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Sanikolas Sails into Bonaire This Saturday, November 29, 2008
November 27, 2008 @ 13:17

Each year, Sanikolas, also called St. Nicholas (English) or Sinterklaas (Dutch), sails into Bonaire and arrives at the Town Pier, along with his Zwartepietnan (Black Piets), to visit with the children of the island over the coming weeks.  This year, his planned arrival is at 9:30 AM, where he will then proceed to Wilhelmina Park.

Once again the underwater digital imaging gurus will return to Bonaire next June to host the 2009 Bonaire Digital Shootout from June 6 through 13, 2009 at the Divi Flamingo Beach Resort and Casino.

Just two short years ago, the CIEE Research Station Bonaire (The Council on International Educational Exchange) commenced classes, and since that time, the organization has become an integral component of Bonaire’s nature studies, offering free public lectures on various topics of interest.  Additionally, they have now begun a published newsletter and are soon completing construction on a new lab.

An exhibition of dramatic, life-sized, limited-edition photographs entitled Dreams of Bonaire will be available for viewing at Kas di Arte from December 2nd through 16th, 2008.  The photographs feature the winners of the “What is Your Ambition” essay contest held recently at Jong Bonaire.  Each of the winners was then photographed dressed as their career ambition in beautiful Bonairean settings.

For those Americans either living on Bonaire or visiting the island during the upcoming American Thanksgiving Holiday, November 27th, 2008, many Bonaire restaurants will provide a special menu in addition to their regular menu in celebration of the day.

On Thursday, November 20th, 2008, CIEE will hold its next public lecture, entitled, “Coral survival in the face of changing ocean temperatures and ocean chemistry in Bonaire, presented by Claudia C. Johnson, PhD.  Also, on Wednesday, November 26th, 2008, the CIEE students will host a lecture whereby they provide feedback on their projects after the semester’s study.

Starting December 1, 2008, Bonaire International Airport N.V. will charge each departing passenger a service charge. This service charge amounts to FL 3.00 (about USD $1.69) and will be added to the existing passenger facility charge (airport tax). This means that departing passengers for domestic destinations will pay FL 15.50 (about USD $8.71), while those flying to an international destination will pay FL 63.50 (about USD $36.67). Departing passengers over the age of 60 or less than the age of 12, and who are residents of either the Netherlands Antilles or Aruba, will have a domestic destination fee of FL 10.50 (about USD $5.90). Children under 2 years are exempt.

This morning at about 7:00 AM, an unusual weather phenomenon occurred near the entrance of Washington-Slagbaai National Park, when a whirlwind briefly touched down.  Chief Park Ranger, George “Cultura” Thode, noticed the strange, red clouds forming about 6:00 AM, moving in from the northeast, and, having seen this type of weather before, was able to sound the alarm so that local inhabitants had notice of the impending situation.

Paradise Coffee has recently relocated to a new setting just steps away from its prior site, in order to give easier access to all.  The coffee shop is now located on the ground-floor premises of Papaya Moon Cantina, and is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM for breakfast and lunch.

Whether it’s spending the holidays on Bonaire, or simply planning an escape from winter’s cold and snow, this year it’s easier than ever to dive and snorkel in Bonaire.  On December 20, 2008, Delta Air Lines, the world’s largest air carrier, will take to the air with their inaugural flight commencing weekly round-trip non-stop service between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Bonaire.

For additional news about Bonaire, visit The Bonaire Insider.