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| Issue #12 21 June 2000 |
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| Entre Nous Bonaire's Bi-weekly Newsletter |
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LOCAL REPORT |
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BY JERRY C. LIGON Perhaps
the previous article, on castor bean, and this current one, on
belladonna, should properly be entitled Plants with Attitude,
showing the dark side of some of nature's seemingly
innocuous members. Often when asked by guests what kinds of
animals should one be careful with while walking around Bonaire,
as if there where wild jungle cats, hungry crocodiles, and fanged
poisonous snakes, I remark with a muted smile, "Don't have to
worry about the animals, but some of the plants can get you." Belladonna
is a member of the Nightshade family of plants and has other
plants that we know quite commonly, such as tobacco, and are very
similar to the potato family with many useful plants.
It gets its name, belladonna, from the Italians who were
aware that "ladies of the night" were habitually using a
small potion to make their eyes dilate and make them look excited
when they were engaged in conversations with men, hence, men were
more prone to get themselves excited (Does this say something
about men, or Italian men, in particular).
The chemical, atropine, was known to relax smooth muscle
tissue, such as the iris of the eye, and in modern times is used
by optometrists in order to relax the smooth muscles of the eye in
order to examine the internal structures of the eyes.
We remember how well this treatment works because of the
funny little sunglasses that the optometrist gave us to wear out
into the sun to protect our dilated pupils until the atropine wore
off. Belladonna
is so widespread across the planet that even Shakespeare mentions
it in Hamlet in reference to the evils of man.
It is found on almost every continent.
A near relative of belladonna, and also a source of
dangerous alkaloids like atropine, is a plant found on Bonaire and
known locally, in papimentu, as Yerba di Stinki.
Its genus is Datura and is often also called belladonna.
One characteristic that all members of the family have is a
foul, villainous odor. Locals
even think that placing some leaf material under your pillow at
night will help one to fall asleep. I
must relate a story about Datura
that occurred after my first year of teaching high school biology
in Pueblo, Colorado. One of my students and a friend where found unconscious, and
in convulsions on a front lawn in an upper class neighborhood.
They were rushed to the local emergency room of the
hospital and given first aid and remedial medical treatment to
their critical state of health.
One died and my student survived, but was never able to
regain full use of his mental facilities.
The teenagers had in their possession a half-empty quart
fruit-jar of an offensive smelling, brown liquid.
Immediate chemical analysis by forensic chemists revealed
that Datura was the
active ingredient. Where
the lads got this hallucinogenic concoction no one ever found out,
but the local community was up in arms about the sorry state of
affairs that modern teenagers where forced to occupy themselves
with during the unsupervised, carefree days of summer break away
from school. Hallucinogenic
properties are quite dangerous because one does not know when
enough will be fatal, especially when the drug itself shuts down
all abilities to reason. |
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Beginning on Wednesday, Oct. 4th
Air Jamaica will be adding another flight from Montego Bay to
Bonaire. The addition will allow visitors to have more choice of
departures and also the chance to add a few days to their vacations.
TCB welcomes this move and is now looking forward a long and
prosperous relationship with the airline and to the time when we will
have daily flights! Pa
Bien, Air Jamaica.
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After all
the planning and preparations it's finally here -- Caribbean Day at
Ellis Island. To date, over 20 Caribbean Islands have committed
to participate in this daylong event, which will take place on Sunday
July 16, 2000 on historic Ellis Island. Organized to promote the
Caribbean, this cultural festival will showcase the region’s rich
and diverse history and culture with food, arts and crafts from around
the Caribbean, plus live bands; dance troops and native carnival
customs from Curacao, Trinidad and Tobago and St. Kitts and Nevis
will be featured. The event is shaping up to be a great day for
the Caribbean! Bonaire,
represented by TCB-New York, is a member of the Caribbean Day on
Ellis Island event committee, and has been working closely with
the CTO and a number of local CTO chapters to organize this
event. TCB has taken a very active role in publicizing the
event to the media in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut
through the writing and distribution of press releases and media
alerts on the event. A number of writers and media people are
expected to attend the event. The finishing
touches are currently being put on the extensive marketing and
promotions plan to promote the second Air Jamaica flight to
Bonaire, with the culmination of the events taking place at the
Scuba ExtaSea Expo 2000 in Denver. The four-month launch plan
incorporates a number of marketing disciplines including trade
shows/seminars, direct marketing, internet marketing, sales, public
relations and culminates with a dive industry awareness event in
Denver at the dive show. The second flight will give
Bonaire a greater presence in the Air Jamaica system and a higher
level of awareness among their employees. With this in mind
a key aspect of the marketing and promotions plan will be for
Bonaire hoteliers and the Air Jamaica sales staff to work
together. Scuba
ExtaSea Expo, October 6-8, 2000 At Scuba ExtaSea
Expo, October 6 - 8, 2000, Bonaire will make its presence known.
