Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Antillean Wine Company Reinstates Monthly Wine-Tastings

Antillean Wine Company has recently announced that they will once again begin their monthly wine-tasting evenings.  The first will be this Saturday, March 14, 2009 from 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM.

They have selected six different wines from around the world that will be available to taste and enjoy in an informal atmosphere, snacks are also provided.  All are welcome.  Cost for the evening is FL 17.50 ($10.00 USD).  The wine-tasting will take place at their retail outlet on Kaya Industria.  (Source:  Antillean Wine Company)

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

A Special “Taste of Bonaire” Kicks Off the Green Miles Voyage

This Sunday, March 15, 2009, a special Taste of Bonaire will be held in Wilhelmina Park to kick off the 2-year voyage, Green Miles, giving a warm, island-wide farewell to two sailors, as they set sail to raise awareness of the importance of marine conservation and green practices around the world.

A variety of Bonaire’s restaurants will be offering tastes of their signature dishes for only FL 7.50 each ($4.21 USD).  The event is open from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM.  There will be music to listen to while munching, and handicrafts available for purchase, and it promises to be a fun event for anyone participating.

This event also opens a year-long celebration of Bonaire’s national parks:  Washington-Slagbaai National Park reaches its 40th anniversary in 2009, while the Bonaire National Marine Park is 30 years old this year.  There will be events now through November commemorating these milestones in Bonaire’s commitment to conservation. (Source:  TCB-Bonaire)

Monday, March 09, 2009

The BWC Tempo Race (Mountain Bike Race) will be May 3, 2009

All local and visiting mountain bike riders are invited to take part in the upcoming mountain bike race on May 3. It will be a tempo race--a fast ride with practically no hard climbing. This race is all about going fast along the wide trails of the Yato Baku area of the island, just outside of Kralendijk.

Most entrants will ride four laps of a 4.4km course. It starts with a seemingly flat first kilometer, but in fact riders will be rolling through what is called in Dutch a “fals plaat.” There are some technical sections in the middle of the course and the finish is a fast downhill section. An awards ceremony and music will follow the race, with prizes awarded to overall winners.

The race is open to mountain bikers of all ages and abilities who wish to compete. On Sunday morning there are categories for beginners, sport riders, master, and elite riders. On Saturday afternoon, May 2, there will be a race for kids 10 through 18 years old.

Visitors to the island are invited to come and take part in the race. Bonaire Wellness Connexions has a range of mountain bikes for rent from its office in Les Galleries Shopping Mall #3 and offers mountain bike training and tours in the lead-up to the race.

Full details on the race and registration are available by clicking here (in PDF format). (Source:  BWC)

Sunday, March 08, 2009

A New Mini-Salon Opens Serving the Northern Area Hotels on Bonaire

Desiree Seaver, long known to locals and tourists “in the know,” has opened a new mini salon featuring art, Bonaire salt products, her hand-made line of jewelry from “found-objects”, and also quick and easy haircuts.  The salon offers easy access to those in the northern hotel row in Hato.

In past years, Desiree had her A Place For You salon in Kralendijk, and offered full salon services along with Ashtanga Yoga group and private classes.  However, she has now streamlined operations with her new mini-salon, instead simply offering quick hair cuts for those who need either a trim or complete new cut.  The mini-salon is conveniently located for any visitors who may be staying at the northern hotel area, as it’s just by the traffic rotary in the Sand Dollar Shopping Mall at Kaya Gobernador N. Debrot #79.  Those who do wish to call ahead can reach Desiree by phoning:  786-6416 or 717-3252 or email by clicking here.

Desiree’s new salon is open each Friday to Monday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM non-stop.  No appointments are necessary, so anyone can stop by for a cut.  She has her hand-made line of jewelry on display, as well as island artwork and the Bonare salt products that she produces.  (Source:  A Place For You)

Note Update June 17, 2009:  The Bonaire Insider has been informed that Desiree has moved her mini-salon to the Massage Hut.  She will continue there, which is on the premises of Bonaire Windsurf Place at Lac Bay.  She’s available Thursday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but do feel free to contact her for an appointment at the numbers listed above.

