Friday, January 20, 2006.
My friend Lucy woke me @ 07:45 hrs (I was supposed to wake her up!) just as I was having a pleasant dream. My friends Julia and Inkie both sent me text messages.
Curaçao here I come!
Security at the airport managed to annoy me: the blonde hockey playing type of girl in front of me didn't have to take off her belt - I did, though. (It's the same type of belt!) Inside the plane most of its passenger looked posh (and most probably vote Conservative) and the other type were folks with too much tan and gold jewelry. I looked like a lost snowboarder...
I killed my time watching movies: Wallace & Gromit ("Wrong trousers" - seen it several times but the stop motion picture is still funny), In Her Shoes (what can I say? Chick flick...) and Corpse Bride (hilariously funny - playing dead and jaw dropping make excellent puns, and the animation is as brilliant as is the cast).
I worried - needlessly - Saskia had to wait too long for me at HATO national airport, but she was running a little late when she left the office, so everything went well in the end. It was raining by the time the plane was circling the island to land and that's when I saw a rainbow.
Saskia drove me to her house to meet her dogs; a Doberman, Castor the guard dog, and two Ridgeback mixes, Nomi and Debbie. Castor does his job well and his growling didn't sit well with me - the other two seemed to take to me immediately. We all know the saying "Don't bite the hand that feeds": Saskia took the approach of me giving Castor his feeding bowl in order to befriend him and gradually get used to me. It worked and I'm his new found friend a couple of hours later.
Saturday, January 21, 2006.
Saskia drove me around, showing me the island. The length of Curaçao is about 63 kilometers (approx. 45 miles). I got to experience the very local rain showers: driving throught them in a couple of seconds, or so it seems.
She showed me a couple of bays, although my friend wasn't able to show me a diver's platform on top of a huge rock @ Playa Forti the locals use, because of the pouring rain. Very unfortunate, but good thing my vacation had just started. Then I remembered my friend Julia telling me a story of her late mother jumping off a cliff somewhere on the island. This must be that spot.
We head for Kontiki Beach late in the afternoon (no entrance fee after 16:30 hrs) for a swim and enjoy the sunset. We had a nice dinner at the restaurant there and after that we went home and had beverages on the front porch watching the dogs and catching up. That's the life right there, eh?
Sunday, January 22, 2006.
Woke up early and headed with Saskia to a place where Castor gets its training (very similar to one of a police dog's) and helped weeding out the terrain. I was doing fine, until I got thrirsty and Saskia realized she forgot to bring any water. Oh boy! I think after an hour of chopping and digging in the blazing sun that the color of my face resembled the color of my polo shirt.
We went out for some groceries before noon and decide to hit Kontiki Beach again for a refreshing swim... Only to find out we're not allowed to bring our cooler along. I hope yer pecker freezes off one day, sir; we went to another (non-sandy) beach nearby and had a good swim - enjoying our own cooled beverages. We returned to Kontiki after 16:30 hours *lol*
Monday, January 23, 2006.
The water is very nice here: my daily showers don't dry out my sensitive skin, which reminds me of the water in Indonesia. And talking about Indonesia; especially the architecture is a reminder of the fact that Curaçao used to be a Dutch colony - some type of buildings just reminds me of the same type of buildings in Indonesia.
Saskia and I have lunch at "Gouverneur de Rouville" which is in Punda (downtown Willemstad). I enjoyed a salad with goat's cheese and a glass of rose wine. Very yummie, and the courtyard provided a very scenic environment:
We went to Kura Hollanda Museum after lunch, which is a museum that educates people about slavery. I was deeply impressed. Too bad the pedestrian bridge (Emmabrug) is in maintenance...
Again, we ended the day with an hour swim @ Kontiki's.
We had dinner at "De Kleine Wereld" (I had eggplant and pasta) where we had a table on a floating deck in the water. Nice, eh?
Tuesday, January 24, 2006.
I woke up "later" today: around 8 am. Singer Sarah Bettens was in my dreams - don’t ask. Saskia and I had a quick breakfast before heading to "Den Paradera", Dina Veeris's botanical garden. Her son gave us the tour and it was very educational. I learned a lot of new stuff - although I have to admit I forgot most of it already (I'm sure it'll come back to me at some weird moment when I least expect it... Sacha would shake his head and call me "Dory", after a particular "Finding Nemo" fish). We ended the tour with a very tasty drink made out of cinnamon leaves, ginger and sweet pepper. Refreshingly yummie.