Not only will Bonaire have a booth, but we will also be associated
with dive show's photo contest, with the first, second and third
prizes being donated by Bonaire. (Judging of the entries is on
Friday; the prizes will be awarded on Sunday.) On Saturday October 7,
2000 Bonaire will make a big splash by hosting a destination and hotel
seminar and being one of five exhibitors sponsoring the dive show's
Saturday night party. On Sunday October 8, 2000, Bonaire will
host another destination and hotel seminar. Bonaire's dinner presentations, CTO chapters The messages of
the special Rediscover Bonaire packages being offered and
Bonaire's new piers are being reinforced once again (this is in
addition to the broadcast email which was sent to over 7,000
people, and the press releases that were recently sent out to the
top media outlets) by Bonaire's dinner presentations at two major
CTO chapters in the top markets of Washington, DC and
Baltimore. These seminars will take place on July 18 and
19, respectively, and are expected to attract a large number of
travel agents. Bonaire will be represented by TCB-New York and
in addition to showing the new Bonaire video and having a question and
answer session, information on the island will be distributed.
- One of
the most respected travel magazines, the July 2000 issue
of Conde Nast Traveler (circulation 700,000) featured
an article on snorkeling in Fiji. The article included a side bar,
which gave a "guided tour to the world's best snorkeling
destinations." Joel Simon, who leads snorkeling trips and
visited Bonaire a number of years ago and wrote a wonderful feature
article on the island which was picked up in most major U.S.
newspapers, gave his recommendations for the best snorkeling spots in
this sidebar. Bonaire was his first choice for the best
snorkeling. The article stated: "Bonaire has reliable
water, and fish with no fear of humans. It's still perhaps the
best place for an introduction to snorkeling." Other
destinations recommended were Bay Islands, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Bora
Bora and New Guinea. - The June
29, 2000 issue of Travel Weekly (circulation
56,180) featured a Dutch Caribbean supplement, which prominently
featured Bonaire. The cover of the supplement included a
four-color photo of each Dutch Caribbean Island (Bonaire's photo was
of Boca Slagbaai) and a four-color photo of Bonaire's orange cup coral
graced the table of contents. The supplement featured a total of
4 four-color photos of Bonaire and had a section devoted to each Dutch
Caribbean Island. The Bonaire section contained island facts,
top attractions as well as information on Buddy Dive
Resort, Divi
Flamingo Beach Resort, Harbour Village Beach Resort and
Sand Dollar
Condominium Resort. The information included on the hotels was
taken from the Bonaire Briefs press release we put out at the
beginning of 2000. Bonaire was also included in a quiz at the
end of the supplement. Questions referring to Bonaire included:
"Where in the Dutch Caribbean can anglers stalk the wily
bonefish?" Contact information for Bonaire and the resorts
featured was also included in a separate section. - May
21, 2000 Boulder Camera (circulation 41,558) included a
syndicated column from Arthur Frommer on honeymoon travel. The
column in the form of a Q & A included a letter stating the
following - "We'd like to go to a tropical island for our
honeymoon but find it difficult to choose among them. Any
suggestions?" Mr. Frommer answers that some islands have a
"reputation for certain special interests or features" and
goes on to recommend Bonaire as the "best for scuba diving,"
calling it "the hands-down winner." Quite an
endorsement! - The April 26, 2000 issue of Travel Courier (circulation 10,525), a Canadian travel trade publication, featured an article on selling underwater holidays. The article recommends a number of dive destinations including the ABC Islands, specifically Bonaire. Stating that the island has "endless coral reefs" the placement focuses on Bonaire's efforts to protect the waters around the island.
