Blog Posts Tagged Maggie Burgisser

Buddha surrounded by coral, cactus, blue pool water and sky.

Oasis Guesthouse Bonaire

Coral tiles spread out around the inviting blue pool and breezy palms. Every square inch of this patio is a beautiful treasure of nature, now lifeless but with patterns holding the memory of sacred geometry’s golden ratio, or patterns of the Seed of Life or more. Every tile is carefully fitted against its neighbor, ensuring nothing is wasted. Coral tiles are no longer allowed for building or beautifying purposes here in Bonaire, unless you import them from another island or country that does not prohibit the harvesting of coral. However, the cost is prohibitive, which highlights the preciousness of this patio.

The giant cactus in front of the rear property wall, is at least four feet taller than it was on my first visit here three years ago. Spreading out in every direction, it brings stems and leaves into shapes that trigger the imagination. Is that a frog I see? Or a rabbit, or lobster, a fish that just caught a luscious meal of something almost its size? And that other one, it looks like a crazy character from a kids’ cartoon!

The soft, fur-like leaves and branches of the companion plant at its base shower the space with little red flowers that attract hummingbirds. Blue and white plastic lounge chairs are swept with palm branches yearning to be trimmed, loaded onto one of the pickup trucks out front, and transported to the donkey sanctuary, where they will be joyfully devoured like vegetable broth after a seven-day fast.

Imitating coral, three wood-carved chandeliers hang above the sturdy oak-topped table, which is surrounded by mahogany chairs, all weather-worn but resilient in this constant 90°F heat and 60% humidity, interspersed with rain showers.

The table easily holds ten diners. Or laptops or a couple or two eating breakfast or dinner that they prepared in the community kitchen. For a smile when you look up, tin signs say things like ‘Sharks have been spotted in this pool, they come out when they smell pee’ or another with a painting of a puffer fish surrounded by the words, ‘You’re one bad mother puffer!’

Contrast that with a large statue of Buddha’s head across the warm blue swimming pool. Cast in stone, slanted eyes cast down, mouth silent, ears elongated holding, I guess, ancient piercings, I wonder if his face was really that round after all those years sitting under a tree. For the sake of curiosity, I researched that question, and it turns out his rounded face helps evoke a sense of tranquility and inner harmony. That certainly is the feeling here at the Oasis Guesthouse.

Entering from the street, a metal gate and fence keep wild donkeys from entering the guesthouse property. The expansive lobby lets new guests know immediately that a sense of humor and casual aesthetics are part of the package.

A large painting of flamingos dominates one wall. Flamingoes are an attraction on the island and a central theme here, as the owner, John, is a volunteer rescuer of these amazing birds. But there is aesthetic competition with lots of wood carvings, including the hull of an old boat and a bar made to look like the bow of ancient boat. A mahogany seahorse got a pair of modern sunglasses, and its spines hold extra rolls of toilet paper just in case a guest needs more TP when no one is around to help.

The most important aspect of Oasis Guesthouse is the charm of the hosts, Kim Beekers and John Grooten. Never without interesting and engaging conversation, all guests feel welcome and compelled to relax. Bonaire is known for water sports like diving and windsurfing, and Kim and John also own a diving school. Most guests are participating in water sports at some level. However, this week one couple is here for a wedding, another couple is stopping to explore Bonaire after two months hiking in the mountains of South America before returning to Switzerland, and Jan and I are here for business and amazing Date #23.