Bonaire

Bonaire, our first port of call.  Plenty of cloud around at 6.30 this morning, but still very warm.  There was a German cruise ship anchored alongside as we entered port and whist it was a pretty large ship, it was small compared to the Ventura.  With fantastic precision the captain manoeuvred the ship exactly into place behind the German ship and we were ready to disembark by 08.15.

Arriving Bonnaire

German ship

However, before than we were obliged to take another full English in the Saffron Restaurant, which is our silver service restaurant.  Even better than yesterday.  Delicious grilled bacon, sausage eggs, inch thick fried bread that melts in the mouth and just about anything else you ever wanted for breakfast.

We then disembarked and picked up a minibus with four others for a trip round the north end of the island.  Malcolm our driver appeared to be knowledgeable and definitely friendly as are most people in the Caribbean.  On the trip we saw iguanas, monkeys and pink flamingos in their natural habitats as well as sheep, goats and endless cactus plants. 

Iguana

Ever seen a cactus fence before? We have!



We returned back to the ship just in time for lunch.  Another three courses of excellent food, followed by a quick stroll along the harbour, taking in the parrot fish that were clearly visible from the quayside. 
Bonnaire

 Then back to the ship for a couple of hours sunbathing on the sundeck.  We were due to depart at 5.30 so the resident steel band struck up around 5.00pm and that was the cue for the first cocktail.  Now we have our first  Pina Colada under our belt it feels like a holiday.

Sunset leaving Bonnaire

Quick change for first sitting dinner left little time for a swift G&T before getting into diner at 6.30.  New table this evening, which we shared with a very pleasant couple from Torquay.  The other couple that were supposed to be on our table did not materialise.  Maybe they’ll be there tomorrow.  After dinner ,we listened to a classical pianist in one of the bars followed by a singer and small band.  Pretty good considering the size of the bar and a relatively small audience.  One for the road, then we retired to bed.