Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire is Tracking Three Turtles in 2010

2010 is a good year for Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB)’s tracking program as they have successfully placed satellite tracking devices on three turtles found nesting on Klein Bonaire and Bonaire. 

Sea turtles are migratory and approximately every two to three years, Bonaire’s turtles return home to nest for two to four months, before migrating hundreds to thousands of kilometers to return to their feeding grounds. STCB takes this opportunity to track Bonaire’s turtles to monitor their activities and learn more about their life cycle.

Valley is turtle number one, released on Klein Bonaire on September 3, 2010. She is an adult hawksbill, and is sponsored by the Valley Foundation. Valley has spent the last 10 days between Bonaire and Klein Bonaire, resting and preparing to return to Klein Bonaire to lay her sixth nest of the season.

Turtle number two is Carice, an adult female green turtle, released September 20, 2010, from Playa Chikitu, Bonaire. She is named after actress Carice van Houten, who was recently on Bonaire to film a National Geographic special, mentioned in a previous story, and is sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund. After laying her second nest of the season, on September 20, 2010, she started migrating in a southeast direction. She passed Las Aves, about 70 kilometers southeast of Bonaire, and passed the archipelago of Los Roques, and continued on to Isla La Orchilla. Once south of La Orchilla, she turned west, back toward Los Roques, where she has stayed for nearly a week, most likely eating and resting.

Piffie is the third turtle tracked this year. She is an adult female hawksbill, sponsored by Pifworld online charity platform. Her transmitter was placed on October 6, 2010, on Klein Bonaire. She has stayed near the coast of Klein Bonaire and appears to be preparing to lay her second nest. (Source: Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire)

Monday, October 11, 2010

Tiara Air Offers Online Check-in

Effective immediately, Tiara Air is offering online check-in for their customers, making it easier to fly between Bonaire and Aruba.

Customers are now able to purchase their tickets online, and check-in online, saving time at the airport. Those flying Tiara Air should print their boarding passes and bring them to the airport. Furthermore, effective immediately, Insel Air is including any departure tax in the plane ticket at the time of purchase. This means it is no longer necessary to stand in line to pay departure tax at the airport prior to checking in with Tiara Air. Passengers without baggage may proceed directly to Airport Security and Immigration, avoiding the check-in and departure tax lines.

Tiara Air operates direct, non-stop flights between Bonaire and Aruba, and recently added more flights, flying five days a week between the two islands. This expanded schedule gives travelers more options to connect to Bonaire from either North or South America or Europe. For more information, visit Tiara Air’s web site by clicking here. (Source: TCB-Bonaire)

Sunday, October 10, 2010

It’s Official--Bonaire is Now Part of The Netherlands

At the stroke of midnight last night, all those on Bonaire said farewell to the Netherlands Antilles, and then welcomed Holland, as Bonaire, along with its sister islands, St. Eustatius and Saba, is now part of Holland as a special municipality and the three islands are to be officially called the Dutch Caribbean.

Her Majesty, Queen Beatrix, sent a telegram to all those on Bonaire, welcoming us into Holland.  She wrote,

“To the residents of Bonaire:  Today you, the residents of Bonaire, will become part of the Dutch polity. I would like to express my deeply felt solidarity with you and wish you all happiness and prosperity.  Beatrix”

(View her original telegram in PDF form by clicking here.)

There are a number of festivities throughout the day to herald in our new political status, but one of the more popular ones will be the opening of a new exhibit at Kas di Arte with opportunities to meet and converse with the artists, as well as receive lessons in painting.  The exhibit is titled, “The Kingdom of The Netherlands:  Union in Diversity,” and it will run through October 31st, 2010. 

Artists from Holland, Curacao, Aruba, and Bonaire will be showcased and the artwork focuses upon this new day and its significance for all on Bonaire.  Participating artists are from outside Bonaire are Gustave Nouel of Aruba/Holland, Johannes Boekhoudt of Costa Rica/Bonaire, Elvis Tromp of Aruba, Edmond Tujeehut of Aruba, Frank Croes of Aruba, Wine Fransen of Holland, Ad Rooymans of Holland, Harald Vlugt of Holland, Yubi Kirindongo of Curacao, Ruben La Cruz of Curacao/Holland, and Karolien Helweg of Holland.

Local artists from Bonaire include Nochi Coffie, Henk Roozendaal, Frans Booi, Renate van der Bijl, Christel Cosijn, Sra. Verhoef, Manuela Winklaar, Jake Richter, and Sedney Marten.

