At the beginning of spring, it was freezing cold and I walked for a long time in the historic center of Bruges without any real goal, just the huge need for beauty and culture. Cobbled streets, old buildings and the Reie river. Following the inspiration of the moment, I follow the narrow passage that opens onto an interior courtyard with a pretty garden. Continuing, near the canal, small bridge probably dating from the Middle Ages extremely curved and slippery. I observe the old stones steeped in history. And it’s off again to get lost in a maze of streets until nightfall. Walk, stroll and visit a museum!
In the city of chocolatiers, I finally tasted the famous chocolate (with hazelnuts) from Dominique Persoone, star chocolatier. Its chocolate is fine, subtle and tasty, without fuss: such a treat! I think the decor of his shop doesn’t represent well to the finesse of his creations. Close to the Ellis Gourmet Burger: very good burgers with quality meat. After many feasts (lololol), I finally head the Groeningemuseum to discover eminent Belgian painters over six centuries, starting with the Flemish masters Jan van Eyck (15th century) and Pieter Bruegel the Elder (16th century). The museum is not huge, but there are many major art works. A really exciting visit, collections absolutely to see!
The big breath of fresh air : on the way to Bruges, we made a detour through the landscape park of the Bulskampveld castle estate. The tour started with the Herb Garden (herbs that can be purchased from a vending machine; bring change). Then the Paths through the water: soothing landscape, even under a threatening sky. We continued into the nearby woods. Very pleasant walk without great difficulty, beneficial for both the mind and the body. As a reward for these 10 km walk: my first homemade ice cream of the season!
Hi everyone! On the front page of the blog this exciting article on Curaçao again. During this winter period, we need a bit of a dream! And for the lucky ones who plan to go there, some suggestions and addresses to help you plan your trip! Enjoy!
1. Vamos a la playa!
Driving from beach to beach ! Because there are a lot! So, a good option to discover several in one day (especially if your stay is short) on the west coast of Curacao! The water is turquoise and the beaches are often smaller than in the other Caribbean islands, which gives them a more intimate character. You have to rent a car in order to be truly autonomous and fully enjoy the island.
2. Where To Eat
Here are a few restaurants that I really liked. Above, 1 & 2: the beach lounge restaurant Karakter, with a laid back “vacation” setting, the food and the nonchalant atmosphere. I really enjoyed eating with my feet in the sand. 3 & 4: in the center of Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao, Plasa Bieu is a covered warehouse close to the main market, with 6 restaurants serving local cuisine. We sit at large tables facing the cooks who prepare your order in front of you. Tasty spicy Creole dishes based on fresh products. The atmosphere is simple and friendly, we chat with our neighbors at tables, a mix of locals and tourists.
Below: 1 & 2, at the Kas di Piskado Purunchi, located a small house with a wood terrace on the water, near the fishermen’s boats. The Krioyo-style fish (local Curaçao cuisine) is delicious. The owner and her team are very warm, I didn’t want to leave. Better to book, because it is often full. 3 & 4: in a colonial house, the Number 10 is an eclectic and rather trendy restaurant. One of the lounges where we ate reminded me of Havana. The portions are generous and my salad was yummy.
3. Taking a Kiting Lesson
When I was offered an initiation to “kiting“, I did not understand that it was kitesurfing (lost in translation, lol!). I was more curious than motivated. Then we drove to Tjapko (the instructor) playground, a salty land near a salt lake in the middle of nowhere under a blazing sun. Tjapko is an excellent teacher who before going into practice, explains in detail the basics of kitting (the wind), in order to avoid any accident.
Feet on the sand, you learn how to let the sail evolve with the wind. Not so obvious at first. And right there, I got caught up in the game. Sometimes I direct the sail in the air, sometimes I follow it as long as possible. It’s exciting and your arms work hard. At the end of the lesson, I will go a bit in the lake and only with the sail to discover the sensation of the wind and its strength in the water. A unique experience, awesome!
4. Street art dans Willemstad
Following our guide Chris, found of street art, we discover the capital of Curaçao from a creative perspective. From paintng to painting, we walk in different neighborhoods of central Willemstad, including Punda, Otrobanda and Scharloo. A mix of historic colonial buildings and contemporary constructions. It’s really hot and the sun burns my skin. Through street art, we learn more about the history of the city and island. I really liked this street art tour which we ended with a drink at De Broeders (photo ci-dessus / Insta : @debroederswillemstad).
You Need A Cool Place To Stay …
Two very nice accommodations in Willemstad: a stylish room in the picturesque house of the Terra Boutique Hotel, with an amazing view of the sea and fantastic (super) host, Janette. Or the Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino with a small artificial beach overlooking the sea and very convenient parking. Two very pleasant and very different atmospheres in two cool districts of the capital of Curaçao.
5. Diving And Relaxing In Klein Curaçao
A little before 7 a.m., we arrive at Spaanse Water pier, the starting point of our boat trip to Klein Curaçao, aboard the Serendipity boat of the agency Miss Ann Board Trips. This day trip takes you to this idyllic islet an hour by boat from Curaçao. The color of the sea is stunning, between turquoise and deep marine blue.
