If words could only dug into this wonderful experience
Thank you, Jason & Wes

July 12^th, 2004

Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
Thank you again for another great journey.
The next time we see you in California!
How many Belline travel points do we have by now ???
Are we back theÖ what Ö fifth time ???

Öand will be soon back again !

  Danielle & Ray, Los Angeles, CA

  We are so happy to count you as our friends; we are looking forward to trip #6

July 12^th, 2004 Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,

What a wonderful vacation! Couldnít think of a better way to spend our first vacation as a couple in ten tears.
Thank you for making the time for our trip.
Walter, we really enjoyed the scuba & your Caribbean expertise.

Weíd love to come back!

Thank you, thank you, and thank you!

Andrea & Chris Callahan, Newark, CA

July 4^th, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
thank you for a great vacation, we rate it:
Two thumbs way up!
The best ìbooty day ever ì!

Ellen & Wally Dexter, Peoria, AZ

July 3^th, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,

Almost a year in planning. Obviously the best choice. Best food, best crew! Eight of us, scuba lessons, beautiful full moon, sail on, lost in the clouds, trade winds blow, relaxation, sunrise, sunset, the best bars, full moon party at Bombas ñ but no tea L
Best friends, once again, BEST DAY EVER!
We all go back to our ìrealî lifeís, will keep this memories aliveÖ the beauty is: there will be another time.

Thank you, Vivian & Linda Moore, Falls Church VA

July 3^th, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,

Best day ever 10 top reasons to sail on Belline :
1 Lela, Walter & samba
2 delicious food, morning, noon & night
3 fast sailing
4 BVI weather
5 Beaches & locations
6 Drinks & more drinks
7 Bomba experience
8 soggy bottoms
9 laughter
10 funs with new friends

Thank you for a wonderful week, Joyce & Barry Alexander, Harpers Ferry,WV

July 4^th, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,

Love da ìbootyî
Play da ìbootyî
A remarkable time!
Keep the music alive Ö

Bob & Carol Moss, Spokane, WA

June  26^th, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
Such an exiting week! Thanks so much for being such great hosts. Walter, your patience with the cockroach diving was unbelievable. The Indians and the Rhone where so enjoyable.
Lela is an awesome chef and I cannot imagine the talent it takes to come up with such great meals in such a little space.
Walter you help with Bill and his shoulder where great.
Once again, thanks again for a wonderful week and the opportunity to meet new friends.

Yupik guys are great!
Bill & Sandy Sinclair, Olathe, KS

June  26^th, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba, what a wonderful week. 
We where looking forward to the opportunity to relax and expand our horizon- never could have guessed it would have been so terrific.
Steve loved learning about sailing and acquiring a taste of wines.
The diving was awesome. So glad we didnít pass on the Rhone dive.
Will keep looking for that new bikini
Thank you for you hospitality, warmth and friendshipÖ it helped create wonderful memories for us to go home with.

Looking forward to next time XOXO, Steve & Bonnie Marsh, Olathe, KS

June  26^th, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,

Thank you so much for letting us stay on your home. We so much appreciate your hospitality. We felt so comfortable from the time we stepped on board. Walter thank you for making our dive experience not only educational but also extremely fun. You have a patience of a saint !
Lela, I canít quite figure out if I want to take you home and cook for me every day or leave you here so we donít explode from the incredible food you cookÖ
It was an amazing & delightful experience at every meal. The time goes by so quickly I canít believe this is our last night. I canít wait the next time we meet you both again-because I know we will be in for a hell-of-a-time Öhopefully soon!

Thank you again,

Your house is beautiful, your friendship will last a life time & so will so will our memories!

Jeff & Traci Johnson
PS: Samba, take care of Lela, Walter; you are the real ìbossî!

June  25^th, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
Never thought we would all dive the Rhone, but we where comfortable with it and LOVED it. Got anymore Tom oh, I mean Glenn Fidditch?
Learned some international symbols, including the flying something or otherÖ created our own underwater symbol for busting our balls, which happened a few times during the week. (* Not mine though)
Thanks to Walter Cindy learned to clear her mask; not an easy task.
Loved the self-service bar at cow wreck, no tip necessary. Disappointed knock off 20 cases, but with all the wine & drinks we didnít quite needed that much. We cannot believe what Lela surprised us with out of that tiny closet like galley for the eight of us. Wow!
Loved the trip, loved our hosts, loved the easygoing dive instructions Ösimply WE WILL BE BACK! THANK YA GUYS!

Ps: Loved Samba, what would the trip be without that funny buddy?

Tom & Cindy Manning, Olathe, KS

June  16^th, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
You brought your boat
And took us out
For a week afloat
To wine & dine
And sail and scuba
Through the BVI's
And forwards Aruba
Jennifer and Holly 
Sister tow-
Brought our boys
To sail with you
We arrived one Wednesday
At Trellis Bay
Close enough to hear
The donkeyís bray!
We explored the isles
Turning every stone
While Jake searched hard
For an ìinternational phoneî
Jake & Taylor
Had a blast
The week went by
Really fast
Awesome food
Great Belliniís (drinks)
Bet youíre glad
We wore no bikinis
We drank wine & beer
And diet cola
Was every island
Really Tortola?
Itís hard to name
Our favorite port-
Willy Tís
Or last resort?
Hope we havenít
Been to rowdy
Weíll leave you with
One last ìhowdyî
Too soon its time
For us to part;
You two are awesome
BLESS YOUR HEART!
When times get rough,
Grin & bear it,
But always rememberÖ
If the foo shits, wear it !
One last thing
May make you cuss
Looking for Samba
Sheís with us!

