Thursday, February 10, 2011

Crazy or just plain foolish?




I had another adventurous morning to myself and decided to walk into town to check out the local flea market. Town was bustling as two cruise ships had docked this morning. People from all over the world were crowding the streets downtown looking for a good deal on trinkets and other things from this charming little island. Me? I was in search of ice cream as it was a hot walk (about 2 miles, 30 minutes walking quickly in the direct sun) :)
About 3/4 of the way into my walk I decided that maybe I needed a drink more immediately than ice cream. I stopped by a local food cart and had a delicious fresh mango smoothie (no milk please) and a bottle of water. The ladies working the cart were lovely so I stayed to chat for a bit. They laughed when I said that it was hot out today, stating that I should NOT come back anytime between June-September as even then the locals are not out walking anywhere (since this is a small island, it's not uncommon for people to walk everywhere they need to go). Aparently temps get up around 37 celcius then! My pale skins burns just thinking about it.




After I polished off my smoothie, I kept on walking along the coast, admiring all the new sailboats that had arrived since yesterday (I'm really thinking we need one of those). I browsed through several shops and finally entered the market where I found everything from fresh fruit (shipped in from Venezuela this morning), to carved drift wood, to jewelry, to a booth to support the local no-kill animal shelter.... This animal shelter is quite impressive as it provides a great deal of free education, free spay/neuter, and microchipping. In the three years that I've been coming to Bonaire, there has been a visible difference in the animal population (cats and dogs) roaming the island. My first visit to Bonaire included a couple of tearful nights after seeing emaciated, thirsty, mangy, and ill animals wandering the streets (it didn't help that one of them looked like my beloved childhood dog, Bandit), and noticing a disregard for them from those that live here. The second trip, I didn't see nearly as many loose dogs and cats, and the ones I did see looked pretty good. And now! I see well fed, well cared for animals, that wear collars and have flea protection. Sure they still roam, but you can see a difference in the cultural thinking about animals.












Enough rambling here. After a quick donation to the shelter and no further purchases (very disappointing), I found my beloved Lover's ice cream shop. One scoop of chocolate and one scoot of the best peanutbutter ice cream I've ever had. A great way to cool a girl down for her long walk back.






Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Wednesday

What a great day! Nate and I were on our own for most of the day so we decided to scooter around the island, taking as many back roads and turns as we could. We ended up leaving the resort after breakfast, somewhere around 9am, and got off our scooters around 1:15p. We saw everything from wild goats and donkeys to the island's massive wind turbines that help not only to generate 1/3 of the power needed on the island but also to make it much more affordable. And, just like our first date - we got stuck out in a pouring rain storm. We were cruising around the leeward side of the island and had nowhere to go but through the storm. What a blast! I don't think we've laughed that hard in a very long time!





This afternoon was a chance to go snorkling down by the airport (thanks to Evan and Salina for the recommendation). I think this was my most incredible snorkle experience to date. We stumbled upon two octopus, puffer fish, morray eels, Emporer Angels, tens of thousands of fish larva, massive parrot fish, trumpetfish, banded butterfly fish, trunkfish, spotted scorpion fish, and on and on and on. All of these things were within a few yards of the shore and the water was only about 10 feet deep. Conditions were pristinely clear. Absolutely amazing.

We met up with Bonnie and Gene for sunset cocktails and a dinner that would fulfill any carnevour's wildest dreams at Casa Blanca (an Argentinian Steak House). We got back home just in time to watch the Duke vs. UNC game tonight... only to discover that we don't get the station... total bummer.

Nate and his folks head out for another locally guided shore dive tomorrow. I'm heading into town to take more pictures and to shop a bit. Until then, goodnight!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Tuesday in Bonaire


So today was a busy day for the lot of us. I (Liz) went for a long hike on the northwest side of the island while Bonnie, Gene and Nathan went for a guided shore dive. I met some very friendly folks from the states who had brought their parents (probably in their mid 80s) with them for a once in a lifetime visit. I was also hot on the trail of some wild donkeys, but alas could not catch up nor keep up through the cactus. Beautiful views all along my way, gorgeous sun and warm breezes. The cure for a girl with pneumonia... going to Bonaire. I'll post some pictures here, but you can find more on my facebook page. PS: I must put in a plug here for the iPhone - all of the pictures that I have taken thus far have been from my iPhone! Quite impressive for a little camera.

