Willemstad, Curacao: Is it old? Is it new? Is it a successful mixture of the two?
Royal Dutch/Shell Company built one of the world?s biggest refineries on the island of Curacao to refine Venezuelan oil. After all, Venezuela is only 35 miles away. The influx of refinery workers from around the globe created a diverse and lively population, a mix of many cultures and races. Then tourism grew and the resultant growth created a mix of colonial treasures?and modern attractions.?Cutting-edge shopping, entertainment, and dining live side-by-side with?historical reminders of the island?s?legacy?of changing colonial rule. Integrating all of these changes?has been a challenge. Look at these pictures and see if you think the integration has been successful.
Pastel Dutch-colonial buildings house?luxury jewelers and?designer retail?stores
Cruise ships stay in port late enough for dinner ashore or a casino visit at the ultra- modern?resort complex right next to ancient?Fort Amsterdam
The?resort?s infinity pool in front of colonial Fort Amsterdam
Cruise ships dock right in Willemstad too. Notice the fort in the foreground.
Fort Amsterdam in the shadow of one lone Caribbean version of the skyscraper
Curacao?s crystalline waters exist against a backdrop of wastewater treatment plants, landfills, and oil refineries
Curacao?s modern port area, designed to look colonial
The relaxing port area is adjacent to the neon-enhanced ultra-chic resort/casino complex
Do you think the integration of old and new was a success in Willemstad? As a cruise ship visitor you will?love the easy access to many great points of interest, all an easy stroll from the ship.??Still, the contrasts of?Curacao?are not subtle.?But the sometimes jarring juxtapositions do not detract from the fairy- tale feel of the historic area,?or the energy that exudes from the island. You?ll have a great time here whether by cruise ship or a land vacation.
Contact me at 561-841-2224 or e-mail at susan@susanmcdanieltravel.com?to arrange your next vacation to the Caribbean.?This area?is my specialty and I will see that your trip is custom designed for you. Start your planning at www.susanmcdanieltravel.com .
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