An Adventurous Day in Paradise -Thursday January 22, 2015

As light crept in from the darkness of my daily perch, morning revealed an amazing moment of beauty. Down the eastern coast of our island, I witnessed a morning rain storm creeping up the coast line.  The sight was majestic by all means of the imagination.  As furious as the storm seemed from miles away, a steady stream of what seemed to be heavy rain hit the island relentlessly.  It's movement was musical and the coast line seemed to almost embrace this welcoming shower of goodness.  Just as I had watch it begin, I watch the cloud burst disperse as well.

Returning to my picture taking and my blog writing, I found myself caught up in the moment.  The hustle and bustle of the ocean before me and the canal to my left brought fisherman, and captains of ships and vessels to my doorstep. Does this world exist when I am no longer witnessing it?  Does the daily report of weather back home actually happen when I'm relaxing and enjoying my morning sunrise in +34 degree warmth?  I believe the answer to these questions remains in the simple yet truthful reminder of how small our world is, and how small we are within it.

The universe can be cruel at times as well.  For example, while I thought I had escaped the storm, it
caught me with my guard down.  First came the angelic "tinking" of drops hitting the beach water surface, and this was quickly accelerated to a deafening pounding rain with no escape.  I joined my new friend Pink under the beach canopy/cabaña, and sheltered my electronic toys from the spray and mist that caressed our skin.  We were both caught off guard.  The rain was refreshing, and of course, where there is rain followed quickly by sun, magic appears. The next display was the colourful and vibrant treat in viewing the biggest rainbow I have ever seen.  At times, the colours spanned from the docked cruise ship in our bacyard to over our hotel. I felt it was a bit entertaining to see it's beauty hovering above my Aunt Linda's room and balcony.  Perhaps this would bring good luck to her during this evening's casino visit.

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Note: For this next adventure, I will add pictures when I return home. I promise it will be worth the re-visit!

A Snorkelling We Go...

After breakfast, 6 members of our group met in the lobby to board the taxi waiting for us to take us to Pirate Cove for snorkelling. I was so pumped for this opportunity!  As we wound our way over bridges and through neighbourhoods, we witnessed many of the places shown to us by our wise and vibrant guide Robert just a few days earlier.  Pirate cove was a little "hole in the coastline" outfit, owned by Canadians. Hard Paper Mache type statues lead us to the office where we gladly settled our debt and waited for boarding - no stow-always permitted!  Once on the Catamaran, the captain took us across the bay to pick up another waiting group.  From there we toured Spanish Bay, home of the multi-million dollar villas and Table Hill (Mountain).  We over-looked this Bay when we were on our bus tour on Tuesday while at the "Billion Dollar View" in Jan Theil.  As we cruised around the waterfront, Bill and Melinda were having a hard time agreeing on which villa would be theirs, until we spotted a little "fixer-upper" which seemed so out of place among the others.  Our group agreed unanimously: we could all see great potential for our "Annual Framily Conferences" here in Curacao, and it would be only fair for Aunt Linda to buy, build and invite us back

Snorkelling, by the way, was everything I had hoped for and then some - multiplied by about 25!  I think you get the point.  We snorkelled at a barge site where they use this massive machine to dig fibre optics throughout the island.  Under the barge it was dark, confining and to some a degree intimidating, but O-M-G, it was amazing!  We saw lots of fish and coral. We petted a flounder, saw a lobster and proudly, I spotted a Trumpet fish all on my own.  I couldn't possibly name everything we saw.  Our guide Richard was very knowledgeable and patient with everyone.  For some reason, many participants scooted quickly back to the boat and left the discoveries to us stragglers - bonus for is! Even though it was approaching lunchtime and the BBQ could be seemingly tasted through my snorkel I could have stayed there forever - honestly! 