I got to see a little bit of the Court of Curaçao through Saskia, and after that she drove me to the office to introduce me to her colleagues. I also get to shake the hand of one of the partners of the firm. To me he looked extremely pre-occupied, so I didn't pay him much attention. Saskia, however, thought he was rude. Oh well... I didn't take it personally: some attorneys are great where knowledge about laws is concerned, but suck majorly when it comes to human interaction.
Saskia allowed me to take her car for a test drive, just to get a feel of traffic on the island. It wasn't a big success :( The size of the car is almost twice of what I'm used to and it has power steering (mine doesn't). Plus: roads are very similar to the ones in Indonesia: full of potholes! Tarmac, anyone?
I happen to hear Cyndi Lauper's duet with Sarah McLachlan on the radio (a re-recorded version of "Time after time"): whoa... Nice!
We ended the day with a couple of games of domino. That brought back memories... HEY, ARNOLD..!
Wednesday, January 25, 2006.
I had trouble going to sleep last night and when I woke up the weather couldn't seem to make up its mind; it started out cloudy and rainy.
Through text messages I learn that it has snowed in The Netherlands... I'm glad to not be there. I don't mind snow, don't get me wrong, but my skin fares better on tropical climates.
I caught on to the reason why I have so dang much mosquito bites: I share my space under the mosquito-net with a mosquito - and I am not kidding! (Sounds like the story of my life, eh?) I don't mind the centipedes and the lizards, but them mosquitos and cockroaches are an entirely different league.
Plans to visit Christoffel Park are washed away eventually: there's too much rain to properly enjoy a visit. We get info on the trails in aforementioned park and Boka Tabla (a couple of miles further down the road from the park).
I got to see the dive off point at Playa Forti today... and I forgot the take my compact photo camera along when we drove off. Thankfully, the person who found it took it to the owner, so that we could be reunited again some time later.
Today's Saskia's last day off, which is too bad on one hand - but on the other hand I'm really content she was able to take a few days off from work to spend with me (that's 3 extra days together). We're scheduled to pick up "my" car in the afternoon: my private way of transport while Saskia is making money tomorrow and Friday ;) We had a drink at Gouverneur de Rouville, and I suddenly notice a great tattoo on the lower back of the cute waitress. I tell her so and she seems only too happy to show it to me (she also explains what it stands for). Saskia looks at the exchange in a way that I think is her "Is my friend using a pick up line?" The waitress asks about mine and I proudly show her mine :)
We spent some time chillin' on the front porch of Saskia's place, but, geez, I never knew dogs could be so flatulent!
We had dinner @ Waterfort Boogjes, right there at the sea side. That was awsome, dude! I had a "rare" steak with parmegian cheese, and the waiter commented that “rare is good” *lol* The dish was excellent, the meat very tender. Life is good!
Thursday, January 26, 2006.
I was still asleep when my subconscious reminded me to wake up and lock up after Saskia. Some rude awakening, eh? I contemplated going back to sleep after seeing Saskia off to work but decided against it; I myself had a few errands to run.
My friend checked in shortly and gave me the number to Dolphin Academy (I had expressed earlier in the week my wish to have a dolphin encounter). Ain't that thoughtful? Upon calling I found out that there aren't any places left for neither today nor tomorrow. The lady on the phone told me there were still two spots open in the weekend, but I've already made plans with Saskia for the weekend, so I decide against it. Better luck next time.
Saskia borrowed me her spare SIM card (for my cell, to enable me to make local calls) and told me to get a CT card of 10 Florins at the postoffice. I did and even used the little Papiamentu I know, but dang that woman behind the counter didn't flinch (I probably have a bad accent), batted an eye (lady, are you with me?!) or looked like she even remotely cares I'm making an appeal to her public services. Two words: customer service. You know what's strange? People on the street are really friendly, so what's up with the attitude while doing your job?
Saskia told me earlier about the unemployment rates on the island and I can't help but say that the majority of the people are lazy assed bastards. Don't give me the slavery spiel, because to me it does show that those people do know how to work. They just won't. Why? So they can help their own economy down the drain? Then keep it up like that, I'd say. I do not condone slavery, but that was in the past. People need to grow up, let it go and go on, go forward and learn from the past - not use it to wallow in self pity. Pathetic.
