Potpourri

Miscellaneous News

Monday, July 04, 2011

Caribbean Wind and Sun Vacations Hosts Summer Kids’ Eco-Camps

July and August is the perfect time for kids to enjoy all that Bonaire has to offer, and, therefore, Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations is offering Eco-Camps for kids aged 6 through 12 during the summer.

The first camp will take place from July 18 through 22, 2011, and there will also be select dates in August as well.  Each day of the camp will feature a planned eco activity, lunch, and an early afternoon program. Children may join by the day or participate all week long.  Activities include tours at the Butterfly Farm, Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire, the Donkey Sanctuary, windsurfing, Caribbean crafts, snorkeling, beach-combing, and a family snorkel boat trip on the final day.  Children with disabilities can be accommodated with advance notice.  Prices start at $65.00 per day or $300.00 for a five-day program (some activities do have a surcharge depending upon admission fees; reservations subject to availability and prices are subject to change).  Discounts are available for multiple siblings or those purchasing vacation packages with Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations.  Nanny services are also available for younger children. 

For additional information or to make a reservation, email ann@bonairecaribbean.com.  (Source:  Caribbean Wind & Sun Vacations)

Monday, June 20, 2011

Captain Don’s Habitat Announces the Arrive of a New Boat

The “Lucky Lobster” is a new addition to the fleet of vessels which Captain Don’s Habitat operates.This new boat is a 48 foot New England lobster-style vessel, and will be introduced into service on July 1st, 2011.

The Lucky Lobster is well equipped with two air-conditioned berth compartments, and a microwave and refrigerator. The boat will be available for many activities such as sunset cruises, romantic dinner cruises, party cruises, snorkel trips all over the island and to Klein Bonaire, fishing charters, lionfish hunting trips and more.

The Lucky Lobster will also be available as a reserve dive vessel. It has a large covered aft deck area and can accommodate up to 20 divers with cameras, as the boat is being outfitted with a custom camera table enabling divers to gear up easily with cameras.

Try out the new vessel for yourself by joining the party on the evening of July 4th for a waterside seat for the fireworks! (Source: Dive News Wire)

Friday, June 17, 2011

Flamingo Services Bonaire Launches New Web Site

Flamingo Services Bonaire, which offers complete wedding planning services, has recently launched a new web site.  View their new web site by clicking here.

Those who are planning to marry on Bonaire will find an excellent resource on this new web site, as Flamingo Services can offer assistance with the planning of the complete wedding package, including official paperwork, ceremonies, parties, cakes, flowers, wedding dress rentals, a variety of different accommodations, or complete packages which can be customized to the wedding party’s needs.  Lisette de Groot, owner and manager of Flamingo Services, is an experienced wedding coordinator. She’s worked within a variety of tourism sectors all over the world and is now dedicated to making every day an unforgettable day here on Bonaire!

Additionally, the company also can assist with accommodations, dive packages, or sightseeing, for the every-day visitor to Bonaire.  Having an on-island consultant to assist with vacation planning can be a great asset to those who have never been to Bonaire before.  The company also provides offer a variety of spa services, including massage or facials, and these services can be booked online by clicking here.  (Source:  Flamingo Services Bonaire)

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Bonaire’s First Waste Water Treatment Plant Begins Operation

Last week a vacuum truck delivered the first shipment of waste water to Bonaire’s new waste water treatment plant. The treatment plant was built over the last few months on the grounds of LVV, which is the department of agriculture, breeding and fisheries and was constructed by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment. Management will eventually be taken over by the government of Bonaire. The purification of waste water is crucial for the health of the residents of Bonaire and the protection of the coral reef. 

The waste water treatment plant is the first of two which will be built on Bonaire. This plant is processing waste water from cesspools and septic tanks, which is delivered by vacuum trucks. In the past, the waste water was deposited in the ditches and soil at LVV and was considered to be a polluting and unhygienic treatment option.

The new plant can process 478,000 liters of waste water per day and at full capacity, will remove 350 kilograms of biological pollution, 74 kilograms of nitrogen and 65 kilograms of phosphate, on a daily basis. The purification process occurs gradually and takes approximately three months when functioning properly.

The plant is currently operating a test run, monitored by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development and the Curacao engineering and architectural firm M.I.C. M.I.C. has supervised the construction of the plant and trained staff to run the facility.

A second waste water treatment facility is currently being built, also at LVV. This plant will process waste water delivered via a sewage system, and is expected to be operational in 2013.