After our amazing BBQ lunch, we took a short boat ride to our second site to snorkel a second time. This site had a shipwrecked tugboat and MANY more fish than the first site.  Here we fed bread to the fish.  I had so many fish around me at one point, I couldn't see the water, and this is no stretch of the imagination.  When Bill sends me the video, I promise to upload it here for all to see.  In neither spots, I was a little surprised that the coral wasn't as vibrant in either snorkelling spots as I had thought it would be based on movies and pictures from the Caribbean.  However, this does not imply I was disappointed either. At the tugboat site there was this very thin coral which swayed with the waters motion, flexing in every direction like a fragile piece of silk.  However when I touched it, I was very surprised how rigid and hard it felt.  I am not sure  how long the tugboat had been in it's current spot, which is a question I failed to ask the crew unfortunately, but there was a great deal of sea life growth throughout it's remains.  I loved just floating and watching the fish swimming in and out of the doors, windows and crevices, some of the fish seemed to be playing a game of hide-and-go-seek.  In this particular snorkelling spot, I found it a bit cooler, and the wind was picking up, so the waters where becoming a bit rougher just prior to being called back into the catamaran.  I was actually getting quite chilled, a feeling I have not felt since leaving Toronto.  The stubborn side of me refused me to considering abandoning this amazing opportunity of taking in all this aquatic activity and beauty for which I was witnessing.  Before returning to our water taxi to go back to Curacao Reality, I dove down a couple more times to try my hand at touching the tugboat.  This no easy feat: I'm in salt water, I float without a struggle in pools and fresh water lakes, AND there was a slight under tow.  All these elements combined with my limited oxygen supply to make the distance presented many challenges.  Against the odds, I managed to touch the railing and the starboard side railing once  each.

The return to the loading dock was very enjoyable.  Since the activity was completed, I felt much more comfortable joining my fellow group members in a glass or two of the famous Captain's Rum Punch.  It is said after 6 glasses the captain becomes more appealing to your eye.  I can assure you, I did not test this theory, but Murray and Bill may have a different opinion!

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Encounters with the Dolphins at the Curacao Aquarium

Meanwhile, on th3 same morning, six other members signed up to experience dolphins up close and personal, while 3 three others joined them as observers.  I am writing on behalf of their experience as narrated by Linda and Ann. Please, if anyone has anything else to add, please include you thoughts in a comment for all to see.

A bus ride from our hotel took the group of 9 to the Curacao Aquarium. Even the night before this group left you could feel their excitement! Upon arrival they conducted a self-guided tour of the Aquarium which included an educational film on dolphins, which might I add based on comments made to me, I am definitely questioning the PG rating of this adventure!  One of the many highlights was feeding and petting the sharks.  Betty and Donna fed the sharks using a long pole with meat on it.  Please, follow the accompanied video link:  https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10205189880840452 and watch with enlightenment - and perhaps a little entertainment as well! 
(I apologize in advance - even the videographer, who will remain anonymous even though it's her birthday tomorrow, admits filming isn't her thing!)

 The speed and sound made when the sharks had feast on their food was incredible.  Seeing this activity brings thoughts to mind if this was shark vs. human in their natural habitat, it's no wonder man will always lose.   At first the trainer and demonstrator was cheering Donna on with, "Go Donna! Go Donna!", but apparently this cheer became "Run Donna! Run Donna!". You'll see why after watching the clip!

From here the group visited a boat with glass sides and observed the beauty of the ocean in all it's splendour. Big, small, wide and tall, gorgeous and sinfully ugly, the display was beautiful!  There was so much to see and at times it seemed hard to take it all in.  Time passed into long moments of "ahhh's" and "ohhh's", and with each minute that passed seemed to bring yet another new discovery and display.

The group was then treated to a dolphin show which pleased the crowd in every respect. Even Bev and Marisa got a little love action on the side.  Those 2 girls really need to be closely chaperoned at all times!





Then, with much anticipation, the moment of their individual dolphin encounters was here. One by one our group of six approached the dolphins via a platform.  In turn, the dolphin approached and stood vertical so the participants could either hold their fins or their under belly and then receive a gentle  kiss. Members could savour a few minutes of personal time with the dolphin before it moved on the next person.  Each participant has since articulated to me the utter awe of the experience.  As the story goes, Betty was almost knocked over by her encounter, which isn't too surprising, given that the dolphin had more vertical leverage than our dear Betty.  Some have described their personal encounter as therapeutic, spiritual, memorable, exhilarating and even life changing. 

 

It's funny, without consultation, both of the individual groups agreed to "talk down" the individual experiences to the other group when we returned.  Neither group could contain their excitement once meeting up with each other!  The wide-brimmed smiles and memories etched in our brains will surely last forever and a day.  Dunki (thank you) Curacao for sharing your beauty with us!

How Do You Spell CHILLAX? Wednesday January 21, 2015

No plans today at all, which sets me up for yet another perfect day.  Left to our own demise with not a care in the world, well that is if you exclude the decisions needed to establish which bathing suit you'll wear today, what kind of omelette you'll favour and perhaps if your morning swim will include the fresh water pool or salt water beach. Interestingly enough, even after a decision is made, one might decide to change their mind and alter their original decision, which will likely have no impact on how fabulous your day will be!

