We wanted an inside view of Bonaire, and logistically the day we rented the car was on January 1. People in Bonaire take this day off seriously, needing a time of rest after the excitement and festivities of New Year's Eve. We had high hopes of seeing many of the sights, including the Washington Slgbaai National Park, but there we arrived to closed gates.

We hopped back into the car, following no particular route, but trying to make a circular visit around the island. Bryant Lum was in the lead (we needed two cars for the families), and he made a beehive toward the sign of the Butterfly Farm. Normally it would not be an arrow I would follow, but considering several places we had already tried to visit were closed, we figured, why not?

It was such a delightful surprise. The colors of the butterflies were incredible. It felt similar to taking the time to smell the roses, but instead taking the time to "look at the butterflies." It is amazing that DNA and nature can create such a beautiful creature. We were all marvelously amazed, and pleased we made this unexpected stop. I feel if I have the opportunity to stop at a butterfly farm again, I won't hesitate to make a visit.