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Showing our presence in travel agencies and dive shops We have begun our July promotional circuit directed to dive schools and travel agencies from Caracas. We will also be in the Sundays press from July until September, high season in Venezuela South America Press Fam. June 17/20 Journalists from Venezuela, Argentina and Colombia had a complete programmed visit to the island. They have been diving, cycling, kayaking, and tasting our exquisite meals. Our thanks to all the dive operations, restaurants, Sand Dollar Dive and Photo. We would like to thank Andre Nahr for his efforts to made this possible together with TCB. Special thanks to ALM for their courtesy tickets and Captain Don's Habitat for being great hosts. Thanks to Nick, Suyin and all the friends from the Habitat family. Bonaire represented in Valencia... June 22/23 Sharing a booth with ALM, Bonaire participated in the tourism Show "Destinos 2000" in the Intercontinental Hotel from Valencia an industrial city located 2 hours far from Caracas and from where ALM departs daily to Bonaire via Curacao. Both Bonaire and Aruba have been very strong promoted through a presentation which attracted several tour operators and general press. Special mention of Bonaire, Harbour Village and Plaza Resort Bonaire. On the 25th of June 2000, in the Caracas Hilton Hotel, there was an event, the "Star of tourism" that was held with the participation of Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Dominican Republic, St Martin, Mexico, etc. Local artists were entertaining the visitors during this event; besides, several Tourism officals of Venezuela were present. The best of all is that the Star of Tourism organization wanted to >>> the islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao and St. Martin. Bonaire together with Harbour Village and Plaza Resort have received a nice plaque. The plaque given to Harbour Village and Plaza Resort recognize them as the best hotels promted Hotels of Bonaire in Venezuela
TCB
together with Air ALM, Plaza
Resort, Captain Don’s
Habitat, Divi
Flamingo and Aqua Viva Apts, carried out the informative seminar,
"Discover Bonaire", in Caracas, Valencia y Maracaibo Caracas - Casa Rómulo Gallegos - June 28 We had 155 travel agents at both seminars; thanks to the support of 13 Tour Operators that worked together with TCB Our
13 Tour Operators: Arts & Travel, All Ways, Kanguro, Liberty Tour, Majestic, Gypsy, Airone, Halcón Tours, Vagamundo, Arnuel, Doregmar y Roymar. Valencia – Hotel Stauffer - June 29 In a single presentation we had 65 Travel Agents. Our three (3) Tour Operators: Agentur, N Carcelen y keiretzu. Maracaibo - Hotel Intercontinental del Lago – June 30 Here
we had only 30 Travel Agents, this means we have to work harder in this
city. The four Tour Operators: Viajes Marsans, Fakino,
Multimarketing y Sibora. · 24th of July - long week end in Venezuela Arts
and Travel, Amercicana, Gypsy Tours and some dive groups that vise the
island between the 21st and the 24th program charters flights. Argentina
FIT in Buenos Aires. October 21/24 Venezuela AVAVIT
in Caracas. November 27/29 Newspaper El Nacional Bonaire, Nature ------------ A Perfectly Pure Destination This is the title of a full-page article from the 25th of June, written by one of the visiting reporters. Our friend Africa talks in this article about our culture, the slave huts, the salt works, the friendly and respectful people from Bonaire, Kralendijk (a city with no traffic lights), the shopping area, Cultimara, our restaurants like Shamballa's, Croccantino, Zee Zich... It talks about the variety of activities and says that Bonaire is not only perfect for diving but also a "shelter where man and environment live together in peace" Newspaper El Universal Jose Rubbico, representing this famous newspaper, describes Bonaire as "inviting to the natural adventurer". Talking about the wide variety of activates, apart from diving that can be practiced on the island. The article also makes reference to various hotels, how to get to the island, cuisine, general information, etc.
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THE 14TH COPA CULTIMARA 28-30
JULY,2000
The 14th annual Copa Cultimara wil be held at Sorobon (the best place for windsurfing). Registration for this event will take place on July 28 at 5:00 PM on the parking lot of Cultimara supermarket . The Race categories will be windsurfing, Sunfish, fishermen boats, optimist and micro boats. Races will be held during the whole day on 29-30 July. For entertainment Ritmo FM will be there live, Pal'i Wiri and Glenn i su Geng. To finalize this event an extra competition will be held in the windsurfing category, Freestyle, where the bonairian youth will show their talents on the surfboards. The youngest youth for the freestyle competition is 8 years old, so you can't miss this. The organization Aqua Speed Windsurf Bonaire will like to thank the following sponsors for their participation: Consales Bonaire, Pepsi, Nescafe, Heineken, Zephyrills and Pop. Participants registration fee: Adults fls.25,--- Child fls.15,-- The 14th Copa Cultimara Schedule: Friday July 28th, 2000: 17:00 - 19:00 Registration at" Cultimara Parking Lot" with Live Music Saturday July 29th, 2000: 09:00 Late Registration at Sorobon Beach 10:00 Opening Ceremony 10:30 Skipper Briefing 11:00 First Start Windsurf Slalom 12:00 Lunch 13:30 BBQ for sale 14:00 Sunfish 14:10 Optimist 14:20 Windsurf Course Race 15:00 Sunfish 15:10 Optimist 15:20 Windsurf Course Race 16:00 Fishing Boats 17:00 Micro Boats 17:15 Live Music by Reggea Band "One Blood" 18:00 BBQ for competitors 19:00 Big Screen Video
Sunday July 30th , 2000:
10:00 Windsurf Slalom 12:00 Fishing Boats/Lunch 12:30 BBQ for sale 13:00 Sunfish 13:10 Optimist 13:20 Windsurf Course Race 14:00 Sunfish 14:10 Optimist 14:20 Windsurf Course Race 15:00 Fishing Boats/Live Music by Pali Wiri and Glenn y su Geng 16:00 Windsurf Freestyle "King of Lac Bay " 17:00 Micro Boats/ Fashion show by the Happy Teen Models 18:30 Award Presentation
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This is the second lesson for our friends who wish to learn more of the local language. Look for more in the following weeks.
