Moved to Bonaire? Please tell us your story.
- Thread starter Les Corkill
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BHB ScubaTroll
Contributor
Just sittin' here with my "Larry's Giant Sub" waitin' for some stories...
drrich2
Contributor
My wife, friend & I have been 3 times, for 1 week trips. My wife & I have spoken of the idea of a Bonaire retirement a bit. Bottom line; it's a great place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there.
The tropics are a welcome respite from a U.S. winter, but nearly 365 days/year of bright hot summer is just too much. For somewhat similar reasons I don't want to live in Arizona or New Mexico.
I don't spend a lot of time in large shopping malls, but I like to be able to reach one without getting on a plane. Ditto for public aquariums, zoos and amusement parks.
I suspect a lot of things I buy online would cost a lot to have shipped to Bonaire, if the vendors would even do it. Scuba supplies, yes, but varied computer equipment & software, pet supplies, books, I wonder how easy it is to get the 'Amazon experience' on Bonaire
As much as I love the coral reef like, I also like a lot of U.S. life. Freshwater turtles like softshells, common snappers, stinkpots, sliders and map turtles. A host of wildlife - deer, rabbit, groundhog, a variety of (mostly harmless) snakes, so many things.
And how long would you be content diving Bonaire? How many months of intensive, or even a couple of times/week, diving would it take before you'd start thinking 'I want to see sharks, I'm going to the Bahamas,' or to Belize or something? Bonaire is great, but if you end up traveling around to dive anyway, that might take some of the appeal out of it.
Anyway, those are my thoughts.
Richard.
The tropics are a welcome respite from a U.S. winter, but nearly 365 days/year of bright hot summer is just too much. For somewhat similar reasons I don't want to live in Arizona or New Mexico.
I don't spend a lot of time in large shopping malls, but I like to be able to reach one without getting on a plane. Ditto for public aquariums, zoos and amusement parks.
I suspect a lot of things I buy online would cost a lot to have shipped to Bonaire, if the vendors would even do it. Scuba supplies, yes, but varied computer equipment & software, pet supplies, books, I wonder how easy it is to get the 'Amazon experience' on Bonaire
As much as I love the coral reef like, I also like a lot of U.S. life. Freshwater turtles like softshells, common snappers, stinkpots, sliders and map turtles. A host of wildlife - deer, rabbit, groundhog, a variety of (mostly harmless) snakes, so many things.
And how long would you be content diving Bonaire? How many months of intensive, or even a couple of times/week, diving would it take before you'd start thinking 'I want to see sharks, I'm going to the Bahamas,' or to Belize or something? Bonaire is great, but if you end up traveling around to dive anyway, that might take some of the appeal out of it.
Anyway, those are my thoughts.
Richard.
The way I see it I have lived most of my life where winter really @#$%^&!! and where good diving is a plane trip away.
If after a few years I should tire of the island life, I can always relocate, but it damsure would take a while. I know that by now I am extremely tired of ice and snow, and cold water lake diving.
If after a few years I should tire of the island life, I can always relocate, but it damsure would take a while. I know that by now I am extremely tired of ice and snow, and cold water lake diving.
TheWizard
Contributor
I think Richard nailed it pretty well.
Most of us enjoy some diversity in our lives and Bonaire is a bit isolated and limited.
But it's definitely a YMMV kinda thing...
Most of us enjoy some diversity in our lives and Bonaire is a bit isolated and limited.
But it's definitely a YMMV kinda thing...
DiverVince
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drrich..I do agree with you 100%. There is such a thing as island fever. So here's our solution; 7 1/2 months in beautiful New England, 4 1/2 months on Bonaire. Now all I've got to do is stop working.
TheWizard
Contributor
New Jersey is in New England now??
DeputyDan
Contributor
I doubt that I would ever buy a second home in the islands - However, I could be talked into purchasing a 1/4th interest with three other families and doing three months a year in the islands...
I am not looking -- just saying!
I am not looking -- just saying!
dvrliz1
Guest
Ok, here is my story....
The first time I came to Bonaire was August 1991. My husband (then boyfriend) knew the island well and had many Bonairean friends, as the first time he visited Bonaire was in 1976. To keep it short, we started with a timeshare in 1994, upgraded to a townhouse in 1998, our house on the hill in 2003, then started the original Golden Reef Inn Studios in 2004. We did this all while living in the US.
In July, 2002 I was diagnosed with a non-cancerous brain tumor. It was too small to operate, so they treated it with meds and checkups. This made Ed and I start re-evaluating our liife and wondering if "keeping up with the Jones" was something we wanted to do, or did we really want to live our dream, a simple, uncomplicated life?
