The charming Dutch island of Curacao, the largest of the five islands of the Netherlands Antilles, offers a great diversity of cultures. Intriguing Willemstad, the principal city, its two sides linked by the floating Queen Emma pontoon bridge, has been the crossroads of international commerce for centuries. The many ethnic groups that make up the friendly islanders have brought their own food, customs and music to enrich the local culture. In Willemstad you can find every kind of duty free shopping imaginable. It is, however, the natural beauty of the island that attracts tourists. The semi-desert countryside has towering pillar cacti and divi-divi trees bent by the cooling trade winds. The white sand beaches are drenched by the warm sun. The clear turquoise water, teeming with underwater life, is perfect for swimming, diving and watersports. The beaches are varied - some intimate, some with secluded coves, some surrounded by towering cliffs. The hotel casinos and the discotheques provide a lively night life.
The Curacao Museum provides an insight into the island's past. The Governor's Palace is located in the 18th century stronghold of Fort Amsterdam. The Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge opens on average 20 times a day and finds people rushing across it before the bridge swings back into normal position. The oldest house of Jewish worship is the 1732 Mikve Israel Synagogue. Tours of the Amstel Brewery are available on weekdays.
Capital: Willemstad (the island's only city)
Population: 144,000
Area: 182 square miles (444 square kilometers). It is 61 kilometers long and ranges from 5 to 14 kilometers wide.
Language: Most of the population speaks Papiamentu, a creole language. However, Spanish and English are widely spoken, and many signs are in Dutch.
Time: Atlantic Standard Time (1 hour later than U.S. Eastern Standard Time, 4 hours earlier than Greenwich Mean Time)
Electricity: 110-130 volts, 50 cycles. Most U.S. appliances will work. Some appliances will be more sensitive: hairdryers may overheat, and clocks may not keep the correct time. Consider using a surge protector if you plan on using a computer.
Geography: Curacao lies 35 miles north of Venezuela, 42 miles off the coast of Aruba and 30 miles west of Bonaire. The highest elevation on the island is Mount Christoffel, which peaks at 1,239 feet
International Airports
Santo Domingo - Las Americas International Airport - (SDI) The airport is 8 miles from the downtown area and takes about 25-30 minutes to travel.
Barahona - Barahona International Airport - The airport is 7 miles from the city.
Santiago - Santiago airport is new and remotely situated. It is used primarily for charter aircraft for tourists on packages to the DR's north coast.
Tipping: A 10% service charge is usually included in the bill in both hotels and restaurants. Taxi drivers should get loose change, porters 50 cents per bag and all others small change as well.
Shopping: Stores are open from 8:30 am to noon and from 2:30 to 6 pm. Amber, a national gem, is one of the big items to but because of the low price. Paintings, straw items, macramé and mahogany products are also good buys. Santo Domingo is a duty free zone.
Food and Drink: The national dish is called "La Bandera" (the Flag). It consists of rice, beans and some meat. Another specialty is called Pastelitos which are small pastries filled with chicken and or other meats. The are many different kinds of restaurants including a large number specializing in international cuisine. Dominican beer and rum are very good. Imported wines are reasonably priced.
Social: The vast majority of the population is very poor. The population is required to attend some time in school so literacy is not bad. However, there is a great gap between rich and poor. The "DR" is a fairly safe place but one should be cautious at night.
Banking: Banks are open on weekdays from 8:30 am to 3 pm. There are no weekend hours.
Currency: The Dominican Peso
Money Exchange: Currency may be exchanged at State banks (Banco Reservas) and airport change offices.
Credit cards: Visa. Master Card, American Express and Diners Club.
Climate
The average temperature is 77F with August being the warmest month and January the coolest. Summer temperatures range from 89 degrees to 95 degrees. In winter the range is 75 degrees to 90 degrees. The rainy time is May through June and September through October. Tropical humid conditions exist along the coast and is far less humid in the mountains. | 