Going Dutch in the Caribbean

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First-time arrivals will likely head for the swinging bridge, one of the unique attractions.

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curacao new5 022215

Rif Fort protected Curacao for centuries.

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curacao new2 022215

The Netherlands Antilles administration building

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Iconic view of the Dutch-like houses of Willemstad

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curacao new6 022215

A calliope features carved figures playing musical instruments.

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curacao new1 022215

Replica of the hold of a slave ship, from the Kura Hulanda Museum of Slavery



If You Go

Curaçao: Just the Facts

Location: Southern Caribbean, just north of the coast of Venezuela

Area: 171 square miles

Population: 153,000 (2013 estimate)

Language: Dutch and Papiamentu. (English is almost universally spoken)

Currency: Netherlands Antillean Guilder (Dollars are widely accepted)

Form of government: Constituent Republic of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. An elected Parliament handles local affairs.

Climate: Tropical. Dry season: March to September. Wet season: October to February

Time difference: One hour ahead of EST

Posted: Sunday, February 22, 2015 12:00 am

Going Dutch in the Caribbean

By Ed Lynch
Special to The Roanoke Times

roanoke.com

Geography books, at least the old ones, call the Caribbean a “cultural crossroads.” Standing near the St. Anna Bay in Willemstad, Curacao, a visitor senses the truth in that description. To the eyes, the buildings across the river, multi-colored and high-gabled, give the distinct impression of Holland. To the rest of the body, however, the warmth of the Caribbean sun is unmistakable. Combine these sensations, and the magic of the Dutch Caribbean is revealed. A single day’s walk through Willemstad presents the visitor with many cultural connections.

Airport shuttles and cruise ships both bring visitors to the center of Willemstad, Curacao’s capital city, so most visitors will start their walks from there. First-time arrivals will likely head for the swinging bridge, one of the unique attractions of the southern Caribbean. It took close to three hours to cover the few kilometers to the bridge; there were so many things to see along the way. A waterfront walkway leads to Fort Rif, originally built by the Dutch and designed to protect the wealth of the island from pirates and from whatever European nation happened to be at war with the Netherlands at any given time. Many of the violent encounters at the fort are recorded on multi-lingual signs, which provide a short history of Curacao itself.

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      Sunday, February 22, 2015 12:00 am.

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