Water arriving at the plant will be checked for undesirable substances which can affect the purification process, including oils, fats, chemicals and excessive salt water. Residents of Bonaire will be educated about what types of products should not be deposited into the sewage system. Rejected waste water will be discharged into ditches at LVV, with the goal to keep rejected water to minimum. By September, if the purification process is going as planned, there will be little discharge into the ditches. The clean water will be used for cultivation.

The intention of the plant is to remove waste water from the developed coastal area to the treatment plant. The seawater around Bonaire currently contains twice as many nutrients than a few decades ago. Nutrients originate from waste water and seep through the soil and groundwater and eventually into the sea, resulting in excess algae growth and harm to corals. Excessive nutrients in seawater are unhealthy for natural balance in the water and the resulting growth in bacteria can be harmful to humans. (Source: Rijksdienst Caribish Nederland)

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Bonaire Windsurf Place Introduces the GoPro Camera

Many visitors to Bonaire engage in active, outdoor activities that they would like to capture on video to remember their vacation experience, or share with others, either at home or even on YouTube. Bonaire Windsurf Place is now the local Bonaire agent for the GoPro HD video camera, offering the camera for both daily rental or sale to allow visitors to capture their vacation action experience on video. 

GoPro is a small waterproof HD action video camera that films in 1080p HD, which can be used in a variety of activities on Bonaire including snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, kiteboarding, mountain biking, or any type of action. It is fast becoming one of the most used HD action sport cameras in the world. For those wanting to capture underwater activity, the camera is waterproof and can be used as deep as 60 meters, when in the correct housing. Divers should note that the camera does not come with lighting, so an outside lighting source will be necessary for optimal colors underwater.  For those engaging in above water activities, like windsurfing, cycling, and kiteboarding, the camera allows the user to video the experience, as a participant or a spectator. The camera is small, easy to use, yet produces high quality videos. It is both unique and versatile as it can be housed in varied ways, making it available for use in all types of activities.

The GoPro is available for rent by the day for $50 or for sale starting at a price of $260. For more information, contact Bonaire Windsurf Place. (Source: Bonaire Windsurf Place)

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Hotel Roomer to Host Hamburger Competition and Wooden Shoe Auction

For those looking for a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon, on May 29, 2011, Hotel Roomer will be hosting the 3rd annual Tilimaster Hamburger Competition followed by an auction of an amazing selection of decorated klompen (wooden shoes) by Club Roomer Bonaire. 

The fun starts at 11:00 AM when the grills will be fired up for the hamburger competition. Up to 10 amateur cooks will be contending for best burger on the island. The contestants will be judged by a panel including locals and celebrities and prizes will be awarded to the top three burgers. Contestants will also be selling their burgers so those in attendance have a chance to share in the tasting fun.

Following the hamburger competition will be the auction of the decorated wooden shoes. The shoes will be put on display and the bidding will begin. 50 pair of shoes were given away for decorating to Club Roomer members, Jong Bonaire, Stinapa, children of all ages and some local island artists. For those who would like to take a peak at the shoes ahead of time, they will be on display starting May 23rd in the window of Addo’s Books & Toys.

Proceeds from the auction will go to Club Roomer, a charitable organization, to be used to organize various charity events. All are invited to attend this day of food and fun. For more information click here. (Source: Club Roomer Bonaire)

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Cas Cadushy Announces Grand Opening This Weekend

Cadushy of Bonaire Liqueur is a combination of Awa di Lamoenchi (water with lime) and cactus and is one of Bonaire’s unique products. This weekend will be the grand opening of Cas Cadushy, the home of the Cadushy liqueur, and all are invited to attend. The event will also feature Bonaire artist, Nochi Coffie, in his first of eleven upcoming expositions. The event runs Friday, January 28 through Sunday, January 30, 2011 and will be held at Cas Cadushy in Rincon, which is located in Plasa Diego at Kaya C.D. Crestian. 

The activity gets underway when the doors open on Friday at 5:00 PM, followed by the official opening at 6:00 PM with music by Munje Winklaar, Tica Sealy, and Tipico Clasiko and Dance. Join in the fun at 8:00 PM with the Happy Friday Dance Party.

