I keep finding things I have done in the past that I can no longer do. Example: Newspaper rock in the Petrified Forest. I used to look at it from 12 inches away, now the closest you can get is 200 ft. Another, I used to drive to the edge of the Grand Canyon, no way you can do that now. A couple of times I sailed from Kanaha Beach when I was able to drive my truck right up to the water. I was actually able to park the truck on the sand 20 ft from the water. That will never happen again.
Maybe Bonaire is next. I have been to Bonaire more times than I can count. I received this today.
Does Bonaire want to stop vacation rentals🤯? Learn more!
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Sunwise Bonaire Unsubscribe
Apr 24, 2024, 11:13 AM (20 hours ago)
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Does Bonaire actually want to stop vacation rentals? Read all about it!
Dear Bonaire lover,
A group of homeowners and landlords opposes the enforcement of Bonaire’s vacation rental zoning laws. As this will threaten the local economy, as visits by tourists, who spend money, could decrease, with which related services could also be affected. Would you like to support our action to oppose the intention of the Bonaire government? Then please share your "likes" on Facebook, to our (Ron Opdam) posts in our board's (OLB) article on this campaign. Read all about the campaign.
As a destination, Bonaire offers a compelling model of how sustainable tourism can contribute to the well-being of the planet while providing unforgettable experiences for travelers. Through its dedication to sustainability, Bonaire not only safeguards its own future but also serves as an inspiration for other destinations around the world.
PeelSkid
My take. Like all things it's complicated. Some of the things you mention that you can't do any more is because idiots ruin it for all of us. Petrified forest? Idiots touching and breaking stuff. Grand Canyon Rim? Idiots falling and park rangers having to risk their lives to scrape the bodies off the rocks below.
In this case, it's not a new law. Authorities are enforcing an existing law that's almost 15 years old, ie a good part of the time you've been visiting Bonaire. Usually laws like this are put in place to prevent entire neighborhoods going AirBnB, pricing out the locals (Bonaire being a poor place to start with) and hollowing out the communities with properties that are empty a decent part of the year (no residents to support local businesses, etc) The owners are butt-hurt that an existing law is getting enforced. I'm willing to bet a good part of the owners bought their properties post 2010 and assumed enforcement would be lax.
"Very few areas in Bonaire allow for short-term rentals, according to the Zoning plan of 2010, and with recent enforcement by the governing authorities, you can count on Bonaire Real Estate Group (BREG) to fully disclose the zoning, so you have no doubt of the legal use of the property."
https://infobonaire.com/expect-full-property-disclosure-with-bonaire-real-estate-group/
There's nothing stopping us from going to Bonaire and staying at proper lodging. Does this mean that we can't stay at that cheap VRBO/AirBnB we stayed at last year? Yeah, likely. But it's because of rules the locals put in place a while back. Similar reasons to why there are short-term rental restrictions here in Hall Co. and Sandy Springs (people got tired of the empty McMansions next door hosting big, loud parties). Like I said, things like this are complicated and quite often because people misbehaved.
On a related note - Richard's two cents on enlightenment - haha
One dimension is quantity:
- how much time do you and I have. We each have an expiration date. I got a pretty good reminder of that a year ago. Several of us have.
All of our parents generation is passing or have passed. Take care of your mental health(!) and physical health ( food, activities, etc) to get more quantity.
Another dimension Quality: Take care of yourself and those around you.
My 2(2) cents:
- Don't drink ( at "our age"), do laugh, do surf ( in some form - all foiling counts),
- practice radical transparency with those you love ( can be anyone, but family and certain friends for sure - build up that ability )) - borrowed from Ray Dalio.
- Be curious and (at least little) accepting of anyone you meet ( borrowed from Paul )
- Learn from people with opposite views ( don't throw the baby out with the bath water) .
- Learn from "negative" experiences: layoffs, medical emergencies, failed rlationships, any failures ( FAIL - first attempt in learning)
- Some people who become your best friends you may have an initial not entirely positive impression - see what happens.
- Community - like this - love it. William and Chris - you guys helped me immeasurably.
- Work with people who complement your strengths and weaknesses-wise
- we need to triangulate on this thing called reality and life: no one has it figured out - learn from anyone and from everyone
- Ultimately work with those who support you ( when you can ).
- Turn any "complaining" into reflection and into your own action as you need/want :-).
- read.
- exercise.
- talk things out / through (radical transparency)
- look for serendipity in things - it's everywhere.
Forgive any errors in this scribbling.
Forgive my soap-boxing - if it sounds like that, please don't take it that way.
I love you guys.
webguy
Also, more on track to the convo:
- I believe Sullivan's did something similar with AirBnB.
- let's share AirBnB - like Setilli did with me several years ago at IoP.
- I have a new connection to Tortola - they have AirBnB there and wind