Unexpected Journeys: Going to Curacao
Several months back we started thinking about where we wanted to go after leaving Ecuador. With a bit of back and forth it was clear that both of us were ready to leave the Americas. We wanted a change in cultures, something apart from the Hispanic inspired societies based upon the Spanish colonial model. Something exotic, something totally different with ancient history, spectacular landscapes, exceptional architecture and unique cuisine.
Our conversations went something like this:
“Europe or Asia?”
“Ooooo – what about Turkey?”
“Oh, I want to see Eastern Europe.”
“But what about New Zealand or Morocco or Vietnam …?”
Obviously, our focus needed to be adjusted and refined. Some people call this kind of conversation “brainstorming” but we call it “derailed.” We decided to go online and, after some reading and more conversation about our enormous world with all its possibilities for places to travel, we finally came up with … Malaysia. It had much of what we wanted including a large expat community, a variety of cultures and nationalities, was high on the exotic meter and completely different from any place we’d ever been. And a plus – it would be a great jumping-off point to begin our travels in Asia. We checked out airline tickets from Ecuador to Malaysia (electing to avoid any Malaysian airlines for the time being) and decided it was eminently doable although we wouldn’t be traipsing back to the US for a time.
And then, before we began to make the serious moves of purchasing the airline tickets and securing our initial lodging, we received an email from a friend we had housesat for in Costa Rica who asked if we might be interested in house and pet-sitting for her sister in Curaçao. Hmmm … so here’s where we get a little red-faced and have to admit that we had not a clue as to the whereabouts of Curaçao. We googled it, repeatedly, once to figure out where it was, another time simply to hear its pronunciation (Kur-uh-sow) and then to research the island itself. For those of you who also have no clue where it is:
And so, we read about the island country of Curaçao, which became an independent nation in October, 2010, when the Netherlands Antilles was dissolved. The island was “discovered” by the Spanish in 1499 who promptly enslaved the indigenous Arawak population. It languished in obscurity for well over a century until 1634 when the Netherlands achieved independence from Spain and claimed possession of the island. Shortly thereafter the Dutch West India Company decided that its natural harbor and setting made it an ideal location for shipping, commerce and piracy. It also became a thriving center for the Atlantic slave trade and its affluence is reflected in its colorful edifices which blended Dutch and Spanish architectural styles but also resulted in some buildings completely unique to the island, particularly those associated with the older plantation system.
Our readings about Curacao resulted in our sensing that this here-to-fore unknown country could be exactly what we were seeking; exotic with a unique history. We sent a few emails back and forth with the homeowner to find out more of what she was looking for in caretakers for both her home and pets. Soon enough, with very little resistance and much enthusiasm, we had a seven-week house and pet sit lined up in a lovely country surrounded by Caribbean waters.
So, what to do with December since our 90-day visa for Ecuador expired at the beginning of the December? Cartagena, Colombia went back on our list and, as our faithful readers know, we had a terrific month in that picturesque city sight-seeing and immersing ourselves in its fascinating history.
After years of fixed plans, following demanding career paths and setting five-year goals we’ve come to treasure f-l-e-x-i-b-i-l-i-t-y. We must remain mentally nimble to take leaps as opportunities present themselves. It’s become a huge part of our travel plans – or no plans – and we try not to get too far ahead of ourselves so that we can change our direction, slow down or, conversely, move a bit faster.
And as for our travels after Curaçao? We have airline tickets to the Dominican Republic and other, more nebulous plans that we’re waiting to fall into place. Our travel lifestyle has slowly transformed into unexpected journeys that require curiosity and uncertainty as the ability to avail ourselves of opportunities that may present themselves.
By Anita and Richard
No Particular Place To Go 
Anita and Richard It’s been awhile. Don’t lose me.This year I am going to Placencion Island off the coast of Belize on the Carribean side. Miss our emails. Where are you and how are you? Been teaching my usual psy courses, and getting tired of the same old, same old but this is my retirement plan… working. All is well in the family and with me. Keep well Maida
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I was just thinking about you, Maida and that we needed to send you an email. It seems that the more we travel the more we treasure the friends we’ve met along the way! We loved our time in Curacao and I’ll email you with what we’ve been up to since then. So glad to hear you’re keeping busy with both work and travel! Anita
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Thanks for pointing it out on the map; I needed that! Looks like a great place to explore! Glad the opportunity arose for you~
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It’s fun to be flexible enough to take advantage of travel opportunities and we’ve had a great time exploring Curacao. There’s so much to see, learn and experience!
