What is Curacao? Most people would ask that question but to the people who’ve been there, Curacao is the place to be. Curacao is a country located south of the Caribbean Sea off the shore of Venezuela. Pronounced as Kura’s o. Curacao was derived from the Spanish word “Corazon” which means “Heart” was adopted by the Portuguese, hence, the name Curacao. The official language is Dutch. Papiamentu or Papiamento (the local language that was derived from the Portuguese, Spanish, and African dialects by the slaves) English and Spanish are widely spoken.
Curacao’s first inhabitants were the Arawak Amerindians and were later decimated by the Spanish expedition of Alonso de Ojeda in 1499. Rediscovered by the Dutch in 1634 but was ignored by colonist due to lack of resources such as gold which was what most colonists seek. Curacao then proved its worth in commerce and shipping trade.
Curacao is famous for its beaches and diving spots. Over 35 beaches with a wide variety, some surrounded by cliffs and rocks others by flora and fauna, they all have the same clear turquoise waters. Because the unusual feature that is locally known as the “blue edge”, Curacao’s sea floor drops off just a few hundred meters from the shore where one can go diving without a boat. Curacao has a lot of astounding architectures and landmarks because of its rich history. The city of Willemstad has many attractions one of the most frequented is the Fort Amsterdam.
Curacao is also famous for its fine liqueur which is made of locally grown oranges. Curacao’s local cuisine is very delicious and unique. This is because it is a mix of different cultures; the taste varies as its residents. The best tasted are the nasi goring, bami, and kabritu. Music is important to Curacao. Curacao has some sort of music carnival where local bands meet each year.
There are many great festivities held year round, ranging from culture to music to food. The most widely known are the “Tumba Festival”, “Children’s Carnival” and the most popular, the “Curacao Carnival”. Curacao Carnival starts at January and ends in late February or early March.
Curacao is a very interesting place. Who wouldn’t be mesmerized by its beauty? Curacao is like a “Paradise Island”. That’s why many people go to Curacao for a vacation. So the next time you are planning for a vacation. Curacao is the best place to be.
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Curacao Liqueur
... and its soil conditions, the fruit of the Valencia orange from juicy and sweet became bitter, almost inedible. The plan to farm the Valencia oranges was then abandoned and the Valencia oranges grew wild. It was then discovered decades later that if the peels of the Valencia fruit was dried thoroughly in the sun, it would produce Curacao At A Glance oil with a surprising pleasant fragrance. A recipe was then developed by a Jewish family (Senior family) in Curacao. The oil was mixed with various exotic spices. With this came the "Curacao liqueur". The same family then marketed the product. They made a massive investment to start the Curacao liqueur industry. Curacao liqueur has become a world success and with that many liquor manufacturers worldwide albeit produced Curacao liqueur but with artificial flavors. The genuine Curacao liqueur is called "Curacao of Curacao". Original Curacao liqueur is clear in color. It later evolved, and is now available in various colors for cocktail purposes (blue, red, orange and green). Colored Curacao liqueur...
The Curacao Flag
... the other star. A yellow stripe cuts horizontally near the center. Have you ever wondered what's the meaning of two stars and the single yellow stripe of the Curacao flag? The two white stars represent the two islands of Curacao; Curacao and small Curacao or also known as Klein Curacao (a small uninhabited island southeast of Curacao). The yellow stripe depicts the sun dividing the blue sky and blue sea (that's why the color of the Curacao flag is blue). The five points of the star symbolizes the five continents of which the local population originated. Curacao celebrates its "Curacao Flag Day" on July 2. It is one of the many "Official Holiday" that Curacao celebrates annually. It is celebration starts with and flag raising ceremony at the Village of Barber and at the Plaza Brion. The day is celebrated with parades,...
Gas Prices In Curacao
... gasoline, and gas station margin at 12.35 cents/liter. The OB tax, the purchase price, which is the price paid to the oil supplier, and the correction factor are the unstable factors that will adjust with every price change. Therefore, a price change would mean there were Curacao At A Glance price changes in the purchase price and the correction factor. The gasoline prices will be applied with a 5% OB which is taken from the altered prices of these two varying factors. The following gasoline prices based on consumer price are quoted in NAf cents per liter: Regular 92 - 176.60, Super 95 - 180.10, Kerosene 110.00, and Gasoil (Diesel) - 92.00. Domestic gas prices in Curacao quoted in NAf/cylinder are as follows: 100 lbs - 51.70 and 20 lbs - 12.70. Note that Curacao's currency the Netherlands Antilles Florin (NAf) or sometimes called the Antillean Guilder is at this rate: NAf 1.79 is equivalent to $1. Curacao's florin is equal to a hundred NAf cents. Definitely, oil products are cheaper in places...
