While taking part on the maiden JetBlue trip to the "C" and the largest of the ABC Islands, I was introduced to the island's different sights, smells, and adventures that I included in various articles. However, no place captured the diverse soul of Curacao like Willemstad, which I had the pleasure of experiencing firsthand.
Most noticeable were the brightly painted buildings that prove the Dutch are here to stay, giving the tropical city a European twist that was just too colorful to go unnoticed. And set against the backdrop of the clear blue skies draped with puffy white clouds, Willemstad is indeed a picture-perfect destination decorated with a hodgepodge of attractions that magically complements the variety of cultures populating the city.
In true Caribbean flair, the Curacaoan capital marched to the beat of its own drum as natives quietly made their way along its narrow winding streets speckled with various shops, cafes, street vendors selling "made in Curacao" knickknacks as well as the buzzing Floating Market. Here, merchants sail from Venezuela to sell fruits, fish, and other goods to locals while floating on boats that ebbed with the motion of Willemstad's blue waters.
Looking north of the market, the Queen Juliana Bridge, which is the highest in the Caribbean, can be seen towering in the distance. But at ground level the Queen Emma Bridge, also referred to as the Swinging Old Lady, provided a walk into history. The bridge serves as a link between the Punda and Otrobanda districts of the city, and occasionally swung open to allow vessels to pass. When this happened, ferries bobbed and weaved across the water to provide transportation for commuters.
With the sun radiantly shining its golden rays intermixed with a few refreshing showers throughout my tour of Willemstad, the pangs of hunger slowly began to settle in, especially the more I inched closer to the mouthwatering aromas pouring out of The Old Market, formally known as Marsche Bieuw. Long lines that flowed outside of the market were testament to the exotic dishes like goat, funchi, rice, okra, and beef stew, as well as pumpkin pancakes that sizzled in the huge pots of Curacao's local chefs. Not only did The Old Market provide an authentic taste of the island's flavors, but the opportunity to rub shoulders with residents, since sharing tables is highly encouraged.
Willemstad is also a playground for spotting Curacao's rich past. After all, the capital is one of the few places on the planet that brings the beach to an ancient synagogue with the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue flaunting a carpet completely made of sand.
Along with this unique site and a string of powerful government buildings, including the Governor's Mansion, as well as museums, several of Willemstad's walls are beautifully decorated in vibrant murals that are neatly tucked in small alleyways. An example of such a hidden masterpiece can be seen above, painted by local artist Nena Sanchez.
Willemstad exceedingly lives up to its reputation as a UNESCO Heritage Site, yet admirably looks to the future by offering Wi-Fi throughout the city. And thanks to JetBlue's new direct flights from JFK to the country every Tuesday and Saturday, more travelers will have the ability to become well-acquainted with the "dushi" sweet side of Willemstad and all that Curacao has in store.
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