Our first port of call on our cruise was Willemstad, capital city of the Island of Curacao. Located in the Caribbean Sea, just off the coast of Venezuela, Curacao is part of the Netherlands Antilles. Our stop was a brief one, about 8 hours before we set out for our next destination, Aruba, a short 74 miles away.
While in Curacao, we did a bus tour through part of the island but the highlight was the city of Willemstad. The city is bisected by the ship channel that leads to an inner harbour. The two sides of the city, Punda and Otrabanda are connected by a unique, floating swing bridge and a ferry when the bridge is open to allow ship traffic through. A distinguishing feature of Willemstad is the colourful buildings.
Looking across the ship channel from the Punda side, I was able to get this picture of our cruise ship, awaiting departure later that afternoon. With a sailing ship moored in the foreground, we get a glimpse of Willemstad’s nautical past and a present day visitor to its harbour.
I really liked the colourful buildings and I conclude the post with two more great examples. According to legend, an early Governor of the island took daily walks in the morning. He began to suffer terrible headaches after each walk and finally visited the doctor in search of relief. The physician diagnosed his problem as eye strain from the glare from the sun reflecting off all the white buildings, the paint colour of choice at the time. He subsequently issued a decree that all buildings be painted in colours other than white and so it was.
I enjoyed the colourful photos, Peter, along with your commentary. Makes us want to follow in your tracks!
Hi Peter and Rolande,
Loved the colours of the buidings and the story behind the change of just white buildings. Colours are very similar on an island just near Venice and it was to guide the fishermen home each night.