Even KLM is getting in on the festivities by celebrating its long-standing relationship with the Antilles.  This past Thursday, KLM celebrated its 91st anniversary, and, as is customary, they introduced a new Delftware house.  This 91st house in the KLM collection will be the Dutch Antilles House in The Hague.  In replicating the Dutch Antilles House, KLM hopes to reinforce its historically strong ties with the Dutch Caribbean as it was way back on December 15, 1934, when KLM operated its first transatlantic flight to Curaçao with the Fokker F-XVIII “Snip.” KLM has been dishing out Delftware houses on board since the 1950s. The houses are replicas of exceptional buildings in the Netherlands and the number of houses in the collection has corresponded with KLM’s age since 1994. A new house has been added to the collection each year thereafter on October 7th. The houses are presented to passengers traveling in World Business Class on intercontinental flights, and are considered collectibles by many on Bonaire.

Congratulations, Bonaire!  (Source:  Her Majesty, Queen Beatrix, Kas di Arte, and KLM)

Saturday, October 09, 2010

Bonaire Will Be Featured on Dutch Television in Recognition of New Status

October 10, 2010 is the day that Bonaire will change over to join the Netherlands. To highlight the change in status, this weekend, Dutch television will be filled with viewing opportunities about Bonaire.

The coverage starts Sunday October 10, 2010 at 12:00 p.m. AST, with Kanjers van Goud on RTL 4. This program features a recognition of Din Domacasse, Chief Ranger for the Bonaire National Marine Park, for his dedication to nature conservation and is being replayed from an earlier broadcast. At the same time, the television station NOS will air a one hour special on NL1, highlighting the Dutch Caribbean and 10-10-10. A major focus of the program is Curacao, with smaller segments dedicated to Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba. The Bonaire section will explore the island as a second home for Dutch people, including Dutch celebrities. This show will also be shown on local news programs.

Monday October 11, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. AST, National Geographic will present the World Wildlife Fund documentary “Caribisch Netherland.” WWF ambassador and Dutch actress Carice van Houten, highlighted in a previous story, will be featured in this segment along with several Bonaire residents who are active in nature conservation.  The documentary focuses on the natural beauty of Bonaire and efforts to develop a sustainable island economy while protecting the valuable marine park. (Source: TCB-Bonaire)

Friday, October 08, 2010

Insel Air Announces New Jet Service Between Bonaire and Curacao

Effective immediately, Insel Air has a new, weekend jet service between Bonaire and Curacao, which is available on Friday evenings, Saturday mornings, and Sunday afternoons, providing more alternatives for connecting flights from North or South America, or Europe, as well as more opportunities for weekend getaways for those living in the islands.

Insel Air currently flies seven times daily between Bonaire and Curacao with a 15-seat plane. The new jet service not only means more flights, but increased baggage capacity, as the larger plane will be able to handle more baggage, including dive equipment, windsurfing equipment, and kite equipment without having to pay extra fees. Furthermore, Insel Air connects via Curacao to Aruba four times per day and to 11 other destinations including Miami, Jamaica, Venezuela, Surinam, Haiti, St. Maarten, and Puerto Rico.

Introductory ticket prices for this new jet service are FL100.00 (about US$ 55.87). Insel Air now includes the departure tax in the ticket price, bringing the total ticket price to FL 116.20 (about US$64.92). To celebrate this new service and added capacity, Insel Air is giving away a free weekend package--anyone who books and flies between October 15 and December 17 will be entered in a drawing to win one round-trip ticket between Bonaire and Curacao and a two person, two-night stay in one of Bonaire’s or Curacao’s finer hotels.

Insel Air also offers online check-in 24 hours prior to departure. Print your boarding pass at home to save time at the airport. Furthermore, Insel Air offers a frequent flyer program called Insel Star Miles. For more information, visit Insel Air’s web site by clicking here. (Source: Insel Air)

Thursday, October 07, 2010

Mid-Week Recap of 2010 Regatta Events

As noted in a previous story, this week marks the 43rd Annual Sailing Regatta.  Weather has played an important role in the events so far, in both the Swim to Klein Bonaire, as well as sailing and windsurfing competitions.

The 10th annual Swim to Klein Bonaire was held Sunday October 3, 2010, hosted by Jong Bonaire.  It’s always a popular and well attended event by participants and observers, consisting of both island residents and tourists.

Even with rain pouring down, hundreds of swimmers turned out to make the annual trek to Klein Bonaire and back, with the youngest being only three years old.  Mother Nature decided to keep the event interesting by unleashing a heavy rain squall with a strong wind reversal shortly after swimmers began, making the swim exciting with large swells and heavy headwinds. Ample rescue boats and volunteers were on hand for those who tired or wished not to battle the waves.

Bonaire’s home-grown national swimming champion, Samson Evertsz, was the first to finish at around 28 minutes. This was no surprise as, for several years, Samson has been a national champion and in 2005 was the first Bonairean swimmer to win a medal at the national level. He swims for the Bonaire Barracudas Aquatics Club. Right behind Samson was Peter Zweers, of Botika Korona.  Even this reporter turned in a respectable time, completing the round-trip swim at the front of the pack in about 42 minutes.

