Adventures and Places

Friday, April 21, 2006

Curaçao: Where Every Wall Pops With Color and Every Cove Hides a Secret

One minute you’re landing on a dry, cactus-dotted island off the coast of Venezuela, and the next, you’re wandering through the candy-colored streets of Willemstad, staring up at a Dutch colonial building painted bright pink and thinking: “Where has this place been all my life?”

It’s Caribbean, yes—but not your typical version of it. Curaçao is where European influence meets island soul, and where every day ends with a sunset that makes you stop and watch.

The Heart of It All: Willemstad

Willemstad, the capital city, is split into two parts—Punda and Otrobanda—by the sparkling blue St. Anna Bay, and connected by the swaying Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge. This “swinging old lady” (as locals affectionately call it) floats open to let ships pass through, and yes, walking across it feels a little like being on a moving dock.

Punda is where you’ll find that iconic row of pastel Dutch buildings lined up like a postcard. But wander a few streets in, and you’ll stumble upon murals, art alleys, and local boutiques that blend European charm with Caribbean rhythm. Otrobanda is quieter, more residential, but equally full of surprises—like tucked-away cafés and vibrant street art.

The Beaches: Hidden, Small, and Absolutely Worth the Hunt

Curaçao doesn’t have long stretches of beach like Aruba or the Dominican Republic. Instead, it hides its treasures in tiny coves and secluded bays, often be
hind cliffs or down dusty, unassuming roads. And somehow, that makes every discovery feel more magical.

I am embarrassed to say that I spent far too much time on the all-inclusive resort and enjoyed the beaches that the property had to offer. The water? Unreal. Crystal-clear, gentle, and often empty enough to feel like your own private paradise. Why would we ever want to leave when this was my balcony view?!

Snorkeling in Curaçao is ridiculously good—even straight from the shore. You’ll swim with bright reef fish, maybe a sea turtle if you’re lucky, and even see coral gardens just a few kicks out. Didn't have a camera on this trip that provided any photos worth sharing while we snorkeled.

Culture, Cuisine, and a Whole Lotta Flavor

One thing we didn’t expect was how much food would be a highlight. Curaçao’s cuisine is a fusion of Dutch, African, Caribbean, and Latin influences, and you can find it all—often on the same plate.

We tried keshi yena (a baked cheese stuffed with spiced meat or veggies), stoba (rich stews), and fresh fish grilled beachside while watching pelicans dive for their dinner. Local beach bars serve cold Amstel Bright or Brion beer and cocktails made with, you guessed it, Blue Curaçao, which is made on the island at Landhuis Chobolobo.

Road Tripping the Island

Curaçao is bigger than it looks, and renting a car is the best way to explore. We didn't get to explore as much of the island as I would have liked. During my next trip, I'll definitely want to drive the coastal roads past salt flats with flamingos, old plantations, and cacti that stood taller than the car. The island has a wild, untamed beauty inland that’s totally different from the picture-perfect shoreline.

Some things on my bucket list for the next trip:

Christoffel National Park – A rugged, hilly park with hiking trails (including a climb to the highest point on the island).
Shete Boka National Park – Crashing waves, caves, and dramatic cliffs where you’ll feel the full force of the sea.
The Hato Caves – Lava-formed caverns with centuries of history, including evidence of early Arawak inhabitants.

Final Thoughts: An Island With Layers

Curaçao isn’t flashy. It’s not covered in mega-resorts or bustling with cruise ship crowds (though it does get a few). It’s got its own rhythm. slower, deeper, more textured. The colors are louder, the coves are quieter, and everything seems to have a story if you stick around long enough to hear it.

Whether you’re snorkeling in a hidden cove, admiring art on a sun-faded wall, or just sipping a cold drink as the sky turns gold, Curaçao gently reminds you to look around a little more.

You’ll be glad you did.

If You Go:

US dollars are widely accepted, and most people speak English, Dutch, and Papiamentu.
Rent a car to explore—taxis can be expensive, and buses are infrequent. Most resorts offer shuttles from the airport to their properties.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes, some beaches are rocky but worth it.
Don’t skip the west side, it’s where the real magic happens.

