Shopping

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Jong Bonaire Announces 2010 Bonaire Calendar Available September, 2009

As in past years, the kids enrolled in the Jong Bonaire after-school programs have produced a stunning 2010 calendar, focusing on the island’s cultural heritage.

In a time when the world is shrinking due to mass communication and travel, often culturally rich areas begin to lose their individuality and heritage.  Bonaire continues to strive to maintain its unique heritage, and earlier this year, the kids of Jong Bonaire explored different aspects of their ancestors’ history and culture.

These activities were recorded in images with the kids along with the grandinan (elder Bonaireans) who taught them, based on what their own elders had taught them, and thus their knowledge was passed to another generation.  These images were taken in typical Bonairean locations, and then turned into the 2010 calendar, so there will be a handsome picture on the wall depicting Bonaire all year long for those who purchase the calendar.

The calendar is titled Treasures Discovered by the Kids of Jong Bonaire.  The size is 30x30 cm and each one is individually shrink-wrapped. When opened it measures 30x60cm (12x24 inches) and it is sure to be a welcome gift for all Bonaire aficionados.

Jong Bonaire serves the island’s teenagers each weekday after school and provides a safe, supervised, and caring environment for our youth--the most valuable resource for the future of our community.  Please look for the calendars in September and help support Bonaire’s kids.  (Source:  Jong Bonaire)

Friday, February 06, 2009

New DVD Review:  The Beauty of Bonaire, By Marlis Seelos

The Bonaire Insider has previously highlighted the photography of local resident, Marlis Seelos.  Marlis has just recently published a new DVD of the best of her Bonaire images.

The DVD runs for about 20 minutes with hundreds of images covering all facets of the island, including its flora and fauna, historic architecture, and, of course, the Caribbean Sea.  Affectionately known on Bonaire as the Bird Woman of Bonaire, Marlis’ love for birds and other island animals clearly shines through in the stunning closeup images she displays on the DVD.  Throughout the DVD, relaxing background music plays, which meshes well with her photography.

The Beauty of Bonaire can be purchased at Marlis Sail & Canvas, Island Fashions & Gifts, and Chat ‘n’ Browse.  It’s a highly recommended addition to the media library of any Bonaire aficionado.  (Source:  Bonaire Insider Reporter)

Monday, December 08, 2008

Dive Friends Bonaire Announces New Programs and Enhancements for 2009

Dive Friends Bonaire, the island’s largest independent dive facility, has exciting plans for visiting Bonaire divers for 2009, with new programs and other enhancements to make each dive vacation unique.

Photographic and videographic services will be augmented on December 21, 2008 when Capture Photo Bonaire joins Dive Friends at the Dive Friends @ Dive Inn location on the southern section of the oceanfront promenade.  Capture will provide underwater camera rentals and sales, classes in underwater photography or videography, digital image processing, as well as camera repairs.  Having the expertise of Capture’s imaging specialists will enable guests of Dive Friends Bonaire to begin, or improve upon, their own underwater photographic endeavors, or let the experts join in on a dive to capture the moment forever in video or still photography, so divers can share their underwater vacation memories with family and friends.  There will be a Grand Opening in early 2009 to celebrate.

Dive Friends Bonaire’s two retail stores in Kralendijk—Dive Friends @ Divers Discount and Dive Friends @ Dive Retail Outlet—offer a complete selection of dive equipment and surf and beach apparel.  Additionally, Dive Friends is pleased to announce that they have been named an authorized dealer for both ScubaPro and Uwatec, and therefore, new equipment from both manufacturers will be available in January.

For popular beach- and surf-wear, the new 2009 collection of Oceancore board shorts is available, along with new Body Glove rash guards.  The high-quality t-shirt line by Deep Down is available in the stores in January, 2009, and just in time for holiday shopping is the latest collection of Reef sandals and apparel.  Coming in 2009 is a Dive Friends Bonaire Buyers Card, jointly sponsored by Reef, which will provide Dive Friends’ customers with a buying card.  After ten purchases on the card, customers will receive 10% of the total value of prior purchases off their next purchase; some restrictions apply—contact Dive Friends for more information.

For those divers who enjoy continuing their diving education, Dive Friend Bonaire’s has added a new PADI distinctive specialty to their instruction roster, entitled The PADI Shore Diver Distinctive Specialty.  Since many of Bonaire’s visitors have experience with boat diving only, this course will help familiarize participants with enjoyment of the island’s shore diving locations—there are fifty official dive sites on Bonaire’s leeward coast.  The course includes a short academic session with two dives where participants will learn the necessary skills to independently plan and conduct safe, easy, and fun shore dives.

