We still have two weeks before my wife and I make our way to Bonaire (for the first time)....I should have never Googled this site....reading all of these great threads is sure making the clock slow down (and my work ethic go to pot)!!! I've packed and repacked my dive bag so many times I'm wearing a hole in it. The webcam images are great...I can't wait to wave my Flames flag in front of one of them.....C'mon guys, be a pal and tell me how utterly terrible a time you're having there...help a fella out

Yours in ice, snow, bare trees and agonizingly long days

Cameron:

LOL! Sounds like your very relaxed about your impending trip...and nonchalant!

I've never been to Bonaire, but I've been part of the BT group for a couple of years. What a nice group of people...and what a great place Bonaire looks to be!

Keep reading...you'll learn alot...and waste alot of time! But it's quality stuff!

Sally

Sally I see that you are a diver and relly surprized that you have never been to Bonaire. Take it to the bank if you come vist Bonaire you won't want to dive anyplace else! Not many large animals unless you dive the windward (wild) side but good fiz and water in the 80's(F) all year round. Just remember to bring a empty log book if you dive here!! I have been diving for 40 years and have dove the world and Bonaire is #1 by far. Ron

Cameron, I hope the two weeks go by fast! Where are you staying on Bonaire? Rent a small pick up truck for shore diving the whole Island is a wall dive and you will not find better shore diving anyplace else. The Front Porch dive site is where the reefcam is located is damaged from the surge in 99 but most of the reef is in good shape 20f or deeper. I have been to Bonaire 38 times and will make it 39 in May this year. Bring a underwater camera and have a ball. Ron

Cam,
Hang in there son, it won't be long now. Just think you won't have to plug in your truck in Bonaire. We finally got some winter here in Virginia. 25 and 1/2" of snow and everyone wants to close the schools and go home. We arrive on the 4th of Feb and I get to spend my 29th (?) birthday underwater on the 6th. You won't be able to do all the dive sites in one trip so just go ahead and plan another trip before you leave or better yet just stay all winter. We will be just north of you at Lion Dive. See you in the water.
John Busch

Hey Cam,
My brother is a Blackhawks fan from Chicago, maybe you two can fight about hockey over a cool one while at the beach. I see you are arriving on the 4th. Are you coming on American out of San Juan? If so maybe we will see you in the bar in San Juan.
John

Cameron, Quick, while there is still hope for you, block this site in your browser settings.

Otherwise join us in doing what we do when we are not on Bonaire.

1. Plan our next trip.
2. Look at pictures from our last trip.
3. SUFFER.

Tom, I believe you are talking about PBD...Pre Bonaire Depression, or Post Bonaire Depression...depending on which end you're at...Cameron, you will know it when you are leaving the island, and start planning your next trip before you board the plane.

On another note, since there are no webcam pics here, I'm moving this thread to Everything Else...

Cameron, enjoy every minute when you get there ... and we look forward to a trip report with pictures!!

I agree with Cameron. I can't seem to go to bed anymore without checking out the newer posts. I have been reading this site, nearly every post, for a few months preparing for my first trip to Bonaire. We just snorkel and went to Belize last year, but the snorkeling was tough from the boats and with all the wave action. I got my lungs full of sea water one time, panicked and nearly drown. I felt like I had been run over by a truck for a day and was afraid to snorkel after that. Luckily there is a lot of other things to do in Belize. But I love being with the fishes so much that I am going to try again in what seems to be a much friendlier environment. I have learned so much from this site and have been really emotionally touched by all the threads relating to concern for the health and welfare of friends.

Donna,

Invest in an Ocean Master Dry Snorkel before your next trip and never have to worry about inhaling water again. I have tried another brand but it did not work well at all. I've never had a problem with my Ocean Master.

