If you’re wandering in the streets of Willemstad, Curacao’s capital city you will find the city jarringly familiar (that is if you’re Dutch). The streets of Willemstad you will find pastel-colored buildings and houses overlooking the deep-water waterfront of the eastern shore of Sta. Anna Bay.
Willemstad is divided in two quarters; Punda and Otrobanda. Punda, (de punt in Dutch, meaning “the point”) which was established in 1634 by the Dutch has an unmistakably Dutch character. The urban framework and the small design that has a front street and back alley that as a rule are used for mostly for transport and disposal of goods. On this side of Willemstad, Curacao, one can find the famed Floating Market; a market with merchant boats loaded with spices, vegetables and fruits. Punda is also the commercial district of Willemstad, Curacao. Otrobanda, (”the other side”) founded in 1707 is located at other side of the Sta. Anna Bay, and is quickly becoming a commercial center; with a wide variety of hotels and restaurants. There are also lots of 18th and 19th century structures in this part of Willemstad, Curacao.
The city of Willemstad, Curacao has an array of colonial architecture that is influenced by the Dutch. The city itself has a European look that most people would consider Willemstad a city in the West Indies. Its city center has been made a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because of its atypical architecture and stunning harbour entry. Dining-out is also famous in Willemstad. Open air dining is offered in Waterfront Arches during the evenings. Some restaurants have a terrace overlooking the ocean. Willemstad is the site of a seaport because of its location. The port of Willemstad has brought the island success in the economy. Willemstad is also a center for oil refining because of the oil refinery that was built by the Dutch Government. The oil refinery was built on a former slave market site at Asiento. The installation provided the employment of the local population. It was an ideal site for the installation because it was near the Maracaibo Basin oil fields and it was far from the social and civil unrest of South America. At Chobolobo, original Curacao Liqueur is distilled in over 100 year old barrels on a old colonial mansion.
This tropical metropolis is the called home by people from different countries. With a fascinating mix of culture (Dutch, Spanish and English); Willemstad, Curacao’s capital is truly a nice place to be in the Caribbean.
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Willemstad: Truly A World Heritage
Punda which is divided by the St. Anna bay, an inlet that flows directly into Schottegat (Curacao's large natural harbor) with only a long pontoon bridge connecting the two. Punda was founded by the Dutch when it was captured from the Spaniards in 1634 while Otrobanda was established in 1707. Otrobanda is also regarded as the cultural center of Willemstad. Willemstad offers an array of Willemstad: The Best Of Both Worlds colonial design. Rich in history and culture, Many of Willemstad's architectural designs are influenced by the Dutch. Its buildings are tall and vibrant in color which brings an air of Amsterdam to the tropics. Willemstad has many interesting place. On the Punda district, there are lots of duty free shops that attract the visitors of Willemstad. There's the Floating Market, where traders from...
Worlds Finest Chocolate
... sick. And all of it, in quest of what he thinks is the worlds finest chocolate. So, when I told him my opinion about the worlds finest chocolate, he was almost furious. I was eating a mars bar at the time, and was talking about how good it was, but he just snarled. He told me that it was hardly chocolate at all. I begged to differ. Who wants some chocolate which is ten bucks for a little bite. In my opinion, quantity effects quality. The worlds finest chocolate is something that comes in a decent sized bar, and something that you can afford. I told him that the difference between all of the different chocolate bars was minuscule anyway, so why waste his time. But the fanatic, he stormed, raged, and ranted about the worlds finest chocolate and how it lies in the jungles of Mexico for a full ten minutes. And the funnies thing of all is, he really has...
