Bonaire bungalows information about Bonaire

Bonaire, Carla and Ad's impressions

We have been visiting Bonaire for twenty-one years now.
Every year, as soon as the doors of the airplane open and
we step outside, caressed by the tradewinds, we recognize the
fragrances specific to the islands and we feel at home.
We seem to transform into Bonaireans within a few hours,
even though we are born and raised in Amsterdam, Holland.

Countless guests of ours have had the same experience.
We promise ourselves one thing, to swim and snorkel every day in
these enchanting, crystal clear seas (28 Celcius or 84 Fahrenheit).

The rest of the time is unplanned, just enjoyed. Bonaireans say
that once you have experienced Bonaire you will return, and we know
this to be true, Bonaire with it's unspoiled beauty is unforgettable.

Climate
The average temperature is 28 Celcius or 82 Fahrenheit. Most of the time the
tradewinds blow gently.Clear blue skies are rare: puffy clouds here and there
are common. Sometimes at nighttime a short intense shower occurs wich refreshes and
dries soon becauseof the ever present tradewinds. There is very little variation
in temperature and Bonaire is outside of the hurricane region.
wheather of Bonaire qlick the picture

Medicalcare
The hospital has a working relationship with several hospitals in Holland.
Physicians from Holland work on a rotating basis ( several months at a time ) on the island.
In speaking with several of them, they rated the hospital as good but lacking in specialities.
For divers: there is a decompression tank available. The drinking water is very good.
No vaccinations or precautions for tropical diseases are needed.
Several pharmacies are there to serve you and one of them is open 24 hours a day.
Flora and founa
flamboyant, blooming agave, bougainville in many colors, the kadushi cactus
that can reach heights of 19 feet, dark green high wajaka trees (ironwood)
divi divi trees and at the south-east side, on lower grounds, the rare mangrove forests:
this is just a sample of the flora that awaits you.

There are breeding grounds for lobster, many brightly colored coral fish,
the lora parrot wich is native to Bonaire the prikichi
(a green carribean parakeet), about twelve thousand reddish-pink carribbean flamingo's
who breed on Bonaire, one of a handful of remaining breeding grounds in the world.

From the large, protected turtle to the tiny humming birds, the list goes on and on:
Fish-hawks, pelicans, frigate birds, the grey kingbird, and numerous, shy iguanas.
In the mammal family: the wild burro and goat.
To see more birds of Bonaire click on the picture

Culture
The old colonial mansions with their imposing staircases , flanked by palmtrees
painted in traditional yellow ochre with white shutters
are a sight that transports you to the old West-Indies.

slagbaai

For an authentic and rustic sight, visit the little village of Rincon
where time stood still and things are done the same way as 50 years ago.
You will not see any high- rises on the island as it is not allowed.
On the north-east side you can find 1000 year old cave drawings.

Bonaireans are joyful people who will celebrete anything thats can be celebrated:
day of the flag, day of Rincon, Harvest feast and last but not least,
the small and beautiful Mardi Gras (with parade), that requires months
of preparation and is celebrated with great enthousiasm.

Music of the Leeward isles is the fast paced Tumba.
The Merenque of Santa Domingo is also a favorite.
Every sunday afternoon you can enjoy this music live at Lac Bay beach.

Kralendijk has an interesting, small museum and if you are lucky your guide is the director

Language
Bonaireans speak Dutch, wich is taught in the schools.They also speak Papiamentu,
amixed language of Spanish, Portuguese, Creole, American Indian, English and Dutch.
Many Bonaireans speak English and Spanish also.

Financial Matters
You will find several banks in Bonaire in the town of Kralendijk:
RBTT. Bank, Maduro & Curiel bank, Banco di Caribbe
to mention a few, there are also several A.T.M. machines.

The official currency of Bonaire is the Antillian Guilder, however,
the U.S.$ is widely accepted, Bank exchange rates for the US $ are at set rates.
The value and exchange rate for the Dutch-Antillians florin (N.A.F.) is tied to the U.S.$

A Legend

This story came to me from an old Bonariaan who has since died:
After many years of researching the travels of the famous Captain Kidd,
at archives in London, new york Barbados and Jamaica, an American came
to the conclusion that Captain Kidd had buried his treasures on the island.

Bonaire was barely inhabited in those days and therefore,
was a suitable place for buried treasures of the island of Bonaire.

The American even believed she knew where it was buried :
in the area Culumbia of Bonaire.
She spents lots of time and money trying to find it, to no avail.
would like to vacation and strike it rich, here is your chance to do so !
pirats
So if you do find the buried treasure, would you kindly remember the nice folks
who gave you this hot tip, namely Carla and Adriaan Rus ?