Belinda

Well, so much for you guys calming my excitement...John..yes we are coming in on the AA flight from San Juan...we have a 7 hour layover there, so ales will be quaffed and hockey will be discussed (hey, were Canadian, when don't we talk hockey ....Ron, we are staying at the Sand Dollar and have a truck waiting....my wife and I haven't been on a holiday since August 2002 (work work work)...and I haven't been diving since then (Cozumel)...This wait is going to break my wallet as well...yesterday, diving t-shirt, pullover and new flashlight...last week, new mask and fins...last month, new BCD....my dive shop sees me as one big pigeon these days...coo coo

Hey, since I have so many experienced Bonairians on line...how are the grocery stores there? I love to cook and, if they have all the spices I typically use, I will not bother to smuggle some of mine in. I am particularly interested in hot sauces for Mexican food...

John,
Please, please tell me that you measured 25.5" of snow over at Wintergreen? We live in Harrisonburg/Bridgewater and don't want to SEE that much snow again for a good while

Have a great time when you go in February; we'll be there in April @ Buddy's, for our 13th consecutive trip. I've been eyeing my partially unpacked gearbag from our recent November 04 trip

Cameron,
Have a wonderful trip as well! Time will fly and you'll soon be in the air on your way south. Enjoy beautiful Bonaire!!!

Cam, coming from and fellow Canadian, you will LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Bonaire! We have been twice and in our opinion it is the ultimate in diving. This is an excellent board for information and encouragement, so continue to check in. We just arrived back from Cabo yesterday because we couldn't afford Bonaire this year and it was the trip from hell but that's another story. I live in the armpit of the world (Prince George - missed the -40 temperatures while in Cabo)when it comes to getting to Bonaire so we have to plan a long way in advance. I'll watch for your Flames flag and raise you one Canuck! You will have fun!!!!

Cam, my brother and I sometimes get a cab and go over to a casino/hotel and eat, drink, and maybe loose some $ to kill some time. There are some near the airport. I get in at noon, I not sure what time my brother arrives. We lived in North Dakota and maybe we can get a hockey game in the isle started. I officiate football so I can drop the puck and break up the fights when you hit the floor. Only two more weeks to go. I have only been to the dive shop twice, but I have ordered online twice, new nitrox computer and lights. I am packing my dive gear this weekend and then I will stare at it every day.
Rob & Kobi, sorry not much snow to report, poor Wintergreen. I don't ski, bad wheel, but I feel for them. Good friend used to live in Bligewater, but moved to Harrisonburg. How about JMU National Champs! I will be in Staunton Sat, my daughter is taking the SAT test. I used to work games at BC so I know your area well. Will give you an update on Buddy's on return, we will be diving with them now that Bon Bini is gone.
Cam, we will try to get in a night dive at Town Pier, there is a mim. # to go, let me know if you have any desire. Also if you want a look at the area I have a few photos of Buddy's looking south towards Sand Dollar and the reef. Great diving right there. E-mail me and I will send them to you to get you foaming at the mouth. buschfbref@aol.com

Hi Lorraine

I know what you mean about Cabo....I was there a few years ago....It's great if you like to fish and drink (we did have fun at the Giggling Marlin and El Squid Row) which we partook in each, but I can't keep that pace up....better for young'uns....plus the diving sucked...murky and cold (compared to the Carribean....I'm spoiled). We had much more fun in Cozumel (been there twice)....more lay back, better underwater clarity....now we feel we are past the "all inclusive" stage in our lives, which is why we chose Bonaire....there appears to be a certain "sophistication" among the people who contribute at this site, one that only comes from seeing many places and settling on the best...it's not an easy place to get to, but I have never seen such a devoted following to one place....I can't wait to be a part of it

Cameron,

Well I haven't seen an answer to your grocery store question so here are a few:

Bonaire Warehouse - good prices and selection
Cultimara - kind of a staple but good place for breads

And I know that there are more. As for spices and stuff Ann Phelan may be able to answer that better than I but I don't recall seeing too many hot spices. Look up Ann online here and send her an email asking about hot spices at the store, I suspect she will be able to answer you.