My day, as always thus far has been to rise, on my own accord at about 5:45 am and head to the beach/pool to witness the start of yet another glorious day. Ken won't believe this early rising phenomenon is really happening, but I swear it's true.  My only witness' seem to be the like-minded vacationers who share my love of the morning tranquility of the beach so early each morning: Gloria from Venezuela, and Pink from Holland.  Sadly, Pink has only 2 more full days here, then he will return home, and Gloria leaves in 3.  Pink has been an active participant with our group since onset: cheering us on during our rubber ducky swim competition (which for the record, Teresa TOTALLY cheated in!), he's taken pictures for us, expressed concern when we appeared to be without drink, and has sat or swam and observed with my our daily sunrises.  His kind soul care-free spirit will linger with me for a very long time.

Today, many in our party had breakfast and then crossed the walking bridge into Punda to browse the shops.  It was my intension to follow suit at some point, but milling around our second floor beach seemed more of a priority after contemplating the options. A handful of us stayed back.  Some went for a massage on the beach, others swam, listened to music, threw a football around in the water & I borrowed Bill's snorkel and mask to try my hand at snorkelling.  Tomorrow members of our clan are considering their options for a day trip and adventure, and after trying Bill's equipment, I've made up my mind, I'm going snorkelling in the ocean.

By mid afternoon, my mom, cousin Melinda & Bill and I headed for the bridge to take in some culture in Punda.  The bridge is a swinging bridge that spans across the Queen Emma Canal.  When ships or other vessels wish to navigate the canal, this bridge swings open towards "The Other Side".  There's a warning system by way of a bell and a flag for when the bridge is going to swing, and the locals help you understand this system well.  For example, when the bell rings, the flag is blue, and the locals begin the run across the bridge, you should too, because if you don't make it to the other side on time, you stand the potential to be on the bridge until it returns to the full extension again, which potentially could be 20 minutes, or it could be a couple of hours!  When the bridge is closed for long periods of time there is a water taxi shuttle/ferry which takes commuters back and forth. An orange flag means it's a quick open & close.  Being on the bridge at this time would simply be a minor inconvenience.  Bill was hoping to be on the bridge while it swung open, which secretly, so did I.  We missed the opportunity by a handful of minutes, but I am certain there will be other opportunities.

The bridge obviously is a floating bridge, which has a slight sway and bounce to it.  At night time it is lit with a beautiful array of coloured lights reflecting the colours of the rainbow.  I will be sure to post a picture of this in the  next couple of days, I promise.

Once over the bridge and in Punda, Mel & Bill and Mom & I split up.  Mom and I headed to check out the floating market area where locals display their crafts and wares.  There is also local produce and fresh fish.  It offers all the colours and smells you would expect.  The floating market is where negotiators find their haven, and I was definitely in heaven. The people of Curacao and their language is so beautiful.  Everywhere I go, and every opportunity I have I try and learn a word or two.  The words "Bon Bini" can be found  everywhere, which means "welcome".  It's imperative to say this word with a wide-brimmed smile and a waving hand of encouragement.  The colourful displays of bright cheery paints and clay roof tops decorate the buildings from either side of the canal.  The display is stunning.

The market was a relaxing experience, and yes, I supported the local economy and I am certain I will do so a few more times before I leave the island.  We meandered through the streets and navigated our way back to the bridge after about an hour and a half.  It was hot and we were ready for an afternoon swim and beverage on the beach.  Our crew was there exchanging experiences from our day, listening to music, breaking out in song and dance.  It was a relaxing end to a relaxing day.

Tomorrow, we go on excursions.  As it is right now, 6 are going to "be one with the dolphins" while 2 or 3 will accompany them and visit the aquarium.  Another 6 will be snorkelling, and I am as excited as all get out for this adventure!

But, that's tomorrows blog! Sorry, you'll have to wait until then.

Painting Curacao Dushi (Beautiful) - Tuesday January 20th, 2015

The morning started with a successful and majestic sunrise. The thing about the sunrises here, is just when you think it's over, another face of the day's transition appears in the sky and you are magically transformed into yet another 45 minutes or so of bliss to present yet another display of something totally unexpected.  This, in addition to the numerous freight ships and cruise ship that pass right in front of our infinity beach to either tie to the dock in our backyard, or navigate the canal to the left of our backyard.  Today's Sky Special (at least by my interpretation) brought a Dushi (beautiful) Angel to our backyard... can you see it? 

Sunrise from our 3nd floor beach.
Angels Amount us.