Jennifer Pearson, Holly, Taylor and Jake, Amarillo & Lubbock, TX

June 6^th, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba, Öthese brezels are making me thirsty !
You are 3 of the most bodacious booties! Will be back!

Deb & Steve McLaughlin, Winter Garden, FL

June 6^th, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
Words cannot describe this fantastic week we have experienced with you!
Thank you for your extraordinary hospitality and love that you have showed us!
This trip has truly been and experienced that will be hard to top! The food, the destinations, the dives, the music, and every little thing about it has been the best of the best!
You and Walter are the perfect example of a perfect couple J
We will be back with our crazy friends!

Love to you both, Suzan & Ron Walker, Cupertino, CA

June 6^th, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
Please come visit us in aspen, stay in touch! We love you both! Samba too!
You are two very special people and we feel fortunate to have met you.
We wont say good-bye
But weíll see you soon, kiss, kiss, love you, and mean it!

To my new friends Lela & Walti and Samba, Thank you for introducing us to your life style, being our friends, teaching us a new way to view life.
The diving was exceptional, the friendship brilliant. You made my husband enjoying his vaca !!! Squeaky O-ring Ö exercises my right arm.

Linda & Brad Randel, Aspen, CO

June 6^th, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
What a dream come true!
Words cannot express alone all the thoughts, feelings and emotions!
This vacation has been a blessing on so many levels! Thank you so much for opening your home to us. We hope to see you all again very soon.
Please stay in touch with us.
God bless you and keep you save, always Toni & Scott Moffitt, Flower Mound, TX

May 26^th, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
Thank you for a wonderful, memorable trip. We had a wonderful time and are thankful that we received the privilege of vacationing with the Belline ll. Samba is such a lovely little ìhundleî. I canít wait to get home and show my friends hoe to tie knots!
This was the perfect way to celebrate birthday # 44!
If you visit Charleston, SC, PLEASE drop in for a visit.
We will be back, thank you, Lisa & Alan Blunt, Mt. Pleasant, SC

May 15^th, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
Well what can I say, you have done it again. This week on Belline was too short, I think Iíll just stay and be a ìboat boy ì!
Thank you for everything, I look forward to next year some time! Remember you MUST visit NC and play on our lake!

Much love, Monte Tuttle, New London, NC

Youíve done it again, Monte said it already! We couldnít have had a more enjoyable week- unless it could have been two weeks!! Maybe next year. We look forward to our next meeting.

Much love, Todd Tibbs, New London, NC

May 15^th, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
Another memorable trip! Thank you so much again sharing your home with us.
Of all the traveling Iíve done, this trip by boat I could do over & over.

Thank you and love you, Judy Witter, Westport,CT

May 15^th, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
With greatest thanks for a brilliant, wonderful time. Your hospitality & generousness are second to none!
I canít wait to ëtil next time, Sylvia Twigg, Norwalk, CT

May 7^th, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
What a wonderful vacation! Everything was perfect, the food especiallyÖ
I suppose never to eat again! Thank you for your warm hospitality, please visit in New Orleans.

Charlotte Viener, St.Nola, LA

May 7^th, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
Thank you so very much for everything. The trip was exceeding my expectations, as I know we no doubt exceeded yours with our foolishness. You both are patient, professional and a lot of fun.  We would love to entertain you should you find yourself in New Orleans, please come!

Thanks, Paul St.Raymond, New Orleans, LA

May 7^th, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
Thank you so much for the wonderful food, snorkeling and company. You guys are great! It has been a great vacation. Could not ask for better. Hope to return soon. Come see us all in New Orleans!

Elena Garcia Chaffer, aka Miss Gogo, New Orleans, LA

May 7^th, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
Thank you very much for a wonderful fun filled vacation. This has been one of the best vacations I ever had. The food was outstanding but most of all the company was out of this world. You are the best, including Samba.
This has definitely been an experience of a lifetime. I hope to see you both & pup soon either in New Orleans or back in the BVIís.

Love you, Kim Ann Meng, New Orleans, LA

March 31st, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
Thanks for a great week of fun & sun. Weíll never see anything as beautiful as this place. Hope to do it again some time. Thanks for missing the crowd all the time & keeping us all happy.

Iíll think of you guys often, thanks again, Brenda Moore, Lexington, KY

March 31st, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
Thank you again for a wonderful week of sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, drinking, winching, pillaging ÖoupsÖwe just felt like pirates, getting away from it all.
Your hospitality made the trip truly special.

Weíll be back.. Gibb & Karen Harrington, Holley, NY

March 31st, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
We had a wonderful time, you are great people. Besides having a fantastic time we appreciate your conservative approach to business, even in paradise there is great business people. Remember the ì dairy 3 a day ì come to Florida and see us!

Ron & Marcie St.John, Trenton, FL

March 15th, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
Thank you! This has been a truly memorable week for all of us.
Walter thank you for putting up with Foxys and three boys who do not sleep.
Lela, thank you for all your kindness & consideration of all of us in your home. Your meals were so wonderful and your kindness is most appreciated.
Samba, how do you stay in the dinghy without falling? We loved the pampered pooch!! 
From Tom, Ginny, Steven, Gregory & R.J. Blasco, Lake Forrest, Ill

March 2nd, 2004
Dear captain ìRon ì (Walter), Lela and Samba,
Thank you!!! For a spectacular and unforgettable week. Thank you! For welcoming us to your home and showing us the wonders of the Virgin Islands. We loved the hiking to the ancient Petroglyphes in St.John, the long hike in Peter Island and all the beach walks together with samba. Your hospitality made our ì first anniversary ì a truly wonderful experience!
(Gina): never was as interested in wreck dives. But the Rhone changed everything.
(Lamberto): I need to log my final certification dive! Never I thought I would breathe bushwhackers J
Looking forward to returning to you and the virgins!

