Bonaire: Pix's, Fun, Experiences Feb./2015!

From February 15, 2015, our morning "adventure" involved visiting the mangrove forest of Lac Bay on Bonaire. It is one of the best preserved mangrove forests in the Caribbean with three different species of mangrove trees in crystal clear waters. Our boat with eight people allowed us to see why they call this area the "nursery" for so much sea life. In between the mangroves and the barrier reef we found large areas covered with sea grass that provides an important environment and helps in filtering the water in Lac Bay to keep it clear. About 60% of this island territory is a national park or protected area. The mangrove forest of Lac Bay are a part of the Bonaire National Marine Park.

Was it warm and sunny here? High's in mid 80'sF with the humidity also in the 80's on Bonaire. More exciting and fun Bonaire visual "action" is coming shortly this posting series. You will love the colorful local flavor from this fun island!!

From my research on Bonaire, much of the island is about the pink flamingoes, sad-eyed donkeys and elusive sea horses that all share something rare in today's world. They flourish on or around Bonaire. Each lives in sanctuaries set up by island residents who proudly boast of a high level of conservation. Ecotourism is a buzzwords in the travel world, but Bonaire, just 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela, was a world leader in founding this field long before the term was even invented. The isle's greatest claim to fame is also proudly shouted with its license plates . . . "Diver's Paradise." In addition to the diving and snorkeling, there's windsurfing, kayaking, bird watching, kite boarding, fishing, mountain biking and horseback riding.

Bonaire set many early standards by protecting sea turtles back in 1961, banning spear-fishing in 1971, making it illegal to remove live coral in 1975 and establishing the first marine park in 1979. The island is outside the traditional hurricane zone and is a desert island with no river runoff into the sea. Like others in the Dutch ABC islands, there is no rainy season and temperatures are consistently pleasant with lows in the 70's and highs in the 80's. Unlike its better-known neighbors, Aruba and Curacao, this isle of 14,000 residents is much smaller in population, very quiet and laid-back. There are no flashy Las Vegas-type casinos as in Aruba or a showy pastel-colored capital city as in Curacao.

The U.S. dollar is the island's official currency. We docked in downtown Kralendijk, the capital of Bonaire, where there is shopping, dining and maybe even snorkeling and diving are within walking distance of where are ship stopped.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 28,877 views for these postings.

Here are some of my visual samples from being in Bonaire National Marine Park. From water level and with our expert guide, it was very educational to learn more about these interactions with natural life. At the end, you can see a nest with two baby green heron chicks. Cute? In the middle of this series, you can see when we encountered a couple doing their own paddling around in this nature area with their guide.:

Here is more on Bonaire, its sights, fun, etc. This includes an example of the Carnival Triumph arriving that morning in Bonaire. It was parked next door to us in Aruba. It was being backed into dock at this port. This ship has 3,143 passengers and crew of 1,100. Lots of people. Glad to be on a much smaller and more "personal" ship!!!

Below starts more of the excitement with the music, costumes, partying from the Carnival parade in Bonaire. So glad that we got this sampler for how the season of fun starts on this island. Many other locations in the Dutch ABC's and other islands had similar activities happening at this time of the year.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 120,303 views for this posting.

Docking in Bonaire is the Carnival Triumph! Big ship and an interesting way its Captain had to manage the serious winds and back this craft into its docking location. It was a good early morning "show" to enjoy from the back deck of our ship.:

Here is the first of my series from the Carnival parade on Sunday afternoon in Bonaire. It was suppose to start at 2 pm. BUT, as our destination speaker Cory Sandler noted, he had the "cover" by saying it would be a "Caribbean Time"!!! starting schedule. That actually meant a timing that started closer to around 3:30-4 pm. Both Cory and I had to move forward up that routing in order to get some pictures as things in the parade/festival moved very, very slow. We had to be back at the ship before the 5:30 pm boarding deadline. BUT, it was such total fun to be here to sample these festivities. We really got a feel for some of the "real people" who live here and how they like to enjoy, celebrate, etc.:

YES!! There is more fun and local action from Bonaire during their Sunday Carnival parade. The parade finished in their main downtown area.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 186,131 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

Here are some added samples for the Bonaire Carnival parade excitement. Lots of music, people, fun costumes, etc.:

Here is my wife getting her picture captured with the "KING" of this segment of their parade group. Are people having fun? The facial expressions summarize the enjoyment perfectly!:

Here are a few more visuals from our Sunday in Bonaire. For Bonaire history, per Wikipedia, here are some highlights:

In 1499, Alonso de Ojeda arrived in Curaçao and a neighbouring island that was almost certainly Bonaire. It is called Isla do Palo Brasil or "Island of Brazilwood." The Spanish conquerors decided that the three ABC Islands were useless and in 1515 the natives were forcibly deported to work as slaves in the copper mines of Santo Domingo on the island of Hispaniola. In 1526, the Spanish came back with a new commander of the ABC Islands. They brought back some of the original Caquetio Indian inhabitants to Bonaire and Curaçao. They also imported domesticated animals from Spain, including cows, donkeys, goats, horses, pigs, and sheep. The Spaniards thought that Bonaire could be used as a cattle plantation worked by natives. The cattle were raised for hides rather than meat.