We were scheduled to meet our bus driver in the lobby at 8:45am. From onsite I know it was
going to be an exciting day as soon as Robert Stomp introduced himself to "His People".  I should start with explaining the dialect of the island is Papiamento, a multifaceted Creole language based on Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, and several African dialects.  Robert was excellent in encouraging us to speak and understand his native tongue.  Robert, by every stretch of the imagination was the definition of Island Hospitality - a true gem. Robert had it all: knowledge beyond belief, beauty - inside and out, a witty personality and finally, a man after my own heart - possessed the ability to drive and talk at the same time!  By the end of our day we saw more of the island than most see in a couple of weeks on the island!  I will highlight the ones the group of us remembered while sitting down at the beach.

Robert catered to everything our group wanted and more.  For example, even if no one saw it, I had hoped to début on the weather cam set up at Lion's Dive Resort.  Here there is a live camera of which I have been faithfully watching for 2 months prior to arriving on the island.  I had no idea where this island camera was, and apparently neither did Robert, but he made it happen!  I may not have had anyone I know who watched the camera at the time of our broadcast, but we have the pics to prove it happened!

Robert safely navigated our caravan to pretty much every corner of the island. We began our journey from our hotel which is housed in Willemstad, and is separated by a deep canal called St. Annabaal.  Cruise Ships and Ocean Liners travel this canal all day and night.  The separate bodies of land also have their own names: Punta, which is the opposite side of the canal from the hotel, and Otrobanda (which means "the other side").  After a brief tour of our side, we crossed the Queen Emma Bridge and traveller around Punda. From there we traveller up the southern coast line to Jan Thiel where houses run for a couple hundred thousand to dollars to a couple billion.  We stopped in Jan Thiel for what the locals refer to as the "Million Dollar View".

We visited the Boca Tabla Cave at Shete Boka National Park on the north-west side of the island.  This side of the island, and in particular this specific area is extremely windy.  As a result when the rocks and waves come together pounding against the rocks so hard it makes a thundering sound so loud the vibrations pound hard against your chest.  This view is one of the most majestic images I have yet to discover prior to today.  Saddened by our limited time, but so appreciative of the time we had, pictures will surely not do justice to the images of this natural environment and wonder.

It wouldn't be a trip to Curacao if we didn't go to the Curacao Liqueur Factory now would it?  Even though this stop happened well before lunch, the idea of shooting down a handful of shooters at 5 proof didn't seem to bother too many on this tour.  We indulged in blue, red, green and white Curacao.  Bet you are thinking you thought this liquor was only done in blue... well truth is, Curacao does not export this spirit, and you may be surprised to learn the blue liquor we buy at home is actually a knock off of this island's spirit.  So if you wish to try some real Curacao, you'll have to wait until we return with our purchases.  In addition to the traditional liquor, the island also makes a Rum & Raison, Chocolate and Mocha flavoured Curacao - and yes they too are yummy before noon!

 Table Mountain, named for it's obvious stature of an out-jetting mound of escarpment is flat as a table top which offers to the heavens a table suitable for the last supper. Each of the 7 mountains on the island is reflective to a certain time in history and is drastically different in contrast from the majority of the islands' terrain of the traditional flat environment Curacao has to offer.  It is thought the debris from volcanic remains is what created the island specifically, however there is no volcano on the island.  Folklore and superstition has thus far prevented any drilling for oil etc. on the island, and the feeling in general presents worry to the island natives in disturbing the earth could result on disaster.

View from Jan Thiele District.  The 'Million Dollar View".
Table Mountain is seen in the centre, off in the distance.

Christoffel Mountain Park the highest mountain on the island at 1,239 feet, however Robert cautioned us that the mountain status actually falls short by 76 feet.  The locals wanted to build it up so they could refer to it as a mountain, but controversy thus far has not resulted in action, and according to Robert, likely will not in his lifetime.

Lunch was enjoyed at the Wata Mula Restaurant in Westpun at Playa Kali.  The ambiance was that of an oversized grass hut which over looked a cliff.  Below scuba divers and snorkelers basked in the warm sunshine and crystal clear turquoise water.  Iguanas scurried and birds flew in and out of the dining room.






As the afternoon advanced and the heat of the day was upon us, Robert took us to Playa Kalki Beach also known as Knap Beach. This is a breath-taking beach of epic proportions. White sands, crystal clear blue/green water and the type of beauty that is not only appealing to the eyes, but embraces you in a level of refreshing awesomeness moving you from desperation in the hot afternoon heat to ecstasy in seconds!

Jan Kok (pronounced Young Cock) allowed us the opportunity to observe Flamingos in their natural habitat of the salt flats. Although the numbers in the flats were not in the hundreds as sometimes seen, Robert advised us the numbers have been very low lately, often leaving visitors disappointed in not seeing any.  We were not at all disappointed by what we saw.

