Curacao is an island in the southern Caribbean, off the coast of Venezuela, part of the Dutch “ABC” islands, along with Aruba and Bonaire. Semi-independent, the island is home to about 150,000 people, most of whom live in or near the capital of Willemstad, built around one of the largest natural deep water harbors in…
Sunset at Marichi Beach in Willemstad’s Punda district is my evening ritual. A fifteen minute walk from my rental apartment in Otrobanda takes me across the Queen Emma Bridge and past the colorful historic buildings to this urban oasis, just a small patch of sand between a couple of parking lots fronting an equally small…
A walk across the Queen Emma Bridge, known colloquially as the Swinging Old Lady, is about as authentic of a Curacao experience as one can have. The wooden deck of the pedestrian bridge (only the Prime Minister and Governor are allowed to cross by car, and must be on their way to their offices) rolls…
Distinctly Dutch, yet decidedly Caribbean, Curacao sits in a fascinating area geographically and culinarily. For most, a beautiful island like this would not seem to be a gastronomic destination, and yet that is just what it is. The food - and drinks, one must not forget the drinks - is fantastic here, and this guide…
Curacao. A Dutch-ruled island in the southern Caribbean. Palms blowing in the breeze, crystal clear waters sparkling in the sun, tropical drinks of all colors of the rainbow glowing in the hands of eager tourists escaping to the beaches, it doesn’t seem like a place that would be steeped in Jewish history. And yet, that’s…
Willemstad, the capitol - and only true city - on the island of Curacao, is lovely. It is full of beautiful colonial architecture, cultural gems, great food, and wonderful people. But if you have more than just a couple of days in Curacao, leaving the city behind to see other parts of the island is…
Let not woes of old enslave you anew.Nydia Ecury, Aruban-Dutch writer The quotation stands in stark contrast to its surroundings, inscribed on a wall in front of what was once a post meant to chain slaves for public whipping. Smiling docents are likewise a contradiction, escorting tourists through Willemstad’s Kura Hulanda Museum, a series of…
A welcome drink is a good way to greet me as I sit on the shaded patio at Landhuis Chobolobo in Willemstad, Curacao. The day is hot, especially so here a bit inland of the city’s waterfront, and an icy beverage is just the thing to relax from the long walk here. (Most will drive…
A bit over 18 months ago, I left Spain, cutting my trip three weeks short because a new disease was infecting a bit over 100 people a day in the country. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I wouldn’t leave the US (and barely California) for such a long period. Well, today,…