The Dutch West India Company was founded in 1621. Starting in 1623, ships of the West India Company called at Bonaire to obtain meat, water, and wood. The Dutch and the Spanish fought from 1568 to 1648 in what is now known as the Eighty Years War. In 1633, the Dutch, having lost the island of St. Maarten to the Spanish, retaliated by attacking Curaçao, Bonaire, and Aruba. Bonaire was conquered in March 1636. The Dutch built Fort Oranje in 1639. While Curaçao emerged as a center of the slave trade, Bonaire became a plantation of the Dutch West India Company. A small number of African slaves were put to work alongside Indians and convicts, cultivating dyewood and maize and harvesting solar salt around Blue Pan. Slave quarters, built entirely of stone and too short for a man to stand upright in, still stand in the area around Rincon and along the saltpans as a grim reminder of Bonaire's repressive past.

British?: During the Napoleonic Wars, Netherlands lost control of Bonaire twice, once from 1800 to 1803 and again from 1807 to 1816. During these intervals, the British had control of the neighboring island of Curaçao and of Bonaire. The ABC islands were returned to the Netherlands under the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1814.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 204,270 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

Here is what the Bonaire license plates uses as its graphics to reflect some of their attractions in Bonaire. Nice graphics!!:

In their main downtown/central business area, here is one of the older, more historic buildings framed by some nice palm trees. Second is one of the tour boat moving the in harbor area to pick up passengers with the Carnival ship in the background. Third is a view from the front our ship showing that things are pretty "low-rise" in building heights on this island.:

Here is another Carnival parade picture. Notice the guy with the "free hugs" shirt? Finally, from the mangrove area, this visual shows how these plants grow and then "root" in the water.:

nice pictures thanks for sharing, do they have a parade every sunday

nice pictures thanks for sharing, do they have a parade every sunday

Appreciate your kind comments on the pictures. It would be nice and fun if that Carnival parade was every Sunday in Bonaire, but, SORRY, it is kind of a limited-time event.

The Carnival periods we enjoyed on three Caribbean islands, including Bonaire, were part of the religious lead up to Ash Wednesday and the preparation for the Lent period prior to Easter Sunday, etc. The exact dates vary from year to year. Does this help clarify? Added questions?

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 122,417 views for this posting.

From the USA Today newspaper this past Friday, they have this headline: "Readers' Choice: Best of the Caribbean" with these highlights: "The Caribbean is a diverse region filled with adventure, bold flavors, shopping opportunities and plenty of places to party. We asked readers to name the best for adventure, food, golf, shopping and nightlife. For the past four weeks, readers have been voting daily and the results are in!"

Bonaire did well!! Among the five categories, Bonaire was ranked fourth for all of the Caribbean islands in the best category for "adventure". Bonaire only trailed Dominican Republic, Haiti and Dominica for this adventure priority/interest. As noted earlier, we very much liked our day in and around Bonaire with its nice range/offerings for its sights, activities, etc.

Full story at:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/destinations/2015/11/13/10best-readers-choice-caribbean-winners/75722646/

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 32,373 views for these postings.

To update for those interested in exciting visuals and different locations, we are just back safely from four weeks in South Africa, Botswana, etc.

We enjoyed great sights, many safari/animal experiences and wonderful adventure times!! Lots of pictures on my live/blog and this trip detailing can be seen at:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

Now over 10,600 views for this reporting that includes Cape Town, all along the South Africa coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Delta area with lions, leopards, cape buffalo, elephants, giraffes, hippos, etc., etc.

Ohio was not too bad for the time while we traveled below the Equator this year, but the weather for these southern parts of Africa was much warmer and sunnier than what we would have experienced in the Midwest during these challenging winter periods.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at more than 138,000 views for this posting

TLCOhio - What tour company did you use? 8 to a boat sounds great, we are not into kayaking.

Thanks!!

TLCOhio - What tour company did you use? 8 to a boat sounds great, we are not into kayaking.

Thanks!!

I'd be very interested in this too. This will be our first time in Bonaire, and we've been wondering what to do.