CARPE DIEM, Lamberto & Gina Calipes, Anaheim, CA

Feb. 22nd, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
This has been a vacation to remember! The sailing, amazing food and great personal attention to each of us NINE! Was very much appreciated. We will never forget the snorkeling  & beaches! We hope to come back soon,

Connie & John Bouck, Auburn, NY

Feb. 22nd, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
Thank you for your hospitality and great company for a fun filled week- above and below the water!!! Diving on the Rhone, waterskiing, feasting on fantastic meals are all something, which we will never forget. We look forward to having you as guests in PragueÖ and donít forget to bring Samba along.

Best wishes, David & Eva Bouck, Prague, Czech Republic

By the way, this is our last trip as a couple and we shall be back with a third member of the familyÖ soon!

                                   -send money-

Feb. 22nd, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
Thanks for an amazing trip for our family. Everything was spectacularÖ the food, beaches, the stops, your serviceÖ thank you to arrange everything so nicely for the kids, we will never forget it Ö the kids and I, we will never forget you threeÖ

Jessie, John & Terry Bouck, Ventura, CA

Feb. 10^th, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
Thank you so much for being our captains and hosts and our friends too. Treasure every day that we spent aboard the Belline ll. These moments include the wonderful meals, the terrific dives, and the entertainment form Samba. What a great pooch!
Your extensive knowledge of the islands was invaluable. Walters patience and competence mad our dives beautiful & relaxing. We also greatly appreciate the presentation of each meal your ability to cater to our preferences and the stylish and comfortable accommodations. Everything equaled that of a 5***** hotel!
Thank you for making this a trip of a lifetime and we hope to return soon!

Love, Elizabeth Breimyer, Sarah ì Dirtyî Sanchez, San Fancisco CA 
Naomie & Chris,Seattle WA , Paul Breimyer, Newton MA , John Steerze, Wellesley MA, Julie Wexler, Los Angeles CA 

Jan. 24^th, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
You know itís always difficult to accomplish the same the second time around.
But both of you didnít accomplish the same- you simply made it even better this time. We donít know what it was this timeÖ we didnít know what it was last time Ö we thought we were in heaven the last timeÖbut now it was definitely greater than heaven. Both of you ñ with Samba this time ñ still amazed us; still surprise us, still were the best all around! Thanks for the great week although it was way too short!
Please know you can count on our being repeat guestsÖ

Our love to the three of you, Nancy & Jerry 

Jan. 24^th, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
Barbara: we are here for the second time! Enough said? NO! Weíll be with you again!
Allen: when we discussed another catamaran cruise vacation to the Caribbean, the only one we thought was Walti & Lela on Belline ll. We were not willing to go to the Caribbean unless it was on Belline ll!
We were pleased to learn that Walti & Lela and Belline ll were still in ì businessî and did not hesitate to make all the necessary reservations. We almost didnít did not go due to Barbaraís cancer. However she respondent very well to her treatment and we are here Ö in this we are all very grateful. The past 7 days prove it was more than the right idea.

Thanks to you, Lela, Walter, Samba and the Belline ll, Barbara & Allen,MA

Jan. 24^th, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
We loved our first Belline ll vacation!
W‚ = watchman, we can trust
A = adventurer on the Belline ll
L = life boat ñ no need, he ës our guy
T = tall, dark, handsome
E = eager to learn ìRumikubî
R = revered captain

L = loyal to her ì customersî friends
E = energy that we envy
L = loads of fun
A = attractive smile

S = spoiled princess
A = affectionateÖ we love her
M = mascot, furry and white
B = barking fog horn (no fog, no bark)
A = amazing water dog

We are looking forward to the days ahead when we can return to the Belline ll and sail the high seas again.
Thank you, BJ & Lewana, MA

Jan. 2^th, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
We booked the Belline ll because of the little additional ì thingî that only Belline ll offered; Samba!  But than from the moment we met you guys too we knew that this would be a great holyday- we clicked right away! We have enjoyed every single day ñ with wind, rain, sun, sun, sun and all the other memories Ö the food was spectacular and the company even better. Thank you that we could extent our stay with you for another couple of days.

We really felt welcome in your home and hope one day that you will visit us in Texas.
Scott & Lenny Fletcher, Marietta GA

Jan. 2^th, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
I have had an amazing time over these past nine days. This trip is definitely one I am going to remember foreverJ from snorkeling, to learning how to scuba dive, looting islands, waterskiing and much moreÖ this vacation has been filled with many fun, exiting, crazy moments. I never thought I would scuba dive, and I wasnít planning on learning, but Walter you were very patient instructor who I felt very comfortable with.
Thank you so much for teaching me.

Lela you are an amazing chef, all your meals were sooo good I eat them all and finished always my plate and sometimes even a second one. Thank you for making my vacation the best ever!

