Biba Dushi - Bonaire

'Dushi' is a Papiamentu (Bonairian language) word which means sweetheart, lovely and basically everything positive and is everywhere here in Bonaire. 'Biba Dushi' is a phrase that means living a sweet life and that is exactly what we have been doing for the last week.

Bonaire is hopefully where we are going to be for the next couple of months, at least, so just as well we love it. It has really grown up and is much more sophisticated than when we were last here but is still wildly beautiful, has a relaxed feel, the water is still crystal clear and the reef full of 'fisheshs'.

Boni Bini Bonaire - Welcome to Bonaire

When we first arrived our mission was diving and we hardly went on land. We did six dives in the first 4 days. The best of the pictures can be found at https://www.instagram.com/carolynspictures/ where I have been posting my dive logs, but this turtle was my favourite of the week - he looks like he was taking a selfie with an angel fish behind him.

Loving the local craft beers

Bonaire Brewary - so upsclae

We did get in a bit of evening socialising though with a great cruisers catch up for happy two hours at the Bistro de Paris and a few sundowners with other yachts and trying out the local brewery. A 'Jellyfish Jamboree was however something I had not anticipated being much fun but it was- box jellyfish arrive in Bonaire 8-10 days after a full moon and a scientist was here doing research so set himself up at Carel's Bar with a bucket and alot of jelly fish stories. I even got to hold one which was pretty wild. We ended the evening with the other cruisers at a Cuban bar - there's such a mixture of things going on here.

On Saturday we went with Steve and Nellie on Alkemi to a lovely cultural day at Rincon, where we listened to great local music, watched the men jump fire; to improve their fertility apparently, and ate some yummy local food. Rincon is the oldest village in Bonaire and has a lot of history; the first people to live on Bonaire planted crops and lived in the hills around this area and then the village was founded by the Spanish in 1527. As in inland village it was considered safe from pirates. Then as the Dutch took over Bonaire it was home to a huge community of slaves. The language and culture is a bit of a mixture between Spainish, Portuguese, African and Dutch. The people we met at Rincon were so friendly and the kids took a particular liking to Nellie.

Fun day out at Rincon

Fire Jumping

Local girls in love with Nellie

We caught up with crews of Star Gazer, Tryst and Midnight Breeze at Rincon 

My new friend - quite the dancer

Local dress - took her a month to make - quite Portuguese

Returning to Askari we got cleaned up for a date night. We had spotted a sign for a special wine tasting event at a local restaurant so made a booking. What a treat we were in for and one of the best meals we have had since leaving Europe. The restaurant owner was a really knowledgeable and fun Italian who did a wonderful job including all the guests (mainly who lived in Bonaire and all knew each other) in the discussion about the wines and the food. We ended up at the end of the evening hanging out with Gabi and his girlfriend Audrey with their friends for a few more wines. We will definitely go back next month.

Date night - sparkling wine from Chile

Wine Tasting at La Terrazza

Sadly on Sunday I woke up with a pain in my ear which has since developed into an ear infection - damn! We had a rainy day (totally unusual) so did some boat jobs and took in sundowners at Coco Beach a great spot just along from the anchorage. My ear is still playing up and I've been to the local Dive Doctor who confirmed I have an infection and to keep taking the antibiotic drops and hopefully it will clear up in a few days - ah time to update the blog and rent a car.....

View from Coco Beach Bar

 Biba Dushi