Williamstad Curacao

Bananaquit on Banana plant!

Floating Market Punda Willianstad 

Girl on the Floating Bridge

Punda, Williamstad

Floating Market again

Old Market

Ortobanda Waterfront

Ortobanda waterfront again

Punda Waterfront

No other news since I haven't written the other sights which we have seen I hope to do that on the crossing to the Dominican Republic which begins tomorrow.  Meanwhile thank you all who sent birthday greetings.

  Only a 6 hour sail in pleasant Caribbean light winds.  However we needed to slow down in order to reach the harbour gate in daylight.  This done we motored round to Curaçao Marine. Where we tried yet again to get the Generator sorted.  ‘Jack’ soon decided that the coolant system (like the radiator in a car was corroded and needed replacement, so he ordered one from the States and it arrived within the week to be fitted. It has not solved the problem! We are still loosing coolant somewhere, so any ideas are welcome!
  During the time spent waiting we did spend a couple of days looking around Willemstad.  This city spans the entrance to the harbour.  On one side is Punda (Point) and (the other side)  Otrobanda-where the Cruise liners dock, both are quaint and sufficiently well looked after to warrant World Heritage Status.  The buildings are brightly painted and the town has a distinct European feel. One of the best restored areas is the Kurá Hulanda with a museum and various relics showing the vast history of the inhabitants.  The Dutch were great sea-traders so Malcolm was especially interested in the old Sextants and Astrolobes displayed. Much to be seen was Slave history but a huge Bronze sculpture called ‘Africa’ was particularly good. The rest was renovated town houses which have been tastefully converted into hotel rooms.  This means that the local economy gains from World Heritage monies.    The whole of this side was a vibrant tourist area with local shops throwing in some real bargains.  Pity I don’t have a use for new red shoes!
    Punda’s shopping was more upmarket but I did find some replacement anti mosquito netting for the main hatch. Hopefully a better quality that the last. However I was told that it came from Trinidad!

Senior Family Landhouse who run the plant.

On this side was also a floating market run by Venezuelan people and the Old Market not open on Sundays.

We also hired a car here to see the Island and of course top of my list was the Curaçao National product-Blue Curaçao! The plant is tiny! A floor area not much more than a swimming pool! Anyway the cane sugar alcohol is mixed with a secret blend of spices , colourings and the oils from green Lahara oranges to give the flavour.  It is now made in green, red,  brown (coffee) and Rum & Raisin.  All are ‘Kosher’ and made to a high standard.
  Upper class shopping again at Vanden Tweel, but not so good produce as that on Bonaire! Close by a beach resort at Caracus Bay (near to Spanish Waters) and the Old Beekerburg Fort.

Departing Bonaire. 10th January 2013

Just a quick note to say that sadly we need to leave Bonaire, but hold these images because they are the Hawkesbill Turtle which we watched!
Just the stuff to dry and pack away- but wouldn't you know it's raining!
oh yes and we are going on a FRIDAY again (that should be fun)
...and while I'm at it Thanks for all the Christmas letters and news!
Curacao next so more from there....