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That conversation resonates me. I always have that conversation with myself, at most 3 days after coming home. And of course, I always end up somewhere else. Curacao has always been on my list. It’s the first place I put a bid on for a travel auction during the NY Times travel show. After reading this post, I’m now crossing my fingers (and toes) to win 🙂
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There are so many interesting places to see that sometimes making a decision can be difficult. Luckily this one was easy to make and we’re so happy that we’ve had the opportunity to visit here. Good luck on your bid and we hope you can travel here soon.
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Wow, that’s sounds like a great place for a house sitting gig! 7 weeks on a Caribbean will be fantastic, can’t wit to hear about it.
We love the feeling of being flexible as well. Often what dictates where we will go would be the best sale price we can find on an airline ticket and then we work from there. We love it that way, it is always a surprise!
Ruth
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I like your approach of traveling by checking air fares and we’ll have to use it when we reach Europe and Asia. I love the idea of so many places to explore and that, for flexible travelers, the options are almost endless!
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It is amazing how if you leave yourself open you can end up anywhere. Malaysia will be a fantastic start when you get there….but Curacao seems to be your destiny for now 🙂 Enjoy
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We love the idea of approaching our travel lifestyle without plans or fixed itineraries so that we can “go with the flow” so to speak! We never would have thought about Curacao otherwise and it’s proved to be a unique country that’s been interesting to visit and explore.
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I have to admit I haven’t heard much about Curacao so it was good to read your post on it, love the colourful buildings!
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The colorful buildings in Willemstad and throughout Curacao are gorgeous and make this island country a, “Don’t worry, be happy” kind of tropical paradise!
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Hi Anita and Richard,
I like so much that you shared your “derailed” thought process. It’s sweet! And oh, don’t you just love the flexibility?! At our ages it is indeed a lovely thing.
Your journey sounds like a charmed life, something I think we all deserve after our years of service to the family, careers, and community! Good on ya!
Wishing you happy and safe travels.
Josie
PS: I didn’t know where Curaçao was either, so thanks for the map.
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Sometimes we feel like kids in a candy shop when we talk about future travels and where we’ll go. We’re glad that you also appreciate flexibility and the option to change directions in mid-stream. It keeps life interesting (and there’s that anti-aging benefit as well!)
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Lucky you! I have fond memories of my visit to Curacao. A sight that stands out is the Jewish Synagogue with sand-covered floors. Have you been there yet?
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The Jewish Synagogue is on our list for sight-seeing this week as well as some of the many museums. For such a small island it’s amazing how many things there are to do and see here!
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This really makes us miss the Caribbean, especially this time of year. Great job capturing the beauty!
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We love everything about the Caribbean and exploring a new island country has been such fun! Sometimes we feel a bit guilty about our friends and relatives shoveling their way through another brutal winter … and then we laugh!
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Isn’t it great when things just fall into place. I admit I do procrastinate a little hoping that something fortuitous will arrive and take the planning out of my hands, lol.
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I agree with the procrastination “strategy” in planning our travels too far ahead because we’ve ended up, many times, being in the position to take advantage of some terrific opportunities as well as save money. And, as you well know, travel planning can be hard work!
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Isn’t flexibility wonderful? Like you, we’ve come to appreciate that it allows for serendipity and takes us to places we’d never heard of. Curacao looks beautiful and what a great gig to land in order to get to know it better. We’ll look forward to additional posts. 🙂
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I think we’re on parallel paths, Betsy, and hope that at sometime, our paths will cross so that we can actually meet! We really love that we’re able to be “open” to unexpected opportunities and able to follow paths to previously unknown places.The saying is that learning and trying something new everyday is a good way to stay young and we’re hoping to prove it!
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Looks colorful and sunny, a winner in my book and I’m sure the food is also amazing!
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This island is a photographer’s paradise, Noel, and we wish we had your photographer’s eye and skill! The colors are knock-your-socks off brilliant, the weather is lovely and the residents are welcoming. As for the food – we’re loving the imported cheeses from Europe and quite willing to pay higher prices to savor these delicious tidbits.
