Curacao Real Different

Westpunt and the Turtles

2012-10-08T10:02:00.000-07:00

After living here for 18 years I am still amazed that I can find something new to do in Curacao. Last month my friend told me about the turtles at Westpunt Beach that you can snorkel right from beach and see them. My daughter Kiara and her friend snorkeled with the turtles the whole afternoon. They snapped these great pictures.

I returned to Westpunt beach yesterday with friends and we were amazed of how close these big turtles came to us. Of course I forgot my snorkel and the camera.

Westpunt beach with free entrance that comes with curious resident Turtles and a Snek that sells 3 beers for 10 guilders. Curacao life can't get better than this.

Speechless in Curacao

2012-05-06T20:37:00.000-07:00

These are the Venezuelan fruit barges, parked year round in theWaaigat bay in Curacao.
Usually you would see pictures of the front of the boats, where one can see the colorful fruit.
But, in this case, the 'back' is equally beautiful.

Fort Nassau Morning Walk

2012-05-05T06:05:00.001-07:00

Saturday Mornings are a great time to walk up the hill of Fort Nassau! Meeting at 6:30am when the temperature is just 27 degrees and sun is still low.It is the freshest time for a morning walk.

Nicole taking a stretch at the top of Fort Nassau look at that view!

Fort Nassau is a centuries old fort that has a lot history has since been turned into a very popular Fort Nassau restaurant that hosts the most exquisite view of the island which includes the harbor, and the Juliana Bridge which is the highest bridge in the Caribbean and maybe the highest in the world.

View of Fort Nassau from TeleCuracao TV station

Walking from Fort Nassau to the TV Station TeleCuracao you see many beautiful things, birds, flowers, and maybe a big ship coming through the harbor.

Tamira taking a Stretch

Curacao views to keep you fit

2012-05-04T20:30:00.000-07:00

With these views on your morning walk it should be easy to keep fit in Curacao.

Walked up the steep hill at Fort Nassau, to enjoy the view of the Queen Juliana bridge and a Cruise Ship, through the abundant Curacao cacti.

What a sight: the Majestic Queen Juliana Bridge over the Anna Bay Harbor in Curacao. Check out our post with pictures from the top of the bridge.

A Century Tree (agave) in bloom. In the background a part of historic Willemstad in Curacao, followed by the deep blue sea, On an even clearer day you can see Venezuela to the South of Curacao.

Just a random sunset in Curacao

2012-05-03T20:21:00.001-07:00

As seen from Seaside Terrace Restaurant at Marie Pampoen beach.

The restaurant is one of my favorites in Curacao. It looks like a shack, especially as you approach and the parking lot is terrible, but the red snapper, conch and shrimp with aroz moro (rice and beans) and funchi (polenta) are excellent. The service is too! But more amazing is dining under the 'apeldam' tree (the fruits are edible) at sunset.

Mari Pampoen Beach is a public beach next to Breezes Resort and Casino. There is a ramp so wheelchairs, scooters and other people who cannot walk very well can get into the sea, without having to walk or ride in the sand. Kids take swimming classes and the elderly take aquarobics a few mornings a week. There are some fishing boats, but, come to think of it, I never saw them bring any fish!

Mari Pampoen Beach has more local flavor than that offered by Mambo Beach and Cabana Beach next door. It's within walking distance from Lions Dive Hotel & Resort and Dolphin Suites Curacao.

I love Instagram to share Curacao!

2012-05-03T06:28:00.000-07:00

I love to use Instagram to share my favorite Curacao pictures. I can post to Facebook and Twitter immediately while adding some special effects to my photos.

Queens Day in Curacao

2012-05-01T07:59:00.002-07:00

For the past 20 years Curacao has been celebrating the dutch holiday called Queens Day. Queens Day takes place every year on April 30th, which was Queen Juliana's birthday and it is also date that Juliana's daughter Beatrix became Queen.

All along the streets of Punda and Otrobanda to the Curacao Renaissance hotel people are selling everything from plants, arts and crafts, furniture, clothes, old toys and other collectibles. It is was a nice surprise to see different handicrafts that local Curacao people are creating by hand.

You can also buy food and drinks and there are many activities for children like magicians, dancers, snow cones, and of course cotton candy.

