2-Curacao

Thursday, 12/12/2024

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I normally don't care to go to the same place twice, but there are some exceptions. Ranked in the top three of my favorite Caribbean islands, Curaçao (pronounced Cure-uh-souw) was a pleasant return visit. At 38 miles long and 2-9 miles wide it has a happy, laid-back, upbeat, and welcoming atmosphere, as well as being very safe to walk around and explore on my own. Given the 15-hour port in the capital of Willemstad, I signed up for two tours. The morning tour, "A Taste of Curaçao" photos will be prefixed with (T) and the afternoon tour "Curaçao Land & Sea" will be prefixed with (LS). General photos I took on my own are not prefixed. I tried not to repeat attractions that I posted in last year's day in Curaçao, so feel free to also view those photos.

Taken from the ship, the dock and entry point into Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao. "Bon Bini" in Papiamentu (the native language of Curaçao) means Welcome.

Kudos to the hard working crew who are forever cleaning the ship inside and out. At port, while we passengers are touring and exploring wonderful places, they often fade into the background and go unnoticed as they work tirelessly to ensure we have the best experience possible. I just happened to notice them when disembarking at Curaçao.

Our welcome to Curaçao was complete with native-costumed dancers.

(T) Taken from the bus on the Queen Juliana Bridge, we see Fort Nassau, which overlooks the capital city of Willemstad. It was originally constructed in 1796 as Fort Republiek and is no longer a military base but now a modern restaurant boasting good food and views.

(T) Temple Emanu-El was built in 1865 and is no longer used as a synagogue. It is now owned by the government and houses the Public Prosecutor's Office.

(T) This couple was one of many informal weddings that take place in the town square of Willemstad.

(T) Also in Willemstad Square, this statue, called Chichi (pronounced "chee-chee") is an important local tradition. In Curacao's native language "Papiamentu," Chichi means "big sister" and loving, caring, first born daughter in a family. That's the official definition. What it means to natives is the unfortunate oldest sister who has to take care of the next 10 kids that are born.

(T) Still in Willemstad Square, this was one of the many holiday features found around Curaçao. At first it was a little odd seeing holiday decorations on a hot, sunny, day and me in shorts. After a few minutes, I decided I could really get used to that. I don't need cold to celebrate Christmas!

(T) Consecrated in 1732 the Willemstad Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Americas.

(T) In the trendy Punda district of Willemstad is Curaçao’s Floating Market, although it doesn't float at all. It is firmly situated on the edge of the dock along Sint Anna Bay. It is the daily deliveries that float, when early each morning boats make the 37-mile jaunt from Venezuela to bring fruits, vegetables, fish, and souvenirs for sale at this market.

(T) "Plasa Bieu" is an airy, rustic food court with open kitchens behind the ordering counters, serving a variety of classic Curaçaoan eats.

In Curacao, "dushi" (pronounced doo-shee) is a highly versatile word in Papiamentu, with no single direct English translation. It generally means "sweet," "tasty," "good," or "beautiful," and can be used as a term of endearment, like "sweetheart," or "my love," either romantically or casually. It's a positive word used to describe people, things, food, or even a pleasant feeling or experience. It's a HUGE thing on Curaçao as you see that word everywhere, and even entire shops dedicated to merchandise with the word Dushi.

(LS) Boarding the Seaworld Explorer semi-submarine. It's basically a boat with a basement. The hull is fashioned into a submarine where you are completely submerged, but the deck, air, and sun are only 10 stairs above you. While the viewing was great, my underwater photos did not come out well, but I'll show a few of them.

(LS) Getting settled underwater inside the semi-submarine.

(LS) This was my viewing window.

(LS) Here are some underwater coral.

(LS) We were surprised with the sudden appearance of a diver. He released food to draw fish.

(LS) And the fishies came!

Some holiday decorations around Curaçao.

Curaçao at night just before leaving port.