Emma Fletcher, 18, Marietta GA

Jan. 2^th, 2004
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
Thank you so much! You made this vacation a whole lot of fun. We did so much with you; looting islands like pirates, tubing, being attacked by a cactus, and so much more! Thanks again and I hope to see you soon,

  Lydia Fletcher, 12, Marietta GA

Dec. 12^th  2003
Liebe Lela & Walti und Samba,
PANZERÖ ich begruesse Sie ! Sag mal, was geht denn hier ab ? Die sind ja am durchdrehen hier Ö
Der Urlaub war mal wieder echt toll, sogar nach dem x-ten mal ( 6 mal ??? Schon?) allerhoechstens koennte man bemaengeln, dass die Belline so etwa 3 ì zu kurz istÖ Walter ! 
Aber waere sie laenger , haetten wir Walter nicht so oft bei seinem Lieblingssport beobachten koennen X-treeme ñDeepfreezer- DivingÖ J

Vielen dank von Bruce, the fun board Willis
Hannes- ist schon was ausgemacht ?-  Krauss
Udo Willhelm, genannt ì die Winde ì
Susanne -very Quick ñ die laengsten Arme in den Virgins
Sigrun ñLector-  Eith-Juettner
Matz ñSleepfast- Krauss
Die gute Ute -ìthat tried everything ì- Fritz
Und Ö Kaffemaschinen-Terrorist Ralf -ìthe beanî ñJuettner , Germany

Nov. 30^th  2003
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
Thank you again for a wonderful week full of NEW islands adventure. Superb food (as usual!) drinks and not to forget the company of the three of you, hope to see you next year againÖ love, Madelaine and Victor Thorn-Leeson, Belgium

Nov. 30^th 2003
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
Öand once again we are thankful to have wined & dined as your guests. Thanks for another fun b-day / thanksgiving party!
We loved the Spanish Virgin islands and would have never thought that Puerto Rico is so ìRicoî on nature and things to see. Thanks for taking us there!
When do we see you again?

Much love, Lisa & Michael Thorn-Leeson, GalvestonTX

Nov. 14^th  2003
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
Loved every moment of our time together. The companionship, the warmth, the wonderful cuisine. GodÖ. SAMBA! How could we ever forget Samba and her little friend Bear ñ which was a lucky Bear to be found and rescued by Lela before he drowned. And now goes to live in Iowa!

Will be back again, Judy Reel, Des Moines

Nov. 14^th  2003
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
I met this really lovely guy, he is taking me home. Mitzie is not so sure, but have I ever listened to Mitzie? I will have a new address in Iowa now. Thank you for rescuing me, come visit!

Little Bear (puppy, ca. 10 weeks old)

Ps: my new friend is Dough Norris, Des Moines, IA

Nov. 14^th  2003
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
You are the best! We have enjoyed our trip with you the weather was a ìbitch ì but we had you to spoil and pamper us that that was not an issue anymore! Great hosts! Bravo!

Julie Mays, Rochester Hills, MI

Nov. 10^th  2003
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
Encore, encore!!!
As usual a beautiful experience, loved the French isles and the shopping in St.Barts (st.bargainsÖ J)  
Thanks for setting us up with such great new friends, Robin & Mark.
Are you coming to California before we come back to you next summer Ö ?

Love, Ray & Danielle, Los Angeles CA

Nov. 10^th  2003
Dear Lela & Walti and Samba,
Someday I hope Samba and Mr. Moose can meet each other. They are the two cutest dogs ever!

Walter, Lela & Samba, again, what a wonderful trip! We love you so dearly! Looking forward to seeing you in Mulaje, Baja California
Thanks for setting us up with Danielle & Ray

Robin  & Mark Brock , San Diego, CA

May 13, 2003

Belline ll is absolutely the best!  Made us feel comfortable and we loved getting to know them! The Crew was meticulous in keeping the general areas and our cabins clean. The food was   delicious ,  great variety and beautifully presented.  Could not have asked for anything more.  We loved the area we sailed, it was very accommodating in fitting in Paul's dives and allowing us to see a lot.  We would definitely request to go with Belline ll again.  It was perfect in every way.  Also we loved having Samba onboard.  We're all dog lovers and she was fun to have around.  Beth Rocheleau

  July 5, 2003

Lela, Walter and Samba , thank you for a wonderful week! Belline ll is the perfect boat for a family vacation. Close enough to be friendly and enough space to not be under each others feet. Belline II is not new but from my non-sailors eye impeccably maintained with care!
All advertised equipment was on board and in excellent condition. It was nice to be able to wake board and water ski.
Walter thanks for making every effort to make sure all of us got to do everything we wanted to do ! We had so much fun diving you are an awesome dive instructor!

Lela thanks for all the fun conversation we had, the food you made your cooking sets extremely high standards for everybody who says, ìthey cook good foodì! We loved all your tasteful decorations and especially the welcome gift in our cabin was a sweet touch of yours. Samba was the BIG plus of this week. There are for sure more Samba pickís than of us. She is an absolutely delight and we have never seen a dog so well behaved and incredible mellow. We love you guys and miss you Ö will see you again Rick, Linda, Kelsey, Russel and Laurie Aronstein  

June 19, 2003

Lela, Walter and Samba, RULES as told to the woman of Michigan:

1. Only Jimmy buffet music from 10am ñ 10 pm
2. Capt. reserves the right to reference the ìFerkelî game
3. No drinking Ö. alone !!!
4. When the Capt. loses the boat at backgammon ñ must pay up!
5. Fighting guests must stay in ( time out ) the dinghy until finish complaining
6. If you donít know the answer to your questionÖask ìJeevesî ( 269.524.7871)
7. No drinking while discussing the safety rules
8. You must only wear the lipstick of a beautiful woman under your Caribbean kilt
9. During ìNoodle Basketballî each team member must have matching noodle
10. Watch your behavior so you donít become a ìstoryî
11. Wear expandable clothes ñ the food is outstanding !

Proclamation

We , the wonder woman of Michigan hereby resolve that 19 June be known henceforth as the Belline II Appreciation Day with all rights and privileges appertaining to Walter, Lela & Samba . This day will be fondly remembered by laughing , boating, skiing and yearning for Lelaís food!