As always, Terry, your reviews NEVER disappoint. I really enjoy reading them.

TLCOhio - What tour company did you use? 8 to a boat sounds great, we are not into kayaking.

Thanks!!

I third the request :)

Would love to know what company you used for this tour in Bonaire?

Thanks in advance,

Patty

TLCOhio - What tour company did you use? 8 to a boat sounds great, we are not into kayaking. Thanks!!

mom says: I'd be very interested in this too. This will be our first time in Bonaire' date=' and we've been wondering what to do. As always, Terry,[b'] your reviews NEVER disappoint.[/b] I really enjoy reading them.

cw2go: I third the request. Would love to know what company you used for this tour in Bonaire? Thanks in advance' date=' Patty [/quote']

 

Appreciate so much this question and very sorry about my delay in not catching this info request earlier. BUT, however, this tour was through our cruise ship and I do not know the name their private provider that you might contact.

 

From doing a quick Google search, here are a couple of firms that get good ratings and might be worth checking out, considering:

http://www.mangrovecenter.com

http://www.outdoorbonaire.com

Both firms seem more focused on the nature/ecco style and doing it in smaller groups. Good luck!!

 

Glad to know that "mom says" is such a person of high class, great taste and wonderful judgment to make these kinds of very generous comments. Have you checked out my recent Africa postings? AFRICA?!!?: Lots of interesting and dramatic pictures can be seen at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

Now at 13,144 views for this reporting and visual sharing that includes Cape Town, all along the South Africa coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Delta area.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Dozens of nice visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc. We are now at 211,867 views for this live/blog re-cap, including much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

Thank You, TLCOhio

From Travelers Today this past week, they have this story headline: "Trendiest Snorkelling Destinations Across The Globe" with these highlights about how Bonaire is: "an acclaimed diving and snorkeling destination whose reef-lined coast is protected within the Bonaire National Marine Park. Beyond its rich marine life, the island shelters lizards, donkeys and hundreds of birds within the beaches, lagoons, caverns and desert like hills that comprise its immense Washington Slagbaai National Park."

While we did not do such under-water fun during our visit to Bonaire, it is nice that its reef areas are so highly ranked. This is a good reason to go back, enjoy more, etc. This story encouraged folks to link to this Bonaire tourism website:

http://www.tourismbonaire.com

Full story at:

http://www.travelerstoday.com/articles/21975/20160520/five-snorkeling-destinations.htm

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 198,494 views.

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923

From the TravelPulse media source, they have this headline: "7 Reasons Why Bonaire Should Be on Your Caribbean Bucket List" with one of these highlights: "Only two hurricanes have even come close enough to cause damage in recent years — Wrong-way Lenny in 1999 and Omar in 2008. The island lies far enough south in the Caribbean — just 50 miles off the coast of Venezuela, to avoid the path of most storms. Bonaire is truly a desert island, averaging only 22 inches of rainfall per year. Mild temperatures and cooling trade winds prevail year-round."

Here is another key point to consider that they cited about Bonaire: "Bonaire's beauty is rugged. Imagine if a chunk of cactus-covered desert was dropped in the center of a turquoise pool. From lighthouses to blowholes, from flamingos to wild donkeys, the visual beauty of the island is a definite part of its allure. Under the water, the protected reefs are home to a vast array of sea life. From delicate seahorses to graceful eagle rays, these reefs are known to scuba divers as some of the best in the world. "

Full story at:

http://www.travelpulse.com/news/destinations/7-reasons-why-bonaire-should-be-on-your-caribbean-bucket-list.html

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 40,213 views for these postings.

Thanks for all that great information Terry. I love reading your reviews, they are always full of such great information. Now I am even more excited to see the place for myself. 😊

Thanks for all that great information Terry. I love reading your reviews, they are always full of such great information. Now I am even more excited to see the place for myself. 😊

Appreciate your great and nice follow-up. Glad to know you're a person of such high class, great taste and wonderful judgment to make these generous comments. Happy to hear of your excitement for visiting here. After you get back,, please do a posting to share what you did and enjoyed most there.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

AFRICA?!!?: Lots of interesting and dramatic pictures can be seen from my latest live/blog at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2310337

Now at 18,996 views for this reporting and visual sharing that includes Cape Town, all along the South Africa coast, Mozambique, Victoria Falls/Zambia and Botswana's famed Okavango Delta area.

From the UK's BBC broadcast network in late August, they have this headline: "Living in the ABC islands" with these highlights: "Their shared Dutch colonial history and West Indian heritage, plus their fortuitous location outside of the tropical hurricane belt, make these islands a coveted playground for snowbirds, sun seekers, avid windsurfers and scuba divers. The islands have varied terrain, pristine beaches, coral reefs and an off-the-beaten-path vibe that attract low-key globetrotters."

