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by Madelyn Miller

CURACAO……While some people think museums reflect the culture of a country, I think the markets and shopping areas tell a lot about the history and lives of the people.

So whenever I set out to a new destination, I like to explore the markets. And recently I did just that in Curacao.

From its thirty some intimate beach coves to its cactus studded countryside to its unique Dutch colonial architecture, Curacao is my favorite Caribbean destination.

Sun, sea, and sand lovers will find secluded bays that are ideal for sunbathing, snorkeling and just relaxing. Nature enthusiasts can climb Mt. Christoffel and explore the underground Hato caves.

Shoppers will think they have died and gone to heaven.

Since the first Caiquetio Indians came from Venezuela to Curacao, more than a thousand years ago to trade with the local inhabitants, everyone has gone away a satisfied customer.

Everything you have ever dreamed of can be found in Curacao: beautiful clothing from Europe, the most brilliant of diamonds, perfumes from France, crystals from Ireland, china from England, and exquisite Italian handbags.

And you will also be surprised with things you are not expecting: African, pre-Columbian and Javanese jewelry, wonderful leather shoes from Venezuela, brass from India, hand-embroidered Chinese tablecloths and Mexican pewter.

Curacao has been a major trade center for hundreds of years so It’s not surprising that stores are stocked with quality items from around the world. It’s hard to beat Willemstad for shopping ambiance. You bargain hunt in exquisite, centuries-old buildings while ocean liners cruise up the channel that cuts through the city.

Punda is the city’s commercial center, with several upscale boutiques selling fashionable designer clothing., perfumes, imported linens and expensive jewelry. There are other smaller streets and shops selling electronics, souvenirs and bargain clothing.

If you are lucky, your visit will coincide with a street fair or holiday flea market. When major cruise ships are in port, city merchants organize a festive “bon bimi” which means welcome in Papiamentu, the local language.

At the bon bimi markets in Punda, vendors sell colorful paintings and woodcarvings from other Caribbean islands.

It is easy to shop in Curacao. Shop employees are generally fluent in English. Most stores accept US dollars and major international credit cards. Although prices are fixed and there is no bartering, if you hesitate about buying, you may be offered a “special price.”

Another marvelous thing about shopping in Curacao is the relative small distances. You can accomplish all this buying in a day or two.  Prices are very competitive and in some cases up to 30% less than in the United States.

So you will still have time and money to enjoy the rest of this island paradise.

Best shopping tip: wear comfortable shoes and enjoy the sights and sounds and smells along the way.

SUGGESTED SOUVENIRS

LOCAL ITEMS
Ceramic replicas of local buildings
Square nickels and fifty-cent pieces
hanging planters painted like bright tropical birds, made out of old tires
handmade dolls in folklore costumes
postcards and note cards by local artists
tapes of local music (find it in the market)
handmade kites (usually available January-April)
works by local artists

INTERNATIONAL ITEMS
hand embroidered linens from Belgium, Holland and China
Dutch Delft blue ceramics and wooden shoes
carvings and paintings from Haiti and the Dominican Republic
South American hammocks

GOURMET
whole nutmeg and cinnamon bark from the floating market
local sweets (made from coconut, peanuts and sugar)
locally-made lime and tamarind syrup
wheels of Dutch cheese
sweet and salty Dutch licorice
Indonesian spices and sauces
Curacao liqueur
Amstel beer (brewed from seawater)
Ponche Crema (local egg nog)
Chilean wine
Fancy international liqueurs

MADELYN’S FAVORITES

1.  My best buy was a wonderful two piece knit pantsuit from France, on special at Dynasty for $20. (easily worth over $100)

2.  The wonderful ice creams made on the island from Tamarind and local fruits

3.  The pool at The Sonesta Beach Hotel where I swam and soaked out my sore shopping feet each afternoon. Their breakfast buffet is a great bargain with local baked goods and freshly prepared waffles and omelets.

4. Best guidebook: Curacao. The official island guide.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Curacao Tourism Bureau
475 Park Avenue
Suite 2000
New York, New York 10016

1-800-3-curacao  ext 930
http://www.curacao-tourism.com

Sonesta Hotels: 1-800-Sonesta
 
-Updated 2-2 98-

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