Kralendijk
Kralendijk was created in 1810 at this natural harbor. Till 1840 it was called Playa (beach). In 1983 it was just a small town with a few restaurants and a few shops. The only “big” supermarket was Cultimara. In 30 years a lot has changed. There are many restaurants now to chose from. Many new shops, and not only souvenir shops. I can’t give you any advice about which restaurant to go to. They might be gone when you come. Just do as I do: explore and try, it’s fun. Since 2010 Bonaire (with Saba and St. Eustacia) is a special city within the Netherlands. That brings a lot of changes and opportunities for those who know how to deal with them.
Rincon
The Spaniards settled down in Rincon in the early 16th century. Here it was safer than on the coast. Today this little village is the center of all festivities. These pictures were taken on Queens day 2010, which is also (and still is) Dia di Rincon.
Culture
Slavery is a black page in the Dutch history. Although it is forbidden, the consequences of that time are still visible. Can you imagine sleeping with somebody else in these little slave huts? The slaves had to walk from Rincon to the salt works. In the weekend they walked back home. Cargill has taken over the hard labor. Sometimes you see flamingos at the salt waters. In the shops you can now buy the salt, for cooking or bathing.
The first inhabitants of Bonaire were the Caquetio’s, who belong to the Arawak of Venezuela (about 1300 BC). They give the island it’s name Bon Aire = flat country. There are a few places you can find their inscriptions like these at Onima. You have to look up in the overhanging caves to see them. They are protected now by iron grills, so you can’t miss them.