There are many details, visuals and other background regarding these three islands, comparing their options/potentials, etc. For Bonaire, they also noted: "Surrounded by staggeringly diverse coral reefs that are protected by a national marine park, Bonaire is a diving paradise under the waves, from parrot and angel fish to nurse sharks and stingrays. On the surface, kayaking is popular and landlubbers can cycle through Washington-Slagbaai National Park on the island’s northern tip and past Lake Gotomeer, a salt lake home to flaming pink flamingos. Bonaire does not have the tourism infrastructure found on Aruba or the commercial power of Curacao, and it can only be reached by air, as there is no ferry service from the other islands or Venezuela. The island’s laid-back reputation and natural landscape draw buyers looking for an outdoor kind of life."

Full BBC story at:

http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20120821-living-in-the-abc-islands

Based on our visits to all three islands, here are my posts with many pictures and details for these three different islands. See more at:

Aruba: Pix's, Fun, Experiences Feb./2015:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2262154

Bonaire: Pix's, Fun, Experiences Feb./2015:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2262075

Curacao: Pix's, Fun, Experiences Feb./2015:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2263377

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean combo sailing over 26 days that started in Barbados, here is the link below to that live/blog. Lots of great visuals from this amazing Brazil river and these various Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.) that we experienced. Check it out at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 43,728 views for these postings.

From the Washington Post in late October, they have this headline: "Visit a Caribbean island — but which one?" with this opening summary highlights: "Think 'Caribbean,' and images of palm trees, aquamarine seas and fruity drinks with umbrellas typically come to mind. But scratch the surface, and you’ll find distinctly different vibes, landscapes, weather and attractions defining the region’s more than 7,000 individual islands."

For Bonaire, this story notes it as "The B in the 'ABC islands,' Bonaire is surrounded by coral reefs that are easily accessible from shore for both snorkeling and diving. Some of the reefs were badly damaged by Hurricane Omar in 2008, but an aggressive coral restoration program has helped mitigate the storm’s aftermath. Bonaire National Marine Park, which surrounds the island, boasts 86 public dive sites and is home to 57 species of coral, 350 recorded fish species, three species of sea turtles and a host of other sea creatures. The island also offers nearby boat diving: Klein Bonaire, for example, is just 15-minutes from the main island."

Lots of details in the profile for various Caribbean options. This story helps hype interest to enjoy the Caribbean, again, as the winter cold rolls into the Midwest.

Full story at:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/youve-decided-to-visit-a-caribbean-island--but-which-one-heres-our-island-by-island-guide/2016/10/27/39f897e0-9168-11e6-9c52-0b10449e33c4_story.html

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139

for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 160,392 views for this posting.

Below is a connection for the live/blog from our March experiences in doing this fun Panama Canal "adventure". This includes our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great San Francisco. Very special and interesting in seeing the Panama Canal and learning about its creation/construction.

Getting ready in six days to be departing for Lisbon and our first visit to Portugal. Then, we will be seeing NW Spain, Bordeaux and Brittany also for the first times in these charming regions. Will do a live/blog for these "adventures". Join in and feel free to ask any questions as we sail. It will be on the Silversea Cruise Critic board.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Panama Canal? Just completed Feb. 28-Mar. 15, 2017, Fort Lauderdale to San Francisco adventure through the Panama Canal with our first stops in Colombia, Central America and Mexico, plus added time in the great Golden Gate City. Lots of fun pictures!! Those pictures start on the second page, post #26. See more at:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2465580

HOW WAS OUR LATEST ADVENTURE??!!: Just got back in late June from three weeks in Europe doing five days in Lisbon, sailing from Portugal, seeing for the first time NW Spain, Bordeaux, Brittany, etc. Great sights and sites!

Below are a few "samples" to prove the value for exploring these wonderful areas on a nice ship. The central/connecting part was an eleven-day, very port-intensive cruise from Lisbon to Rouen/France on the highly-enjoyable Silversea Silver Spirit. For many more pictures and full details, check out this live/blog:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2511358

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From our Jan. 25-Feb. 20, 2015, Amazon River-Caribbean adventure that started in Barbados, here is the link for that live/blog. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, etc.):

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2157696

Now at 52,404 views for these postings.

For Sintra north of Lisbon, here is one small visual sampling. Yes, as we told our grandsons, these are "Real Castles!". Really have learned lots on the unique history of Portugal.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger!)