Days of the week
Sunday djamingo/diamingu Monday djaluna/dialuna Tuesday djamars/diamars Wednesday djarason/diarason Thursday djaweps/diaweps Friday djiabièrne/diabièrne Saturday djasabra/diasabra When you hear the days procouded, you barely can discern the d sound. For example, Monday almost sounds like “jalunna with a slight hint of the d sounded Numbers. 1 –20 1- Un 11- Djesun/diesun 2 -Dos 12- Djesdos/diesdos 3 -Tres 13- Djestres/diestres 4- Kuater 14- Djekuater/dieskuater 5- Sinku 15- Djesinku/diesinku 6- Seis 16- Djeseis/dieseis 7- Shete 17- Djeshete/dieshete 8- Ocho 18- Djesocho/diesocho 9- Nuebe 19- Djesnuebe/diesnuebe 10- Dies/djies 20-Binti New words: palabra noboOra when ruman muhe/hòmber sister/brother Un persona a person plaser pleasure Un hende a human konosé know (hende syn. person) Un otro persona another person amigu friend Permiti-mi allow me drenta enter |
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July 2000
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| 2 - 4 | Dia di Art (Art Day) | |
| 2 | 5 km Fun Run (organized by KONKABON) | |
| 22 | Time Cycle Trial 10k and Circuit 50k (Bonaire Cycling) | |
| 23 | Road Bike Race 60k | |
| * | Lac Bay Mini Regatta | |
| 28-30 | 14th Copa Cultimara Sailing Race at Lac Bai-Cai | |
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August 2000 |
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| 6 | 5 km Fun Run (organized by KONKABON) | |
| * | 5th Cap't Don's Habitat Sailing | |
| September 2000 | ||
| 3 | Cycle Tour Kralendjik - Sorobon | |
| 3 | Local Fishing Tournament | |
| 6 | "Dia di Bonaire" Bonaire Day | |
| 6 | Sailign Race "Dia di Bonaire " at Kas di Regatta | |
| 6 | 5 km run | |
| 30 | Mountain Bike Race | |
| * | Duofest International | |
| * | 17 km Estafetter run | |
| October 2000 | ||
| Oct 1 | Road Bike Race 60k | |
| Oct 7 | Marshe di Rincon (Rincon Market day) | |
| Oct 7 | Underwater Cleanup Dive | |
| Oct 8-14 | 33rd Bonaire International Sailing Regatta | |
| Oct 11 | 5 km Regatta Run sponsor ABN Ambro | |
| Oct 21 | Antillean Day | |
| * | 4th Bonaire Mountain bike speed challenge Race | |
| * To be announced | ||
| For a complete calender of events visit our website at www.infobonaire.com | ||
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For a complete calender of events visit our website at http://www.infobonaire.com/ Note: Dates are subject to change. A full cruise ship schedule is available upon request at the TCB Office. If you have any additions, changes or corrections to this planner please send these to S. Pourier via fax (8408) or e-mail: statistics@tourismbonaire.com - thank you. *To unsubscribe or subscribe send an e-mail to: tcb@bonairelive.com ********************************************* Tourism Corporation Bonaire Kaya S. Bolivar 12 Bonaire Dutch Caribbean Tel: 599-7-8322/ 8649 Fax: 599-7-8408 E-mail: tcb@tourismbonaire.com Website address: http://www.infobonaire.com/ **************************************************** |
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Bonaire's Bi-Weekly Newsletter Tourism Corporation Bonaire E-mail: tcb@tourismbonaire.com |
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