Curacao Island Map
... this particular site are so comprehensive and will no doubt let you get around the island pretty well. A laptop would have been the best tool to access sites like this especially while you're driving. Visiting Google Earth is highly recommended because it will provide you driving directions. Driving tips, signs and directions can also be found at www.curacao-travelguide.com . So if at one point you find yourself somewhat unsure which road to take, a few clicks will give you the right answer. But if laptop is not an option, internet caf s are Curacao At A Glance available in Curacao as well. Handled by a GSM network, you can actually go online in a caf and let them print out all these in-depth maps as well as the Curacao Island map. Traveling in a foreign place like Curacao can be...
Map Of Curacao
... is very important for a traveler or a tourist to have a map, especially if you are in Curacao. With all the beautiful places to go to you might get confused. When choosing a map of Curacao, make sure that it is easy to read and understand. Some maps are too general on the labels. They just put a dot and a name of the place. Its better that you choose a map that has information of what hotel or resort or facilities that is in that area and also that it has information like the fees, and what time that particular establishment opens. Remember all the interesting places that you've been to so that the next time you will be in Curacao, you won't have to use the map as frequent...
Maps Of Curacao
Looking for maps of Curacao? It's quite easy to have one. You can either, buy one from your local bookstore, order online or download one from the internet. There are lots of website that offer maps of Curacao. All you have to do is find a map that is detailed enough for you to purchase or download. If you are opting to use the internet, here is a list of website that have maps of Curacao. Some are useful enough; some just show where certain locations are. Just choose a map that you may find useful. * http://www.ebay.com - A highly popular web based search engine that lets you search for anything that is for auction. Just key-in "maps of Curacao" then click "Search" and eBay will do the rest. Highly...
Sports In Curacao
... offer their services for those who want to learn windsurfing. Curacao is also considered home of a number of sailing regattas all year round. There are shops that offer sailing equipments for rent. On the beach, there are lots of sporting activities. Beach volley is the most popular of them. We all know that if wherever there is a beach there is also beach volley. Kayaking or canoeing is also a popular sports in Curacao. Almost every resort in Curacao have kayaking or canoeing equipments. If don't know yet, hiking is also one popular sports in Curacao. Curacao has a National Park that you can climb or hike. You can hike through the 4,500 acre Christoffel Park. There is also the Rif Recreation Area that has a 2-mile jogging track. Horseback riding is also offered on Curacao. One can go horseback...
Curacao Map
... place where one can dine. A very important tool for those who love to go shopping and also useful for those who love to dine. It also shows historic sites, places of interest for you to go and most of all the, beaches (one of the most important places to visit when your in Curacao.). It also has the location of all must see places in Curacao and all the Kodak outlets (after you have visited the interesting areas you can go and have your picture developed on the outlet nearest you. http://www.ehi.com/travel/carib/bonaire/hot_map2.html Another website where you can have a Curacao map. Although it isn't as detailed as the one mentioned above, this is a Curacao Map and Hotel Locator. It shows the where the first class hotels and resorts are. If you want to go to a particular area in Curacao and you are Curacao At A Glance looking for a nice place to stay on that area just look at the map then if you decided to stay on that...
Curacao Tourism
... world visit Curacao because of its unique beauty. The Curacao Tourism Board always increase their effort in gaining traction in the North American market. Their annual budget in promoting their tourism to the North American and European market are always increasing. With the assistance of the Dutch government, traffic from North America have increased by 8% within six months alone (January to August of 2003). Hotels and recreation facilities flourished throughout Curacao, as the demand in tourism increased. Curacao's tourists compose mostly of Europeans, South Curacao At A Glance Americans and their Caribbean neighbors. Now, Curacao is attracting tourists from different parts of the globe, mostly, from the United States and Canada. With over a half a million visitors annually (of which over 300,000 are from cruise ships.). Though not really promoting mass market, the Curacao Tourism Board (CTB) is aiming to double its North American visitors (over 40,000 to 80,000...
