Just returned from a very relaxing two-week stay (Aug 10th to 24th) at our two bedroom condo at Sand Dollar. It was our 13th trip to Bonaire and Sand Dollar. We had hoped to jump off the new dock but it will be ready in early September. We did get to dive under it though!

We flew Air Jamaica from JFK in NYC and arrived in Bonaire at about 2:30pm. Coming home was just as good, we left Bonaire about 3:00pm and arrived back in New York just before 10:00pm. We think Air Jamaica has made it really easy to get to Bonaire.

We did all our dives on Bari Reef and the fish life was just incredible. Every time I suggested to Joan to go somewhere else she would say look at all the great stuff we see right here! She is right. Families of squid, morays, groupers, all types of angel fish. The list goes on and on.

On our way back in from Bari Reef we would finish the dive by going under the new pier at Sand Dollar. In a short time it looks like it’s going to be a great night dive.

Andre Nehr gave us a tour of the new gear locker facility and pier. It’s going to be a really nice dive operation. They are going have a filling station right on the pier, rinse tanks, and fresh water shower. Just grab a tank and go diving.

We found some new places to eat that we had never tried before. We had dinner with Jake & Linda at Donna & Giorgio. It is one of the best meals we ever had on the island and the company was great.

Another new place for us (right across the street from Donna & Giorgio as a matter of fact) is Bobbyjan’s BBQ. It is open only on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Some of the best ribs we ever had and you can’t beat the prices. It’s very simple place with great food and an excellent value. Lion’s Den now has a Wednesday night all you can eat BBQ.

Having a complete kitchen allowed us to eat in a lot. Most times we did breakfast and lunch in our condo. We even cooked a fresh lobster dinner one night, three lobsters for a total of 8.2 pounds. The Cultimara supermarket in town has become a great place to get what you need. We bring less and less with us each trip.

We’re looking forward to our return trip in February 2003 when we can use the new pier.

Great to hear the good news guys!!! We miss the Sandollar and will be back there in May...Will stop in to see Andre and company in November....

Alan and Joan,
Great trip report!!! I can't wait to try all the new places to eat! Sand Dollar's reef sounds great and it is the same way I feel about the Calabas at the Divi. I think no matter where you stay and go in the water there is a multitude of beauty!!!

Alan & Joan,
Too bad you didn't get to 'stride-off' the new pier yet, but you still get to a week before we do!
Chet

Alan & Joan,
Popped in for a read. Nice to find your report. Memories are almost as good as the real thing, eh? ;-) Glad your vacation was wonderful. Eagerly planning ahead for our next time, Niki

Btw, not sure if I will ever get a report written about this year -- maybe a brief one.

alan and joan, sounds like you had a much needed very restful vacation. my most memorable dive was our dive at 5 on bari, had a bottle of wine with crackers and fruit waiting in our dive locker when we got out and had wine and watched the sun make it's final rays...it is easy to just dive there as it is convenient, and i am sure you both needed some relaxation time i look forward to seeing the new dock next time!

One of the highlights of the trip was dinner with Jake & Linda at Donna & Giorgio, a new restaurant for us that has become one of our favorites.



Seated (l-r) Alan, Jake, and our friend Tom. Standing (l-r) Joan & Linda

Thanks for the Sand Dollar update, sounds like the pier should be complete by the time we get there the first week in Oct. YIPEE!!

It was a very nice dinner indeed, Alan!

Those wishing to dine there in Sept, be forewarned that Donna & Giorgio are on vacation in Italy this month!

Jake

looks like the pier will be done in a few days. They are ready to put down the wood!

Bobby Jean's was some of the most delicious ribs I've ever had! They marinate them in the peanut sauce that is so prevalent on the island. I went there in July on my first visit to Bon and it is one of the must do restaurants on my return back in Dec.