Saturday, March 07, 2009

Bonaire Visitor, Tonya Eaton, Named Honorary Ambassador

Recently, frequent Bonaire visitor, Tonya Eaton, received the honorary title of “Bonaire Ambassador” by the Tourist Corporation Bonaire, who bestowed upon Tonya a silver medal and certificate of appreciation.

Tonya lives in New York, U.S.A., but states that, “When I am on Bonaire, I feel at home.  I am part of the Bonairean family.  She has completed sixteen years of consecutive visits to the island, but nevertheless, was surprised and thrilled when she learned that her loyalty to Bonaire had been recognized.

Ralph Stewart, more commonly known as “Moogie”, a well-known singer on Bonaire who plays regularly at Captain Don’s Habitat, had the honor of informing Tonya of her award, and placing the medal around her neck. Bigalda de Marchena, a very good friend of Tonya’s from Bonaire, was also present at the ceremony. (Source:  TCB-Bonaire)

Thursday, March 05, 2009

CIEE Announces Two New Public Presentations

Coming right on the heels of another successful presentation this past Tuesday evening, CIEE Bonaire has just announced two more upcoming lectures, one this evening, Thursday, May 5, 2009 and another on Wednesday, March 25, 2009.

Tonight’s presentation will be made by Bob Steneck and Suzanne Arnold of the University of Maine, and is entitled, “Managing for the Future of Bonaire’s Coral Reefs: Are Parrotfish Key Players?” This presentation will begin at 7:00 PM tonight.

Also, on Wednesday, March 25, 2009, a rather “big fish” in the field of mangrove conservation, Roy R. Lewis, III, will discuss “Mangrove and Seagrass Management and Restoration.” Roy is a certified environmental professional for the National Association of Environmental Professionals and a Certified Senior Ecologist, Ecological Society of America.

Both talks will be held at the new CIEE Lecture Hall at Kaya Gobernador N. Debrot #26.  All invited, and entrance is free. (Source:  CIEE Bonaire)

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Bonaire Windsurfers Race to Curacao to Help One of Their Own

March 8th will be a day to go “into the books” when Constantin “Patun” Saragoza and Elton “Taty” Frans windsurf from Bonaire to Curacao. The event is a fundraiser for one of Bonaire’s own, Erwin Muller. 

Erwin, a dive master and former windsurfer, suffered a serious stroke in January. He is recuperating in Curacao and has a long rehabilitation ahead. Erwin is well known in the community for being a man who loves adventure--whether it’s riding his quad or delivering a yacht across the Caribbean.

Locals and tourists are rallying to support Erwin and his family, Ellen and Jason. The March 8th race is dedicated to Erwin, one of the original founders of windsurfing on Bonaire.  Saragoza, a former Olympian, will race across to Curacao with Pro Windsurfer, Taty Frans. Taty, one of the top freestylers in the world, recently circumnavigated the island in 2008. He is perhaps the fastest slalom sailor presently on Bonaire.

The race commences at 9 AM outside BOPEC. Spectators are welcome to attend the send-off. Helicopters and chase boats will accompany the two sailors across the passage to Curacao. The record, set back in the 1980s by Erwin himself, is 4 hours. They will race to Light House Point on the East side of Curacao and then head down to the pier near Breezes Resort.

Donations for this fundraiser may be contributed via Paypal to Erwin2CanDive@gmail.com or by depositing funds locally into an account at Maduro & Curiel’s Bank (Bonaire), #400 050 800 c/o Linda Baker.  For those who wish to contribute, but cannot do so via these methods, contact Elvis Martinus at 786-2288.

For those wishing to accompany the flotilla, it is important that clearance be authorized in advance.  Contact Elvis at the number provided above for clearance. The safety of the two windsurfers is paramount, and this will be an exciting yet intense voyage. We wish them well as they race for a fellow man of the sea, Erwin Muller.  To follow Erwin’s recovery, click here. (Source:  Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations)

Note Update March 8, 2009: The event is postponed until March 22, 2009, due to a Mariners/Small Craft Advisory. Call 786-2288 for further details.

Note Update March 27, 2009: The event should now take place on March 28, 2009.  Call 786-2288 for last-minute confirmation.

