Anniversary Cruise! Bonaire

Bonaire – Once a Visitor, Always a Friend!

You want to be here. You know you do. Bonaire.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

As we approached Bonaire this morning, I spied some large mounds of bright white in the distance, seemingly rising from the turquoise waters. Salt! When water is desalinated, are salt piles left behind? What is done with the salt? These are the kinds of questions I ask myself for no particular reason, just because I'm curious. If you're curious, too, you can read more about the process here.

The desert look of Bonaire was in stark contrast to the profusion of thick vegetation of Dominica and Grenada, but the economic chasm between the islands was just as startling. Bonaire is prosperous and filled with young diving “gods” and “goddesses” – tall, slim, muscular, healthy, young people with beautiful teeth and trendy clothes. The architecture is Dutch Colonial, though not necessarily old. The colors are bright, the streets are clean, and it feels very safe.

Tidepool inhabitant, Bonaire
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

We left the ship but almost didn't manage to leave the dock. There were schools of tropical fish swimming around the pilings, with amazingly blue fish chasing them. It was fascinating. The water was so very clear and full of life. It was spectacular. No wonder this is “the” diving destination.

Vacation Rentals in Bonaire.
Yes, please!
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

We pried ourselves away, and off we went to explore on foot. We went to the left, along the waterfront, where there is a very nice concrete sidewalk right next to the water. Gentle waves lapped over coral next to the sidewalk, creating tidepools teeming with living things. Dive shops and scooter rental places abound, along with vacation rentals. I want one. Bonaire was much nicer than I expected, and I expected a lot.

It's a rough life, but someone has to live it. Bonaire.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

We made a loop through the “downtown” area, then arrived back at the ship just in time for lunch. How convenient!

Looking for a sandy bit of Bonaire.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

After lunch, we disembarked and headed over to the right along the waterfront, in search of a little bit of sandy beach in order to enjoy a tiny swim in the Caribbean. Just on the other side of the Divi Flamingo resort, which wasn't very large, we found a place (Plaza Resort) with just enough sand so we wouldn't have to walk across the coral to get to the water. Ahhhh...fabulous! There's nothing like that light, salty taste on your lips. There were people snorkeling excitedly all around us, and they were apparently seeing lots of fishies.

Happily relaxed and refreshed looks like this.
Photo by Harry. All rights reserved.

Happily relaxed and refreshed, we made our way back to the ship and spent some time at the Sanctuary pool and hot tubs...again. It's become a habit, and it'll feel like deprivation when the cruise is over. Well, deprivation and wonderful memories!

We had a great day today. Bonaire feels like Aruba felt to us when we were there, only on a smaller scale. We think we would thoroughly enjoy a longer stay on Bonaire. The weather was hot and humid, but not nearly as oppressively so as Dominica. When I opened our balcony door this morning, the mirrors inside fogged up! When the wind came up, though, the temperature was comfortable.

Doing his work with a smile. Always.
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.

And here's what I had for dinner tonight: Chevre appetizer, mushroom soup, palate cleanser (sorbet), scallops in orange/butter sauce, Stilton, Menage a Trois (raspberry mousse, chocolate cake, panna cotta). Delicious!

Tonight's show: Comedian Tom Briscoe

And tomorrow, we will be in Aruba once again. I never thought I would ever be able to say that, and I'm delighted!

Salt Mounds in the Distance
Bonaire
Photo by Chris. All rights reserved.