Once on the islet, I join the instructor for a 50-minute scuba dive to discover the drop offs and reefs. Back from the dice, a barbecue lunch with the best grilled chicken of all my stay in Curaçao! Then I return in the water till we leave the islet. I didn’t have the courage to brave the sun and the wind to visit the iconic abandoned lighthouse, Prins Hendrik, dating from 1849.
6. Quad In XXL Landscapes
Action! A little bit of quad with Eric’s ATV Adventures to have a glimpse of the East and North of Curaçao landscapes! Honestly, the pace is so fast with sometimes, very narrow paths lined with cacti that I let my friend drive the whole tour. Usually, I drive the quad half the tour. Landscape level: cave, small mountain and gorgeous panorama! Energizing! And don’t forget your sunglasses and a thin cotton scarf to protect your nose and mouth from dust.
7. Sunset At Sea
After the quad (and a quick shower), we have a fantastic sunset on the elegant sailboat of Hilde and Norbert, the lovely owners of Maxie Sailing who organize tailor-made trips. An absolut exclusive Curaçao experience! Hilde has prepared really good apetizers. We had such a magical time with our warm hosts. Imagine ending a boat trip under a starry night while chatting with friends. My definition of luxury. Thank you so much Hilde and Norbert! www.maxiesailing.com
8. A Very Physical Hike!
This morning walk begins early from 6.30-7 am to avoid the strong heat and too many people during the ascent (very physical, soldiers train there) of the highest point of Curaçao, at 372 meters: the mountain Christoffelberg which is located in Christoffelpark, the biggest National Park of the island. The start of the mountain is at level 0 and like in video games, as you get closer to the summit, there are larger and larger protruding blocks of rock and increasingly narrow passages that challenge the muscles of your legs, knees and arms. But the view is stunning.
This morning, Frank and Andrea Hennick, our guides and owners of the Boa Vista Tours agency, pick us up at our hotel for a day trip in Boa Vista Island. We are a small group of about ten people in two comfortable jeeps. As the couple is German, the tour is in German. But as my friend and I do not speak German, Andrea will translate the essentials of the program in English.
We take the Route 66 paved by the women of Boa Vista, from what I understood. We cross the inland of the island, the landscape is arid and deserted and almost unreal. We will stop in Bofareira, a small village. Far from mass tourism, our guides have forged strong bonds of friendship with the villagers. We can feel a mutual respect. It sounds true and simple. And also “cliché” in a time of big cynicism. We visit the new small school, a project in which Frank participates. Some of us brought clothes and school supplies for the young students. Then we slowly take the road towards the coast.
We arrive near more tourist areas, but always avoiding the crowd. We have lunch in an idyllic beach, at the pleasant beach bar Pérola d’Chaves serving local specialties, run by a Cape Verdean woman who lived in Germany. Charming and quiet: the kind of place you don”t want to leave. In the afternoon, we go south with the huge beaches of Santa Mónica and Varandinha. Incredible scenery under a strong wind! In return, driving on the dunes of Morro d’Areia (behind the beaches). The more “adventurous” of us experience sandboarding. In short, thanks to Frank and Andrea who have a deep attachment for Boa Vista and its inhabitants, we spent a fantastic day full of discoveries and emotions. No need to speak German to participate in this wonderful excursion!
The Quad Tour
The South Coast of Boa Vista
My second time driving quad, a great moment! Lololol! This time, the activity organized by TUI extends over an afternoon (4 hours) in a breathtaking setting!
When we arrive at the quad rental center, the team gives us the equipment and explains us how to drive safetly the quad. First tip, take a plastic bag to put your belongings, so the sand doesn’t dirty them. Second tip, also take an old sweater (the wind can be cold when driving, especially at the end of the day). And basic advices, if you do not want to burn in the blazing sun: a thin long-sleeved shirt on a tank top (when you stop at a spot, it’s hot), comfortable pants with light sneakers (and socks, the sand is highly irritant) and sunglasses. In short, a good dose of common sense not very glamorous!
We are divided into two major language groups: French and English. We will all do the same tour, one group will leave before the other and we will meet at some stops. The activity is very well supervised and secure : several instructors and some with an emergency quad that circulates back to check that none of us has any problem. Heading south of the island, the landscapes are stunning and very rocky. We crisscross on a track surrounded by small ocher hills. Then we stop in a village to buy water. We continue to the coast, where we park the quads back from the beach. In this untouched scenery, I have a feeling of infinity. When we return, nonchalantly the day goes down. I am full of sand, but what a beautiful experience! Athletic.
Visiting Sal Rey
Following the beach line
Sal Rei is the main city of Boa Vista Island. The city is small (9000 inhabitants according to Le Petit Futé guide) and very quiet. So very quickly we decide to return to our hotel by the beach, a good hour of walking taking our time. I really liked the walk, the coastline is not yet disfigured by too many resorts. There are long beaches without construction, euphoric for the eyes! We meet local and tourist walkers and runners. A lot of kitsurfers and very few beach clubs.