Dive Friends Bonaire is one of Bonaire’s premier diving facilities offering full diving and snorkeling services while still providing personal attention.  Two retail stores are available in Kralendijk, in addition to four diving facilities.  For additional information about all their services, visit their web site at www.dive-friends-bonaire.com, or e-mail: info@dive-friends-bonaire.com.  (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire)

Saturday, October 04, 2008

The Wounded Warriors Complete Their Week with Sightseeing and Shopping on Bonaire

The Wounded Warriors rounded out their week with a day of sightseeing, shopping, and a Texas-Styled BBQ, before packing for their trip home today.  Images from Friday’s events are available on the Bonaire Insider Photo Gallery by clicking here.

Friday, the group began with breakfast in Kralendijk at the new Buenos Aires Cafe.  There, made-to-order breakfasts were quickly served and Hector Delgado awarded a warrior t-shirt to restaurant owner, Ines Palacios.

Soon afterward, they boarded the Bonaire Tours & Vacations bus for an island tour, with American-born Petrie as their guide.  Directly from the tour, the men were dropped off in Kralendijk for a bit of shopping.  Many turned to Jewel of Bonaire, which had been kind enough to award each man a $200.00 gift certificate.

After a quick lunch in town, the men went back to sightseeing, this time driving themselves on quad vehicles, compliments of Jack Chalk.  The day ended up with a Texas-style BBQ at Jack’s home, sponsored by his family and Adams Unlimited.

And so ends this chapter in the lives of the Warriors.  They packed and said their ayo (good-bye) to the island this morning, as they left to return to the States on the Continental Airlines flight.  Those of us on Bonaire know it’s really te aworo (see you soon) instead of good-bye.

Many individuals and companies, both local and international, donated their time, money, or services to make this trip a reality for the Warriors and those escorting them. Thanks go to everyone who made the event a success:

Captain Don’s Habitat for providing accommodations and diving; Bencho Car Rental, Bonaire Tours & Vacations, Budget Car Rental, and the Jack Chalk family for providing transportation and sightseeing; Adams Unlimited, BonaireTalk.com, Buenos Aires Cafe, the Jack Chalk family, KFC, Papaya Moon Cantina, Paradise Coffee, Patagonia Argentinean Restaurant, RE/MAX Paradise Homes, and Rum Runners Restaurant for providing meals or evening events; PADI (The Professional Association of Diving Instructors) for providing training materials and certifications; Jewel of Bonaire for providing gift certificates for shopping; thanks also go to Bikers Bonaire, DEMA, Disabled Sports, HSA (Handicapped Scuba Association), and Tourist Corporation Bonaire.  (Source:  Bonaire Insider Reporter)

Thursday, July 10, 2008

The Richter Art Gallery Opens on Bonaire

Artists Linda Richter and Jake Richter, long-time residents of the Caribbean island of Bonaire, announced today that they have opened a new fine art gallery on the island, the Richter Art Gallery.

The Richter Art Gallery, located in a new, specially constructed addition onto the Richter’s home in the Belnem area of Bonaire, features a variety of fine art and unique craft works, all created by the Richters.

Linda Richter specializes in fine oil painting and has developed a special style she refers to as “Nature Portraits.” She has won numerous awards and accolades for her representations of the bright, colorful world around all of us. Linda has both original oil paintings as well as limited edition prints of her works for sale at the Richter Art Gallery.

Jake Richter’s experience as a nature photographer and journalist has been applied to digital media using a process he describes as “digital painting”, where he uses his photos as a starting point to create images which stir the imagination and soul. Limited edition prints of Jake’s works are available at the gallery.

Other members of the Richter family are also involved. Krystyana Richter has developed graphite sketching into a new organic art form, and is also contributing her passion for hand-made jewelry and bead-men to the Richter Art Gallery, while Bas Richter has designed and developed special paper constructions which celebrate the fauna and aquatic world of Bonaire.

The Richter Art Gallery is presently open by appointment only to allow visitors the full enjoyment that private viewing offers. Between mid-December and mid-April, the gallery will also feature limited regular weekly public opening hours to supplement private viewing times. There will also be a public opening with wine and cheese in mid-December.

To make an appointment to visit the Richter Art Gallery, one only needs to call or e-mail. The gallery’s phone number is +599-717-4112 and e-mail address is info@RichterArt.com. The Richter Art Gallery is located at Kaya R. Statius van Eps 17 (also known as the Road to Sorobon), in the Belnem area of Bonaire. More information about the Richter Art Gallery can also be found at http://www.RichterArt.com. (Source:  The Richter Art Gallery)

Dive Friends at Dive Inn Holds One Day Second-Hand Dive Equipment Sale

On Saturday, July 12, 2008 Dive Friends Bonaire will hold a second-hand dive equipment sale from 12:00 Noon until 5:00 PM at their Dive Friends @ Dive Inn location on the waterfront promenade.

