If after looking at these pictures you consider going to Curaçao
for a visit, here's something you should not miss: a walk around the
waterfront area at night. The shimmer of the colored lights on the
water, the
glow of the pastel colors, the smell of the fresh ocean air, the warm
night and the starry sky are but a few of Curaçao's many charms.
I am privileged to have as one of my best friends, Javier de Castro, who took time from his busy schedule to chauffeur Adriana and myself around the city after dark. A resident of Curacao, Javier knew where to go to get the best shots, most colorful views and spectacular panoramas.
To the right on this picture, you can see the Plaza Hotel and the Queen
Emma Bridge complete with its lighted walkway.
From the "Otrabanda" side of the bridge, looking down
railing of the bridge and off to the left the view of the reflection of the
buildings
on the St. Anna Bay water is captured in time. Though timeless itself,
Willemstad offers tourists and locals alike a peaceful and relaxing
atmosphere any night of the week.
There are many eateries that stay open after dark and all the hotels in the area are ready to serve you for an evening meal or drink.
Safe? We felt very safe. There are some police patrolling, but we never felt like we needed to be extra cautious. We simply did the normal smart things you'd do when strolling after dark. The people are exceptionally warm and friendly and want you there on Curacao.
Perhaps one of our favorite nighttime views is from the balcony
of the "Hotel Otrabanda". This picture shows the tranquil
storefronts along the Punta side, as well as a couple of boats in the
bay. The globe lights line the Otrabanda side turning the entire
waterfront
into a romantic experience.
If you stay for a few days and want to break away from the hotel and casino nightlife, this is the place to do it.
Javier treated us to a drink and some dessert as we chatted, taking in the awesome view of the harbor. We felt we were seeing the very best this island had to offer, thanks to Javier.
If you go out at night, take a light wind breaker. There may be a chill. At some restaurants you could even use a light sweater.
On our visit we were privileged to get a bird's-eye view of St.
Anna Bay.
Okay - it took a little doing... and since these pictures are a few years old, I can tell you how we got this shot. Javier, knew some friends at the Plaza Hotel downtown. He asked if we could get access to the rooftop to take in the view.
For 30 breathtaking minutes we looked over the city, from the government offices below us, to the fantastic view of the Queen Emma Bridge, Otrabanda across the bay, the cruise ship in port, to the glow of the refinery fires lighting up the city... this was Willemstad at its best.
Of all the text that has been written about this old city, pictures have a way of involving you on an emotional level.
And yet, pictures on a web page don't really do justice to the beauty in the cityscape and colors that make up this Caribbean gem. It was fun, entertaining, enlightening - and after the trip to the roof - adventuresome! What a great way to end a great evening. Thanks, Javier!
The last nighttime picture shows the beauty of the Punta side at
night.
The warm lights bathe the quiet streets as cafes and restaurants cater
to
the evening.
As you look out, you can see the lights glowing off into the far distance. The island ends and the ocean begins at that point. Even more spectacular is how clear the evening sky was each night we were there.
We were glad we came and glad we had the opportunity to experience this special view of this enchanted island.
So, when you do visit Curacao, make sure you plan one evening in the downtown area. Walk the bridge. Have a nice drink at the Otra Banda Hotel, and look up... and count the stars.