Picture this, you are walking on the street of Amsterdam yet the weather is as tropical as you can get. Paradise? Nope. Willemstad? Yes. Like Amsterdam, Willemstad has lots of narrow buildings along the canal. Walking on the streets of Willemstad is like walking the streets of Amsterdam, the only difference is the climate and the buildings are more colorful.
Willemstad is the capital of Curacao. Listed as one of the World Heritage Sites, it is the only one in the Caribbean. With a total land mass of 450 square meters and a population of 125,000 inhabitants; Willemstad is the seat of the Netherlands Antilles Government. Willemstad has two sectors, Otrobanda and 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 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 nearby Venezuela, Colombia as well as the West Indian Islands gather together to vend their wares such as fruits, vegetables spices and crafts. There is also an 18th century stronghold that was once occupied by the Dutch West India Company.
On the Otrobanda side of Willemstad (accessible by the Koningin Emmabrug Bridge), there are also lots of 18th and 19th century structures. There is a liqueur factory called “Senior Curacao Liqueur”; where visitors get the chance to sample the local brews (which produces beer from seawater, quite interesting isn’t it?). There is also the Kura Hulanda Museum, a museum that showcases a lot of ancient civilizations of West Africa and has documents of the history of Curacao and the Caribbean slave trade.
If you are walking down the streets of Willemstad you’ll find out how comfortable and fascinating it would be. Even if you’ll go shopping on the busy Floating Market, you will find it rather enjoying. Willemstad is truly a world heritage.
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Willemstad: The Best Of Both Worlds
... 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 Willemstad: Truly A World Heritage 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...
Curacao Island
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 first governor of Curacao has an allergy towards the color of white that's why all...
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Golf Vacation
... you considering golf as your favorite game? You probably know about Hilton Head Island as one of the best destinations for an ultimate golf. Well, Willemstad: Truly A World Heritage Hilton Head Island is a popular tourist destination in South Carolina. It is visited by more than two million of people every year not only for the world class golf it offers, but more for the natural wonders that it provides. And since the island has few of the world's largest and luxurious golf courses, it's no wonder that today the Hilton Head Island is named as the Golf Island resort. There are a number of golf courses to choose from for your Hilton Head Island, South Carolina golf vacation. Each of these courses features a number of great things that...
Curacao Map
... those who love to go shopping and also useful for those who love to dine. It also shows historic sites, places of Willemstad: Truly A World Heritage 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 looking for a nice place to stay on that area just look at the map...
Island Of Curacao
Cristoffel). Visitors of the island could get a glimpse of the local flora and fauna on the Cristoffel National Park which is located north of the island. Jagged with natural bays and coves, Curacao has plenty of undeveloped beaches. Its northern coastline is jagged with rocks and cliffs which is quite opposite of the southern coastline which is filled with beaches. While the northern coast has very strong current and doesn't have beaches the southern coast has crystal clear and unbelievable calm water. Shore diving is very popular in the island because of its unique coastline. The island of Curacao's seafloor drops very steeply just within a few hundred feet from the shore. The island of Curacao has no rivers. With the lack of river and the very little rain it has, the visibility of the island of Curacao's waters is very Willemstad: Truly A World Heritage excellent. With more than 37...
Hotels In Curacao
... 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 Willemstad: Truly A World Heritage is considered one of the top hotels in 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 consideration. These are only a few of the many hotels in Curacao. Generally, whether you're traveling to a tropical place like the Caribbean or to somewhere with snowcapped mountains, choosing the best place to stay is the biggest hassle. What's with budget concerns to consider, its accessibility to the airport, the food, and of course its...
Valetta walking tours is a stroll in the largest open museum
For the one of a kind holiday experience or adventure journey, visit Valetta, the capital of Malta. People say that Valetta walking tours is a stroll in the largest open museum in the world. Being UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, you’re sure to see an attraction waiting to be discovered just around each corner. Valetta is rich in history and culture unique to the Mediterranean. Museums, parks, harbors, historical sites, and not to mention the nightlife in Valetta is humming for the party-savvy tourists. The best way to discover what Valetta has to offer is on foot on Valetta walking tours.
Curacao Landmarks
... are 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 Willemstad: Truly A World Heritage 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....