Anyhoo, I'm getting a bit side tracked here; I was talking about running errands. After finding an ATM to draw cash and getting my CT card I drove to the gas station Saskia recommended. (The car I'm borrowing for two days turned out a Volkswagen Golf - woo-hoo!) I put in 30 Florins worth of gas and head off to the Aloe Vera plantation for my daily dose of education. I know the pulp of the plant are used in shampoos in Indonesia as long as I can remember and also for hair repair (remember to rinse well).
I learned a lot more about the plant at the plantation and bought a bottle of gel (with a dash of Tea Tree Oil) to help combat the ugly scarring and calm my skin; one can tell from a distance my body does not react well to those mosquito and insect bites. I got Saskia a bottle of (Aloe) wine as a little present for her. I like it, despite the fact that it's fuller bodied than regular wine and more reminiscent of cognac.
Next stop's the Ostrich Farm. A tour costs $10 but it's definitely worth it: the entire farm is ecological and any profit goes back into maintaining the farm. The farm hardly has any waste: Blackbelly sheep (they look like goats, but believe me they ain't), Vietnamese potbellied pigs and crocodiles (Ostriches have intestines, too) take care of that.
While waiting for the next tour I befriended a grey parrot, who turned out quite the smart ass, being able to imitate lots of different noises and speaking a few words. He got my attention by making popping noises.
I fed a bunch a female Ostriches (their feathers are grey as opposed to the black of the male birds): I needed to turn my back to the fence and hold the feeding bowl to my chest. It was fun! They're not smelly and they don't drool *lol* I've been told by the tour guide that Africans call Ostriches "BUS"-birds: Big, Ugly, Stupid (yes, they literally have brains the size of peas).
I actually saw two birds mating, got to stand on top of an Ostrich egg (the shell is about 3 mm thick), got to hold a hatching egg (I saw a part of an Ostrich chick; and it seemed to be looking at me with one eye before falling asleep... Adorable!) and a 4-day-old chick. Awww... I can imagine some people don't even want to try an Ostrich burger or steak afterwards: the farm also has a restaurant (Zambezi). I tried an omelet (I didn't think I could actually eat an entire burger at that time), but was a little disappointed not to taste a significant difference. Don't start about size: 1 Ostrich egg equals about 25 chicken eggs...
One stupid thing, tho: I ran out of film almost at the start of the tour and assuming I had an extra roll of film in my backpack I dug for it. To no avail. Thankgawd for mobile phones with digital cameras!
I find out that only kids that go to school carry backpacks or postman bags. And tourists, of course. Since today and tomorrow are explored without Saskia, who has quickly adapted to life at the office, I opted for the tourist look ;)
After dinner (I heated up a can of tomato soup and made buttered herbed bread, instead of garlic bread) I went along to Saskia's Salsa class. No, I didn't dance: it was obvious it was an advanced class.
Friday, January 27, 2006.
After locking up after Saskia left for work I had something of a lie down... that turned into a 2-hour sleep! I woke again a little after 10 am. Oops! Saskia's been trying to get an appointment to get my hair braided (which I appreciate very much), but I began to doubt whether it'll be done before my return trip home. She returned home around lunch time to pick up her passport: today is election day.
From what I learned it's somewhat similar to campaining in Indonesia and I heard it's slim pickings.
A party called Forsa Kòrsou rings like an Antillian LPF (LPF is a Dutch rightwing party) to me: ignorant people saying ignorant things. They want the island become independent, but the also expect the Dutch government (Curaçao is Dutch) to pay their debts. Now, how can anyone achieve true independence while at the same time asking others for financial support?! Is not having to rely on finacial aid from others part of independence?
Anyhoo, I'm getting side tracked again. I spent a couple of hours retracking certain routes to take pictures (I admit I forgot to take the camera along a few times), but at a certain point in the afternoon it gets too hot - even for me - to be out in a car without air conditioning. I returned to find the dogs were pretty much out cold (nice pun, eh?) and so I fed them ice cubes, which they greatly appeciated.
I start packing my backpack; yes, the contents will mainly be dirty laundry.
Saskia had an after-office drink with fellow attorneys. I prepared fajitas for dinner.
Saturday, January 28, 2006.
I sent mom a text message before going to sleep last night, wishing her a happy B-day and telling her where to find her present.