Sunday, September 25, 2005

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

We've had the pleasure of being able to go to the Neuschwanstein Castle a number of times but it was my first trip that was the most picturesque. This castle is well known as being the inspiration for castles in numerous Disney movies to include the iconic castle located in Disney World.

When you first drive towards the castle, following the signs, you really don't see anything but a spec of the white outline against the mountainside, within the valley.

Even as you park your vehicle in the village of Hohenschwangau, it doesn't dawn upon you on the magnitude of the structure simply based upon where the castle was built.

There is a path/paved road that leads you from the village to Neuschwanstein. If you have the opportunity to visit during the summer, every-so-often, you will get a slight glimpse of the castle through the vegetation.

Before you know it, you are at the base of the castle. Of course, I wanted to get a better view of the structure, but what better way to see it, than walking away from it.

I followed a less traveled path that is located just to the south and east of the castle and continues to travel up the adjacent mountainside. You will have an opportunity to see the castle from above with a view into the valley.

By the time we are at this point, there were no tourists, not even Germans. I may have traveled a bit out of the way but this location did provide a solitary and private overlook of the castle. No matter where you are viewing this structure nor what time of year you go, it is a spectacular place to visist.

Saturday, August 13, 2005

Rothenburg ob der Tauber: A Time Capsule of Cobblestones, Curiosity, and Confection

There are some places that feel like a movie set—and then there’s Rothenburg ob der Tauber, which feels like the movie set that inspired every fairytale village you’ve ever seen. With its perfectly preserved medieval walls, timber-framed houses, and winding cobbled streets, this Bavarian gem makes you feel like you've wandered straight into a storybook. Or maybe a postcard. Or both. By far, one of my most favorite city to visit in Germany.

Stepping into History

Rothenburg’s history stretches back over a thousand years, and remarkably, much of it still stands. Unlike so many towns that modernized or rebuilt after World War II, Rothenburg painstakingly restored its original structures—thanks in part to a mix of good fortune, American pressure to preserve its heritage, and community-driven passion.

Walking through its arched city gates and along the ramparts of the old town wall, it’s easy to forget what century you’re in. There are towers and turrets at every turn. Lantern-lit alleys that seem to whisper secrets. And buildings that lean in toward the streets like they’ve been gossiping for centuries.

The Quirky and the Grim: The Medieval Crime Museum

As dreamy as Rothenburg looks on the outside, it’s also home to one of the most fascinating (and chilling) museums we've ever visited, the Medieval Crime and Justice Museum.

Don’t let the fairytale vibes fool you—justice in the Middle Ages was brutal. This museum dives deep into the darker corners of history, exploring how crime and punishment evolved over time. From shame masks and pillories to full-on iron maidens (yes, those), the exhibits are intense, but incredibly well-curated. There’s also plenty about the development of law, witch trials, public penance, and the ways people tried (and failed) to get around the rules.

It’s not gory or sensationalized—it’s historical, a little creepy, and definitely eye-opening.

The Sweetest Sphere: Schneeball Pastry

Of course, no trip to Rothenburg is complete without indulging in its most famous (and photogenic) local treat, the Schneeball, or “snowball.” This round, fist-sized pastry looks like a crunchy tumbleweed of dough, traditionally dusted in powdered sugar but now available in every flavor you can imagine: chocolate-coated, nut-crusted, cinnamon, marzipan-filled… the list goes on.

We stopped into Diller Schneeballentraume, one of the more well-known bakeries, and picked up a few for the road. Pro tip: they’re sturdier than they look, so don’t be afraid to throw a couple in your bag for later. They travel well and pair perfectly with a hot coffee back home when you’re feeling nostalgic for cobblestones and castle walls. Photo was missed of this delicious treat as it didn't last long in my possession but here is a stone castle wall pathway you can traverse.

Final Thoughts: A Living Fairytale

Rothenburg ob der Tauber isn’t just a pretty face. It’s a town that lives and breathes its history, with flower boxes on every windowsill, knight’s armor in shop windows, and stories layered into every stone. It’s equal parts charming and thought-provoking. Romantic and eerie. Sweet and serious.

Whether you’re strolling the wall walk at sunset, studying a rack in the torture museum, or biting into a powdered sugar snowball, Rothenburg is unforgettable.