Curacao
The Queen Emma Bridge, that floats on pontoons across the narrow harbour of Willemstad, capital of Curacao, swung open for us at dawn just as the sun began to touch the wonderful line of Dutch style houses along the waterfront. We went out early to the Curacao Aquarium seeing flamingos up close and fish such as queen butterfish and moray eels in their tanks filled with water pumped from the nearby sea. The main attraction was the dolphin show with two dolphins and their agile keeper. Back in Willemstad we entered he oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere with its sand covered floor and ornate chandeliers and religious decorations. The important role of Jewish businessmen to the Dutch in the New World was also highlighted. In the afternoon our guests went their different ways. Some snorkelled with Berit, others went to the detailed Africa and Slavery Museum near to the dock and others wandered into the beautiful city to explore its architecture and do a bit of shopping. We were joined today by Alex Trebek (host of the popular TV quiz show Jeopardy!) and his wife, and by British Marine Artist, Geoff Hunt. On his first afternoon with us, Geoff did a couple paint sketches of neighbouring buildings. After dinner, Sea Cloud II’s lines were cast off and we gathered on deck to see the last of pastel coloured Willemstad aglow with lights as the Queen Emma Bridge closed behind us.