Well we made a list of all of the things that would have to happen if we wanted to move to Bonaire. By mid 2004 all of the things on the list but one...the sale of our house, had been accomplished or came to fruision (sp?). While we were in Bonaire in the summer of 2004, I became very ill, having to stay on Bonaire for an extra 2 weeks to be stablized. Symptoms of the tumor growing were in full force. Upon our return, I headed right to the dr. who told me it was time to remove it. Also, 1 week after arriving back in the states, after over 30 years at his company, he was "downsized". I had my surgery on December 2, 2004. My 6 week week checkup was on January 13, 2005 and I was in Bonaire on Jan 19 to begin the rest of my recovery. On January 21st, we got a call while on Bonaire that our house had sold and that they wanted a 30 day closing! Yikes!!! I told the realtor we were not coming back until mid Feb, so we opted for an April 1 closing. We returned home, packed our belongings and on 21 May arrived on Bonaire for good.
We have been living here part time since July 2004 and full time since May 2005. A few things about living on Bonaire.
1. You need to be flexible. Instant gratification on Bonaire is not possible. Also, don't make your "to do" list more than 3 or 4 items a day, and be really happy if you accomplish 2. You also have to be creative, sometimes the solution you need is not available, so you have to come up with an alternative solution (especially when it comes repairs!)
2. You need to understand and appreciate the culture. It is not "Americanized". For example, the locals consider it "rude" to say no. Example: If you are having work done on your home, don't ask the question, Will this be done by Wednesday? The answer will always be yes, with the hope they can get it down by Wednesday, but when Wednesday comes, it, in all likelihood will not be done. To get a more accurate reading on the situation, ask "What day with this be finished?".
3. We were living on island 3 months, and my husband, who was born and raised on an island (Staten Island) got Island Fever! I sent him off to a show in Houston, which did wonders! Now whenever we get the urge to be "Americanized" we can catch a flight to Aruba and indulge in Taco Bell, Wendys, Burger King, Dunkin Donuts...well, you get the idea. We also go back to visit family in Southern NJ for a week in Jan/Feb timeframe, which takes care of our "cold weather" fix.
4. I have to tell you I don't think, over all that it is more expensive to live here than the states. Food is more expensive, but health care and property taxes are much less. I can tell you that some things are MUCH less expensive if ordered from the US. Patio chairs I wanted for the Inn were 125,00 each (about $70 each) and I found them at Lowes On Line on sale for $18.74 each! Including shipping and duty, I saved $335.00. Also with the new infastructure setup, there will no longer be duty on items (with the exception of new cars - 25%), so prices will hopefully be much lower soon! On the other hand, I got my solid teak dining tables and chairs for about 1/3 less here on Bonaire, then I would have paid in the states!
5. Basic medical care is very good on Bonaire, and it is only going to get better, with the direct ties to Holland. They are big on preventive care and alternative medicince complimenting traditional medicine. I had a medical emergency last year, had medical care and surgery at a private hospital in Curacao and was VERY happy with the care, doctors, hospitals, everything. I didn't get a bill, or have to pay cent...it was all covered by insurance! Also FYI if you are over 60 and a retiree you have to obtain private insurance.
6. If you plan to retire to Bonaire, there are LOTS of things to do beside dive!!! Our next door neighbors in the states (literally), followed us to Bonaire about 1 year after we moved here. They are both retired and have a FULL and busy life. He volunteers with a local dive shop, she volunteers at the animal shelter a couple of times a week, They both volunteer with Stinapa and go lionfish hunting/trapping. They are also involved with their church. We do a weekly pot luck dinner and domino game on Saturday nights.
7. We keep very busy with our business, but also enjoy time out in the evenings and on weekends with friends. When we "retire" we are not going back to live in the US. Ed will be working in his "pot garden" (no not that kind of pot..potted plants) seeing what grows well here on Bonaire. He also brought a lot of woodworking tools to build things. Me, I will work on my photography, dive more than I do now and continue to work in the re-compression chamber more often then I do now. I may even do some consulting work here and there. We also plan to travel as we can get to the US and Europe with direct flights from Bonaire.
I think the factors you need to consider if you want to move here are these:
Do you want to live a laid back relaxed lifestyle, then when you get the urge for "concrete civilization", you are a flight away, and Bonaire could be a good option for you. RU ok with dealing with different cultures, languages and people?
If you are into shopping malls, bustling city life and instant gratification, well then Bonaire is not for you.
Hope this helps.
Liz
The first time I came to Bonaire was August 1991. My husband (then boyfriend) knew the island well and had many Bonairean friends, as the first time he visited Bonaire was in 1976. To keep it short, we started with a timeshare in 1994, upgraded to a townhouse in 1998, our house on the hill in 2003, then started the original Golden Reef Inn Studios in 2004. We did this all while living in the US.
