It’s March as I’m writing this, the weather is inexplicably grey and once you step outside the door you’ll be soaked within a minute… so nope, these are not the most inspiring circumstances to be in Holland. I think we’re all in dire need in here (or for sure the folks in Europe) of some very bright and blue hues. Some vitamin D or Sea.
I can’t really buy you all a ticket to the tropics, but I can let you enjoy the tropical vibes of Curaçao, one of the blue wonders of the Antilles in the Caribbean. I’m not sure if I even appreciated my time over there enough at the end of January this year, so I’m just gonna revive my days in the Caribbean today.
As Curaçao still is a part of a Kingdom of the Netherlands (but not of The Netherlands themselves – it’s a complicated situation…), this is a very popular destination among Dutch folks. I think roughly 8 / 10 tourists are Dutch in here, which can be both a little overwhelming if you’re Dutch (like me) or just a beautiful opportunity to reflect upon your own species (like I did).
Also, whenever the cruise boats arrive in Willemstad – which is very often at the end and start of the year – the capital of the island is well visited by other tourists, mainly folks from The States and Germany. But even though Curaçao is a very popular island, it takes nothing more than a 30-minute drive to leave all the busy vibes and commercial areas behind you. And that’s why this island is also worth a visit if you like tranquil vibes, very pretty beaches and exploring the underwater world.
At the end of my trip – after a year of travelling in the Americas – I spent a week on the island; as part of my reintegration project into Dutch society :). Cycling, stroopwafels, Delftware, patatje oorlog – all the (lovely) Dutch cliches can be found in here. Now, I can find those at home as well, right? What was so interesting to me however, were the many contrasts of Curaçao. Stray dogs and dolphin shows, a giant Van der Valk and Hilton next to corrugated iron rooftops, eco lodges next to trash heaps. And then there’s the culture; reggaeton and Hazes, broodje kroket and rice ‘n beans, Spanish and Dutch (and Papiamentu in between), Albert Heijn and Chinese supermarkets, local herbal concoctions and Nivea suncare. All was so weirdly familiar. It was my grey zone in between the tropics and The Netherlands. Not literally grey of course… in fact very colourful! Hope this’ll brighten your day. ↓
(And stay tuned for part II of the pictures!)
Little sandpiper at De Ruyterkade with the iconic Queen Julianabridge in the background
The most famous view on Willemstad: de Handelskade (literally: 'Trade quay') with the Queen Emma Bridge in the front
Lovely fruit juice ladies at the market of Willemstad. Many people working on the market are from Venezuela, so you can easily practice your Spanish in here if you'd like
The adorable houses of Berg Altena
Painted scuba tanks at the diving center of Daaibooibaai.
The cute church of St. Willibrordus in the west of the island
Sculpture of flamingo's decorating the garden of the Jan Kok Gallery near the tiny town of St. Willibrordus
Transportation old and new at the edge of the Caracasbay
A gorgeous old 'landhuis' land house at the start of the beach of Cas Aboa
The floating fruit & veggie market in Willemstad
Boats at Laguna Beach
Handelskade as seen from Riffort, the old fort of the island located in Otrobanda
The beach of Grote Knip as seen from the nearby cliff
Old slave house in the north of the island
Look at this little cactus growing on the roof of restaurant Jaanchies! I thought it was pretty cute
Taking a brief Kodak moment along the way to the top of the Christoffelberg (Mt. Christoffel), with 372 meters the highest point of the island
A painting in the old and fancy neighbourhood Scharloo
Relaxing evening vibes at bear bar Chill&Grill on Mambo Beach, one of the busiest beaches of all
Queen Emma Bridge, a pontoon bridge connecting the areas of Punta and Otrobanda in Willemstad
View on the Blue Lagoon apartments on the way to the aquarium. I think this was the bluest spot on the whole island. It almost seems fake right?
One of the cooks of the Waterfort cutting coconuts for dinner
One of the giant cruises in Otrobanda. During the busier months you can find two of those in the harbour per day
View on the Piscadera Bay
Reggae, ghetto vibes and the Scheveningsestraat
Windy days near Jan Thiel Beach
Sunset at Nieuwestraat, one of the bohemian streets of Pietermaai packed with restaurants and cafes
Gathered plastic at Jan Thiel Beach
A blue whiptail lizard spotted at the Jan Thiel Lagun
Sunday - time for a shave
A charming building in decay at Penstraat, Pietermaai
Kids playing at Marie Pompoen beach
Here’s where to find those tropical vibes!