Curacao Island
It is the only city in Netherlands Antilles. Curacao island is one of the five islands that made up of the Netherlands Willemstad: The Best Of Both Worlds Antilles (the other islands are Bonaire, Saint Martin, Saint Eustatius and Saba). Their official language is Dutch. Most of the population speaks English, Spanish and Papiamento (a combination Dutch, French, Spanish and Portuguese language). Willemstad, Curacao island's capital is home of the island's rich culture and history. The capital city has much to offer, from shopping to sightseeing to dining and most especially the festivities. While Willemstad is said to be the island's cultural center, there are other region of the island that is worth visiting. Curacao island may be the largest of the Netherlands Antilles, it is still small enough for travelers to venture parts of the islands all through their vacation. Curacao Island has a unique blend of the "Old World" and the "New World". Its colorful chain of pastel colored buildings has the same ambience in the city of Amsterdam. Legend has it that the...
Curacao Map
... of Curacao, not just an ordinary map that just tells the location but a map that tells what hotels and resorts and interesting places and all kind of stuff are available for a particular area. Pretty neat isn't it? You can find lots of maps on the internet that has the same features mentioned above. Here are some of them. http://www.ih.k12.oh.us/msbeauregn/map.htm The Curacao map that this site has gives you an idea of where to stay when you are in Curacao. The Curacao map is downloadable. Just right-click on the image and then choose "save picture as ". It is a very detailed map. It doesn't just feature the names of certain places, it also has details of what hotel or resort is on that area. It shows the location of places where you can shop and place where one can dine. A very important Willemstad: The Best Of Both Worlds tool for those who love to go...
Hotels In Curacao
... Floris Suite Hotel's 72 all-suite units were lavishly created by Holland's premier designer Jan des Bouvrie. Breathtaking interior design makes for a nice and relaxing stay. One of the hotels in Curacao with historic value is the Avila Beach Hotel. Its significant structure dating back to the end of the 17th century is a famous tourist attraction. Possibly not the best but definitely a place to consider is the Plaza Hotel Curacao. A three-star hotel with over two hundred rooms, this hotel is a sure addition to the list of good hotels in Curacao. Curacao Marriot Beach Resort & Emerald Casino is considered one of the top hotels in Willemstad: The Best Of Both Worlds Willemstad. It has 247 guest rooms, several water activities like diving, and a casino to top it off. This well-known hotel indeed deserves some...
Curacao Island Map
... are available in the bookstores and are suited to those seeking adventure. This type of map is Curacao Island's first topographical map, and will likely lead to some unspoiled parts of Curacao. A lot of websites should be Willemstad: The Best Of Both Worlds helpful. Curacao Island map as well as detailed maps of major places in Curacao like Willemstad, Otrabanda & Punda, and a separate Punda map can be found at www.caribbean-on-line.com . The maps on 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....
Curacao Landmarks
... over 1,500 years old. The Sea Aquarium and the Christoffel Park are only two of Curacao Landmarks that encourage a visit from animal and plant enthusiasts. Beach bums can enjoy to their hearts' content and find solace in Curacao as well. The beaches as Curacao Landmarks are Curacao's best kept-secret. From outdoor water activities to a quiet scenery-watching, the beaches are the core reasons of a tourists' visit. Architectural fanatics have their own paradise among Curacao Landmarks. Interesting sights would be the Fort Amsterdam and the Landhuis Ascencion. The latter is now a recreation center where one can hear local music, watch shows and buy some souvenir items. The Tafelberg and Landhuis Brakkeput is a must-see as well. Hopeless romantics would go gaga over this particular Curacao Landmark. From a historical eighteenth-century plantation structure, it has transformed into an open-air restaurant. It promises a memorable romantic evening with its superb menu, great Caribbean music & tropical ambiance. This famous restaurant caters to...
Curacao Photos
... will take a lot of film too. With their crystal clear water and the long stretches of white sand, they're definitely a photographer's paradise. Water activities like snorkeling and diving will allow you to capture incredible underwater images. Almost all of Curacao's hotels and resorts have well-tended gardens, where different bird species are frequent visitors. Visits to famous sights will add to your Curacao photos. A peek at the Hato Caves will give you more than a bunch of photos to bring home. Countryside visit will take you to the unspoiled nature of Curacao. Horseback riding and jeep safaris will surely let you bond with nature. Magnificent old structures that have played significant roles in history can still be seen in Curacao. Old plantation structures, some of which were converted into restaurants are undeniably the best places to dine. A visit to Curacao's city, Willemstad, is best when the carnivals happen. These festivities, celebrated just before Lent, are famous reasons to visit Curacao. Locals in colorful costumes dance along the street to Curacao's...
