Curacao

We take our time this morning.  We don't dock until 1 pm and we enjoy a coffee and a breakfast sandwich.  The International Cafe is busy so we grab a seat in the Salty Dog Pub at a booth by the window.  Note Salty Dog isn't open at this hour so you can sit at the tables.

I also try the almond croissant.  I wanted to try these at least once.  On Majestic the egg sandwich was not good.  Actually it was not edible.  Muffin was a rock, and the rest was dried out.  So I am so relieved to see this one is very good and glad to see it was obviously an issue with that ship,  and hopefully the food has improved on board since then.

One issue with arriving later in the day is everyone crowds the 5th floor and near gangway.  Thankfully they have roped off the stairwell going down to deck 4.  But it is crazy so we search out a quiet spot to read until around 2 pm when we head ashore,

We had wanted to go to the beach.  However, after going outside and seeing how windy it is we knew the wind would stir up the sand and it would not be fun being pelted by the sand.  

Also we got quite a bit if sun yesterday and I really don't care if I have a tan or not and want to be careful in the sun too.  So Bernie and I discuss and since I really want to visit a few spots to see with my own eyes as I refer to them in my lectures and wasn't able to get off the ship when we were on celebrity Equinox in the Fall due to crew restrictions.

When we get on the pier we are almost blown away.  Very very windy, hold on to your hat!  Lots of people on the pier going on tour.  Oh I should add we are in with an RCL ship and they are docked closer to the town.  We are at the secondary pier, the newer one.

Our first site to see is the Tula Monument and Freedom statue commemorating the Revolt if some slaves (led by a slave called Tula, even a movie was made about it).  Although they did not succeed in their freedom at that time it did happen in 1795 and the break the chains statue is nice, and actually can be seen by the ship, especially since we are at the further east pier.

I will say I was very moved by being here and it"s significance.  However I am saddened to see no street markers showing how to get there.  It is at at the end of a street that has stunning  views,  but the site it is not kept up or maintained.  However after walking around Curacao it is apparent not a lot of the city has been kept up except for parts of downtown or where the tourists go.  

old abandoned building on main street near pier.  Thought it looked cool.  There are a lotbof abandoned buildings here.

We walk back towards town and the Queen Emma bridge.  Still stunning view of the iconic buildings at the Unesco World Heritage site.

We walk around town and do some shopping.  Best place to get souvenirs is at the New Market - a big round building with a lot of stalls selling everying!  

I then want to go and find the Serena Chi Chi doll store.  You probably have seen the Chi Chi doll statues around town.  Chi Chi is a term used to refer to the oldest sister/daughter.  She is caring, comforting, always has arms stretched out for embrace, takes care of younger siblings and often puts other's needs ahead of hers.  These statues reflect that.

The woman working the stall was not friendly at all or helpful but I really want one so we pick out one and I am so happy.

There are lots of lovely art installations throughout the city.