Page 54 - The Dutch Caribbean Isles

ombine the Klein trip with a guided which Bonaireans are so famous. There are rants, bars and shops. “Coral Dyke” was not
many highlights and landmarks on Bonaire. Bonaire’s first settlement, as that honor
C walk and exploration of the island or a
snorkel along the island’s shallow terraces: goes to Rincon. Fort Oranje in Kralendijk
a perfect place to spot sea turtles. S alt Pans/Mountains - Various salt pans was built in 1816 and is certainly worth a
shape the landscaping in the wide, visit. The fruit and vegetable market-stand
M ountain Biking - Miles and miles of flat, open southern region. Originating in on the boulevard and the typical Dutch co-
trails have been mapped on Bonaire the early 1600s, the salt industry was set up lonial buildings are settings that will make

for the mountain bikers. Literally around by the Dutch and salt production has been you realize you are indeed in another world.

every hilltop there are different vistas to a major source of income for the island K ralendijk is the largest town on the
enjoy. There is a wide variety of routes to since then. Today’s salt pans produce large Caribbean island of Bonaire. It’s also the
choose from to be able to put together a quantities of white salt crystals that from a

tour that best suits your interest and fitness distance look like snowy mountains, truly island’s capital. A sleepy Caribbean capital

level. amazing and surprising scenery in the trop- of around 3,000 residents, Kralendijk does

A lthough defined by diversity, Bonaire’s ics! not overwhelm the visitor with noise, and
rich culture is heavily influenced by its streets are noted for their cleanliness.
S lave Huts - Just minutes south of the Many locals simply refer to their capital
salt mountains you will find witnesses city as Playa, or Beach, and there are some
of a dark chapter in Dutch history. The

African elements. Songs and dances of the white slave huts served as housing for good beaches in the immediate area that

slaves, created to deal with their inhumane slaves during the week. The small slave are ideal for some fun and relaxation. The

treatment, are kept alive by the people of quarters, built entirely from stone, should list of things to do in Kralendijk can involve

Bonaire. African styles have been success- be on everybody’s list of things­to-see. more than hanging out on the beach, and
fully mixed with cultural influences of the visitors will be happy to know that some
island’s occupants, such as the Spaniards K ralendljk - When leaving the slave huts interesting destinations are close by when
behind and driving all the way along
and the Dutch. Friendliness and an almost the east coast, you will see this small, but the temptation to explore beautiful Bonaire

pleasant shyness are the best ways to lively, town that nowadays is the commer- sets in.

describe the persons behind the smiles for cial center of the island with many restau-