CURACAO - CARIBBEAN

Our first close up view of Curacao was not what you would think for a Caribbean island - Oil refineries!

Their main industry is oil & they have some of the largest oil refineries in the western hemisphere.

Check out the fuel chimneys far behind the town.

As we docked the view of the town changed to bright coloured buildings, markets & the old fort.

 - it looked very inviting.

The temperature was a lovely 27degrees but when the clouds came over the trade winds were cool. We wondered how the town survives hurricanes, but this island lies outside the hurricane belt. 

When the sun came out from behind the clouds, it was so bright I could hardly keep my eyes open for photos - I have been trying to find sunglasses for such a long time - I thought surely this will be the place to finally find a pair to fit my face.

We crossed the Queen Emma bridge which is a floating pontoon bridge - This bridge stretches across St Anna Bay, linking the Punda & Otrabanda districts. It swings open many times each day to allow ships in & out of the harbour - most of the ships we saw were oil tankers.

This island is the largest of the Dutch islands in the Caribbean. The buildings are beautiful 17th century gabled houses, brightly coloured & very pretty. The story is, an early Governor of Curacao developed an allergy to white buildings - they gave him migraines, so the houses were repainted in every colour but white. - Believe it or not!

We decided to wander around Willemstad to soak up the atmosphere. But I was on a mission - The first shop I went into was a very large sunglasses shop - Cliff thought "here we go again, another hour & no glasses" well I was only gone 5 mins - childrens Ray-bans,  only $59 US - Mission accomplished - No more squinting for photographs

bright colourful statues of well endowed women.

Cliff wanted to try out a local bar - didn't look very inviting to me so I kept wandering.

We ran into Jenny & Mick -  Is it lunchtime yet mmmm close enough:-) - we walked to the harbour & found a little restaurant right on the water with views of our ship. 

Jenny & I just had to try the blue margaritas

Oh know - hope this tanker doesn't run into our ship!

After a great lunch, good company, it was time to hit the streets again.

Now this looks like a fun kids playground.

The oldest Protestant church on the island built in 1742

A colourful cow seat to rest our weary feet

We found another great place to sit with views of ships entering the bay.

The ships pass so close to the shore that the Plaza Hotel, built into the fortress that originally defended the city, is insured against marine collision!

Now Jenny, leave that ship alone.

Farewell Curacao - We'll be back on our return cruise onboard the Sea Princess.