Karen Johnson, Deb Berkey, Amy Seth, Betsy Kuhle, Sherry Wegner

April 11,2003

Walter, Lela, Petra & Samba , what a trip ! You guys made us feel at home right away.

Great food, great friends and great hosts. Theresa & I have never eaten so well on a  vacation. 
Thank you ñ we love you Ö Bob & Theresa Hadley

April 11,2003

Walter, Lela, & Samba, I didnít think it could have be done better! You guys made our second trip to the BVIís even more enjoyable. You all made a lot of unforgettable memories possible! Will be back ! Long live Belline II , Brian & Missy Willard

April 11,2003

Walter, Lela, & Samba, what a party! You guys rock ! Thank you for such a great week , what a great place to workÖ if you ever need help Ö I will work until we go to the ìCow Wreckî !!!

April 11,2003

Walter, Lela, & Samba, our twentieth anniversary couldnít have been better! Thank you for the greatest time ñ see you in two years , Barbara & Fred Sangenito

February 28, 2003

Walter, Lela & Samba, we had a wonderful time. The food was outstanding and you where so accommodate . We loved Sambas attention it kept us from missing our dog too much ! Thank you for sharing her with us . You all did such a great job for timing everything so perfectly around my daughters wedding. You kept us well fed and entertained ñ your are the best ! Betty & Bob Godfry

February 8, 2003

Walter, Lela & Samba, I cant express in words the week spent with you on Belline II. I feel as if I have found friends of a life time. Even the rain we had couldnít dampen this trip. I look forward to seeing you again as friends, so we can continue this week. Thank you for the best vacation ever ! 
Vielen Dank ñ Todd Tibbs & Monte Tuttle

February 8, 2003

Walter, Lela & Samba, thank you ever so much for a wonderful relaxing week. You where the perfect hosts. First vacation in a long time with NO stress ! Iíll be back ñ Judy Witter

February 8, 2003

Walter, Lela & Samba the cutest dog in the world!!! Thanks for a fantastic week. It was way too hard to handle all the stress & worry  J Best trip I have ever been ,  thanks a million - Bonnie Berrier

February 01, 2003

Walter, Lela & Samba, great crew, great boat, great wine, great company, great dives, great time, great weatherÖ what more can anyone ask for an perfect vacation- TERRIFIC ! thanks so much , Debbie & Kevin Price  Vincent & Shirley De Luca

January 29, 2003

Walter, Lela & Samba, thanks for a wonderful family vacation. I was never a water person neither I liked small dogsÖ but I LOOOOVE snorkeling now and Iím not afraid of the fish in the water anymore-now that I have seen them- and I clearly want a sweet doggie like SAMBA as a companion for my retriever. She is the cutest dog in the world and I wish my dog would behave at all times like SAMBA! How did you do this ? My family knows now that we will be back for another incredible Belline II vacation ñ I am a water person now ! Thank you Walter for holding my hands on my first snorkel trip, thank you SAMBA for letting me use your board and your company on my long beach walks and Lela, can I take you home ? There was never the same meal in the hold two weeks we stayed! How on earth do you coordinate all this ? The Kraussís from Germany

January 04, 2003

Walter, Lela & Samba, I have shaking hands as I try to write this note! It couldnít be alcohol poisoningÖor the memories of jumping naked from the boatÖ so it must be the symptoms of ìwithdrawalî withdrawal from the one of the greatest weeks of my life. Thank you both for your hospitality and thoughtfulness. Thanks for making this vacation THE BEST !!! 
Ron, Kathleen, Fraser & Graeme Close

January 04, 2003

Walter, Lela & Samba, cant begin to describe the trip new experiences , new sites, new friends- what a fabulous way to enter a new year. You are the very best captain & host ñ thanks for the awesome food  and all the memories you had made for us! Randy & Sandy Close

January 04, 2003

Walter, Lela & SambaÖ. Noodles Alfredo over Jennifer Lopez Ö you made my day ! 
Graeme Close ( the fussy eater and womanñgetter )

January 04, 2003

Walter, Lela & Samba, it was the best of all times ñ snorkeling, sailing, diving, eatingÖ but it was the worst of all times ñ watching my parents jump naked off the boat ! Frazer Close

December 01, 2002

Walter, Lela & Samba, we had a great time sailing with experts who have the ability to give us the feeling to be part of the family. We had great fun eating , drinking, sailing, snorkeling and not to forget the hiking up the volcano. Thanks and love ñ Madelaine & Victor Thorn Leeson

December 01, 2002

Walter, Lela & Samba, what a wonderful trip we had being your guests ! We felt right at home on Belline II as if we were old friends. We only hope you enjoyed our company too! We were well fed Ö oups ! Thanks for Michaels fantastic surprise birthday party . Walter you are a pro sailor ! But we will really miss Samba ñ till next trip- maybe next year ? All our love , Lisa & Michael Thorn Leeson

Lela and Walter
We planned our trip with you almost 8 months ago and it was worth to wait!
We have had the " Best Time". All that we did on our vacations will be great memories for a lifetime. In 7 days we have seen 6 different islands. Snorkel, scuba diving, water-skiing (even though I couldn't get up) and riding the inner tube. Thank you for all of the fun times. We hope to be back someday and vacation with you again. Please keep in touch
Mollie and Tom McCoy

What a fabulous week!
I have worked a trip like this for fifteen years. It was all I expected and more! You two are wonderful hosts and we hope we can sail with you againÖsoon.
I apologize to you for giving you "turrets syndrome" J and hope you don't pass it on to your future guests! How do you say " shit-zophrenic "? J
If I could have only one more vacation, I would be on Belline ll. The diving snorkeling & skiing were beautiful.
You guys made our vacation!
Take care and hopefully we'll soon see you again here on the Belline II
Ellen and Mark
Ps: thanks for the magic shrooms.