I'm in MAJOR PBD - we were there for two weeks Dec 22 - Jan 5. And now I can't even bring myself to log on to the boards very often - oh the agony!!!!!!!!

I think you'll love it.

Mara

There are some spices that are available but when you start using 4-5 different one it starts to get expensive. I always bring a mix of my favorites and pack them in my suitcase. They take up little space, are not heavy and can save you enough to go out once or twice. I have found that most apartments have little in the way of spices/condiments so you can spend a small fortune on ketsup/mustard/mayo/salt/pepper/sugar/coffee soy sauce. All things you will never use up in a week so the more of these things you can bring the less you spend in the Cultimara. I even bring a small collapsible cooler with Sams chicken breasts, bacon, and some nice sirloins. Freeze them solid, pack them wrapped with beach towels and they'll still be frozen when you get there. When your on a budget as we always are these are the savings that allow us to return to Bonaire.

As far as hot sauces go, as the island is Dutch, there's the Indonesian stuff in all the supermarkets. Be adventurous and try sambal badjak, sambal oelek, etc. instead of the mexican stuff.

We also pack a small 6-pk size cooler with frozen meats. I then fill this with water and use it as a portable camera bucket for shore diving.

-David

Thanks all...T minus 14 days!!!!! Tick tick tick

Thanks all...T minus 14 days!!!!! Tick tick tick

Take your spices in the smallest ziplock baggies you can find as they take up less space and label them. I carry mine on to make sure they get there. There are some hot sauces on Bonaire. The one I really like is Matouk's. There are two types and the Calypso is the milder. It is a mustard based sauce from Trinidad. It is expensive to buy spices and most of them are in Dutch. I did see a few in English when we went last time. I usually take a few fresh jalepenos with me too.

Okay, I'm a NUT, but I use a large freezer size ziploc baggie... and take the restaurant size packets of ketchup, mustard and mayonnaise, as well as horseradish sauce and soy sauce and little salt and peppers. This is perfect for lunchtime sandwiches and I can just throw away what I don't use. Yes Yes Yes I know... I'm a nerd...

I am just taking my swim suit and dive gear, forget the spices and heading to Bonaire with Cam on the 4th. 2 weeks and we are on the ground in San Juan waiting for flight to Bonaire right now. I am not worried about rain, bugs, or break in's.
No snow for me, just get me to the Islands.

That's it! I want to go too! All I need is my swimsuit and my purple thong for over my wetsuit!
We will go to Gibi's and raid his kitchen! Who's with me!
Mare!!!

I am really looking forward to meeting everyone at Gibi's.....is it by invite only??

No invite necessary, just show up. Do you need directions?
Mare

So is Gibi's a restaurant or just someones house you hang out at? There was a map on the dining section posted in December.

Mare,
Do we all have to wear purple or can we go another color?

Lots of laughs John,
Gibi's used to have a restaurant, he now serves lunch and dinner, six days a week (NOT on Wednesdays) at his home. There is a map posted on another thread, and you do not have to wear purple (thongs or otherwise). But, it would be fun if you let all in your group know the color of the day so you can make a definitive fashion statement. It would be best to let folks know your plans before they are fully packed. Letting someone know while in Bonaire that orange is the color of the day, and his/her best orange shirt/blouse is on a hanger in the closet in Bayonne, New Jersey just won't do!
Stripes would be nice too!
Some like hats, some like tiaras, some like Hawaiian shirts. Whatever floats your boat.

the Gibi thread:
http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/31/187630.html

Mare

Mary, count me in please.

Yours in Thongness,

Kelly

Mare,
I am now confused. Do I bring my purple, orange, or striped thong and do I wear it to Gibi's or just diving. Are you sure this is not against the marine park rules? Watch the reef cam to find out what color is the color of the day on Tues Feb 8. Does Gibi have his own spices or do we BYOS? A lot of rules for a laid back island, no wonder I got a lot of stares last time down in Bonaire.

