hi all. new here.
my girl and I are making our first trip to Bonaire in Sept (3rd - 10th, can't wait!). i'm told i am a horrible driver, personally i think i'm the best... my question is what to expect? drive right side or left? are the roads well marked? how quickly can i get to a hospital after i crash (or strangle my backseat driver)?

You drive just like in the States. You'll find markings, although they are sometimes confusing. But the island is so small, getting lost won't be a problem! BTW, NO traffic lights!

I'm not sure where it is now, but there was a thread with road signs to help you. (since they are in Dutch)

1) Donkeys demand the right of way...
2) Iquanas think they have the right of way...
3) Parrots don't care about the right of way, they just want to crap on your rental.

excellent. thanks for all the info. as for the donkeys, et al - i'm from mississippi so if they mess up, it'll be road kill BBQ for me. i've never eaten parrot.....

It ain't no worse than driving around downtown Shubuta...

Brad, I know you are only kidding, but seriously, you have to be very careful NOT to hit the donkeys. People do have a tendency to drive too fast, and in Bonaire it can be deadly for the donkeys. Please remember this while on vacation.

Bonaire Talk has actually adopted donkeys from the donkey sanctuary, and I know people will find your remarks offensive (i.e. "road kill BBQ") even if you are only joking.

Shabuta! that's the first comparison i think anyone will ever see between shabuta and bonaire! funny stuff. where are you Brad?

as for the donkeys, rest assured they are more than safe with me. i'm harmless.
the humor in that statement was aimed more at ppl from MS more so than the donkeys. you know, poking fun at yourself. i realise ppl take themselves way too seriously these days, so to prevent any outcry I officially retract my statement about BBQ. anyway, i did check out the donkey website and i feel sure we'll pay them a visit.

Brad, I was going to suggest that actually. Marina that runs it is such a nice and caring lady, and they have really cute things in their souvenir shop too. You will really enjoy your visit there. But WATCH OUT for the blue walls. Cynde? Pics?

Brad,
I requested help with traffic signs on this forum back in February and got a great response! The thread is titled "Traffic Signs". Follow the link:

http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/32/213910.html?1109302677

During our trip in March we were a little worried about getting around in our rental car, but it wasn't bad at all. We ended up driving ALL over the island. North to the park, south to the salt flats, snorkeling spots along the coast, we had a great time!

We rented a Toyota Rav4 from AB Rental, and they gave us a super map.

Don't worry, just take your time for the first few days and if in doubt, just follow the car in front of you!

Amy

Dang it Brad, had this ol boy all excited for a bbq, then you go and get all P.C. on us;-{)} I have adopted cats, dogs, birds and a few bad habits over the years, but never adopted a dang donkey.

How are things in Meridian nowadays? Spent part of 1976 there, courtesy of U.S.N..

snap. too many responses to keep up with..donkeys,lizards,road signs,shabuta, blue walls, sanctuaries, bad habits....my head hurts.

Kelly - will visit donkeys for sure. hee-haw!
Amy - thanks (i think) for the road signage
Brad - meridian is fine, not much has changed here since '76, still a nice place to visit.

sorry - last comment was for beauregard, not myself. i told you my head hurt.

You talk to yourself too... you'll fit in just fine on Bonaire Talk.

In Bonaire they use the priority road system so you need to know if you are on the priority road. People in the traffic circle do not necessarily have the right of way as in the U.S., the people on the priority road have the right of way. If you study the international road signs the priority road is posted. Same as driving in Europe. Hope this makes sense.

Has anyone ever noticed how the birds fly ahead of the vehicle on the Park road/paths? Up by BOPEC, too, on the road to Playa Franz...the birds always get "spooked" when they hear our vehicle coming down the road (can't understand why the wildlife would get spooked hearing our behemouth (misspelled) coming for miles!)and they fly down/up the side of the path ahead of us as if they are "leading" us to our destination! It is so cool the way they do this....happens every time! They curve if the path curves, too.

Anyone else ever notice this with the birds??

Welcome to BT, Brad! You are gonna love Bonaire and all she has to offer...it is fun exploring the island and learning all new and different things in addition to the water activities. Ayo. Carole

Carole, please back away from the pipe. lol

Just that good old natural high we all get when we are on Bonaire! LOL. Wanna hit? Really...next time we go out on the dirt trails again I will video tape these flying navigators/leaders of the way....it is neat to see!

Kel, those days are longggggg gone! LOL. CArole