On the fourth day of our Caribbean cruise, we explored the former Dutch colony of Curaçao. The architecture is quite reminiscent of neighborhoods along Amsterdam’s canals, but with a vibrant Caribbean flare. Pastel painted buildings line the waterways, and the colors continue to climb up the hillside as mansions wind up the streets.
We spent the afternoon at the Blue Curacao Distillery, where the dried peel of bitter oranges miraculously morphs into the famous blue liquor.
We learned about the island’s plantation past at a local museum where one of only 180 carillons in the world is displayed as a gift from the Queen of Holland.
That evening we walked along the cobblestone streets admiring the local shops and wares.