John, No problem. We are here to help.

---

quote:

Do I bring my purple, orange, or striped thong

---

OK...that's it....I have just spent five months wages on dive gear, t-shirts, shorts, spices, mosquito netting, dutch-english dictionaries, pre-tanning, fish identification books, CD's, bug dope and new underwear and NOW I have to look for multi-coloured thongs!!!??? I'm not sure I have the legs for them T minus twelve days...all packed

Cam, If you're wearing the thong, I doubt if anyone will notice your legs!! ;)

Does one wear the thong under or over the wetsuit?

David yes, over your wetsuit...tu tu's as well...the tiaras go on your head...hmm...where are those pictures anyway! Last time I wore my purple thong on Bon diving, (my dive buddy who also had a purple thong on over her wetsuit)...I couldn't figure out why some solo dive guy was following us down the reef...then I realized we still had our thongs on...hee hee....

Cameron, if you don't have a thong packed, are you sure that you are all packed?
Just asking....
Perhaps, with a suitable pose we can fix you up with a few strokes in Photo Shop. It has be known to have been done before.
(Just don't tell Paul Humann and Ned DeLoach please or we might miss out on a free trip to Bonaire so that we can help them find the elusive purple thong encrusted trunicate.)

David, there is no fashion faux pas as terrible as wearing a purple thong where no one can see it. Please wear it on the outside. If hidden, we may have to paint one on...
Mare

Here are some archived scuba fashions that perhaps can inspire...

some wear their tiaras under the water,

some wear their tiaras above the water,

and some forget that they are wearing a tiara

Some forget their tiaras altogether but we can fix that....

Hope this helps...

oopsie, too many images and not enough functioning brain cells at this late date.

Scuba fashions:

Tiaras below water:

Tiaras above water:

and

And, no problem if you forget your tiaras...


Hope this helps...
Mare

Mare

I sense that you are the evil one ....I'd better stay on your good side....Now where can I find a local strip club (thong), ballet studio (tu tu) and royal residence (tiara) ASAP...T minus 11 days!!!

Mare, DOWN girl!!!

Great profile picture Martin! I can't wait to get into the water...tick tick tick

Thanx Cameron, only 11 days... Well, for me it's "only" 6 weeks, 5 days and 8 hours until departure... It keeps the PBD away when you're able to do a countdown...

Cameron, either Photo Shop or Victoria's Secret can provide you with a thong; either photo shop or your local dance studio can provide you with at tutu; and you must be royalty to wear a tiara. Sorry to disappoint...
Mare

And for you Martin, how about some new headgear and orange thongs? (Martin IS royalty.)



Mare

ROTFLMTO!!!

Rolling On The Floor, Laughing My Thong Off)

Martin -- as opposed to

ROTFLMGO

Rolling On The Floor, Laughing My Gadget Off!

tee hee

Mare

Kelly, your Royal Thongness,

Should we stick to solid colors or do we do stripes?



Not sure...
Mare

Mare, maybe, just maybe we can use figures on them... Lines, dots, circles, etc. etc.

Mare, thanks for the much needed laugh...and I am ROTFLMAO! lol!

OK the tiara's out....now let me see if I have the rules straight...the thong MUST be purple....it MUST be worn outside of the wetsuit....this is gonna make for one helluva trip log....so on Tuesday, February 8th, 2005...we must all arrive at Gibi's with a purple thong and a tu tu??? John, you say your brother is a Chicago Blackhawk fan??? Can he spare a purple thong and a tu tu???

Sorry John (Joe)...I'm having hockey withdrawl.....must tease other hockey team fans....

