Caribbean Cruise 2022 - Day 6

 

I've been to about 90 different countries in the world (and all 7 continents). It had been a long time since I visited a new one. Today I did. Bonaire. As a teenager when I got my first shortwave radio I
would regularly listen to the Christian station, Trans World  Radio, originating from Bonaire. Always wished to visit the island. Today I did, and saw the station and the transmitters. 

Breaking News: We left Bonaire at 5:00pm for a day and a half trip

back to Puerto Rico. Ninety minutes out, someone fell seriously ill and we had to turn the ship around. Four hours later we are back on our journey. The ship stopped a few miles off shore, and took a lifeboat to transport the patient to shore. We were lucky to see the lifeboat docked right below our window!

Today's tour took us to the north part of the island, which was very hilly, with very narrow roads, and to the south which was more a

plain. Saw flamingos in the north. Most of the flamingos from all the islands and Venezuela nest and breed here in Bonaire.We also stopped by a museum which displayed many household items from a few decades ago. Reminded me of my childhood. Also saw a bunch of the island's wildlife -- donkeys!

To the south are the salt fields. A lot of the salt that we use comes from here. Fascinating stuff to learn how it is produced.

Bonaire was not the cleanest of the islands; but we saw men with

brooms sweeping the streets. The roads were also much to be desired.

I'm suspecting that it's because the other islands are semi-autonomous, and Bonaire is still fully colonial 

Tonight was the final dinner dress-up night. Another great time with

our table mates. Now for another two nights and a day at sea.

One last thing: I keep telling my friends and students that the ideal day year-round has 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. Loved it that sunrise in Bonaire at 6:33am and set at 6:44pm! Ideal; as God ordered it!