Walter and Lela
Thank you so much! It has been such a blast spending time on Belline II.
Wakeboarding, tube riding, snorkeling, puppy buyingÖ we have never had so much good food.
We will always have memories of the dolphins, brave heard the amazing turtle in the farm, fishing puffer fish, the wormy things in the spotlights, Walters marine biology class, counting shooting stars, coconuts, cactus, conch shells, hair braids, bandanas, pirates, sunscreens, sunburns and suntan Ö loud little hermit crabs, puppy playing, wine tasting, cheese cake, full tummy's, sushi, red-white & green pasta, avocado soup, elephant stew and warning for puppy BBQ, M&M's, cards gambling, game boy, the lights stay off ÖÖ.
Arielle (11), Alex (9), Alicia (16), Katrina (15)

Hello... remember? Al and Wendy - we holidayed with you with Dave and Ellen in February... we can't thank you enough for such a wonderful vacation. It was one of the best, and most relaxing, we've ever had. You fed us way too well!! Our diving was the best!
We are planning another vacation with you guys (want to take us??)
Anyway... must go... we miss you guys....
Write back when you get a chance. It's still cold here, but spring is trying to arrive -warm spells among the snowfall!!!
Best Wishes.
Al and Wendy

Walter and Lela,
We made It back home, arriving at 3 AM with all of us quite beat. But it was well worth it as by avoiding an overnight, we had an extra day on board the Belline II!

I'm not sure I expressed my full appreciation for everything you two did for us. There were so many small things, like the CD copies, Tracy's special chicken Cesar's salad lunch, the bottled water in the bunks. Also, Walter was so helpful with Becky and Marcy's scuba experience. Scuba can be so scary and facing one's fears is scarier still. Walter is a master instructor in every sense and I am very thankful for the special time he was able to spend with my favorite women.

The food was also a unique experience. I expect many guests do not appreciate the effort that goes into preparing such excellent food with such small quarters and so many provisioning challenges, but we do.

I also appreciated the quality of the boat, the care you take shows in its super condition.

By the way, you two both have an excellent sense of humor. I'm still laughing about one of Walters's last comments "Emily, do you want to take an emergency pretzel along for the plane?" Humor is a huge part of our life, I hope it showed.

Our family cherishes the special friendship we have found with you. Warmest regards and here's hoping that there are many good times, and many good laughs, yet to come.
Dean, Bec, Emily & Tracy

Walter and Lela
Greetings from Iowa!!! It actually isn't too bad weather wise here. Just a quick note to say that we really miss being there. Kelly, Brian, Barb and I are already talking about coming back.
You are the BEST and we hade a lifetime vacation with you and the wonderful Belline ll.
I definitely wont mix so much alcohol, Dramamine and the patch though, a lethal Combination. Barb and I are expecting in June child #3 this June (must have been the trip!!! ha!ha!).,
Doug and Barb Koerperich

Dear Broker
Thank you for helping us choose the best yacht/crew a group holiday could have asked for.
We have some pretty experienced travelers / boaters in the gang and all of our expectations were exceeded.
From being met by Walter at the airport for the WALK to the jetty, the absolute cleanliness and fitness of Belline II and her onboard toys, to the magnificent meals that Lela produced from the well-equipped galley, we were constantly amazed.
We know how hard it is to keep everything on a boat working, and were never disappointed by any equipment.
Walter helped set an excellent sailing itinerary and was able to engage some of the men in sailing, and was an excellent dive instructor. Three of us completed our resort course and received our diver's logs.
Walter and Lela were extremely compatible with all members of our diverse group, and made us feel like welcome guests in their floating home. There is nothing that could have made any of us any happier with the whole experience.
It was also nice to see your continued attention to our vacation, and I
have sent our feedback form by mail. Thanks for the follow up phone call, but your 800 number does not work from Canada. Rest assured though that we'll be back.
Bye for now,
Ellen and Dr. David (for the happy 8 of us)

Dear Broker
Walter and Lela are indeed two delightful people. Both took such good care of the kids. It was wonderful, we were very comfortable with the crew and became great friends and were so sad to have to leave them.
To answer your questions, yes the boat was wonderful, very clean and well ventilated. We loved our cabines they all have been beautifully decorated one can tell its Walter's and Lela's home.
Yes we did take too many clothes so we had to keep quite some stuff in our bags, but that was no big deal.
The food was out of this world, Lela is a most wonderful cook we loved and eat every bite of it. They were interesting and a lot of fun to be with.
The trip proved to be everything we hoped it would be. I didn't think the BVI would be so natural and beautiful I expected hotels and resorts in every nook and beach but I felt we were on Virgin Islands.
Walter is an excellent dive instructor and gave our daughter her first diving lessons much to her delight. We were very happy with this experience and will surely want to charter them again.
We loved every minute of the trip thanks to a wonderful crew.
Best regards Monique Clidiere

Dear Walter and Lela
Just a quick word to say that we got back safely. Our heads are still full of fond memories, from our wonderful trip with you. We so enjoyed it, and we already miss you. You have become dear friends to us and have "after-belline blues". Wish we could be with you. We will try Ö I'll stay in touch!
Received your parcel today and thanks for the shirt. I hadn't missed it yet... Julie was thrilled to get her sand dollar; she was so unhappy that she had left it. It was a precious memory from her first dive!
Lots of love thank you again for your friendship and take care!
Monique and Julie Clidiere

Dear Broker
It is a very rare occasion that I take the time to endorse any product or service. However. Because of the quality and friendly service that both Walter and Lela provided to my family both during our recent trip to Grenada and the Grenadines and our three prior trips to the BVI's that I have decide to make this an exception.

