the spectacular draft he provided... At the end of the race, I suffered a mechanical at the key sprint, but they still gave me a trophy (actually two!), so we'll try to bring a few more cyclists with us from Boulder next year.

Oh yeah, and the diving was great - saw three turtles at La Dania's and really enjoyed Boca Bortol and the Lake. We also enjoyed the great little beach just past the blow hole in Washinton Slagbaai, protected from the ocean by coral formations. And Mona Lisa's is always a good place to kick back at the end of the day.

Still, we will always remember this trip for the friendly people we encountered. Benny, if you are reading this, thanks again for the fish- it was delicious (whatever it was). If anyone is looking for simple, reasonable, and very clean accomodations with a gracious host, just outside of town, I would highly recommend Bonaire Town Homes. Thanks, one and all...

Bill Mansfield

Thank you for the trip report. We are taking our first trip to Bonaire in Sept. and have found this board most helpful.

My husbands middle name is Mansfield from his mother's maiden name out of Baltimore, any relation there?

Thanks again for the report.

Ang

Bill, sounds lik PBD will be setting in real soon!

Another testament to the kindness and friendliness to be found in Bon!