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Great pictures. I’ve wanted to visit for years and savor that Dutch inspired architecture. Such a gem of an island.
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Oh, the architecture is absolutely wonderful and we’ve been busy taking lots of photos to share! We’re having a great time learning about the island history, exploring some of the very old houses and, of course lolling about in the sand. You’re right – this island country is an absolute gem!
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Balmy weather here in Missoula. You must like the warm climes. If you are ever inclined to visit Montana you are welcome to stay here or our place at Flathead Lake. So busy taking care of grandson and loving it, so I, like others enjoy learning about new and exotic places via your travels!!
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We definitely like the warmer climes and don’t miss Montana’s brutal winters or shoveling snow. That being said, we do remember the other glorious seasons in Montana and the fabulous countryside around Missoula. We plan on visiting those old stomping grounds again one of these days and catching up with friends. We’ll keep your invitation in mind and thanks!
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Curacao looks amazing. I love the pastel colours for starters. It’s great that you are so flexible and can move out or in quickly … your house sit sounds really interesting. Can’t wait to hear more about life in Curacao before you move on 🙂
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The key to our flexibility has been our conscious resolution to not lock ourselves into an itinerary or plan our travels too far ahead. It s great to be in a position to pursue opportunities as they occur rather than be locked into a certain agenda. We frequently meet new friends and other travelers who give us great advice and tips and it’s fun to see how things unfold.
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Curaçao should be great. Isn’t it wonderful when delightful things unexpectedly come your way?
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Sometimes we feel like our lives as long-term travelers is rather like the old game show, “Let’s Make a Deal,” and that we’re opening doors to unexpected prizes. Once in a while there are a few twists that aren’t so fun but, on the whole, we’ve enjoyed the unexpected adventures that come our way!
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It’s funny isn’t it – the twists and turns in life. You’re sure to love the laidback island lifestyle of Curacao – not to mention the warm weather ☺.
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We have to agree that life can present some wonderful and surprising turns. What’s really fun is that our lifestyle as nomads has enabled us to take advantage of adventures and experiences we would have had to pass up in our former “successful” lives!
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Curacao! Oh it looks spectacular. I’m so glad you posted a map because I had no idea where it was located. You both are my inspiration. I love your spontaneity, your curiosity, and your spirit of adventure. Enjoy every minute of it.
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It’s surprising to us to find and actually act upon our spirit of spontaneity and adventure. In fact, one year we actually made a resolution to be “more spontaneous!” As for the map, we’re so glad to find out that other people we consider well traveled also had to look up Curacao.
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Great catch of destination. Happy for you. Half ofdragonfly is Curacou Blues. Have fun!
Sent from my iPhone
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We agree that this country was a destination that we couldn’t pass up. Now that we’ve been reminded of The Dragonfly’s decor of Curacao blue we’ll meet you and Katherine there for a meal when we come back for a visit to Padre Island!
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I am so happy we met so I can travel vicariously with you. I am in Orlando Florida for a conference on the application of eBooks in the classroom. Love your wonderful opportunities to house sit. Keep well. Love Maida
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We’re happy to have you join us in spirit as we travel, Maida, but one of these days our paths will cross again, hopefully in some exotic location! And, I hate to say it, Orlando’s a place we’ve never visited … (hint,hint!)
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Wonderful photos of a lovely place!
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Curacao is another absolutely gorgeous country. We’re so lucky to have the chance to really settle in and explore the island as well as learn about its history, customs, scenery and people.
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I love how things like this just fall into one’s lap if the focus is on openness and flexibility. Congrats on the new digs and I can’t wait to read more about this island country!
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It seems that so much of our travels have contained an element of serendipity! Having open-ended plans has enabled us to take advantage of opportunities as we learn about them or as they present themselves. Zigging instead of zagging has made our journey that much more fun!
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So jealous! Can’t wait to be like you! Love hearing about your exciting adventures!
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We’re singing the “It’s good to be me song!” but really, so much of what’s been lucky in our travels has been the people we’ve met as well as the flexibility to change directions. We wish we’d begun our nomadic lifestyle a few years earlier, even with one and two-day trips around our home. There are a lot of ways to make traveling a reality – don’t wait!
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