December is a busy time on the island of Bonaire. The snowbirds return for their Winter Migration. I of course refer to the retired and rich who spend the Winter windsurfing, diving or simply chilling. Most head down to dive one of the 80+ dive sites. Some come to windsurf in pristine Lac Bay. Others simply come to bask in the sun. Tourists from Europe and the America’s return in Dec. for the holidays. All incoming flights were packed which is healthy for our economy.
Right around Christmas the trades returned this year making it windsurf paradise. There were a few days I enjoyed my 4.7 meter Gaastra sail and my 85 liter Angulo wave board. My friends the Hibdiges from New Forest (England) were dazzled by the winds burning themselves out each day sailing non stop. Daddy Trevor was setting his goal to beat his previous speed record. I think he topped 3o knots but need to double check. Son Sam turned 16. We had a marvelous time at his birthday dinner at Patagonia, one of two Argentinian steak houses on Bonaire.
Dec. 27th the entire island seems to have a fireworks stand. Veerwerks are blown off by businesses all day Dec. 31 to send off the new year and for hopes of prosperity and luck next year. It’s called a Pagara and is essentially a long tied massive rope of thousands of fireworks. A good Pagara can last up to 5 minutes. The smoke and noise is massive but it’s good fun. Our wonderful sanitation company Selibon is on hand to clean up and move on to the next Pagara. This year a flu bug prevented me from enjoying the revelry.
Jan. 1 is a quiet day on island. Here’s to a prosperous and joyful New Year.
Travel Bliss 
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