Found across the Waaigat Bay from Punda, Scharloo is the newest of Willemstad's four historic districts and, as evidenced by its abundance of stately mansions, was home to Curaçao's richest citizens. Today, the wealthy have moved on to other neighborhoods, but the mansions have remained.
At the end of our first month in a new location, we like to take stock of our first impressions with a short self-interview. A third of our time on Curaçao has already passed; what do we think about life on the island, so far?
The inland region between Vaersenbaai and Grote Berg is known as Malpais, which can be translated as "The Badlands." Despite the rather uninviting name, we embarked on a hike through this undeveloped, uninhabited terrain, following the Biná and Jamanika trails, and ending with a swim at the secluded Boka Unico.
In the past century, Curaçao has seen a dramatic reduction in its mangrove forests, as valuable coastland has been gobbled up for development. It's not a problem unique to the island; mangroves around the world have come under similar attack. But with the help of Ryan De Jongh and the Carmabi Foundation, the plants are making a comeback on Curaçao.
It used to be that everyone's grandmother knew which herb to apply to a wart, or how to prepare a tea that might soothe an upset stomach. But, in today's modern age, we all just run to the pharmacy. Curaçao's Dinah Veeris sees the dangers of forgetting the ways of natural healing, and has made it her mission to preserve them.
After visiting Boka Sami and the dilapidated Fort St. Michiel, we found a trail which leads up the hill and along the cliffs to Vaersenbaai, which is home to Kokomo Beach. A short, mildly strenuous walk through the woods, followed by incredible views from high above the Caribbean, and then cooling off in clear blue waters? Sigh, if only all our hikes were like this!
After visiting Boka Sami and the dilapidated Fort St. Michiel, we found a trail which led up the hill and along the cliffs to Vaersenbaai, home to Kokomo Beach. A short, mildly strenuous walk through the woods, followed by views over the Caribbean, and then cooling off in clear blue waters? Sigh, if only all our hikes were like this!
If you're looking for solitude, lace up your hiking boots and tromp through the woods to Santu Pretu, a small beach of black sand accessible from Santa Cruz. Here, you'll find untouched nature, strange sand, and excellent snorkeling, but you probably won't find any other people.
The plantations of colonial-era Curaçao had it rough, because the island's arid ground makes it difficult to grow produce or raise livestock. How exactly were the unlucky Dutch landowners going to earn the fabulous fortunes for which they'd come to the New World? Many turned their eyes to something which Curaçao has in abundance: seawater. Or rather, the salt inside of the seawater.
Playa Kanoa, on the windward side of Curaçao, isn't what comes to mind when you think "idyllic Caribbean beach." Like the rest of the eastern coast, it's subject to strong winds and rough water. But although big, consistent waves make swimming more difficult, I can think of at least one thing they're good for. Surf's on!
