Population 160,000 (entire nation of Curaçao)
Originally inhabited by Arawak Indians, discovered by the Spanish in 1499 and occupied by the Dutch in 1634.
This tiny yet cosmopolitan island is home to 65 different ethnic cultures!
Curaçao (ku-ra-saw) is an island in the southern Caribbean Sea, off the Venezuelan coast. The name Curaçao is most likely derived from Portuguese word from ‘cured’. Early Spanish sailors, suffering with scurvy, found themselves miraculously healed after landing in and Curaçao, most likely from eating local fruits rich in vitamin C.
The historic capital of Willemstad is easily explored on foot or by trolley train tour. This charming capital city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its traditional Dutch architecture has been infused with the color and spirit of the Caribbean. The Scharloo District was once a residential community of charming homes built in the 1800s. The width of the buildings at the curb is only one-fourth the depth/length of each structure, equivalent to 6000+ sq ft each.
Like Arubans, they also speak Papiamento. Bon Bini is the traditional Papiamento welcome you’ll hear when you arrive in Willemstad, the candy-colored capital. Local food is called kriyoyo, blending the flavor and spices of Caribbean and Latin American cuisine, which unfortunately, we did not sample.
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Love your histories. Fun, isn’t it, how different the cultures can be within such a small region?
Yes! Caribbean was 180 degrees different than what I had pictured in my mind. I pictured laid back tropical islands for summer activities… and not being a ‘sun’ person, I wondered what was I going to do. Little islands have so much to offer. I have to explore the others.
Muy eliminable sus fotos Fae. Le dicen que 1000 palabras de cómo su viaje era. Sé que te haya gustado y me alegro por ti.
Chef Randall
Dear Randall, Since I don’t understand Spanish that well (or at all)
I used a translator…
Thank you and yes, we had a great time.
Sorry I thought you were from Puerto Rico. My wife is from Mexico and I lived there 5 yrs. So I speak it and write it too. Chef Randall
PS Dancing here to the You Tube link you sent Johnny
Great photos & informative post! I’ve been there but didn’t know half of this~
I do a little homework before we go on shore.
Love all the beautiful colors!
It sure was a treat to the eyes!
Lovely pictures! You must have had fun!
Yes, Radhika. Most people go to Caribbean for its beaches. We rather wanted to savor each of the nation.
Gorgeous Fae! I love all the pictures; especially the candy colour houses, the wedding cake house, and the big smile on the cute little one. Wonderful!
A dad was taking his little son’s photo. I asked for permission to also take the boy’s photo. As I was about to take the photo, the dad said something to him which made the little boy erupt with laughter, resulting in a great shot.
Yes, wonderful capture! How wonderful is the laughter of the young (gosh, sounding soooo old!).
♪ Don’t worry… be happy.♪ Have you heard that song?
I liked the cherry cupcake house,
Colors picked and how it was painted were all very elegant.
Great photos, Fae. Love Curacao and have been there many times!
Lucky you! I wish we had more time.
What vibrant colours!
I was going to say that exactly~lol
I like the photo of colorful houses a long the canal/river.
Happy traveling, Fae!
Colors did the magic!