This should have been our third visit here, if Covid had not interrupted our travel plans. So now, this is our second time in Curacao. It was a partly cloudy day, with a constant strong breeze blowing all day. It did help cool it off.
Curacao is the largest of the three ABC islands, with a total of 171 square miles. It is situated 35 miles north of Venezuela and 42 miles from Aruba. There are 38 beaches around the island with all of the water sports you can imagine. Willemstad is the capital, and that is where we docked today. The historic center of this city is on the UNESCO's World Heritage List.
It is a very walkable city center, which is exactly what we did beginning at 11:30am. The ship was cleared after 8am, but we had some work to do before leaving. No rush, since the all aboard time was 10:30pm. Exiting the ship, we had been told to bring our Covid vaccination cards like yesterday. However, no one asked to see them. In fact, there were few locals wearing masks today. Last time here, everyone had a mask on. We sure hope that means things are improving. Like yesterday, we left our masks on for most of the day onshore.
The ship was docked at the Otrobanda district. This is mostly residential with the Renaissance Resort & Casino and Mall right at our feet. Then we entered the Riffort Village Shopping Mall and modern retailers. At Diamonds International, one of us went inside the store to collect another charm. The sales lady also handed me a plastic waterproof container that can be used to keep money and your room key, etc. from getting wet while swimming. No pressure to buy anything. Cafes lined the courtyard as we walked out of the area.
Crossing over the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge with 16 pontoons, we came out on the Punda side. Docked in Santa Anna Bay was a Tui ship. Lining the harbor were the famous painted houses with gabled roofs called the Handelskade. On this side, are numerous cafes, already full of customers, and six blocks of shopping, where tourists can buy embroidered linens, delft like earthenware, cheeses, clogs and artwork. Not all of the stores are 100% duty free. Maybe that leaves room for negotiation. Here you can find trinkets and souvenirs as well as high end jewelry and watches.
The red tiled roofs we were seeing were built with Dutch tiles that had been used as ballast in the old sailing ships. Following the main street, we made our way to Wilhelmina Park and the historical buildings near it. The governor's palace is located near Fort Amsterdam. Then we made our way through town to the Central Market, where the choices for souvenirs is unending. Fresh veggies and fruit are available here as well. Much of the jewelry was African designs, similar to what we have seen and bought while in Gambia.
Along the Waaigat Canal, sits the floating market full of fresh produce. There was one Venezuelan schooner tied up here, where the produce and even fish were being transferred to the pier. Crossing over this canal, the Scharloo district begins. A maritime Museum is there and some of the oldest Jewish homes also. We read that the red light district begins here. True or not, we did not cross the bridge to find out.
Time to head back, we followed the water around to the bay, where we finally saw the pontoon bridge moving. It had to open to let a ferry out, and also let in a sailboat. It is estimated that this swing span bridge opens up to 30 times daily. Dating back to 1888, it was recently restored. Normally the foot traffic is stopped, which is why there is a ferry to take the waiting folks across the bay. Crossing paths with friends Gyl and Howard, we chatted long enough to watch the bridge swing open three times. It opened just wide enough for the vessels to get by. It must have to open all of the way to accommodate the Tui cruise ship that was docked in this bay.
Then we crossed back over to the other side and eventually back to the ship. Lunch was in order, but a light one was what we wanted. This evening we were invited to a pre-dinner cocktail with the Hotel General Manager, Rene Tuiman. Usually he would have hosted a table for the nine of us, but due to the virus, he is only allowed to have cocktails with us. Newcomers Jennie and Don, also members of the President's Club, joined us. He was quite gracious answering our many questions. So after 1 ½ hours, he excused himself and off we went for a delightful Pinnacle Dinner. The wine flowed, our meals were excellent, and after dinner drinks were offered. We were all treated like royalty once again.
Tomorrow, we complete our "Dutch" stay with the final port of Oranjestad, Aruba. The forecast says it will be rainy, but we hope it is wrong.
Bill & Mary Ann
