Willemstad, Curaçao...

We are back in Curaçao on Fat Tuesday... Cathy and I got off the ship a bit later than usual and headed for the Punda District. We stopped at the RIF Fort and climbed up to the Fort wall to get a better vantage point for seeing the ship and across the harbor. Being Fat Tuesday, many preparations were taking place for a large Carnival Grand Farewell Parade being held at 6 pm. It is always a nice jaunt crossing the Queen Emma Bridge from Otrobanda area to Punda…It is impossible to resist the multiple photo opportunities when crossing the floating bridge with its great sights of the waterfront with its colorful Dutch colonial buildings, the Queen Juliana Bridge, the Fort Amsterdam and endless ocean views. We explored the streets and alleyways of the Punda area looking for street art. Passing the market stalls, we crossed the bridge to the Scharloo district. Scharloo district has a long history…In the old days it was a neighborhood where wealthy families constructed big villas in the colonial style. After a period of decay and neglect, came a period of restorations and renovations. This area had some lovely street art and buildings that show beauty in their decay. After touring this off the beaten path area, we returned to Punda, explored some more, did some shopping before heading back to the ship. We spent the afternoon in the Retreat. This is the last day of Carnival in Curaçao, and it is a big deal here…we noticed many businesses with signs noting they would be closing early…. we are here until 11pm….so let the fun begin!