Our vacations aboard the Belline over the last four years have become more like homecomings, rather than the chartering a boat and crew for vacation. Our hosts, Lela and Walter have gone above and beyond to make our stays enjoyable, fun-filled weeks of adventure and a culinary experience of delightful food and wine. The boat is immaculately kept and our quarters were very comfortable.

On this recent trip, we had only one short week to enjoy the considerable expanse and beauty of Grenada and the Grenadines. Lela and Walter ensured that we saw and experienced as much as possible of this tropical paradise. They planned out our trip so that we could enjoy experiencing seven islands that spanned from Grenada to Bequia. The trip included car tours of Grenada and Bequia, a trek to a tropical rain forest and water fall, a visit to a nutmeg factory, a plane ride to Carriacou. A delightful lunch at a beautiful restaurant on a scenic Grenada beach, sunset visits to local watering holes, and a visit to a turtle sanctuary. Our days were fun-filled on the water and included a short dingy trek to a middle of the ocean sand-bar, where our hosts surprised us with chilled champagne, served to us in the turquoise waters while enjoying the majesty of the Caribbean. Our evenings were filled with exquisite meals and stimulating conversation. We really enjoyed ourselves!

Walter and Lela are gracious hosts and enjoy pleasing their guests. They are, in my opinion, consummate professionals and the very best in the business.

Sincerely yours, Jack and Theresa Bilodeau

Dear Broker
Lela and Walter are the best! We all had a fantastic time and this is no small part due to Lela and Walter's hospitality. Anyone who can't enjoy the beauty of the BVI's with even a "satisfactory" crew is an unfortunate fool. But Lela and Walter were more than satisfactory. They made us feel very comfortable in their "home upon the sea". They are personable, amiable and likeable. They are efficient, but with a grace that never made us feel anything but "right at home" in their home. I hope we shall meet again and in fact they have an open invitation to Massachusetts and to my new abode in Istanbul. I welcome the opportunity to return the hospitality they extended.

Thanks so much for recommending Lela and Walter. I would gladly recommend them to anyone that seeks a reference.

Best Regards,
James A. Green

Dear Broker
Thank you for your help with our group's cruise with Belline II. Our sentiments are best reflected. In the following statements I made during the last night of the cruise Thanks.
Jerry

LAST NIGHT SENTIMENTS*

Walti and Lela, as you know from the Information I gave you prior to the cruise, all of us have prior experience with mega cruises but not charters of this type. Because of our hearing loss, we often take on new adventures with some initial reservations. Historically, deaf people have had to deal with poor attitudes, misunderstandings, etc., most often due to ignorance. These thoughts crossed our minds when we reserved Belline II for the Millennium 2000 Cruise This was even more critical because we are talking about a cruise of a much smaller scale- Just the ten of us! And, at a very special time! We had no indications about how good Belline II and its crew would be except for the fact that another group tried to reserve your boat soon after we made the reservation two years ago, thereby requiring us to put up the deposit immediately.

The most amazing thing about this cruise is what happened during the first five minutes-the time when we all greeted you two for the first time on the pier. In essence, a very positive bond was formed immediately you both were very warm and put us quickly at ease. It was as if we knew each other for years. The kick-off welcome you gave us on Belline II was also a very positive and memorable experience. During the course of the next 7 days and nights, you both continued to prove even more about how much you really cared in making sure our vacation experience was among the most pleasurable in our lives. The major thing was that you had no, absolutely no difficulty with our being deaf. You accepted us just as if we were hearing and spoke another language-it made us very comfortable.

We know that this cruise must have been unique for you two, too. We would be chatting away and you never knew what we talked about because we signed far more than we spoke. Only if you were able to understand our sign language you would then have learned that we talked numerous times about how lucky we were to have found the right charter with a fantastic
CrewÖon our very first try!

You have made a lasting and real difference for us and now we all will leave tomorrow knowing we had the best cruise ever. Tonight, we will give you a tip for your wonderful service. This tip is but a small token of our sincere gratitude for your superb hospitality. We hope there will be many more times in the future that we can cruise together. Thanks for everything, and above all for being the wonderful people you are!

(*As shared by Jerry Nelson on behalf of the cruise group during the last night's dinner on Belline II.)

Dear Walter and Lela
What a delightful surprise to receive your letter, post card and the latest Cafe del Mar! I love it Thanks so much. It's a very cold winter so far. I have thought about you in the warm BVI on Belline II.
I am drumming up interest in another sail. Everyone would love to go right now we just get so busy and....life moves on.
I'll try to get our crew together and pick some dates we can run by you.
We all love you so much and miss you and the Belline II. Wish to have another lifetime vacation with you two!
May you have smooth sailing under sunny skies?

Jimmy and Diana Orders

Hi Walter and Lela
How are you guys? We're all doing nicely up here in Ohio. What's new down there? Still hot or did it cool off? Have you guys been doing anything fun? I really enjoyed the vacation, and we are definitely going to have to do it again sometime. Well, not much has changed up here except that we miss you the great sites and food
The photos came out excellent and when we were looking at them they provided a great laugh. I bet the boat will look very beautiful because when we went it looked beautiful if you ask me I don't no how u can make it anymore beautiful. I'm sure we will be back (we are very persistent people)
Well we miss u and hope to see you soon,
HAPPY SAILING!!! Love Katie king (12)
PS: When you do get the new recipe for the cake I will definitely make it and eat it all!

