Tuesday, August 02, 2011

Bonaire to Host The Wounded Warriors for the Sixth Consecutive Year

For the sixth consecutive year, Bonaire is proud to welcome the Wounded Warriors to their “home away from home” as they use SCUBA diving for rehabilitation and recreation from August 6th through 13th, 2011.

During this week, severely wounded troops and their significant others will travel to the island to complete the final step in the process of obtaining their dive certifications. Representatives of the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association’s (DEMA) Be A Diver Program and the North American office of Tourism Corporation Bonaire will also be joining the group. All accommodations and diving will be provided courtesy of Captain Don’s Habitat Bonaire. Each year the people of Bonaire warmly welcome this group and show them not only the natural beauty and pristine waters of the island, but also the friendliness and genuine hospitality of the Bonairean people.

This year’s contingent of seven Wounded Warriors has suffered life-changing physical injuries which they received in combat while stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. They and their partners will be kept busy with a variety of activities beginning with the completion of their PADI and HSA dive certifications, which will take place on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday next week. Once certified, they will continue diving throughout the week, both from the dock of Captain Don’s Habitat and via boat dives to Klein Bonaire and other famous Bonaire dive sites. The group will also enjoy shopping, sightseeing, dining, a Texas-style steak dinner, and experiencing the island’s culinary fare at a signature event called “Taste of Bonaire.” The highlight of the week will take place when the Bonaire community gathers to meet these extraordinary troops and their companions at the reception held in their honor at the home of Lt. Governor Glenn Thode.  As in previous years, the Bonaire Insider once again will be following the activities of these very special visitors and will keep readers informed about the Wounded Warriors’ activities throughout their week on Bonaire.

Sponsors to date of the Sixth Bonaire-Be A Diver-Wounded Warrior Scuba Certification trip are: 9Line LLC, Adams Unlimited Public Relations & Marketing, AERIS, Bikers Bonaire, Bonaire KFC, BonaireTalk.com, Bonaire Quad Tours, Bonaire Guided Motorcycle Tours, Bonaire Tours & Vacations, BonPhoto, Budget Rent A Car Bonaire, Captain Don’s Habitat, Caradonna Dive Adventures, Inc., Care Coalition, Caribbean Travel & Life Magazine, Chat & Browse Bonaire, Casablanca Restaurant, Disabled Sports USA, DEMA/Be a Diver, Dive Training Magazine, Henderson, H.S.A. International Training Center of New Jersey, Islands Magazine, Jack Chalk, Jewel Of Bonaire, NetTech, N.V., OCEANIC, PADI, Paradise Moon Bar & Restaurant, Pasa Bon Pizza, Patagonia Restaurant, Princeton Tec, Rum Runners, Scuba Diving Magazine, Sunset Bar & Grill Restaurant, Tourism Corporation Bonaire, and the Wounded Warrior Project.  (Source:  TCB-NY)

Monday, August 01, 2011

New Outdoor Activities Begin at Bon Bida Spa and Gym

Since the merger last year of Bon Fysio and Bon Bida, Bon Bida has regularly announced new activities promoting health and wellness for those living on or visiting Bonaire.  Their latest addition combines outdoor walks and cycles by fitness instructor, Miguel Angel Brito.

Beginning now, every first Tuesday of the month will be an early morning walk, to enjoy all that Bonaire’s backroads have to offer.  The walk will begin at 6:30 AM and the first walk (or kaminata, as it’s called on Bonaire) will be tomorrow, Tuesday, August 2nd.

Additionally, every first Thursday of the month, a late afternoon off-road cycling tour will be offered, beginning at 5:00 PM.  The first cycle will be Thursday, August 4th.  Be sure to bring your bicycle, gear, water, and a helmet is mandatory.  Bike tours are planned for the beginner and intermediate rider.

Both monthly events are free to members or to visitors who have either a temporary membership or a day pass.  Miguel is well known in Bonaire’s fitness circle, so come and enjoy his enthusiasm.

Bon Bida’s goal is to get those on Bonaire more involved with outdoor health and fitness programs, so they become more physically active and, consequently, improve their health. With such beautiful nature to explore, many sport and fitness programs take advantage of Bonaire’s fabulous outdoors. Hiking and mountain biking are among the many activities designed to improve health.

For additional information about Bon Bida’s health and fitness programs, visit their web site by clicking here.  (Source:  Bon Bida Spa & Gym)

Continental Airlines Announces Fare Sale from Newark to Bonaire

Those planning a last-minute trip to Bonaire from the northeastern United States can take advantage of a newly announced fare sale of $700.00 round-trip from Newark (New Jersey) to Bonaire.

This fare is the adult fare, and does not include all taxes or fees.  Checked baggage fees may also apply.  The fare is available now for travel beginning August 31st, 2011 for trip lengths of eight days.  For additional information, visit the Continental Airlines web site by clicking here.  (Source:  Continental Airlines)