Floating bridge in Willemstad

All cars cross the water between the two centerparts by highway over the new bridge. Scooters, the place where I rented my scooter said I was allowed to cross there too. But no way, I don't want to die up there. I found out I also can cross the water by using the floating bridge, on 30 pontoons, for people on foot. So that what I planned to do yesterday, but then the bridge ... was gone, it was open. Enfin, more then one hours later I could cross, after a huge containership had passed.

Looking from Punda, the east side. To Otrabanda on the west side. The bridge is floating. Along the other side. Do you see it?

Today I crossed this bridge again, twice. On my way back home it closed just a second before me. This time 30 minutes waiting gave me time to have some conversation and making some more pictures, this time with the floating part of the bridge on my side.

From the other side I took the buss from Otrabandas bus station , bus 3c, to the famous beach Kleine Knip on the west side of Curacao. Christal clear water, not too many people, just beautiful, only 10 minutes walking from the bus stop. 

My official plan was Grote Knip, 30 minutes walking but a Curacao native woman warned me not to walk there alone, because it was dangerous and I could be raped there, because they rape every type of woman, not only the young or beautiful. So change of plan.

Dutch Kingsday in Curaçao

When you are Dutch and are in a part of the Dutch kingdom on the birthday of the Dutch king  of course you fire Kingsday there.... although for most of us it is just celebrating an extra day off.

 It was interesting to most people dressed in orange, after the royal family of Orange.

Like in the Netherlands also here selling of second hand goods.
I even ate an cold 'oliebol' today, made by Spanish speaking people.

There were 'grabbeltonnen' and many more old Dutch games.

At pietermaai there was a festive atmosphere and several old Dutch pubs.

Curaçao, Dutch Caribbean

Expensive,  incredibly expensive it is here.  Four toiletpaperrolls for 6 Antillesean guilders 75 cents, which is more then 3 euros. One red pepper, paprika, 4 gilders, half a bread 3,40. But cheap are things like big papaya, 2,60. A pils at a pub will cost you from 6 or 8 gilders up.

Are you traveling on the cheap, count on 100 euros a day for apartment, scooter and supermarket. Airco use will be charged on top.

As I already wrote on my FB page, for most beaches you have to pay entrance, 6 gilders. But often that beach is covered everywhere with beach chairs, making you to rent one of them. Prices from 5 to 41 gilder a bed.
But the fish is there the minute you enter the water. So far only seen dead coral at Caracas bay, where all the locals hang out saturdays.  Tip, drive further until the end, swing right and down. Here you will almost be alone on the beach, but no tables or foodstall here.

I am staying east side of the city. Lots of traffic, they all seem to want to drive very fast. Many 2x2 driving field roads. Can you imagine me sitting on my scooter with sweaty hands? Yes, partly of the warmth.

Today's temperature was 26 at night and 32 C during the day. This feels like 30 to 40C in temperature.

 Above you see the mostly dead tree which should shade my balcony. The tree has only 2 grains left alive. Somebody who knows which kind of tree this is? Anyway, no shade for me to sit in. Both my balconies have Sun almost all day. A parasol would be nice to have here. 

Went on a photowalk in the old center today. Many restaured colourful houses to see. On my way back I finally managed to explore one small part of town, hilly Janwe with many big gated houses. 

There are ATMs here which do Not take Visa card, but they do process Master and Cirrus. All shops take Visa.

Miami beach, south beach

On my way to Curacao a2night stop at Miami beach. Just when I set down after a short walk throughout some seawater the clouds let it rain. A quick walk across the beach to Ocean drive, brought me at the Waldorf. A lemon corona beer the cheapest to sip of. Beach prices far above the Norwegian.

Miami has only 400.000 inhabitants and has a lay out in rectangular numbered streets.  Palm trees and a lot of space.

Map of Miami Beach, southern part.

Tourists on the move at the corner of Espanola street. This neighbourhood is dominated by Art Deco houses.

Oh boy, did I not sleep much last night. So tonight, no nightlife for me, but going to bed early. Tomorrow flying with Insel Air to Carebean Dutch Curacao.