Where Is Curacao
... of its duty-free shopping, rich culture and well-preserved tropical ambiance. This arid island is home to a great number of world-class beaches with long stretches of white sand. The tropical setting with its hilly terrain and undisturbed countryside makes it famous to most tourists. Curacao as part of the Netherlands Antilles has Dutch as its primary form of communication. Papiamento, Curacao's official language - a combination of Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese and African languages. English and Spanish are also widely spoken on the island. Curacao's local time is GMT -4, which means it is 4 hours advance than the Pacific Time zone. Its international dialing code is +599. For outgoing calls made from Curacao, the code is 00 followed by the respective country code. Local telephone numbers all...
Curacao Government
... composed of council ministers and a prime minister. The governor general is appointed by the Queen of Netherlands. The governor general is also the crown representative of the Netherlands Antilles. The Curacao government's elected legislative officials assemble regularly to preside over the administration of government. Each Willemstad: The Best Of Both Worlds of the Netherlands Antilles has its internal affairs ran by the island's council and executive council which is composed of elected island council and a queen appointed governor. The newly elected prime minister of the island is Emily Elhage-Jonge. The Curacao government has extended its infrastructure and modernized. The island has a large desalinization plant for its water and its oil refinery installation is still a major factor in the economy. The Curacao government's revenue is still depending on the remittances from Holland. The oil...
Curacao Hotels
... own balcony and has complete amenities. It offers lots of activities such as golf, tennis, diving and snorkeling. Breezes Curacao Resort Spa and Casino This resort is the first Super-Inclusive resort, not only in Curacao, but in the whole Southern Caribbean. This magnificent resort is just 10 miles away from the international airport, flanking the immaculate Undersea National Park and the Sea Aquarium. The resort is complete with amenities and lots of activities to choose from. Curacao Marriot Beach Resort Willemstad: The Best Of Both Worlds and Emerald Casino Captures the charisma and sun drenched warmth of Curacao's old-Amsterdam. Has a magnificent view of the Piscadera Bay. Only fifteen miles from the Hato International Airport, just a stone's-throw away from the World Trade Center. Has Watersports Center and Casino. Guaranteed to have a fantastic experience on an exotic island. Plaza Hotel Curacao A...
GeoHoliday - Discount On Beach Club Resort In Disney
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Ski Resort Reviews: Tools for Planning Your Next Vacation
A ski vacation combines the best of both worlds -- relaxation and activity. The average ski resort offers a wide variety of trails for skiing and snowboarding, for people of all skill levels from beginner to advanced. You might think that someone who doesn't know how to ski can't have fun on a ski holiday, but that's not the case. Most all ski resorts offer ski lessons for children and adults alike. Some resorts even offer additional winter sports besides skiing and snowboarding, such as tubing. Tubing involves sliding down a snow-covered mountain in a large innertube. It's exhilarating, fun, and involves zero athletic skill!
Eve Online
... working a trade route, transporting ore from a mining colony to a heavily Willemstad: The Best Of Both Worlds industrialized planet to sell it at a huge fortune. You're gliding through the star system when your sensors pick up something. Pirates close in on you, and you fire off a few shots to keep them at bay. One of them challenges you, "Hand over your cargo or die." You consider bargaining with them, but realize it's no use. You fire off a missile salvo at the nearest pirate, and he disintegrates into dust. The other two pirates open fire, weakening your shields as you make a run for the planet. You duck into its protection just as your shields dissolve, narrowly escaping death and heading towards the biggest sale of your life. Eve Online is one of many MMORPGs on the internet. An MMORPG is a Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game. A MMORPG like Eve Online is different from most computer games in that in a regular computer game...
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