From Porto, during our first trip to Portugal, we loved doing a small-craft sailing along their historic town areas near where Port wines are stored and sold.:

At the Guggenheim in Bilbao, the art is mostly about the building. Lighting and time of day when photo shooting allows for much creativity as to how you can capture this structure, its outdoor art, the inside drama, etc. Not your grandfather's museum! Like?:

Here is one quick visual sample from being in Bordeaux. If you love history and architecture, this is the super place to be!!. Like the little boy enjoying the water experience?:

During our Guernsey Island visit off of the French coast, we did our ship's "Powerboat Seascape Expedition". Great fun and sightings! Isn't this puffin cute?? Plus, lots of seal, beach, sea gull, etc., actions and activities.:

After the cruise concluded in Rouen, we finished with in-depth time in Brittany and to finish with a stop at Monet's Giverny before flying out from Paris' de Gaulle airport.:

From the New York Times posted today on their website and to be published in the print version this coming weekend, they had this headline: “Bonaire: Where Coral and Cactus Thrive, and the Sea Soothes the Soul”  with this sub-head: "In a dying reef world, the writer explores the underwater bliss of a little Caribbean island that is showing the world just how to save coral."

Here are a few more story highlights: “Bonaire looks like Arizona, except for the azure waters in the distance. It also happens to be showing the rest of the world just how to save coral.  Bonaire is a true desert island. Tiny and crescent shaped, it is south of the hurricane belt, but right in the path of the trade winds, almost constant breezes from the east that push off rain.

Bonaire’s main town, Kralendijk, boasts a few streets that look charmingly Dutch with their pitched roofs and pastel paint jobs but also slightly Creole in the ornately carved wooden railings of the second-floor terraces.”.

Many nice visuals are included in this comprehensive profile of Bonaire.  Brings back nice memories. Below are a couple of pictures used to illustrate this profile. 

Full story at:

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/18/travel/coral-reef-bonaire.html

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

For our latest live/blog, see “Greece, Holy Lands, Egypt, Dubai, etc.”, with many visuals, details and ideas for the historic and scenic Middle East.  Check it at:

www.boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2607054-livenautica-greece-holy-lands-egypt-dubai-terrypix’s/

Here are just two of the many visuals used to illustrate this detailed NY Times travel profile.:

(Open your screen/viewer wider to see these pictures larger/better!)

 From the Sydney Morning Herald and other Fairfax newspapers in Australia earlier this week, they had this headline: “17 wildlife wonders for your bucket list” with this sub headline: "ENJOY A FLAMBOYANCE OF FLAMINGOES, BONAIRE" these highlights: “One need only turn to Instagram to understand our favourite pink feathered friend is having a moment. How else can we explain the 4.3 million “flamingo” tags from those chasing after them on Caribbean beaches? If you’d rather see your flamboyance of flamingoes relaxed and “influencer-free”, however, take a visit to the Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary, Bonaire – an island encircled by a coral reef in the Caribbean Sea and one of the only flamingo breeding sites in the region.”

Full story at:

https://www.escape.com.au/top-lists/17-wildlife-wonders-for-your-bucket-list/image-gallery/f48ac521c73f12d3ec185942e900a73e

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

Recently completed Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure, Vancouver, sailing up to Alaska, post-cruise excursion to Denali, etc.  Lots of visuals and details from our first visits to these scenic areas!!  That live/blog is at: 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2682584-live-terryohio-silver-muse-alaska-canadarockies-pix’s/

From MSN News yesterday, they had this headline: “Hidden Gem Caribbean Islands Not To Overlook” with these highlights for Bonaire: “A year-round hidden gem in the southern Caribbean, Bonaire is the colorful "B" of the ABC islands. With less than 25,000 permanent residents, Bonaire is a tiny jewel offering huge travel experiences.  Start your trip in Bonaire at the island's picture-perfect salt pyramids. Pastel pink salt ponds where flamingo wade meet pure white pyramids against the blue sky and sea for an other-worldly landscape you need to see to believe.  100% of Bonaire's pristine coast is a protected marine park. This tiny island boasts 86 incredible dive spots where tropical fish swarm among corals. Bonaire takes its marine conservation seriously as one of the first Caribbean islands to join the Reef Renewal Foundation to offer travelers a way to learn about and participate in coral gardening firsthand.”

Full story at:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/article/11-hidden-gem-caribbean-islands-not-to-overlook/ar-AA16HWCn

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

Early 2020, many visuals and details from New Zealand/South Pacific in going from Auckland to French Polynesia.  This includes Bora Bora, Fiji, NZ experiences, etc:  Live/blog;

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2735732-live-terryohio-“new”-regatta-south-pacificnz-pix’s/