We were doing the first part of the ‘ABC Islands‘; Aruba, Bonaire and Curacoa. After an acceptable English breakfast we made out first trip out on the Island of Bonaire, capital Karlendijk. First impression was on how clear the water was even in the filthy docking area you could see the bottom and bright coloured fish in their hundreds.
Of course it was hot and despite keeping mostly in the shade on board we both noticed signs of tanning or burn building so slapped plenty of sun oil on today. We didn’t sign up for any excursion today, mainly centred around scuba diving or snorkelling and Annette doesn’t swim very well unless she can garb hold of land within three feet. So we had a walk through the town and found a local supermarket to get some cheap beers. The size of the Island was deceptive and I think we could have seen more had we done a tour but, its all sitting on coaches and I don’t think you really get the feel of local life like that.
Back on board we were left without seats again as most of the passengers either couldn’t be bothered to get off or had given up early to pinch a sun bed. The microscopic pools were full too but, for a ship so large they were incredibly tiny considering the number of passengers. Annette found some damn uncomfortable chair to sit on and then got stroppy when I said I was uncomfortable and went back to the cabin. I was still having trouble with the sprained muscle in my left arm and in quite a bit of pain but, the travelling caught up with me and I fell asleep for a couple of hours. I felt much better after that and ready for another late night of on board entertainment.
Annette was also disappointed she had been unable to connect to the wi-fi with her new toy, the Ipad. Of course she was too tight to pay for a connection on the boat and as it turned out most of the people who did were bitterly disappointed by the poor service and connectivity. Annette has spent a pleasant couple of hours watching the crew tie up and then casting off the ship – her favourite part of sailing I think.
The nights meal was to be a formal affair and despite the heat it was clear a lot of posers were on board, all dressed up to the nines like it was a Hollywood premier.
I managed to avoid this one as we found the buffet restaurant was still serving and I think Annette was a little taken aback at how posh it all looked.
There were more shows, nothing that stood out so we went down to the other bar hoping to see Tina and Peakles but, it was a crappy Karaoke night. Manafed to get some real ale while Annette was having her ‘on offer’ cocktails. John from Bristol (at this point had his leg in plaster) had a pretty good pub singer voice but, he didn’t know when to quit and fancied himself as a stand up comedian. A quick ‘away ya twat’ from a Glasgow lady soon got shut of him and let some better singers have a go.
So our first day ashore was less eventful and was pretty much setting the pattern for the rest of the cruise: visit to similar looking Island, excursions not really worth the money or restricted because Annette could walk far and not surprising since we now know the dozy sod had torn a ligament 
but, wouldn’t go to the doctors. She must have been in agony, as I’d only strained my muscle and that was damn painful.
Ah well, at least this won’t become a Saga on the lines of the Berlin travelogues.