Life on Bonaire: Our New Adventure
We’ve now been living on Bonaire for a while, and there are so many funny, unique things that we encounter here on a daily basis—things you almost only find here (or at least not in the Netherlands). Here are a few of the funniest and most quirky sayings and experiences we’ve come across on this beautiful island:
- “Oh no, the donkeys are back in the street and have knocked over the trash bin (and eaten half of its contents).” – A common occurrence on Bonaire! Donkeys roam freely, and sometimes they like to rummage through our trash.
- “An iguana has fallen into the pool, can you get it out?” – Sometimes, local wildlife gets a bit too adventurous. Iguanas seem to love taking a swim!
- “Shall we go to the beach, the beach, or maybe the beach… or just the beach?” – It’s always a tough choice on this island—there’s no shortage of beautiful beaches!
- “I hear an airplane landing, I think it’s KLM… or maybe TUI.” – Airplane arrivals are a regular part of island life. Sometimes, it’s hard to tell which airline is coming in!
- “Drive slowly, there are so many holes in this road.” – The roads are a bit rough, so driving slowly is important for safety and comfort.
- “Did you see any turtles or parrotfish while snorkeling?” – Snorkeling on Bonaire is a must-do, and it’s always a delight to spot the local sea life like turtles and colorful fish.
- “Shall we try calling the Netherlands? Oh no, let’s try tomorrow, it’s already 1 AM there.” – Time zones can be tricky! Sometimes we forget about the difference and end up calling too late.
- “I want to paint a few nameplates, should we go gather driftwood at the lighthouse?” – Crafting and collecting materials for projects is always a fun way to spend time on the island.
- “Quick, take a photo! There are at least 10 parrots in the tree!” – The wildlife here is incredible, and you can often see things like parrot-filled trees right outside your window.
- “Ah, a heavy rainstorm! It’s been four months since it last rained.” – After a long dry period, a sudden rainstorm can feel refreshing and much-needed.
- “I think there’s a cruise ship in the harbor. I see so many golf carts driving around.” – When a cruise ship arrives, it brings in a lot of visitors, and the golf carts are a fun, popular way to get around.
- “Should I wear shoes today? (Or tomorrow, next week, or in four months?) Nope, too hot! I’ll just stick with flip-flops.” – The island’s warm climate means flip-flops are often the best choice, but sometimes you wonder when it might be time for shoes!
- “Okay, today we’ll do a tour of the South, and next week we’ll tackle the North.” – Exploring the island is always an adventure. One day it’s all about the southern part, and the next it’s the northern side.
Living on Bonaire has its quirks, but we wouldn’t trade it for anything. Whether it’s dealing with donkeys in the street or experiencing the most breathtaking natural beauty, every day brings something new. And as we continue to meet people from all over the world, it’s clear that Bonaire is a special place—full of laughter, unexpected moments, and never a dull time.
We’re truly enjoying this adventure, and it’s always interesting to see what the next day will bring. From animals visiting the pool to deciding what to do for the day, life on Bonaire keeps us on our toes, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Never a dull moment on Bonaire!
