Curiouser and Curaçao

Friday, October 31st
ms Zuiderdam
Sunfarer Day 4
Willemstad, Curacao
Arriving:  8:00 AM
Departing:  5:00 PM
Partly Cloudy - 876 Degrees

It's all treats and no tricks on this Halloween in pastel paradise, the sea and the sky not quite the brilliant blue of the island's namesake liqueur, but still a sparkle in the air.  Aboard a Holland America ship, we are at home today in the Dutch Caribbean.  The colony, then a territory, and now the Country of Curaçao, is still a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

With Zuiderdam alongside, it's just a short walk down the pier to shore, and the rocky promenade that leads directly to our destination, the Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino.  It's not the Ritz, but it has a Starbucks (island style with a coconut mocha), an infinity pool, and its own lagoon overlooking the harbor.



This isn't much of a sun and swim day, though.  So, after a dip and a dry, we walked around a bit for a look at the architecture that brings the pastel to life.  Officially known as the queen Emma Bridge, the "Swinging Old Lady" floating pontoon foot bridge crossing St. Anna Bay dates from 1888.  I date from 1937, so I didn't cross.

Next Stop:  Cartagena, Columbia