One very Friendly Island...Be sure to click on this boatload of happy people for a larger view.

It's hard to describe Bonaire to people who have never been here. Hardscrabble and beautiful at the same time...dry cactus landscapes, aquablue vistas and underwater colorful reefs that teem with life. And... it is the people that really give the place it's warm and welcome feel, there are no hawkers selling tourist trinkets, no parasailing and no tours to island eco-farms. Most visitors will find that polite questions are met with helpful and genuine attempts to make you feel welcome, people on the street respond to a universal "hello".
Some of that "welcome" feel is captured (for me) in this shot. It was Sunday, the one day that the 13,000 inhabitants all seem to enjoy the gifts of their little island. This boat was passing by our place and I raised my camera to get a shot...the reaction when I was spotted speaks volumes.
I just know that we will return! :-)