Day 11 Curacao, Bon Bini

Bon bini is "welcome" in Papiamento, the language of the ABC (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) Islands composed of Dutch, African, Spanish/Portuguese and Creole. Fortunately most speak English too. This is another beautiful island that we have visited many times. Click here to read what Wikipedia says.

The cabin next to us underwent a "total" cleanup. No explanation given.

 We wandered around Willamstadt while the others went to Mambo Beach near the Sea Aquarium.

 A small luxury sailing cruise ship is in port.

 Curacao is famous for this amazing pontoon swing bridge.

 The old market has been transformed into a huge eating area with all kinds of local delights. Its a very sucessful looking operation packed with native Curacaoans and tourists.

 New cruise friends Donna and Laura (right)

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Day 10 Bonaire World Class Diving Opportunities

The main feature of Klein Bonaire (a small desert island offshore) is its coral reef which affords some spectacular snorkeling . There was a fresh wind parallel to the beach so by walking against the wind to the other end of the beach swimmers were assisted by this wind and current . Swim fins were not even needed it as the snorkelers glided along beside the reef and the drop-off. Thousands of varied and

colorful fish foraged amongst the brain, fan and tube coral. On the island itself low bush cover and stunted trees provided little protection from the blazing sun. Of course the shore excursions from the ship brought groups of people to the island but they paid $60 to $70 each to snorkel or $36 each to ride over on a water taxi.

 Being Sunday most of the stores are closed but I'm sure that's why we came here first .  This allows us to arrive at the more popular shopping destination of Curacao on Monday.  Shopping is rarely on my list of things to do so hiring Carlos with a little 23 foot speedboat to take Wendy and I , Cheryl and Holly and Barry over to Klein Bonaire seemed like our best bet. ($15 each, round trip) Deb explored the town while Jean and John took a cab to a beach hotel for the day.  (Spice Beach)

 Klein Bonaire is in the background.

"Cheryl. Look at this coral rock."

I left a piece of wood in the bushes:

"April 1, 2012
I have been stranded on this island for 18 months, eating fish and drinking rain water. Please send help.

Capt. Tim"

Fruit and vegetable ships from Venezuala.

Presenting Jean with our rock specimens.

Night docking in Curacao 11:00 pm

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We Are Banned From the Island Of Bonaire

Because of a plague of Alphadrich's we are not allowed to go ashore. These badger-like animals eat rubber and can wreak havoc on scuba equipment. What next?

Reply - from Wendy's brother Doug who owns a dive shop back home in Canada:

"It's too late for us. We had a pair get out of a set of rental gear here at
the shop yesterday. The people just got back from Bonaire. We were lucky
we got them out the back door. They have set up house under our cement
slab."

Reply - My son Tim sent this:
"You got me. I had to google what an Alphadrich was (no results). You guys always are away during April fools."
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