We spent yet another day roaming the island, checking out the salt pans that once made Bonaire so valuable to the Dutch—along with the tiny Slave Huts that come with that history—before heading north into a landscape made almost entirely of cactus bush. Beautiful in a “nothing here wants you to survive” kind of way.

The last few days brought some truly fantastic drift snorkels in front of Klein Bonaire. Our final day with the rental car, however, was devoted to the very glamorous task of provisioning. Prices here are nearly the same as back home in Germany—and therefore a bargain by Caribbean standards—so we went all in: 24 kilos of flour and plenty of other staples. Apparently, turning up at the checkout with 70 liters of UHT milk is not an everyday occurrence. The cashier’s face alone was worth it.

After this thrilling shopping adventure, the kids were rewarded with a day pass at Chogogo Resort. The pool meanders through the complex like a lazy river, complete with shady lounging spots for parents who prefer not to be splashed every 30 seconds. We lost sight of the boys for six straight hours as they went feral on the mini waterslide and endlessly floated around in inflatable tubes. Total parenting win.

Normally, by now, we’d be more than ready to move on to Curaçao. But a parcel of spare parts we optimistically expected from Europe got stuck thanks to airspace closures. So instead, we stayed put and celebrate our Nino’s 7th birthday right here today! A day he has impatiently been waiting for since Christmas! —and honestly, Bonaire is starting to feel suspiciously like home.

Is Bonaire the most dramatic or exciting island out there? Probably not. But it has a vibe. There’s something oddly comforting about falling into a routine: morning runs, homeschooling, knowing exactly which aisle the good stuff is in at the supermarket—and then spending the afternoon snorkeling over a stunning coral reef. It’s like life here hands you a cozy blanket and says, “Just stay a little longer.”