Page 691 - Visitor Guides

The northern part is more green occupants, such as the Spaniards and counter when visiting other main
and hilly. With a height of 714 feet the Dutch. Friendly and warm are the Caribbean tourist destinations. The
(218 meters), Brandaris is Bonaire's best ways to describe the people be- selection of goods offered are like
highest point. An average annual rain- hind the bright smiles for which Bonaire itself: diverse and surprising.
fall of 22 inches (56 cm), an almost con- Bonaireans are so famous. We have some shops that offer high
stant water temperature of 80 de- While Dutch and Papiamento are quality jewelry while others carry
grees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Cel- the official languages, English is arts and crafts from our local artisans.
sius), and a slightly higher air temper- widely spoken by the majority on For many years, Bonaire's govern-
ature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 de- the island. ment has played a leading role in pre-
grees Celsius), makes Bonaire a pleas- Renting a car is highly reco- serving and protecting the nature on
ant environment in which to vacation. mmended as there is no formal public the island, both under and above the
Bonaire's population is a rich mix- transportation system on the island. water. Most significant and well
ture of several cultures and goes back Taxis are available at the airport or known, of course, is the Bonaire
to around 1000 AD, the era of the can be arranged by your hotel. National Marine Park, initiated over
Awarak Indians, when the Caiquetios On Bonaire's main street, Kaya thirty years ago at a time when ma-
sailed across from what is now Grandi, you won't find busy and over- rine parks were unknown.
Venezuela. Traces of their culture still crowded shops retailing the tradi-
can be found on various archaeologi- tional gadgets and souvenirs you en-
cal sites. Slaves were brought from
Africa in the early 1600s. Historical
landmarks from this dark period in his- Historical landmarks are still visible on the island. Most eye-
tory are still visible on the island. catching and impressive are, of course, the slave huts on the
Most eye-catching and impressive southern tip of the island.
are, of course, the slave huts on the
southern tip of the island. Although
defined by diversity, Bonaire's rich
culture is heavily influenced by
African elements. Songs and dances
of the slaves, created to deal with
their inhumane treatment, are kept
alive by the people of Bonaire. African
styles have been creatively mixed
with cultural influences of the island's

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Bonaire, divers paradise 4