23 replies to this topic

[WreckWench]

We've been doing our annual Bonaire trip for 9 years or so! Somewhere along the line we started our own private Happy Hours in the 3 rooms behind the bar and half way between the dive shop and the lobby. The rooms are handicapped rooms so if someone needs them then we can't have them but we usually put several or single people in the rooms and they help host Chez Neal. Chez Neal was named after one of the guys that hosted it for a number of years... aka Neal. The name stuck and we'd like to do it again this year.

 

How Does It Work?

 

1. We choose a location (the rooms by the bar or other) and we meet there after diving to socialize, have a drink and either wait for dinner if its an included meal OR decide where to go if its not an included meal.

2 People buy booze at duty free and either leave it at Chez Neal or just bring it back and forth with then when they come hang out. BOOZE IS NOT REQUIRED and you can BRING ANY BEVERAGE OF YOUROICE!

3. People buy mixers and beer at the local store about 2 blocks away and usually we leave them in the refrigerators of the people who have the rooms. Again you can bring them with you when you join the fun.

4. If we have enough interest we can collect a few bucks from everyone i.e $5-10 and use this to buy cups, mixers, snacks, etc. for the Happy Hours. Again not mandatory but if it sounds like fun then this helps to make it all work out. And 5-10 bucks is very cheap but should help defray most of the costs for the week. Let's just say its a lot cheaper than the resort's bar.

 

What we need?

 

1. We need volunteers to HOST Chez Neal

2. We need volunteers to help get mixers, beer, cups, snacks

3. We need people to buy DUTY FREE BOOZE for themselves and maybe to share

4. We need people to bring snacks from home i.e nuts, party mixes etc as they are hard to get on the island

5. We need people willing to help clean up after Chez Neal and/or as we go to help keep the burden off the hosts and hostesses. 6.

6. And we need people to PARTICIPATE!!!

 

NOTE:

 

1. We are NOT a diving club with a drinking problem

2. We are NOT drinkers with a diving problem.

3. The first drink you have is the last dive of the day.

4. Chez Neal WILL close at a reasonable hour so that people can get plenty of sleep.

5. We invite EVERYONE to come by and hang out. Don't drink...no worries. Didn't buy a bottle at duty free? No problem. Come by anyway and just hang out!

 

So who's game to join us?

[DivingBelle]

I will bring snacks from home, contributed the $10 and try to get duty free (not sure how to do that). Also, happy to clean up - sounds like an old fashion speak-easy to me!!

[CLH418]

Glad to pick up some duty free alcohol to contribute and will try to bring some snacks. Will try and look up if Bonaire has duty free, it has been 5-6 years since my last visit.

[LovesToDive]

I'm happy to contribute $5-10, go to the local store to pick stuff up, take a turn cleaning up and definitely participate. Look forward to getting to know everyone.

[CLH418]

Looks like you will need to buy at whatever airport you are leaving from

[LovesToDive]

Does anyone supply music??

[Tandoorii]

I don't sing...BUT

will bring a bottle of rum and snacks.

I'm not Neal  

[jesterdiver]

 

 

Chez Neil (renamed Che J's for that week LOL!) was a great time last time a couple of us hosted 2 years ago! I would do it again if not for the fact I'm only going to be with the group a few days. Some of my best memories from my last Bonaire trip were the singledivers happy hours!

 

 

After people's afternoon dives we would meet up have a few drinks, talk about the days dives and group up for dinners in town. After dinner many of us would find our way back for night caps! We would even pick up stragglers from outside the group.

 

Look forward to meeting everyone this year and seeing some old friends as well!

 

I'll pitch in the $10 for the cause!

Edited by jesterdiver, 30 August 2015 - 07:35 AM.

[Kimbuddha]

I always hit up duty free for my gluten free vodka,lol. I found some nut/ dried berry mixes to bring(6).
I also always have a stash of dark chocolate. I will contribute $10 for mixes, etc. I'm not one for staying up late or drinking after dinner but definitely count me in for happy hour.

Edited by Kimbuddha, 30 August 2015 - 11:23 AM.

[DoctorB]

I'd be willing to do it (again).
The three rooms are all S/O

[500psi]

No Problem, I will  put in my $10 for cups and snacks, as well as pickup some mix for the drinks or for non- drinkers at that local store that you mentioned.  Just direct me and I can make the supply run.  Happy to be of help to make this a nice social gathering!!!!.

 

Bob

[N.J. Turtle]

Sure, I'm in, will chip-in and will bring some snacks from home. 

Edited by N.J. Turtle, 31 August 2015 - 10:29 AM.

[ItsScubaJen]

I'll participate by bringing snacks and contributing $$$

[JOE LIKES TO DIVE]

Sure sounds great, I'll contribute, bring snacks from home and buy booze a duty free!

[WreckWench]

NOW THATS THE SPIRIT!!! So far I have Charles aka DocB as a host. Can I get 1-2 more people doing a single room or a couple* to agree to be part of the trio  of hosts who will be the home of the Happy Hours????

 

I promise we will end early so as to NOT interfere with diving! Its a great way to meet the group and be part of the action.

 

The HH rooms have a king bed so that is why we need s/o's and/or couples to be hosts.