Sunriser

After the remoteness of the islands of Venezuela, we find ourselves in civilisation again. Bonaire is one of the BES-islands (Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba) which are public bodies (bijzondere gemeente) of the Netherlands. The other islands (Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten) are part of the kingdom of the Netherlands, but seperate countries.

Bonaire is known for its excellent diving. Although some divespots are closed because of bleaching, there is still a lot of coral and fish. What makes it special is that you can dive from your own boat because the divespot is below your boat. We also did a night dive 3 days after full moon. At that time there is a special phenomenon of glowing ostracods (very small shrimps) that glow to attract a partner.

The proof that there is still fish, was when a local fisherman came with a giant marlin he just caught. As he could not get it onboard his fishing vessel, he dragged it to the pontoon, and swam with the dead fish to shore.

Together with Eric and Michelle from Abayomi we rented a car and toured the island. We visited the salt lakes, donkies and the longest tree of Bonaire. This (horizontal) tree has something mythical around it. Many animals are buried under and around it. And also ashes of people are spread here.

The second day we visited Washington Slagbaai National Park and climbed the highest mountain (Brandaris, 241 meter) of the island. With Michelle and Beatriz being into yoga, some excercises were done.

We were soon joined by Happinez and spend many days diving, doing small chores, visiting a concert by the campfire and enjoy the civilisation again (especially restaurants and good supermarkets) after the weeks on the uninhabited islands of Venezuela.

End of Juli we left for Curacao, where we left the boat in Boca Seru marina for some months.