s/v Nine of Cups Curacao

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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

Largest island of the ABCs Currency: Netherlands Antilles guilder (ANG)         or Nethrlands Antilles florin (NAfl)         $1US = 1.75NAfl Population: 140,000 Average temperature: 82F

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 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.

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.

View from Breedestraat towards Otrobanda and Queen Emma Bridge.

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.

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.