Month: January 2025

Our visit to Willemstad wouldn’t have been complete without exploring Otrobanda, one of the city’s most vibrant and historic districts. Unlike the iconic pastel-colored waterfront of Punda, Otrobanda has a more rugged charm—narrow streets lined with colonial-era buildings, some beautifully restored, others wearing the marks of time.

Crossing the Queen Emma Bridge from Punda, we stepped into what locals call the “other side” (Otrobanda literally means “the other shore” in Papiamentu). The district was once home to freed slaves and working-class families, and over the centuries, it evolved into a cultural melting pot. Today, it’s buzzing with street art, cafés, and small businesses that reflect Curaçao’s rich history and diversity.

As we wandered through the maze of colorful alleys, we stumbled upon lively plazas where locals gathered, reggae music drifted from open windows, and the scent of fried plantains and fresh seafood filled the air.

Otrobanda is a place of contrasts—history and modernity, struggle and resilience, restoration and decay—all coexisting in a way that makes it one of Willemstad’s most fascinating districts. It was an unforgettable stop on our Curaçao journey, where every corner had a story to tell.

To explore the northern part of Curaçao, we rented a car—bringing us back to our old way of discovering new places. It also made grocery shopping and refilling our propane tank much easier. I quickly regained my driving skills—luckily, a yacht’s steering wheel isn’t too different from a car’s!

Our route took us along the island’s eastern coast, where steady trade winds drive up powerful waves. Wind turbines dot the shoreline, harnessing this relentless energy to power coastal villages. We visited two national parks—Christoffel Park and Shete Boka—where we witnessed the raw power of the sea colliding with a rugged, coral-carved coastline. Massive fountains of water erupted through narrow blowholes, like cannon fire saluting the eternal battle between ocean and rock. It was a striking contrast: the restless force of the present meeting the silent, fossilized remnants of the past.

Our journey ended at Westpunt, the northwestern tip of the island, known for its stunning beaches and picturesque seaside villages. In one of them, Forte Playa, we enjoyed lunch at a cliffside restaurant built on the ruins of an old fort. We sampled Curaçao’s national dish, Keshi Yena, in both traditional and vegetarian versions—a perfect way to end the day.

And on that high (and delicious) note, I’ll wrap up this entry. Bon appétit!

Sailing into Curaçao, we were eager to explore its vibrant capital, Willemstad—a city where Dutch colonial charm meets Caribbean soul. Anchored in Spanish Waters, we took the bus to the city, a journey that unfolded like a time warp from tranquil marinas to a bustling, pastel-hued port town.

Crossing the Queen Emma Bridge, the famous floating pontoon bridge that gracefully swings open for passing ships, we were instantly captivated by the colorful waterfront of Handelskade. These centuries-old buildings, painted in bright shades of yellow, pink, and blue, are a living postcard of Curaçao’s history.

Willemstad’s streets were alive with the scent of fresh seafood, the chatter of merchants, and the rhythmic beats of island music. We wandered through the Punda and Otrobanda districts, each offering a unique mix of colonial architecture, street art, and cozy cafés. A visit to the lively floating market introduced us to Venezuelan traders selling fresh produce right from their boats, a reminder of the deep ties between the islands and the South American mainland.

With its blend of history, culture, and Caribbean charm, Willemstad left an unforgettable impression, making our Curaçao adventure even more meaningful.