In July, 2002 I was diagnosed with a non-cancerous brain tumor. It was too small to operate, so they treated it with meds and checkups. This made Ed and I start re-evaluating our liife and wondering if "keeping up with the Jones" was something we wanted to do, or did we really want to live our dream, a simple, uncomplicated life?
Well we made a list of all of the things that would have to happen if we wanted to move to Bonaire. By mid 2004 all of the things on the list but one...the sale of our house, had been accomplished or came to fruision (sp?). While we were in Bonaire in the summer of 2004, I became very ill, having to stay on Bonaire for an extra 2 weeks to be stablized. Symptoms of the tumor growing were in full force. Upon our return, I headed right to the dr. who told me it was time to remove it. Also, 1 week after arriving back in the states, after over 30 years at his company, he was "downsized". I had my surgery on December 2, 2004. My 6 week week checkup was on January 13, 2005 and I was in Bonaire on Jan 19 to begin the rest of my recovery. On January 21st, we got a call while on Bonaire that our house had sold and that they wanted a 30 day closing! Yikes!!! I told the realtor we were not coming back until mid Feb, so we opted for an April 1 closing. We returned home, packed our belongings and on 21 May arrived on Bonaire for good.
We have been living here part time since July 2004 and full time since May 2005. A few things about living on Bonaire.
1. You need to be flexible. Instant gratification on Bonaire is not possible. Also, don't make your "to do" list more than 3 or 4 items a day, and be really happy if you accomplish 2. You also have to be creative, sometimes the solution you need is not available, so you have to come up with an alternative solution (especially when it comes repairs!)
2. You need to understand and appreciate the culture. It is not "Americanized". For example, the locals consider it "rude" to say no. Example: If you are having work done on your home, don't ask the question, Will this be done by Wednesday? The answer will always be yes, with the hope they can get it down by Wednesday, but when Wednesday comes, it, in all likelihood will not be done. To get a more accurate reading on the situation, ask "What day with this be finished?".
3. We were living on island 3 months, and my husband, who was born and raised on an island (Staten Island) got Island Fever! I sent him off to a show in Houston, which did wonders! Now whenever we get the urge to be "Americanized" we can catch a flight to Aruba and indulge in Taco Bell, Wendys, Burger King, Dunkin Donuts...well, you get the idea. We also go back to visit family in Southern NJ for a week in Jan/Feb timeframe, which takes care of our "cold weather" fix.
4. I have to tell you I don't think, over all that it is more expensive to live here than the states. Food is more expensive, but health care and property taxes are much less. I can tell you that some things are MUCH less expensive if ordered from the US. Patio chairs I wanted for the Inn were 125,00 each (about $70 each) and I found them at Lowes On Line on sale for $18.74 each! Including shipping and duty, I saved $335.00. Also with the new infastructure setup, there will no longer be duty on items (with the exception of new cars - 25%), so prices will hopefully be much lower soon! On the other hand, I got my solid teak dining tables and chairs for about 1/3 less here on Bonaire, then I would have paid in the states!
5. Basic medical care is very good on Bonaire, and it is only going to get better, with the direct ties to Holland. They are big on preventive care and alternative medicince complimenting traditional medicine. I had a medical emergency last year, had medical care and surgery at a private hospital in Curacao and was VERY happy with the care, doctors, hospitals, everything. I didn't get a bill, or have to pay cent...it was all covered by insurance! Also FYI if you are over 60 and a retiree you have to obtain private insurance.
6. If you plan to retire to Bonaire, there are LOTS of things to do beside dive!!! Our next door neighbors in the states (literally), followed us to Bonaire about 1 year after we moved here. They are both retired and have a FULL and busy life. He volunteers with a local dive shop, she volunteers at the animal shelter a couple of times a week, They both volunteer with Stinapa and go lionfish hunting/trapping. They are also involved with their church. We do a weekly pot luck dinner and domino game on Saturday nights.
7. We keep very busy with our business, but also enjoy time out in the evenings and on weekends with friends. When we "retire" we are not going back to live in the US. Ed will be working in his "pot garden" (no not that kind of pot..potted plants) seeing what grows well here on Bonaire. He also brought a lot of woodworking tools to build things. Me, I will work on my photography, dive more than I do now and continue to work in the re-compression chamber more often then I do now. I may even do some consulting work here and there. We also plan to travel as we can get to the US and Europe with direct flights from Bonaire.
I think the factors you need to consider if you want to move here are these:
Do you want to live a laid back relaxed lifestyle, then when you get the urge for "concrete civilization", you are a flight away, and Bonaire could be a good option for you. RU ok with dealing with different cultures, languages and people?
If you are into shopping malls, bustling city life and instant gratification, well then Bonaire is not for you.
Hope this helps.
Liz
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