Regulators will be available at $125.00 each, BCDs at $75.00 each, wetsuits at $25.00 each, and fins at $10.00 each.  Payment is only accepted for these items in cash, and Dive Friends regrets they cannot currently accept any USD $100.00 bills, because of recent counterfeiting attempts.  (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire)

Friday, June 27, 2008

BonaireMart Opens at the District Shopping Mall

Starting this week, there’s a new option for visitors to purchase souvenirs and other items in a new, convenient location at the north end of “hotel row”, called BonaireMart.

Located just north of the traffic circle in Hato, the new store offers all sorts of souvenirs, beachwear (Roxy, QuickSilver, O’Neill, Rip Curl, Uzi), sandals (Oakley), sunglasses (Oakley and Maui Jim), t-shirts, and the largest selection of wines and liquors on the island.  Offering ample parking, friendly service, and a convenient location, visitors (especially those staying north of town) will find it very convenient to do their shopping at BonaireMart.  The new store is open Monday through Saturday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM non-stop.

Future plans for the not-too-distant-future call for wine and liquor tasting sessions to be held right at the store. (Source:  BonaireMart)

Friday, June 20, 2008

Jibe City to Hold First Fashion and Dance Show on Friday, June 27, 2008

Jibe City will hold its first Fashion and Dance Show on Friday, June 27, 2008 beginning at 5:30 PM at the Jibe City location at Lac Bay.

The show will highlight the season’s newest beach fashions, including designs from manufacturers Reef, Toes on the Nose, Dakine, O’Neill, Body Glove, Rip Curl, and others, and a surprise drink and snacks will be available.  Following the show, the Jibe City store will be open for late night shopping until 10:00 PM for those who wish to purchase any of the fashions highlighted in the show. (Source:  Jibe City)

Thursday, June 12, 2008

NetTech Launches Paradise Rebates to Help Defray Consumers’ Higher Travel Costs

NetTech, N.V. today announced the unveiling of a new Internet service, Paradise Rebates, geared to the Caribbean or Pacific traveler.  This new product, accessible at www.paradiserebates.com, provides coupons and rebates so that travelers planning a visit may recoup some of the additional baggage fees they must now pay to certain airlines.  Bonaire, in the Dutch Caribbean, is the first destination to participate by offering discounts, coupons, and rebates.

Paradise Rebates™ is the first such tool available for island travelers, who can either download and print coupons for use on Bonaire, or use their baggage receipts for rebates.  Coupons (which are available to all who meet the coupon use requirements, and are not tied to baggage fees) and rebates are good against the purchase of retail products or such services as dining, accommodations, activities, or vehicle rentals.

The following companies on Bonaire have offered coupons or rebates:  Dive Friends Bonaire, Patagonia Restaurant, Sun Rentals, Paradise Coffee, the Buenos Aires Café, Golden Reef Inn, Coco Palm Garden/Casa Oleander, the Mangrove Info Center, Bencho Car Rental, Caribbean Club Bonaire, and AB CarRental. Visit http://www.paradiserebates.com to view the details of each company’s offer.

Those interested in staying abreast may elect to sign up for free email alerts, which will be sent when a new listing has been added to the web site, by visiting http://www.paradiserebates.com/subscribe.html.

Any entity interested in having a listing for their company or destination, may contact NetTech, N.V. by e-mailing info@nettech.an to learn more about options and pricing.  (Source:  NetTech, N.V. Press Release)

Monday, June 02, 2008

Dive Friends Bonaire Launches Baggage Rebate Program

The recent skyrocketing oil prices have caused airlines which serve Bonaire to institute new fees, including, in certain cases, a $15.00 fee to check one bag of up to fifty pounds, and $25.00 to check a second bag of up to fifty pounds.  Dive Friends Bonaire believes that it should not cost divers more to check their belongings and dive gear on trips to Bonaire, and thus they have initiated and launched the Paradise Baggage Rebate Program. 

This new program, which is effective June 1st through December 15, 2008, allows a rebate to anyone who has had to pay fees to check their luggage on their trip to Bonaire.  The program will provide a rebate of up to $40.00 per person, when any Suunto dive computer is purchased at the retail store of Dive Friends Bonaire on Kaya Grandi in Kralendijk (Dive Friends Dive Retail Outlet), or at the Dive Friends Yellow Submarine, Dive Friends Port Bonaire, or Dive Friends Dive Inn locations.

To apply for the rebate, choose from any model dive computer from the Suunto line.  When presenting payment, also present and turn in the original receipts for the first and/or second bag, and the rebate amount (which will equal the fee charged by the airline up to a maximum of $40.00 per person), will be deducted from the total cost of the dive computer.  Receipts must be in the name of the person purchasing the dive computer, and the dates must be related to the Bonaire itinerary.  Other restrictions may apply.  For additional information, visit their web site by clicking here.  (Source:  Dive Friends Bonaire)