Curacao Games
... recently hosted for the first time, the MTB World Cup Series. It was a major adjustment for bikers who were used to winter temperatures, but they all agreed that swimming, and other outdoor activities are done Curacao At A Glance way better in Curacao. Biking enthusiasts will love the challenge when biking through Curacao's narrow and twisty paths. Bikes and motorcycles are available for rent. One is also allowed to choose his own route. Other favorite outdoor activities are hiking and jeep safaris. More beautiful scenery can be seen if you opt to explore Curacao. Guided horse-back riding is also available along Curacao's well-preserved nature. And just when you thought Curacao games stop there, think again. Curacao has two bowling places to go to. So bowling buffs can still enjoy their favorite game even if they're a thousand miles from home. And...
Information On Curacao Island
... you Curacao At A Glance feel like you're not sure of making the trip to the island unless you learn a few more stuff about it? If you're worrying about the transportation you are going to use in getting around the island, worry not. Curacao has its share of reliable car rental companies that are holding office at the airport as well. No cause for concern would be the accommodations too. Unless it's peak season and if prior reservations have been made, Curacao hotels and resorts will take you on a grand journey to a comfortable and memorable stay. Information on Curacao Island such as the language and currency they use are also important to first-time visitors. While English are widely understood in Curacao, it is helpful to learn a few Dutch, Spanish or Portuguese also, as these are what comprise their official language, the Papiamento. Netherlands Antilles Florin is Curacao's currency which is FL1.79 to a $1. U.S. dollars are accepted all...
Aloe Vera Curacao
... in Aloe Vera? Big deal. Being a tropical place, Curacao has been vastly gifted with this tropical plant as well - the Aloe Vera. This plant, popularly known all over the world as herbal medicine for different diseases can be abundantly found in Curacao. The Aloe Vera Curacao can be traced back to ancient times. While it is said to be a native to the East and South Africa, it is also a big possibility that Aloe Vera Curacao dates as far back as its existence in Africa due to the similarity in their climate. This is strongly supported by the alternative name for Aloe Vera which is Curacao aloe. Aloe Vera in general is considered a natural remedy for a lot of illnesses. Used externally, it is said to restore damaged skin tissues resulting from burns and sores. A story has it Curacao At A Glance that Aloe Vera was used to preserve the body of Jesus Christ. Its...
Curacao Beaches
These are attract tourist especially honeymooners, couples and people who want to have a peaceful vacation, away from crowded hotels and resorts. Many of the popular beaches in Curacao are in the western end part of the island. These beaches are named "Westpunt" or "west point". The island itself boasts to have 40 Curacao beaches that are different from one another. However there are more secluded beaches on the eastern and northern coastline. Some of them are yet to be discovered. Some of the Curacao beaches have huge cliffs and limestone. Thrill seekers go to this kind of beach to jump from the cliff into the ocean. While some beaches Curacao At A Glance have picturesque settings and sparkling clear turquoise waters. Some beaches have a white sandy shoreline that is frequented by romantic couples of all ages. Curacao also has man-made beaches that offers glass-bottom and semi-submersible submarine rides. In some beaches, you have to walk through an adventurous natural trail to get to the beach. As most, Curacao beaches isn't just for swimming...
Curacao History
... Some people say though that Curacao's original name which was Curazon, was given by Spaniards to mean "heart". However changes have converted it to the Portuguese form which is Curacao. Anyway, more than a hundred years later, the Spanish government was thrown out when the Dutch conquered Curacao. The Dutch put up plantations all over the island. The landhuizen structures are still very visible today, some of which are converted into restaurants and other establishments. Famous Dutch activity was the slave-trade, beckoning the start of the Papiamentu language. This became the primary form of communication, being a mixture of Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch and African dialects. The 18th century is significant in Curacao history. The British tried to overthrow the Dutch plenty of times until everything was settled by the Treaty Curacao At A Glance of Paris. Curacao was rewarded back to the Dutch, slavery was totally abolished but the economy was slow. The early 19th century opened new doors with the discovery of...
Maps Of Curacao Island
... to get to the sight you wanted to see? When going on a trip, whether to a world-famous tourist destination like Italy or to a quiet island in the Caribbean like Curacao, it is best to get yourself familiar with the place you are going to. Maps of Curacao Island would be a helpful guide to lessen the hassles of getting around the island. Before taking that Curacao vacation, it is advisable to surf the internet to get yourself acquainted with Curacao. Aside from gathering facts about its weather, people, language, culture, food, and currency, maps of Curacao Island will make you settle in easier. Online interactive maps of Curacao Island can be found by visiting www.caribbean.com . These maps will also give...