Experience Jazz All Over Bonaire at the Fifth Annual Bonaire Heineken Jazz Festival 2009

This year, a very popular Bonaire tradition will return to the island, when the Fifth Annual Bonaire Heineken Jazz Festival takes place on June 4 through 7, 2009.  A variety of music styles will be heard around the island when internationally famous musicians mingle with the island’s local bands.

A Jazz & Poetry Evening will once again kick-off the festival on Thursday, June 4, 2009, with the romantic backdrop of Fort Oranje.  Gabby Saleh and his quartet and the Cabacoa Trio, all local artists, pave the way for Denise Jannah, a Surinam/Dutch female vocalist who was the festival’s leading artist in 2004.

On June 5th and 6th, 2009, there are two main concerts which will be held at the Tipsy Seagull Restaurant, on the beach at the Plaza Resort Bonaire where The Monty Alexander Quartet, The Hans Dulfer band, Denise Jannah with a quartet from Curacao, Alfredo Naranga (Venezuela) will be joined by the ten-musician Latin Jazz Salsa Band, the Dikazz Group (Bonaire), and the Silver Bullet Steelband (Bonaire).  After each concert on these evenings, jam sessions with the festival musicians will begin at midnight at Sense, close to Plaza Resort for those who go on into the wee hours.

On Sunday, June 7th, 2009, there’s another event, back by popular demand:  The exciting Jazz Brunch at Dive Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino presented by local and festival musicians.

Thanks go to event sponsors: Heineken, Littman’s Jewelers, Rocargo & IFC, It Rains Fishes Restaurant, Telbo, Caribbean Homes & Yachts, Maarten Maartense, Plaza Resort Bonaire, Divi Flamingo Beach Resort & Casino, Bonaire Fun Travel, Ennia and MCB Bank.  (Source:  TCB-NY)

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Frequent Bonaire Visitor, Greg Grimes, Wins MSNBC’s Photo of the Week

With an image built upon the bright color contrast of the buildings at Boca Slagbaai set against the deep blue of the ocean, frequent Bonaire visitor, Greg Grimes, recently won MSNBC’s “Photo of the Week.”

Greg and his family first came to Bonaire in August, 2007, and since that time, they have been returning every six months and also extending the length of their visits.  They enjoy the island because of the diving freedom Bonaire’s shore diving offers (Greg admits he has never been on a boat dive on Bonaire), as well as having a touch of Europe in the Caribbean. 

It’s a family tradition to spend their last day on Bonaire in Washington-Slagbaai National Park, as it’s always a non-diving day.  In Greg’s opinion, the colors of the recently renovated buildings at Boca Slagbaai are so intense, that a photo stop is always a must. There are usually some feeding flamingos near the buildings, and with the picnic area, it’s a dynamic stop for some photos, lunch, and scenery on every trip.

Greg tells us that what really appealed to him for this image, taken on January 18, 2008, were the beautiful colors of the building set against the tranquil backdrop of the Caribbean Sea and the way the lines draw a viewer’s eye to the center of the frame.  Greg has other Bonaire images available at his web site, viewed by clicking here.

Greg has been in the wood truss manufacturing industry for over 25 years and received his PADI Open Water certification in the summer of 1992.  He later continued his diving education with Advanced Open Water in 2005 and Rescue Diver in 2008.  He is an active videographer in the water and photographer topside and loves to go out into nature and compose shots using all of nature’s elements. Greg is an active member of the Houston Underwater Photographic Society where he serves as Workshop Coordinator and on the Board of Directors.  He returns to Bonaire with his group in June, 2009. (Source:  MSNBC)

Monday, March 02, 2009

CIEE Announces Next Public Lecture on Tuesday, March 3, 2009

The CIEE lectures have become popular events, providing a platform for all people interested in Bonaire and its nature.  At these events, locals mix with tourists, and everyone enjoys the evening. 

Tomorrow, March 3, 2009, the CIEE Research Station Bonaire will be holding their next public talk, presented by Elsmarie Beukeboom, Director of STINAPA.  She will discuss the history of the Bonaire National Marine Park, which is celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2009.

Those interested should meet at the new CIEE lecture hall at Kaya Gobernador N. Debrot #26 no later than 7:00 PM on Tuesday.  All are invited, and entrance is free.  (Source:  CIEE Bonaire)