We just returned from Buddy Dive this AM, our 7th trip to this resort. We were disappointed with the accommodations this time however. We usually stay in the 3 BR condos, Room 209 which is in the building closet to the Sunrise restaurant. It looked as if the common kitchen/dining room had been repainted with new light fixtures. The ceiling fan was now gone, so no air could be circulated to cool it off. There is an air conditioner in the downstairs BR, but that doesn't reach the common room.
I found a large cockroach in the closet shelf in my clothing, ants on the kitchen counter. Upstairs there were cockroach sightings in one of bathrooms. Water leaked on our clothing in the closet shelf, so watch this area carefully. Use the dresser drawers instead. The refrigerator cold section didn't work, but a quick call to the front desk prompted a visit from their handyman and it was immediately fixed.
Friday night, 12/14/07 there was a great thunderstorm and the roof leaked onto the beds in both upstairs bedrooms. An insufficient number of towels were left for us or the maid didn't come until late in the day after we had already returned from diving. It's hard to dry off with towels that are still wet from the day before. She spoke no English so it was hard to communicate our needs.
The diving is great, although not as much marine life as in years
past. Saw only one small lobster, but did see several turtles,
seahorses, one spotted eagle ray, two octopuses. Not as many spotted eels at Buddy Reef this time. Water temp was 82. The diving operation is terrific....very friendly and helpful staff who go out of their way to accommodate your preferences.
A lot of rain this past week, the most ever on any of our
trips-perhaps due to Hurricane Olga?
BECAUSE OF ALL OF THE STANDING WEATHER, THE MOSQUITOS ARE HORRENDOUS.
Prepare yourself well and read up on the no-see-ums and other bugs on Bonaire talk for more info.
Hope that this recent report helps. And oh, the Flamingo airport is a real disaster. Spent 2 hours standing in one line or the other to check out on our return home. The departure tax is $32 per person. Years ago it used be only $10.