Dear Walter and Lela
We had an amazing time. Will develop our photos as soon as we get back. I'll send some of the better ones when I get a chance.
I got back to work and had a foot-high pile of mail and 113 e-mails. I wish we were still on the boat.
Thank you again for making our wedding so special. You two are amazing! What you had organized in such a short time of notice we could not have dreamed of and it was a surprise with memories that will last forever!
Ciao, Ray and Danielle

Guests email from the boat to the kids at home
Hi guys
We're having a great time. It's amazing how beautiful the ocean is and how different the people are Öeverything just feels so awesome. The boat we are on is wonderful and we're enjoying the company of our friends very much and are getting along well. Lela and Walter are the boat owners and are the ones taking care of us. The meals are fancy and so many new and different things to taste; you would LOVE it!
We went scuba diving today and mom did pretty wellÖ. dad did great of course. Walter is a SCUBA instructor and very patient with us . There were lots of cool fishÖ you'll just die when you finally get the chance to dive in this kind of water. We saw a sea snake, which turned out, was actually an eel, and we saw lots of colorful fish, coral, etcÖ. I saw a SHARK today while I was SCUBA Diving. It was over 4000 ft long!!!!!! O.K., O.K. maybe it was a little smaller like 12 Feet long. Actually, it was a Nurse shark, which is very friendly as sharks go.
Other than that, we've been wind surfing, water skiing, wake boarding (not me of course), sailing, snorkeling, island exploring, and missing you guys a lot!
I think we should sell the house and just move down here, what do y'all think? We could live in a thatch hut and never have to wear shoes again!!!!! Let me know if that sounds O.K.

Love you allÖ
Bye for now,
Big Daddy Jimbo and Julie

Dear Walter and Lela
As American guests we were apprehensive to charter a yacht crewed by foreigners from Switzerland. However, this was not the case at all. You were a joy to be around and as experienced guests on yachts, we found you to be clearly the best yet.
Furthermore, having chartered Mono Hulled boats in the past, we found that Belline II, with her catamaran design, was much smoother than ever experienced. The fact that she is equipped with her own dive gear and compressor saved us many hours of hassle on boats we have experienced in the past.
Belline II and her crew are very well prepared to professionally accommodate any situation.
We highly recommend, above others we have experienced, Belline II, to all Americans and others as well.

Yours truly,

Mark and Robin Brock
Tom and Kari Armstrong

Dear Lela and Walti,
It was so nice to receive your letter and package with the pictures you had taken. Reading the words in your letter made me feel like we were all together again sitting around the table on Belline II. I read the words and heard them in my mind, as you would have said them in your lovely accent. I should note that it took about two weeks for me to stop trying to talk with a Swiss accent. My favorite was Walti saying, "continue" and I still practice saying it like him about 5 times a day. That should give you an idea of how much we miss you both and how often we think of you.
If you knew me better, you'd know what a perfectionist I am and how important it is to me to convey my deepest and most sincere appreciation and gratitude for the wonderful time my family had on your lovely boat. Let me jus say a few personal things to you both:

1. Thank you for opening you home to us an allowing us to become a part of your family. You have definitely become a permanent fixture in our family and I'm certain you have not seen the last of us.
2. You two are the perfect people to run a charter business! From the very first anxious moment we laid eyes on you until the last very sad moment you made us feel welcome. You did everything you could do to make our trip as enjoyable as possible and I want you to know that we all appreciated everything you did. I could point out all the little things you guys did that contributed to our "Trip of a Lifetime", but it would take way to long.
3. It has taken some time to get used to "normal eating habits" after being spoiled by the Gourmet Cooking the two of you kept forcing down our throats (yeah, like you had to twist our arms to eat those great meals). After eating 3 square meals a day plus all the healthy snacks (and occasional beverage or two, or six) Ö
4. The diving was tremendous and I could not imagine a person I would rather have train our boys in SCUBA than Walther. The way you lead them through the important concepts they needed to know made it fun for them to learn. I'm sure the fundamentals as taught by Walter will stay with them a lifetime. We all had a ball and the learned to dive safely and responsible.
5. Lela, thanks for the photos! They are better than most of ours. We have never been good at capturing candid Kodak Moments.

There is one more thing I wanted to tell you; when we tell everyone about our "Trip of a Lifetime," we typically mention all the usual stuff that you would expect to hear like great food, beautiful boat, great diving, wonderful weather and scenery etc., etc. But when 'we tell folks about the one single element that made this trip so very special for us it always comes back to Lela and Walter. I feel like we have made some very special friends in you two. I can't explain why I feel so close to someone we have only known for such a short time. You are both such open and caring people who are willing to share your personal lives. You love to have fun. In addition to all the above, you shared your cultural experiences with us and helped us to appreciate that there are a lot of people around the world who are different from those we know. Whether you realized this or not, you helped us to engage our thinking and open our minds (especially mine) on a lot of topicsÖ
Definitely not enough time to enjoy the company of such amazing people as Walter & Lela.

We all love you !

Dan, Mary, Brian, Trevor & Brock

Many thanks to you both Lela & Walter
Thank you so much for turning our long needed vacation into such a wonderful experience! We all are planning a trip next year when the time is right and we talk to you soon about it. We have all told you how great our trip was; there is no kind of weather that can out do painkillers and diver's tea!!!
We WILL BE BACK.
Diving was fantastic!!!! Hope all is well with you two and the Belline II. Take good care of her, as we know you will. Lela, please keep our space for a picture because there is great one of you two together. We will keep in touch and please do the same.
Fondly Grant (the big potato) and Hollis

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