Starting our Caribbean cruise from Barbados

Today we are in Curacao. We had breakfast at the Anckelmann buffet restaurant. Everything tasted good. We had booked an external excursion with Klemens on Curacao in advance. We were very excited to see the difference compared to the TUI excursions.

From our balcony, we could already see which direction we had to go to get to the meeting point. Klemens had sent us a satellite image of the area in advance. We also saw a beautiful infinity pool on land.

We arrived at the meeting point a little early, but Klemens was already there waiting. We were a small group of 7 people plus Klemens and his neighbor, who acted as a second driver.

First, Klemens took us to a hotel and we took the elevator up. And what can I say... we stood by the infinity pool that we had already seen from the ship. From here, of course, it was even more beautiful. And in the background, the Mein Schiff. It really looked like the ship was anchored there. Truly a fantastic view.

From there, we went to the parking garage where the two vehicles were parked. We split up into the two cars and off we went. First, we drove through Willemstad and here we saw many colorful houses. Here you can also see many painted house facades, which are supposed to help sell the houses better. Then we went over the high bridge, which could also be seen from the ship, towards Westpunt.

The first stop was at a so-called Flamingo Hot Spot. Luckily, some flamingos were hanging around near the road. From there, we continued to a museum, the Kunuku House, a former slave hut. Klemens distributed chilled drinks that he had brought for us.

Then we continued to Playa Westpunt, the beach where you can watch the turtles. We went there early because it gets really crowded later. Even now, there were already a lot of people there. There is a pier from where you can watch and photograph the turtles. Of course, you can also go swimming there and snorkelling with the turtles. But after Klemens told us that the fishermen throw all their fish remains and other garbage into the water there, we preferred not to do it.

Then we continued to Playa Kalki. There we had time for swimming. It is a small, beautiful beach. But you should definitely wear water shoes there. There are thorns fallen from a tree on the beach which really hurt if you step on them, and there are also some larger stones in the sea. But it was still wonderful there.

Afterwards, we walked through a hotel complex. It was still in operation, there were still guests, but they were apparently bankrupt. They only got electricity from their emergency generator. The guests apparently had to wash themselves in the pool. The pool did not look inviting anymore. Quite a bit of sand and the large leaves from the trees were not removed. Outside, you could also see many broken lamps. Nothing was being done anymore.

Klemens' neighbor showed us a cave that even many locals wouldn't know about. You could go down there on a ladder. But be careful, not all the steps are in good condition anymore. But the descent is worth it. You can not only see the seawater flowing in and out, but you can also hear it down there.

In the complex, we also saw some iguanas, huge palm trees, and large cacti that were even used to make soup. After the walk, Klemens served us a delicious homemade mango juice. Then we went to have lunch.

For that, we drove to a restaurant that is located on the cliffs. You have a great view and with luck, you can also see a few cliff divers. Behind the restaurant is a platform from where you can jump into the sea. We were lucky and saw two young men who were brave enough to do it. The restaurant was busy, but Klemens had reserved a table for us. Just as we all sat down, a heavy rain shower came down. Lucky us. It was the only shower, afterwards, the sun came out again. We enjoyed the food and the price was also ok. We also learned some things about Klemens. He has been living on the island for 3 years and he told us how he ended up here and that it is not so easy to emigrate there. Also, some goods are very expensive, like a roll of toilet paper... €0.50... if you want a good one, not sandpaper, you have to expect over €3 for a roll. In Germany, you can get a whole package for that. For dessert, we got another delicious mango juice.

Klemens also showed us the Grand Knip Beach and the Little Knip Beach. Beautiful beaches as well. The Grand Knip Beach is probably one of the best-known and most crowded on the island. There are guards sitting on the beaches during the day. You shouldn't stay there alone at night. Some time ago, a couple who apparently wanted to have a cozy evening there was attacked. They were beaten unconscious and their car was stolen.

The next stop was at a viewpoint where you have a wonderful view of the lakes that are all connected to the sea on Curacao. Then we drove past a closed 5-star resort. It has been closed for 6 years already and you can clearly see how nature has taken over. Lost places.

After that, we went to the estate of Nena Sanchez. She was an artist who lived and worked there. She was very well-known there, as she was Miss Curacao in the 60s and also participated in the Miss Universe pageant. In the garden and in the house, you can still see some of her works. Photography was not allowed inside the house. But it was very interesting to see how she lived there. Very simple conditions, for example, in the bathroom.

Afterwards, we headed back towards Willemstad. We went back to the parking garage. From there, Klemens wanted to walk with us into the city to show us the highlights. Two ladies didn't want to join anymore, so we all received another mango juice at the end. Then we paid for the excursion and received a small gift, a Curacao refrigerator magnet made by Klemens' neighbor.

With the rest of the group, we continued on foot to the city. First, we went to the Queen Emma Bridge, a floating bridge that separates the districts of Punda and Otro Banda. Punda is the tourist part and Otro Banda is the local part of the city. In Punda, we again saw beautifully decorated house facades and pretty alleyways. Of course, we also saw the large letters... CURACAO and DUSHI. Dushi is a very popular word in Curacao. It comes from Papiamento and has many meanings. You can say dushi to a person and mean that they are friendly, pretty, or sexy, for example. You can say it for well-tasting food, actually for all the good things in life. On the way back, we passed the floating markets. However, there used to be many more there. On the way back, we also saw a beautiful Queen Emma Bridge at sunset. Then we went back to the ship.

We were very curious to see if our luggage had arrived this time. When we turned into the corridor to our cabin, we saw something pink from a distance...our suitcases... Yippee....

We started unpacking. One suitcase had suffered quite a bit. It was completely black and damaged at the corners and on the top handle. But for now, we were just glad that we could finally wear something else. And I was glad that I finally had decent shampoo. In the shower, there was a shower gel in the dispensers that could also be used for washing hair, but it was not good. It made my hair greasy and felt straw-like.

After dinner, we had agreed to meet the other couple on the pool deck. The White Night party was taking place there tonight. Passengers were supposed to come dressed in white as much as possible. Luckily, we now had something to wear. Otherwise, we would have only had the white bathrobes from the cabin. Haha. We were immediately greeted there... oh, your suitcases have arrived.... Smiles.

At the White Night, there was also a chocolate buffet. But unfortunately, we were so full from dinner that we couldn't eat anything anymore. Too bad. We didn't stay up late tonight, we were totally exhausted from the day. It was a very nice day with a really great excursion that is definitely worth it.

Next up is the report about Aruba.