Trip to the ABC's (Aruba, Bonaire & Curacao)

*Visit to Curacao - September, 2005* (click any picture to get enlargement)

Curacao is a long, arid, and generally flat island. It is 40 miles long, has an area of about 180 sq. miles (472 sq. km), and is the largest island in the Netherlands Antilles group. Most of Curacao's 170,000 residents live in and around the capital, and major port, of Willemstad. Most of the island's water is provided by a large desalinization plant found on the south coast. The coastline along the south (the entire slanted bottom side) is irregular and has small bays and inlets scattered along it. A few nice beaches are on the west (left) end of the island. The east (right) side of the island is a flat and barren plain, with few settlements.

*The north coast of the island is buffeted by constant northeast trade winds and has a rough coastline with limestone cliffs.* *On the west (left) side of the island is a large National Park.*

*"Land ahoy" ... we can see the Curacao hills from a distance.*		*Then we began to see buildings.*

*Hmmm, it doesn't look as expected... there are refineries, smoke ...*		*... and big ugly ships.*

Oh no, we see the source of the smoke & we are heading there ... towards the big bridge & the main port of Willemstad.		*Luckily the captain turned and followed the coast again. We got away from the main center of the island and the sky brightened.*

*This is more like it.... only scattered homes on the coast.*		The crew guided the ship into a small place nicknamed for us: 'Jammer Bay'.


'Jammer Bay' was the perfect setting that we were hoping to find... a secluded cove with a nice beach & a good snorkeling area.

One of our first actions was to take a taxi into Willemstad to pick up our rental car.

Luckily we didn't have to cross over this bridge... quite yet. It was dang high!	As we got downtown, we were surprised how quaint it was.


After a few moments, it actually felt like we were in Holland ... during the summer, of course!

*We played tourist...*	*... and then took the ferry ...*	*... to finally get our little car.*


*We drove to the west side of the island and were surprised how dry and un-inhabited it was.*


*As we got close to the coast, the vegetation got more lush... and we found a windmill farm!*


We were disappointed by the lack of beaches; they were small and hard to get to. The coastline was mostly a very rugged rock with a volcanic base.

*The smoky air indicated we were heading back towards the city. Most cars were kept up well.*	*Interesting artwork...*	*... which led to the big refinery. With Venezuela so close, refineries make sense.*


*We passed by town and headed south, back towards secluded Jammer Bay.*


*Adjacent to Jammer Bay was a nice beach club, which we had total (free) access to.*

*Tonight we had happy hour and a BBQ at the Beach Club. Our group ended up with more cups of wine than plates of food!* *The band was great and the party was unforgettable... well, I guess I cannot remember much of what happened... but it was fun!*


*The next morning we took a hike and walked up to the nearby fort, which gave us some nice views.*


The perspective we got was a little scary, especially with all the terrorism in the world... luckily this cannon was too old to work!


*We also were able to take some shots for the family.... smile ... but don't jump!*


*We then drove to visit the Marriot hotel, which got rave reviews from friends who had visited here.*

		*Nicole: 'Bill, how come the water by you is so warm?'*
*The beach at this place was fantastic. We spent a few hours swimming and snorkeling... this is a place to return to!*

We had to leave the comforts of the Marriot and get back to Jammer Bay in time to sail... ... and for Happy Hour!

*As we pushed off from shore everyone realized how special Jammer Bay was and how so few people get to experience it.*	This hill was being mined ... an above-ground quarry!


*We passed by yet another refinery ... on our way to the end of the island.*

A small 'party boat' came by to say goodbye... where is that damn cannon when you need it!	We then headed out to the open ocean and raised the sails to another set of 'Amazing grace'. Next stop is Bonaire!

*This concludes the Curacao portion of our Trip to the ABCs.* *To continue with the trip, and to see details of 'Bonaire', click here* *To return back to the main ABC Trip page, click here*