Where Is Curacao
... traveling alone or away from main roads especially at night. Curacao is free from diseases associated with most tropical places, although mosquitoes are nuisances especially during rainy days. Sunburn is also very common to a hot island like Curacao. Shopping is a big thing in Curacao. Wandering along Willemstad, Curacao's capital city, one can find the most-talked about duty-free merchandise. Willemstad also takes you back in time with all the splendid historic structures. Charming restaurants and cozy hotels can also be found within the city. The music of Curacao is basically derived from Africa, Europe, US, Latin America and the Caribbean. Its official beat, Tambu, is created using the drums and the chapi (hoe). Tambu is widely used in the carnival festivities in Curacao happening from Willemstad: Truly A World Heritage just before Lent. The carnivals are famous world-class attractions up to date....
Lee Greif - Started the Jewish Heritage Foundation
... went to the creation of the foundation. As the first chairman of the Jewish Heritage Foundation, Mr. Grief set off what is considered an incredibly successful foundation, and he continues to serve on the board today. Thanks to the sale of the hospital, the foundation was able to hand out around 100 grants to local charities in the last year alone. This was all thanks to Mr. Grief’s volunteer work and his impressive work as Chairman of the board. The Menorah Medical Center was losing money, and there was no end in sight. The hospital wanted to continue, as it was the haven for those who wanted to be helped at a Jewish hospital. The hospital was losing that average of $2 million a year, however, and...
Curacao Island Map
... to be totally something else from all the stuff you have been reading Willemstad: Truly A World Heritage about it? Do the places seem more complicated to drive to than from how you see it by your intense study of the Curacao Island map? Unless you're a local, I wouldn't say you're strange. Curacao may look and feel slightly different from what you have read on your research. After all, you would finally be seeing how understated the beaches were and how unspoiled nature really can be. If you don't feel confident driving around yourself, be comforted with the presence of a Curacao Island map. And as a helpful tip, NEVER pay for a map while in Curacao. They are given free-of-charge. Some establishments though, like hotels, will charge you for one. The centuries-old Werbata Maps are available in the bookstores and are suited to those seeking adventure....
Curacao Hotels
... and affordable guesthouses for those who are on a tight budget. Those who have frequently traveled to Curacao can testify that staying on Curacao hotels is quite easy on the pocket. You can search in the internet if you want to know the amenities and accommodations of Curacao hotels. Listed below are popular Curacao hotels and some very useful information: Hilton Curacao This fabulous hotel has a picture perfect beach, an activity center for kids, conference facility and private beach is just 10 minutes away from the airport or four miles from the island capital, Willemstad. Each guestroom has their 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...
Curacao Photos
... 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 Willemstad: Truly A World Heritage dance along the street to Curacao's official beat, the Tumba. These famous mardi gras parades welcome the tourists to join in on the...
Curacao Culture
... ethnic groups (mostly of African and European descent). Because of its strategic location and the Dutch motivated religious freedom, it has attracted trade market from different parts of the globe during the nineteenth century. Even its language (Papiamentu) is a variation of Portuguese, Spanish, and African language that originated from the slaves that was part of the history of Curacao. The Papiamentu is (Curacao language) the most common language that is spoken on Curacao but is slowly diminishing. The Curacao government is trying to develop Papiamentu and now it is being taught in their school. Curacao music and dances are of mixed heritage too, but as time goes by the originality of the tradition is slowly losing ground. Like many countries worldwide, Curacao culture can only be recognized through their beliefs and attitudes. The strongest trait of the Curacao...
Curacao Airport
... sensitive detector, it might mean there will be a more detailed search. Avoid wearing steel-toed shoes and metal belts. If you have a surgical implant, obtain a note from your doctor stating so (it will shorten the discussion with the airport security.). 4. Pack wisely. If you have food and drinks with you, it's best that you put them in your carry-on luggage some edible items set off bomb detectors. Avoid carrying wrapped presents with you, it look suspicious to the airport security. An association of airport partners of Curacao, more known as "Curacao Airport Partners" led by the company "Alterra Curacao Holdings, started a thirty year agreement last August 1, 2003 to operate and develop the Curacao International Airport. This includes the construction of a new Willemstad: Truly A World Heritage terminal that would be able to handle 2.5 million passengers annually. The...