CUR: Willemstad Downtown

Willemstad, Curaçao

From Otrobanda, my BFF and I crossed Queen Emma Bridge to go to Punda. The vibrantly-coloured colonial shophouses lining Punda's waterfront are really something to marvel at while crossing the pontoon bridge. Behind the charm, however, lies the hard truth that slave trade was the primary business happening in the island in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Many of the slaves arriving from Africa were bought and sold at the docks of Willemstad before they continued their journey to the respective destinations. Those who remained in Curaçao were responsible for working in the plantations.

Share with me where in the world have you done a love lock with your partner!

Under the rule of King William III of the Netherlands, slavery was finally abolished in 1863.

We really enjoyed exploring the downtown area, especially since it wasn't crowded at all.

It must be a trusted apothecary since 1948.

Da Costa Gomez was the first Prime Minister of the Netherlands Antilles.

Curaçao is home to the oldest active Jewish congregation in the Americas, dating all the way back to 1651.

Enjoying some Creole songs on the street~

Mikve Israel-Emanuel is the oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere that's still in use today.

How does iguana stew sound to you? Did you know that iguana is eaten in Curaçao? I didn't get a chance to try the lizard meat though.

Dushi is a Papiamento word that takes on many meanings, such as 'dear' and 'pleasing'.

I needed an ice cream that big to cool myself down.

Upon checking out the floating market, we found out that it wasn't operating that day. What a pity! Anyway, it's located near a traditional indoor market that goes by the name Ronde Markt.

Flags (from left to right): Aruba, the Netherlands, Curaçao and Sint Maarten

On one of the evenings, we walked eastward from Punda to go to one of the popular restaurants serving local cuisine, which name is reminiscent of a flower.