As for the sailing events, unfortunately, the wind forecast for the week was not good, with unusual weather conditions persisting with westerly winds and overcast skies. Races were held on Monday morning and Tuesday, but Monday afternoon’s race around Bonaire and Lac Bay routes had to be canceled due to low wind. Wednesday was lay day for the sailors, but that’s when the micro-boats, fishing boats, kayakers, and free-style windsurfers tried to make the most of what wind there was.  Events continue today through Saturday night, when the island will turn out to say good-bye to the Netherlands Antilles and welcome our new status as a part of Holland.  (Source: Bonaire Insider Reporter, images courtesy of Tim Nesselrodt, Boto Blanku Marine Services)

Wednesday, October 06, 2010

The Classical Music Boad Presents Hans Odin Faassen in Concert on Saturday, October 23, 2010

The next in the series of classical music concerts will feature Hans Odin Faassen on the piano in his first solo concert.  This will take place on Saturday October 23, 2010 at 8:00 PM, when he will present piano selections from Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn, Heller, and Chopin.

Hans Odin Faassen loves Bonaire. He teaches piano at the Skol di Musika di Boneiru and helps with the organization of classical music concerts on Bonaire.

This concert will feature Classical Instant Composing, which provides for instant composing on demand of waltzes, mazurkas, and Spanish-style rhapsodies and is a musical art performed by only a few musicians. Though Hans Odin Faassen has long experience in this form of composition, he continues to find it challenging and exciting. Much depends on the inspiration of the moment and interaction with the audience.

Tickets are FL 35.00 ($19.55) and only FL 10.00 ($5.59) for children with a school ID. To purchase tickets in advance starting the first week of October, visit Books & Toys, Flamingo Bookstore, or Plaza Resort Bonaire. Further, the first seventy visitors receive a free CD of Mr. Faassen playing romantic piano music. Festive and/or formal dress is appreciated. The concert will be held in the Cacique Hall at Plaza Resort Bonaire.

Note: Upcoming concerts include: November 19, La Cuedra Venezolano; December 18: Christmas Concert. (Source: Classical Music Board Bonaire)

Tuesday, October 05, 2010

The Massage Hut Offers a Fall Special, A 25% Discount on Bonaire Natural Sea Salt Body Scrubs

The Massage Hut Bonaire, located at Bonaire Windsurf Place, Sorobon Beach, has just announced a fall discount of 25% on Bonaire natural sea salt body scrub treatments at The Hut through November 30, 2010. 

This great discount means anyone can try a full body scrub for $26.25 (FL 47.00), a foot and leg scrub for $11.25 (FL 20.00), or a hand scrub for $7.50 (FL 13.42). For those who want a whole-body experience, add on a scrub after a massage to rejuvenate and ex-foliate the skin.

Bonaire sea salts can provide relief from stress and anxiety, assist with muscle and joint pains, and treat the symptoms of more severe skin conditions. The therapeutic benefits of sea salt baths are well known and often recommended by doctors for treating a wide range of medical conditions.

Bonaire sea salt, also called Maris Lumis or Maris Sal, is known for its cleansing, detoxifying and healing qualities. It contains nearly 100 different minerals and other healing substances. Among the minerals you will find potassium, magnesium, and bromide. Bonaire salt is created through evaporation of sea water and contains minerals commonly used in baths to soften the water and draw impurities from the body.

For a unique Bonaire experience, enjoy the refreshing breeze of Lac Bay, while listening to the sound of the sea. Visitors can also take a bit of Bonaire home with them as the Hut’s Bonaire natural sea salt scrub, bath salt, or cooking salt products area available for purchase. Advance appointments are highly recommended and can be made by phoning 780-0393 or sending an email to amj88@comcast.net and referencing the Fall Special. For more information, visit the Hut’s web site by clicking here. (Source:  Massage Hut Bonaire)

Friday, October 01, 2010

Bonaire’s Annual Regatta Kicks Off on Sunday, October 3rd, 2010

The island is at fever pitch with a party atmosphere, as visitors arrive to celebrate the 43rd Bonaire International Sailing Regatta, along with the Festival of 10/10/10, when Bonaire becomes a special municipality of Holland.

The week-long party will kick off this Sunday with the Jong Bonaire Swim to Klein Bonaire (see prior story by clicking here). Sunday will begin with the sailors’ registrations and the Parade of Nations on Sunday evening.  Monday the competitions begin.  To view the schedule of sporting events for this year’s regatta, click here.

And each night the party will continue into the wee hours as visitors and locals alike converge on Kralendijk to listen to live bands, snack on goodies from food stalls, or simply just hang out.  The festival schedule can be viewed by clicking here, and will run straight into the midnight count-down on October 9th, as we bid farewell to the Netherlands Antilles, and become part of Holland on October 10, 2010.

Be sure to enjoy all the festivities!  For more information, visit the Regatta web site by clicking here. (Source:  TCB-Bonaire)