Nate and his folks completed two dives this morning and saw lots wildlife including; several varieties of eels (including a gold chain morray), arrowhead crab, lionfish (an invasive but tasty species wreaking havok here), a lettuce sea slug, sea cucumbers, flounder, Queen Angel Fish, barracuda, and lots lots more! Check out some of Nate's pictures on his facebook page.

We rented mopeds/scooters this afternoon and took a quick trip along on the coast. Who knew that scooters were so much fun! We look forward to cruising around the island with them more tomorrow.

And lastly we checked out the Bonaire Grill Truck for a local supper. If you come to the island, it's an absolute must, not only for the great taste, but also the low cost ($31 total for four dinners). We met some friendly pups in the parking lot who apparently know the truck's reputation for great food! We took our food to the dock in town and enjoyed dinner while watching the Scientology cruise vessel named Freewinds leave port.
This picture was taken yesterday. Interesting sidenote about the Freewinds... they only come to Bonaire to spend two days tied to the port to dump their holding tanks (sewage). They do it in a responsible way, it's trucked out, but sad that so many people are on board that don't bother to leave the ship... save to run around in circles on the immediate dock for exercise. They clearly have no idea what they are missing here.

Well it's time to get some rest so we can get back at it tomorrow. Can't wait to see what the day brings. Night all!




What we did last night


So, we ended up staying in last night for a relaxing evening along the shore. Wine, check; snacks, check; front row seating to an incredible sunset, check! More adventures today.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Neat pics from around the island


leeward side of the island

a lunchtime visitor. fickle, only stayed when we had food...

Downtown

The view from our room

My friends under the dock





The Angel Fish of death...






Nate and Bonnie getting ready to dive

Liz's blogspot


Nate, Bonnie and Gene are gearing up for a late afternoon dive so I thought I would take some time to write about what we ahve seen thusfar. The picture with this post is the view from where I sit right now. It's a balmy 84 degrees with a 10 mph wind. The sun is slowly setting and I am all alone on the beach.

Today started with a great dive/snorkel for the group. Lots of fish to chase and be chased by. I made friends with two box fish and a blue tang, but clearly was invading the territory of a French Angel Fish. Let's just say that she was bigger than my dinner plates and was slightly intimidating when she continuously charged me (I have a picture, that I will post next, of her coming at me). My initial reaction was one of peace but as she buzzed passed me I quickly swam back to the safety of my group. For folks who don't know, I'm a big chicken in the water but am getting more comfortable with each passing day. I made better friends with the grouper under the dock as I became an object under which they could hide and swim alongside.

After we reemerged we went into town (Kralendikj) for lunch at a favorite spot along the water. Enjoyed some shopping and picked up some reserve snacks and coffee from the local market. Fresh limes, 28 cents a piece! Also a nice side note, markets here do not provide grocery bags, instead folks bring their own reuseable ones to the store, what a concept :)

Tonight will bring happy hour at the resort. Rum punch and blended drinks for the taking. Maybe a dip in the pool... Tomorrow will bring a day of adventure diving for Nate and his folks with a local dive company and an outing for me to practice my photography.

Day 2

The day started with a lovey breakfast of fresh fruit and breads by the sea (pictures to be posted later). We met up with Bonnie and Gene at the docks and went for a snorkle/dive along the coastline of Buddy Dive. Lots of fish to see this morning (box, tangs, angels, damsel - none in distress, etc.) including a very territorial Emporer Angel fish (that came after me several times and decided to give Gene a go at the end). Now comes lunch downtown followed by more snorkling/diving this afternoon. Will post later.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

The eagle has landed!

We have officially arrived in Bonaire, a little worse for wear but, nonetheless in PARADISE! We took the red-eye flight from New Jersey direct to the island and arrived before the sunrise. I'm realizing now that I'm definitely not that same young college girl that could pull all-nighters easily. We pulled into Buddy Dive Resort at 6:00a, had a lovely breakfast by the sea and are now getting ready to put on our snorkling gear to cool off a bit. The temperature when we left Newark was 36 degrees, temperature in Bonaire.... a beautifuly breezy 80 degrees. Stay tuned for pictures and more blogging. xoxo, L & N