For the past (15) years getting out of Minnesota during  the month of February has been a destination goal.  ‘Out’ being the operative word meaning, “Some place warm.” Curacao is a Lesser Antilles island in the southern Caribbean Sea and the Dutch Caribbean region, about 65 km (40 mi) north of the Venezuelan coast. It is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

It was not surprising to hear islanders and vacationers speaking Dutch, German, French, or the island language Papiamento.  Our accommodations were at a Dutch mini-resort (8 units). Several times during our (9) day stay we engaged in poolside visits. Deb and I were the only individuals limited to a single language.  One woman could speak (5) languages.  Everyone else spoke a minimum of (3) languages. If a translation hick-up occurred and English slipped into Dutch for example, someone would suggest bringing the translation back to English so everyone could participate. We felt honored every time that occurred. Communication was not an issue. Admittedly I felt somewhat under educated.

Wandering downtown Willemstad, the capital of Curacao, we entered a Synagogue. Founded in Curaçao in 1651, the Mikvé Israel-Emanuel Synagogue  (translates to The Hope of Israel).  An interesting feature was the sand floor.  We arrived near closing time and the door monitor waived the $10.00 entry fee.  “Hey twenty bucks is twenty bucks.”

Google maps did not function on Curacao, but Maps.me did.  I drove the tiny Kia Picanto car and Deb navigated. A silly rule in Curacao is that if you are in an accident, “Do not move the vehicles.” Well that happened.  A bus rear ended a car, and the accident clogged one lane of a two lane road.  Neither the bus or the car moved off to the side.  The wrinkled fenders and busted glass were proudly being displayed for all to see.  Our digs were only a quarter of a mile down the road, yet it took over and hour.  So close, yet so far. “Bummer!”

We visited (8) different snorkel sites.  I had heard of sea snakes, now we can say we saw one.  It was creepy.  Kokomo Beach was our favorite snorkel spot. The sand beach made for easy access, and the coral reef was thick with many species of fish. Kokomo was the only snorkeling destination that provided showers, toilets, and a fine restaurant. A security person monitored the parking lot. I’m not sure how necessary that was, but comforting no the less.

We used an Uber for the first time getting to and from the MSP airport.  Uber is great. The transportation “Big Win” happened at Miame.  We were upgraded from coach to first class. :::smile::: :::smile:::