| s/v Nine of Cups Curacao |
The main capital of Willemstad is separated into two parts, Punda and Otrobanda, by
the waters of St. Anna Bay. The two parts are connected by Queen Emma Bridge,
primarily used for foot traffic, and another large vehicular traffic bridge. Without a
doubt, the waterfront street of Handelskade, on the Punda side, is the most memorable
sight in Curacao. The Dutch colonial architectured mansions were originally owned by
wealthy merchants in the 1700-1800s. The area is well preserved and is now occupied
by restaurants, shops, banks and other commercial properties. Legend has it that a
popular governor some 200 years ago complained that he got a headaches from
waking up to all the white houses along the waterfront. In deference to their leader, the
islanders have painted their homes in bright pastels ever since. This panorama is
undoubtedly my favorite shot taken in Curacao.
the waters of St. Anna Bay. The two parts are connected by Queen Emma Bridge,
primarily used for foot traffic, and another large vehicular traffic bridge. Without a
doubt, the waterfront street of Handelskade, on the Punda side, is the most memorable
sight in Curacao. The Dutch colonial architectured mansions were originally owned by
wealthy merchants in the 1700-1800s. The area is well preserved and is now occupied
by restaurants, shops, banks and other commercial properties. Legend has it that a
popular governor some 200 years ago complained that he got a headaches from
waking up to all the white houses along the waterfront. In deference to their leader, the
islanders have painted their homes in bright pastels ever since. This panorama is
undoubtedly my favorite shot taken in Curacao.
Curacao (KUR-a-sow)
Capital: Willemstad
Size: 182 square miles
Official language(s): Dutch &
Papiamentu
Dutch Territory since 1527 and part of
the Netherlands Antilles
Capital: Willemstad
Size: 182 square miles
Official language(s): Dutch &
Papiamentu
Dutch Territory since 1527 and part of
the Netherlands Antilles
Largest island of the ABCs
Currency: Netherlands Antilles guilder
(ANG)
or Nethrlands Antilles florin (NAfl)
$1US = 1.75NAfl
Population: 140,000
Average temperature: 82F
Currency: Netherlands Antilles guilder
(ANG)
or Nethrlands Antilles florin (NAfl)
$1US = 1.75NAfl
Population: 140,000
Average temperature: 82F
The Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge,
affectionately called the Swinging Lady"
by locals, was built in 1888 to allow
traffic to pass between the two parts of
the city. There was originally a toll in
place which was charged to only those
who could afford shoes. Poor folk
borrowed shoes and paid the toll so as
not to be embarrassed. The rich, too
stingy to pay, crossed barefoot. Some
things never change!
Here's a shot of the bridge opening
to allow a freighter through.
affectionately called the Swinging Lady"
by locals, was built in 1888 to allow
traffic to pass between the two parts of
the city. There was originally a toll in
place which was charged to only those
who could afford shoes. Poor folk
borrowed shoes and paid the toll so as
not to be embarrassed. The rich, too
stingy to pay, crossed barefoot. Some
things never change!
Here's a shot of the bridge opening
to allow a freighter through.
View from Breedestraat towards
Otrobanda and Queen Emma Bridge.
Otrobanda and Queen Emma Bridge.
The "Floating Market" in Punda is a
delight to the eye. The brightly colored
Venezuelan boats line up along the
wharf and open stalls for sale of fresh
produce and fish.
delight to the eye. The brightly colored
Venezuelan boats line up along the
wharf and open stalls for sale of fresh
produce and fish.
We spent Mother's Day walking around town and
visiting the Kura Hulanda Museum. Touted to have
the best African collection in the Caribbean, the
museum is dedicated to the history of slavery, slaves
and the development of Curacao through the
centuries. The museum which opened in 1999 covers
all aspects of slavery and those involved.
The "Face of Africa", shown left, is a huge bronze
statue in the center of the courtyard in the museum.
visiting the Kura Hulanda Museum. Touted to have
the best African collection in the Caribbean, the
museum is dedicated to the history of slavery, slaves
and the development of Curacao through the
centuries. The museum which opened in 1999 covers
all aspects of slavery and those involved.
The "Face of Africa", shown left, is a huge bronze
statue in the center of the courtyard in the museum.
From the balcony of the
second floor of the museum,
we could see row upon row
of orange clay tiled
roofs...typical of Dutch
architecture are the shuttered
dormers.
second floor of the museum,
we could see row upon row
of orange clay tiled
roofs...typical of Dutch
architecture are the shuttered
dormers.