Around South America in 80 Days

March 21, 2019

Willemsted, Curacao

Pat and Tom, Patty, Lance and Sue, and I were on an excursion set up by Sherita. We met at 8 am and were among the very first off the ship. There was a bit of a mix-up on where we were meeting the guide but we eventually found him.

Unlike other excursions, this one started out with a box hunt. Last year the ship sold boxes for sending items home. For whatever reason (they never told us but I have heard a rumor) there are none this year. Both Patty and I needed a box or a cheap suitcase. Our guide, Larry, first took us to a FedEx store but it was not open yet. We then went to a DHL store and after waiting about ten minutes were told they do not sell boxes. Back to the FedEx store where we found they did not sell boxes either. Larry then took us to a movers and we were each able to get a box (for $3 each). Now the real tour could begin.

We headed to Shete Boka on the north coast. Shete Boka means seven inlets and it has amazing views along the coast. We visited the blowhole at Boka Pistol.

The next stop was at Playa Piskado (Fishermans’ Beach) where we saw men cutting fish up and the most beautiful sea turtles. Many people were snorkeling in the water along with the turtles.

Lunch was next at Rancho el Sobrino. They had some beautiful birds including some caracaras. Very interesting items decorated the restaurant including a bed hanging from the ceiling and a Renault parked by the tables. I had a crabmeat baguette which was very good.

We were going to go swimming at Kenepa Beach but it was drizzling and nobody really wanted to get in the water. Instead, we took some pictures.

Our last stop was at the Jan Kok salt flats to see the pink flamingoes who all seemed to be snoozing while we were there.

On the way back to the ship we had a drive through the city area and were able to see the Queen Juliana swinging bridge (moves to allow in ships) come back into place. Three people got out to walk around but since I had a box, I needed to go back to the ship.

It was almost trivia time when we returned. We only had 9 out of 17 in afternoon trivia. The winners had 11.

1) What famous guitarist pioneered the solid body electric guitar with Gibson?

2) What was first patented in 1750 with a recipe of mainly fish and fish bones?

3) What letter is used to represent the holes in the body of a violin?

4) What color is a huckleberry?

5) How many eyelids does a cat have?

I ate at my other table and had shrimp bisque soup, crostini with tomatoes, nasi goreng, and a while chocolate sundae for dessert.

In evening trivia we had 10 out of 18 with the winners having 11.

1) Who was the first author to get three books on Oprah’s book list?

2) What nation boasts the most donut shops per capita?

3) Who was the first president to dance onstage with Ricky Martin?

4) What nation is home to the Great Bear Rainforest?