Climbing Mount Christoffel

2012-04-22T07:42:00.000-07:00

This Saturday morning we arrived at Curacao's Christoffel Park at 7:30am. We were the first climbers of the day. We wore good shoes and brought a backpack filled with a few bottles of water, fruit and our cameras.
Please note that this is a climb and not a normal hike! Before you try climbing take a good look at this Curacao mountain and imagine actually climbing this thing. It is challenging steep and actually a exhilarating challenging way to start the day. In the last few years Curacao has had a lot of rain the trail is a little worn and is much more challenging than the years before.

If you are going to attempt to climb this Mount Christoffel please let me give you a few tips. Get there early Christoffel Park opens at 7:30am Daily and at 6:00am on Sundays. Do not try to climb at 12 noon...cloudy or sunny it is going to be to hot. Also Christoffel Park closes around 3:00pm in the afternoon so an afternoon hike isn't possible. Also important wear a hat, good shoes, flip flops are not a good idea, bring your sunscreen and a big bottle of water.

I have taken children ranging 7 to 13 years old it is challenging for them and a great experience to share. As you get to the highest point you will have to help small children climb. Make sure you have enough people to help you with the children once you get to the close to the top it is very steep and a tricky climb.

Once at the top enjoy the view! Going down is a whole other challenge but when you are done you still have time to choose from many beaches to visit to cool down.

Cas Abao

2012-03-13T05:51:00.005-07:00

Cas Abao one of favorite beaches, it is one of the most tranquil and relaxing beaches in Curacao. Make sure you bring some sunscreen, the sun seems extra intense on this Curacao beach that has the whitest most powdery soft sand...delicous!!

Kokomo Beach

2012-03-12T04:38:00.006-07:00

We love Kokomo Beach. We finally found a Curacao beach where we feel really at home and that is not a tourist trap. Nice family friendly atmosphere with good drinks, decent food, awesome music, and the most amazing sunsets! This Curacao Beach is a little rugged but well worth a swim with great snorkeling.

I have to say the developers of this beach seem to have a clue. You can find us at Kokomo Beach sitting on the Curacao beach close to the band that plays every Sunday ...It is the best way to end the weekend...very relaxing!

Curacao trip report - South and Central America and the Caribbean - Chowhound

2010-05-09T07:12:00.000-07:00

Curacao trip report - South and Central America and the Caribbean - Chowhound

This was an interesting posts about Curacao Restaraunts. I have been to most of these, nice to see other island visitors opinion.

Busy Busy Weekend I hope I can make a longer post later.

Rootsriders - 'No Woman No Cry' Curaçao 2010 -YG-

2010-05-05T15:58:00.000-07:00

This holiday weekend in Curacao was a blast! I stumbled upon this video of a concert that we saw this weekend at Zanzibar on Janthiel Beach. It was a Bob Marley Tribute presented by the Rootriders on Saturday May 1st, 2010. Zanzibar has the best Saturday Happy Hour on the island. Barbeque, Pizza and Drinks on the beach.

The Rootriders are from Holland and the band is a mixture of band members from Curacao, Jamaica, St Eustatius and Suriname. You just look at the Rootriders and you know it is going to be a great concert. I have seen them before but I had feeling that my daughters and friends around had no idea what a treat they are to see. I would like to thank the Rootriders for putting on such a great show and for letting Kandace hangout on the stage the whole night. Kandace had a blast. You can see her at the beginning of the video. I am a happy and proud mama that she has good taste in music.

Easter in Aruba

2010-05-03T09:33:00.000-07:00

This Easter I took my girlie's to Aruba to which was a true girl's only trip. We stayed at a very relaxed bed and breakfast called the Tropical Haven that was in walking distance to Eagle Beach. After our hosts Sherrie and Rick gave us directions and travel tips, we found it easy to get around the island without a car, and the Aruba bus system was very easy to use. Each morning we enjoyed coffee and breakfast with our wondferful hosts. Sherrie made the girls whatever they wanted for breakfast, we were super spoiled! We would then set out on our journey to hangout on Palm Beach where all the high rise hotels are.

Aruba is completely different from Curacao. Aruba is very Americanized and has all the amenities you are used too. The Aruban beaches are longer so you can take a nice stroll and there seems to be more to do all in one place. I liked that! It was a nice change as we usually have to explore a little more in Curacao.