Today was hot 'n sunny again and it looks like I'm getting a tan.
Saskia and I drove the Volkswagen Golf back to its owner before driving to Band' Abou to visit Christoffel Park.
The park is beautiful - and bigger than I thought. I almost shot an entire roll of film taking up the sceneries.
After that, we had kabritu stobà (goat stew) for lunch @ Dokterstuin. Forget Jaanchie's (tour operators take tourists to that place anyway): if you want tasty and filling Creole food, try the virtually non-touristy Dokterstuin! The stew was yummie (but too much for me to finish entirely) and the staff is super! The waitress smiled when I tried my Papiamentu when I ordered the dish I wanted - I think I scored brownie points ;p
I think I noticed a bunch of "native" dykes. Let me rephrase that: they kinda scared me when they were all looking at me when I came back from the ladies' room. Talking about feeling like a deer caught in headlights...
After a quick shower 'n change we dropped by Johanneke's place (Saskia's "office mate" at the law firm). It's a nice looking house by the water. Totally awsome!
Johanneke's funny: I like her facial expressions when she speaks, which makes her tales all the more lively.
We had dinner @ Sarifundy's Marina (I had a Ceasar salad), which is practically next door to Johanneke's. Again, we had a table on a floating deck on the water. It's slowly dawning on me that tomorrow'll be the last day on the island. The days really went by super fast! It's a good sign, but why so fast? It was great to see Saskia again (it felt like old times, really) and to be able to get a taste of daily life here through her and with her. Saskia and I planned to visit Boka Tabla tomorrow and have a swim in the evening, before going to the airport...
Sunday, January 29, 2006.
Finished packing my backpack. We went to the supermarket to get some groceries and some buns and sandwich meat; breakfast and lunch to go *lol*
It obviously dawned on Saskia, too, that today's my last day. M-A-J-O-R B-U-M-M-E-R. It saddened us both.
Boka Table is really nice - a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the sea and cool breeze. Unfortunately, we couldn't locate the caves in which one can see the water rush in.
Saskia also tried to get me to taste a "batidos", which is something like a fresh fruit punch I think, but we couldn't find a stand that was open on Sunday.
After Boca Tabla we drove back from Band' Abou to Willemstad, had a quick change and hit Kontiki's one last time. I had a last swim and at 4 pm it was time to go home, shower, change and head for a place for a bite to eat.
It seemed time went by even quicker. Before we knew it it was time to head for HATO Airport to check in. Saskia went in with me and stayed during the check in and saw me to the sliding doors that seperates the entrance hall of the gates. I'm really bad at this kind of shit, because I generally don't say goodbye to people. I think Saskia had it bad, too. (Enter: dramatic Tchaikovsky violin concerto.) Good thing her parents are flying in at the end of this week :)
As I was walking on the runway towards the plane it actually started to rain a little; how "appropriate", eh?
The movies I watched during the flight back were Wallace & Gromit ("Curse of the Were-Rabbit"; hilarious!), Madagaskar Penguins: Christmas Caper and A good woman (with Helen Hunt and Scarlett Johansson; even though it was as boring as crap it didn't help me lull into sleep...).
There was an empty seat between the man in the isle seat and me in the window seat. He was friendly and eager to talk. A little too eager to my taste (thankgawd for the movie).
Monday, January 30, 2006.
I hardly slept and by the time I thought I could fall back into a deeper kind of slumber the overhead lights were switched on: breakfast will be served shortly.
Saskia warned me for the 100% checks at Schiphol Airport (lots of drugs are smuggled on the Curaçao - Amsterdam line), so I was prepared for anything horrible and time consuming. I told my brother Arnold to be at the airport no sooner than 11 am; I wouldn't want him waiting. Imagine my surprise when the checks at several customs posts were not anything I hadn't encountered before. Also, imagine my suprise when I found out mom had come along with my brother Arnold to pick me up. Yay!
I'm glad I'm back home, but it's friggin' cold out and the coming days are going to be hard on me because of the jetlag. Thankgawd I start next Monday, so I have a couple of days to overcome it.
I already admitted to Saskia that if she hadn't invited me to come and visit her I probably never would have visited Curaçao. And despite the size of the island, there's surprisingly a lot of things to see and do. Catching up with her on the island is a unique experience and I surely wouldn't mind visiting Saskia again in a couple of years. Who knows?
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