The exposition will open Saturday at 11:00 AM and at 6:00 PM there will be a performance by Ritmo Lokal with Nel i su Grupo and Tipico Clasiko. On Sunday, the exposition will again open at 11:00 AM with The Silver Bullet Steelband providing entertainment starting at 6:00 PM. Entrance is free, so come prepared to dance and enjoy. (Source: Cadushy of Bonaire)

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Bon Bida Spa and Gym Announces New Class Schedule

Effective immediately Bon Bida Spa and Gym has a new class schedule, along with updated pricing and membership information. Choose from a larger variety of classes and membership options, including an option for those who wish to visit the gym during their vacation on Bonaire.

The new schedule and pricing offers several options, ranging from full membership to lessons only. Lessons taught by Bon Bida’s fitness staff are automatically included in the membership. Lessons included in the membership or on a “lessons only” basis include Body Toning, Caribbean Dance, Pilates, Core Stability and BBB, which is Belly, Butt, and Legs. Tina Woodley teaches a different class each day of the week from Monday through Thursday from 9:00 to 10:00 AM. Monday is Body Toning, Tuesday is Caribbean Dance, Wednesday is BBB, and Thursday is Pilates. On Tuesday evenings she teaches Body Toning again, and on Thursday evenings, Pilates, both from 6:30 to 7:30. Core Stability is offered on Mondays and Fridays from 5:00 to 5:30 PM.

As an added benefit, access to classes taught by outside instructors is also available for an additional fee. Zumba by Wendy will start February 2nd on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 to 8:30, cost is $60.00 for a ten-visit card, or $8.00 for an individual class. Yoga by Desiree and Don as mentioned in a previous story is offered on Mondays from 8:00 to 9:00 AM and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. Don teaches a men’s class on Wednesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 AM. The cost is $60 for a six week program of one class per week and a walk-in price of $15. Beginner and Advanced Salsa by Marjorie and Roy as mentioned in a previous story are also available for $80 per course. Salsa Starters classes are Monday nights from 7:00 to 8:00, Tuesday nights from 8:00 to 9:00, and Thursday nights from 8:00 to 9:00. An advanced Salsa class runs Monday nights from 8:00 to 9:00.  Fitness Overall by Kirsten is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30 to 9:00 AM, however, note that these classes are fully booked at this time. 

Prices and memberships are as follows:

-- 1 year membership (prepay the whole year for a $125 discount):  $90 per month
-- Half year membership (prepay the half year for a $50 discount): $90 per month
-- 1 month membership: $110 per month
-- 10 visit card (valid for six months): $140
-- “Lessons only” two times per week for a half year (prepay the half year for a $60 discount): $65 per month
-- “Lessons only” one time per week for a half year (prepay the half year for a $30 discount): $35 per month
-- Day Pass: $15

Furthermore, a customized program including instruction about the fitness equipment is available for a one time fee of $60 and includes a $15 deposit for a USB key which stores your program and your progress. At the end of the membership period and upon return of the key, the deposit will be returned.

Bon Bida also offers massage in a custom massage-room by a professional masseuse of your choice for $60.00 per hour.

Opening hours are Monday through Thursday from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. (Source: Bon Bida Spa & Gym)

Saturday, January 01, 2011

Happy New Year, Bonaire!

On Bonaire, the close of 2010 ended with a beautiful fireworks display over much of the island, and for those who just don’t want to end the festivities, today, January 1st, offers new opportunities to say hello to friends on the island and wish them Bon Anja Nobo!

Tonight, January 1st, Posada Para Mira will host yet another fiesta for those who want to continue their festivities.  From 9:00 PM until 3:00 AM, dance under the stars to music from DJ Fe, as well as to Magic Treasure, direct from Curacao.  Entry cost is $20.00 per person.

Of course, January 1st brings other new and welcome changes to the island in its transition to a special municipality of Holland, as now the the official currency is the U.S. Dollar.  Beginning today, all financial transactions will be conducted in U.S. Dollars.

And, as tradition dictates, the people of Bonaire are in the thoughts of their Lt. Governor today, as Glenn Thode gives us the following words in his New Year’s address:

Beloved citizens of Bonaire. Please permit me a small space in your mind to share some ideas with you as we switch from the year 2010 to 2011.

The year 2010 was a turbulent year for Bonaire. We have seen many changes in the year that just passed. These changes made us go to long moments of thought and debate about the meaning of them all. For each person there is something different of importance in these changes. As Island Governor I consider one change of special historical significance. We the people of Bonaire and our government left the constitutional relationship with the Netherlands Antilles and entered into a new type of relationship with the Netherlands within our Kingdom.