The highlight of the trip was visiting De Palm Island. They have a water park, Banana Boat rides, snorkeling, all your food and drinks included for one price. It was awesome, I was able to experience everything with the girls in one place. The snorkeling was amazing we saw the biggest Blue Parrot Fish we have ever seen, they were truly amazing. Last day we drove from one side of the island to the other, visited the lighthouse...and then did a little shopping of course. :-) fun, fun, fun!

Captain Goodlife part 2

2010-04-27T12:33:00.000-07:00

I went back to see Captain Goodlife. When we arrived at Santa Cruz again unannounced, we were able to catch a ride to the while Captain Goodlife was returning young students to the west side of the island.

We were to see all our favorite beaches from a new angle, Groot Knip, Klein Knip and Lagun, Jeremi, Playa Forti. Curacao had just gotten a lot of rain so everything was lush and green and it was amazing to see against the turquoise blue color of the sea.

We stopped to snorkel, boogie board and swim. Then finished our afternoon at the Blue Room.

This time we were brave enough to take the camara to snap a few photos. So Beautiful! This Blue Room is my favorite color ;-)

You just have to see it!

Always an Adventure with Captain Goodlife

2010-04-27T11:19:00.000-07:00

I had received a email from Curacao.com and within the newsletter I heard a name that I had never heard before....Captain Goodlife. Captain Goodlife operates a Water Taxi that is located at Santa Cruz Beach in Curacao. You can arrive any time unannounced and Captain Goodlife can take you on an amazing adventure for just 20 USD a person.

Our first trip to see Captain Goodlife he took us to Santu Pretu a secluded beach with black sand you can snorkel at a coral reef and to Captian Goodlife's fathers shipwreck. An hour later He will pick you back up and take you to "The Blue Room" which is an underwater cave you can only reach by boat. It is a truly wonderful romantic experience that all Curacao visitors should experience.

After the trip Captain Goodlife will have his Chef's cook you up a meal that is very delicious. See more about Captain Goodlife here on youtube.com , so you know who to look for when you are there!

Meeting Captain Goodlife is an unforgettable experience!

YouTube - CURACAO - TOURISM

2010-03-23T09:09:00.000-07:00

YouTube - CURACAO - TOURISM

Mothering the Tongue in Curacao

2010-03-19T11:15:00.000-07:00

I am a mother of two beautiful girls a brownie and blondie. Both are very different and unique in their ways. They are raised bilingual at home in English and Papiamentu and are taught and learning to master their Dutch. My oldest Kiara just started with Spanish and will soon choose another language in school as well, which will be either French or German. I am so proud but so useless when it comes to the languages in their schooling. Luckily their father and grandparents can help.

Always while living in Curacao I have embraced the multiculturalism of the island. I have seen the beauty of living in a diverse environment with all the different cultures and languages. People on the island normally speak 4 languages daily English Spanish, Papiamentu and Dutch.

I can add a few more languages to my daily mix as I date a Swedish man and I work for a Eastern European Company. I have a hard time mastering any of these languages myself...and if I was going to learn a new language which one should it be.

But speaking English only doesn't seem to be a problem for me except when I am in the drive thru at KFC.

Today when I visited KFC and I started to order in English and as I had to repeat the order for the 4th time then I was forced to switch to my horrible Papiamentu.

Un number seis, ku diet kola, and un twister so! no patata, no cola...aaaaiiii

Which means one twister value meal with a diet cola and one twister alone...

I got my order correctly! So I did something right :-) I patted myself on the back.

Enjoy the weekend! I am going to do at least one of my favorite 30 things with my girlie's.

Ciao Ciao,

Nicole

2010-03-11T10:10:00.001-08:00

My Curacao Top 30

2010-03-11T06:23:00.000-08:00

I can think of many things to do in Curacao that I really enjoy, I just made a short list of 30. I will comeback and add pictures and links to this post.

1. Eating Carco at SeaSide Terrace next to Breezes has the best fish of the day, great service and view all wrapped into one!