Cam
I think the blackhawks are red and black, not sure. I think I will wear stripes, maybe pink maybe not. I know a great place in San Juan for thongs so we can get set up on the wait. Maybe we can wear our thongs on our heads instead of the tiara or cowboy hats? Everything is OK because we are going in less than 13 days. See you in the thong shop.
John

You got it man....cervesa in San Juan...then next stop...Bonaire....anticipation....tick tick tick

OOOOOOOOOOooooh!
Thongs on your heads! Niiiiiice.
Something to look forward to.
thanks for the image guys!

Mare

We could start a new fashion trend...I can hear it now...."Now that's one good looking thong on his head....too bad it clashes with his tu tu....must be from Canada...they never really figured out the whole thong-tu tu-tiara thing"

Cam,
11 days and we are in the air on our way. We finally have some winter here and it will be nice to head back to the Caribbean again. I have my spicey thong with bugs on it packed and I am good to go.

I bought a carribean fish ID card yesterday (obviously I am running out of diving merchandise, although I could use a shorty)...I am going to take the underwater naturalist class, the underwater photography class and possibly more...how far from shore do you typically go out for a night dive?

John

We will have to say hi to Mare on a webcam when we are there..

Cam,
We just go to the reef edge maybe 25 meters out and stay at 45 or above. We tie a strobe to a moring line and just head on down the reef and turn around and return at a different depth. Very easy to do. You can start a dusk and finish in the dark and still get to the bar and dinner not too late.
Great place to take classes. We took Advanced Open Water and Nitrox last time.
The cam would be about right.
I really enjoy diving in my shorty and thong. You might want to look into one. Any one else have thoughts on this?
They make great pina colatas sp ? in the bar at San Juan.

I,m in!!!! I think I may have to buy a shorty...oh, and also a thong

Cameron, We also will be watching for the Flames Flag...we might be right behind you cheering you on. Other Calgarians will be there at the same time. Our third trip and we just love it.
I am sure you will fall in love with the place just like the rest of us. See you there.

I remember this feeling....it was when I was 10 years old and Christmas was two weeks away.....asking myself "will it never get here", and then wondering why it all went by so quickly.....so very few things in life give a person that feeling...and oh (John and Mare), I have a line on a purple thong

Jim and Dawna

Will you be there in two weeks??!!! If so, bring some Flames gear down...there is reliable information that there will be Blackhawk and Make Belief fans there as well....we can go easy on Joe (the Chicago fan), but NO MERCY TO THE MAPLE LAUGHS!!!

Disclaimer: I mean no real offence to Toronto fans, you're all very nice and all, but your hockey team sucks

Post-Disclaimer: I used to cheer for the ML when they had Lanny McDonald, but that was a long time ago.....Go Flames Go!

Cameron,
We counting down the days, only 7 now. We will be staying for two weeks. So we may cross paths.
Maybe Gibis Tuesday night.
Hope you enjoy your trip. We know you will love it.

T minus nine days for us...excitement....we will certainly be at Gibi's on the 8th...one more weekend to go...which isn't bad, as we are going to our cabin in the Crowsnest Pass...I'm not sure I can part with my dive gear for that long

Cameron, hope the snow's not to deep in the Pass.
I know you mentioned that you were flying AA from San Juan to Bonaire but are you flying AA directly from Calgary to San Juan? I am always looking for simpler routes from the cold north.

Mare, I vote for vertical stripes on the thongs. The camera adds 10 (or 20) pounds.. and the vertical striping will maybe offset that. Just a thought.

Kelly, you are SOOOOO right!
Mare

Damnation!!! And here's me with horizontal stripes!!! I may be mistaken for a whale....a beluga whale, judging from my skin tone John, where in San Juan did you say they sold thongs..

Lorraine...we are actually going AA Thursday to Dallas, and then (after about 5 hours sleep), we have to get back to the airport for an early flight to San Juan...next time I may try a different route....Miami maybe..

Cam,
There is a little shop in Old San Juan and one in Condado Beach. I think I can get a pink stripe there. Mare any place on Bonaire you know of?
Maybe a shear thong for effect?
Cam 7 days and we are there, last one in the water buys the first round.
John