Now we enter the first year in history as a “public entity.” This status is new for Bonaire and it is new for the Netherlands. We can compare this new structure, the construct we call “public entity Bonaire,” with a newborn baby. Just a few months ago, this baby saw the light as a result of Bonaire and the Netherlands coming together.  When a baby is born, it must adapt its eyes, movements, and all other abilities to the new world it just entered. This new world exposes the baby to unknown conditions it must adapt and get used to. The baby must learn things adults do by heart. It must learn to eat without help, it must learn to walk, first at the hands of mom and dad and later balancing alone on its own legs. In the beginning, the baby will spill its food, speak incoherently, and stumble and fall. The baby will cry a lot. It will get child diseases. But with encouragement and support it will learn to eat and drink without spilling food, it will speak correctly and will learn to walk, run and jump over obstacles along the way. Even the child diseases will eventually pass to history one day.

For the baby to grow up and become as we wish it to be, we all have to lend a hand. Hillary Clinton once said: it takes a village to raise a child. To raise the public entity Bonaire to the healthy adult we dream of, the support and nurturing of and by every one of you is needed. We need the complete community to help raise this newborn baby to become the responsible entity, standing on its own feet as we envision it.

I call upon all citizens of Bonaire to form a village in 2011, united in our support for our baby New Bonaire. With our support, this baby will learn to feed itself, it will start to crawl and continue to develop the ability to walk and then run. Each person has unique thoughts about how to raise our child. Let us discuss our ideals, realities and options as responsible individuals in a civilized society. In a home where there is continued fighting, children grow up with frustrations and traumas. Constant fighting raises problematic adults. I am convinced that the responsible thing to do is to have a dialog about our differences. We need to create a common vision and convert this into policy and effective action to attain the results we want.

I call upon you to embrace our new currency in 2011. Let us also work together in good faith to achieve the positive goals we were pursuing when we chose to arrange things as they are becoming, for instance our new tax system. Let us embrace each other for an exemplary election campaign, where one supports and champions his preferred candidate without harming the preferred candidates of others. And afterward, let us close ranks and support our new Island Council and Executive Council. In a structure in which they are separated from each other, after the elections we will enter a new era of government for Bonaire.

Citizen of Bonaire; let us find each other to bring about change into the positive. The feelings of doubt and insecurity that we experienced in 2010 can change into wishes and hope in a future that is of our making. New conditions bring new opportunities to create this future. When we connect our fortune and life to a partner, this does not mean that we enslave ourselves to that partner. Bonaire has entered a relationship of co-dependency and community with the Netherlands. For reflection, I wish to close with the lyrics of a Bob Marley song: emancipate yourselves from mental slavery; none but ourselves can free our minds.

I wish us all a blessed year 2011 in unity, which will be a very Happy New Year.

(Source:  Lt. Governor Glenn Thode, Posada Para Mira)

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Expanded Yoga Schedule Announced with New Classes at Bon Bida Spa and Gym

Desiree and Don Seaver, both well known as yoga instructors on Bonaire, have announced a new, expanded schedule of yoga classes starting in January.  Classes will continue to be held at Bonaire Basics, as well as at the Bon Bida Spa and Gym.

Beginning January 3rd, 2011, the following classes will be held each week at Bon Bida Spa & Gym Center (Kaya Gobernador N. Debrot #74)

--Mondays at 8:00 AM: Yoga Flow (all levels)
--Wednesdays at 7:30 AM:  Stiff Guy Yoga (men only)
--Wednesdays at 6:30 PM:  Vinyasa Yoga (intermediate)

Beginning January 4th, 2011, the following classes will be held each week at Bonaire Basics (Kaya Korona #47)

--Tuesdays at 6:00 PM: Vinyasa Yoga (intermediate)
--Thursdays at 6:00 PM: Vinyasa Yoga (intermediate)
--Fridays at 8:00 AM:  Yoga Flow (all levels)

Desiree enjoys a variety of yoga styles, although she mostly leans toward Vinyasa Flow. Although Don mostly leans towards Ashtanga Yoga, both instructors have, through their own diversity of training, created their own unique styles. They’ve been very fortunate to train and experience yoga with incredible teachers and have most recently returned from the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Lenox, Massachusetts. Kripalu places an emphasis upon compassionate awareness both on and off the mat.  Rates for classes are $15.00 for walk-ins, or those who are here for some time may wish to register for a six-week program for $60.00.  Space is limited in all classes, so advance registration is recommended.  Email by clicking here or phone 786-6416 or 786-2692. (Source:  A Place For You Bonaire)