Take it from a real Curacao girl!
May 9th, 2009, 07:55 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Take it from a real Curacao girl!
Take it from a real local!
When I read the entry NOT TO GO TO CURACAO by some disappointed Curacao visitors I could not resist sending a reply:
As a real islander girl (born & raised on Curacao, speak 4 languages fluently, educated in Holland and graduated from a reputable University in NYC where I also worked and volunteered in numerous soup kitchens for the homeless for 5 years!) I know that most of our American visitors have the wrong perception of Curacao. They think our island should have the “typical” Caribbean Island things like: -must have long sandy stretched beach (we are very proud of our 37 small natural beaches), must have the friendliest & best service 24/7 etc, etc. But do not forget that we are also hard working human beings who are doing our utmost best to improve our product Curacao. Most Americans do not realize that our tourism industry has never been the island’s first source of income (refinery & financial services), meaning that the tourism sector is pretty “new” to us, and saying that “we’re not there yet!” This however should not be an excuse for our people to be rude or give lousy service, but please consider our background before judging us. Please help us by giving us positive criticism and have some patience. Try speaking some “Papiamentu” words like: “Bon Dia” (good morning) or “Dushi” (sweetheart) and I can guarantee you that our locals will love it and that you will see that our people are beautiful inside & out. In the mean time I suggest that all Americans should come to Curacao and experience our REAL DIFFERENT Dushi Curacao at least once in their lifetime!
Ayo (goodbye)
When I read the entry NOT TO GO TO CURACAO by some disappointed Curacao visitors I could not resist sending a reply:
As a real islander girl (born & raised on Curacao, speak 4 languages fluently, educated in Holland and graduated from a reputable University in NYC where I also worked and volunteered in numerous soup kitchens for the homeless for 5 years!) I know that most of our American visitors have the wrong perception of Curacao. They think our island should have the “typical” Caribbean Island things like: -must have long sandy stretched beach (we are very proud of our 37 small natural beaches), must have the friendliest & best service 24/7 etc, etc. But do not forget that we are also hard working human beings who are doing our utmost best to improve our product Curacao. Most Americans do not realize that our tourism industry has never been the island’s first source of income (refinery & financial services), meaning that the tourism sector is pretty “new” to us, and saying that “we’re not there yet!” This however should not be an excuse for our people to be rude or give lousy service, but please consider our background before judging us. Please help us by giving us positive criticism and have some patience. Try speaking some “Papiamentu” words like: “Bon Dia” (good morning) or “Dushi” (sweetheart) and I can guarantee you that our locals will love it and that you will see that our people are beautiful inside & out. In the mean time I suggest that all Americans should come to Curacao and experience our REAL DIFFERENT Dushi Curacao at least once in their lifetime!
Ayo (goodbye)
May 10th, 2009, 04:43 AM
#2
We thought Curacao was totally charming. Of course we were only there for one day on a cruise stop. Just approaching the town with the multi-color houses was a treat. We found all the people we encountered to be most helpful and friendly.
Aug 4th, 2009, 05:28 PM
#5
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,771
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Based upon thre (3) trips in the last 5 years I agree it is a good destination with some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean on the WEST END of the Island. Only rub but similar with several orther islands you need a rental car at least for 4 out of a 7 night stay.
Aug 5th, 2009, 07:17 AM
#6
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 5,765
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i, for one (american) hope "that “we’re not there yet!”" is the case for years to come. too many islands are trying to become mini-miamis - allowing the over building of their beautiful beaches - in my mind elimating the reason ppl started to enjoy the islands to begin with.
i hope to travel to your island within the next few years.
i think many americans feel islanders are rude. in fact, imho, it is the opposite. i think it is more like the islanders are surprised and insulted by the rudeness of americans who seem to expect the same rude impersonal treatment we get at home. i have always found that exchanging a few pleasantries before my business is transacted results in lovely service. (well and that i adjust to 'island time' by the time i'm off the plane.)
with all our time saving modernization i think we've become an extremely impatient nation.
welcome to fodors.
i hope to travel to your island within the next few years.
i think many americans feel islanders are rude. in fact, imho, it is the opposite. i think it is more like the islanders are surprised and insulted by the rudeness of americans who seem to expect the same rude impersonal treatment we get at home. i have always found that exchanging a few pleasantries before my business is transacted results in lovely service. (well and that i adjust to 'island time' by the time i'm off the plane.)
with all our time saving modernization i think we've become an extremely impatient nation.
welcome to fodors.
Aug 6th, 2009, 06:14 AM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you so much for your post! We agree completely.
One of the first things I remember reading when I researched our trip to Curacao was that income for most locals did not come from tourism - and that most visitors were not American. We fell in love with Curacao so hard that we almost bought a house there. The local bartenders translated what the Holland visitors were saying after asking if we spoke the language. The dining is incredible. We loved the diverse and extremely friendly group of people who live there,as well as the cleanliness. We will be back again and again.
One of the first things I remember reading when I researched our trip to Curacao was that income for most locals did not come from tourism - and that most visitors were not American. We fell in love with Curacao so hard that we almost bought a house there. The local bartenders translated what the Holland visitors were saying after asking if we spoke the language. The dining is incredible. We loved the diverse and extremely friendly group of people who live there,as well as the cleanliness. We will be back again and again.
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
pb_and_j
Caribbean Islands
13
Jul 19th, 2005 05:47 PM