2. Eating Dinner the Octopus in Boca Sami at Sunset after a day at the beach!

3. Beach Bar at The Marriott best Pina Colada's and Strawberry Dacquiri's

4. Saturday afternoon at happy hour at Zanzibar for Pizza.

5. On the way back from the airport a visit to Cold Beer Snek 2 Polars for 5 guilders. (roundbout to Hilton)

6. Best Coffee on the beach Aloha at Sea Aquarium Beach.

7. Favorite Beach Port Marie. Great Bami!

8. Girls Nite Out spot Sopranos then Cartouch where we can dance to House Music without getting hassled.

9. Best Sushi Cravings

10. Best Steak El Gaucho or Tinto's

11. Best Snorkle is Playa Kalki, Tugboat, or Directors Bay.

12. The Ranch every Friday Nite! Roger and Marella are the best host's!

13. Drinking Prosceco on the Beach with my love!

14. Bonfires at Caracasbaai. I would love to do that again!

15. Hiking in the Salt Pans

16. Christofel Park -Great for hiking, picnic lunch and fourwheeling on the hills.

17. Boka Tabla watch big waves on the northshore of the island.

18. The Butterfly Farm-fun for a day trip to the beach!

19. Kura Hulanda Slave Museum must see when you visit Curacao.

20. Blues Cafe at the Avila on Thursday Nites live jazz and blues played above your head and water under your feet.

21. Mambo and Wet N Wild on Sunday must do at least once a year. different cultures in their beachwear partying happily on the beach!

22. Market Bieu - Best Lunch on the island!

23. Sailing in Spanish Water with friends

24. Skateboarding with friends on hills or at Splash.

25. Hiking in the Mundi with the girls.

26. Ostrich Farm not my top favorite but interesting and fun all the same.

27. Going to the Hilton Beach living like a toursit for a day is a great way to spend the weekend!

28. Mountain Biking in the Mundi one of Kiara's favorite activities.

29. Jumping off cliffs at Knip.

30. Visiting the Hato Caves.

Curacao30.com

2010-03-11T05:11:00.000-08:00

We named this blog Curacao30.com because the name Curacao.com was already taken. But also when anyone asks me what the weather is like, 99% of the time I can honestly answer it is sunny, hot and 30 degree's.

It has been a good while since I posted! I have been getting distracted by everyday life. But right now there so many good things to write about, I want to share my Curacao experiences with everyone.

On weekends you can find me at a local beach, at the pool with my girls or maybe a friend will invite me to go sailing or kayaking.

This Sunday I was relaxing and chilliing in bed, when my friend Camilla called to invite me to come out and play. I don't even know why I hestitated, once I joined her on a Kayak at Janthiel Beach and we were enjoying the beauty of our surroundings, and the unusually calm blue water. Then Camilla reminded me " Isn't this great? and we live here!"

YES! We live here!

I am going to work on a list of my 30 most favorite things about Curacao. Feel free to send me some of your favorite things too!

Ciao for now,

Nicole

Curacao Beaches

2010-01-27T11:35:00.000-08:00

Kontiki Beach Curacao

Spanish Water Curacao

Yellow Poui blooms in Curacao

2009-07-10T14:33:00.000-07:00

In English this magnificent tree is called Yellow Poui. I prefer the name we use in Curacao. In Papiamentu (the native language in Curacao), we call it "kibrahacha". That literally means "break your ax", because the wood is very hard.

The kibrahacha blooms in Curacao a few days after the first rains in the dry season. And yes, it had been rainless for a long time in Curacao, until sometime last week.

Most kibrahachas are in the country side. But, this picture was taken around the corner, in a residential neighborhood in Curacao.

Candy Dulfer pays tribute to Michael Jackson in Curacao

2009-07-08T14:26:00.000-07:00

Yes, we also paid tribute to Michael Jackson in Curacao. Here is Candy Dulfer does it at the Avila Beach Hotel in Curacao.

Working at a Curacao beach

2009-07-06T14:07:00.000-07:00

So, last Friday Nicole and I scheduled another workday at the beach in Curacao to work on our Curacao websites, blogs and online marketing in general. This time we chose Mambo Beach at the Curacao Seaquarium.

We were at Mambo Beach just a few minutes when a big dark cloud burst, right on top of the just arrived spaghetti bolognese of the neighboring guests.

We moved to Hemingway Restaurant Curacao at Lions Dive Hotel, where there is a little more shelter.

No need really, because this is what that Friday afternoon in Curacao looked like.

New and improved Curacao website

2009-07-05T09:10:00.000-07:00

Check out the new and improved official Curacao website at http://www.curacao.com/