When we returned to our hotel, we casually met back in our lounge area of the 2nd floor beach.  I'm commonly deeming this place Lindaville - we might as well, it seems no one occupies it except our group.  I actually think folks come by in the late afternoon just to see what we are up to, and whether they admit it or not, they are truly entertained by us I am certain.



Sunset from our 2nd floor beach.

Tomorrow is an unplanned day of awesomeness.  Some are hoping to cross the walking bridge into Punda to stroll the shops, and floating market, some are planning to just swim and relax, others read and rest.  Regardless of how the days unfold, I predict it to be full of sunshine and glorious warmth.  Word from home indicates minus temperatures in the double digits.  Sorry folks, but it's nice to know my investment is going along way... it's time to apply another coating of sunblock!

A Taste of Paradise - Monday January 19, 2015

Bon nochi from Curacao!
Good Evening from Curacao!

Well, the daylight dawned with absolutely no disappointment to the eyes, ears or senses.  There IS indeed a resort, and our surroundings are lush and picturesque. I wish I could compare this paradise to something many could relate to, but I struggle as my experiences are so limited.  By those in our group who have travelled, I have heard our surroundings are very similar to Aruba.

My roommate and I intended to rise in time for the sunrise this morning, and even though we were up and out of the room by 7 am, we missed it.  Go easy on us, I will remind you we are ahead of our hometowns by an hour, and even without the hour advancement, I was still up and dressed about 1.25 hours earlier than the "normal" workday Monday!

I opted to sit down at the boardwalk café and just experience the peacefulness of the morning. Even at 7, the air was still with a slight hint of humidity, but still quite comfortable. Once joined by cousins Bev & Jen, we enjoyed our casual breakfast on the patio.  Jen was the first to spot an iguana.  She was awarded the task of naming our friend, who we fondly referred to as Frankenmuth after our Aunt Linda's love for shopping.

The resort has 1 fresh water infinity pool, and 1 salt water (piped in from the ocean) infinity beach,

which are side be side each other on the 2nd floor of the hotel - that's right, the second floor.  Once a week the salt water beach is completely drained, cleaned and refilled - today was bath day for the beach. So the beach was closed until around noon today.  The beach is complete with sand, and if you look over the infinity wall, there's a handful of feet drop to large rocks and the ocean.  On the rocks it is not unusual to find crabs and iguanas sunning themselves.  Here's a picture of many from our group looking over the beaches infinity edge to the ocean below.

For the most part, many of us relaxed around the water for most of the day.  In the afternoon, Jen and Bev arranged with a Curacao Street Musician to serenade Aunt Linda.  This guy, introduced to us as "Michael Brown" was AWESOME, which in itself is an understatement!  Even though the event was for Aunt Linda, we ALL benefited from this entertainment.  His serenade went on for a great deal of time, but here is snippet of the entertainment he provided.  Thanks Bev & Jen! 

After the serenade we returned back to the beach, enjoyed a few beverages and snacks then retired to our rooms to prepare for a late dinner at the Cru Restaurant, a lovely steak and wine restaurant just a stone throw away from the hotel.  The small, quaint ambiance accommodated our entire group.  By now, our friendships with each member of our group have evolved, and many moments of utter chaos, unrelenting laughter and memories have occurred.

Upon our return some group members headed for the casino, others for the bar, and others to bed.  Any guesses which way I headed? 

Tomorrow a tour of the island by bus is planned for our group.  Tonight after spending the day in the sun and shade, sharing many jokes, meeting lots a wonderful staff and visitors, I retire to bed relaxed fully anticipating yet another awesome day tomorrow!

Even Relaxation Comes With a Price- Saturday January 17 & Sunday 18th, 2015

So let's back up one day and review what it took for us to converge in the same spot under one roof as a group of 17.

Our group is composed of 11 peeps from the SW Region of Ontario, 5 peeps from Sault Ste. Marie and 1 from Calgary.  Even the best laid plans can present flaws, and as Murphy's Law has been proven factual time and time again, Murphy did not disappoint us.

To begin with, the Sault flight was delayed from a late afternoon arrival in Toronto to facing the possibilities of having to DRIVE, that's right, drive down sometime after 9:00PM due to a mechanical data issue. Apparently the radar navigation system is an important instrument on a plane's dashboard.  As stressed and as helpless as the SW Ontario crew were feeling about the clock turning 8:15 PM with no sign or word from the north, those magical elevator doors opened to the sorriest sight of a Sault sighting!  Relief was felt by all, and it would be an understatement to say the celebration began right there in front of the elevator. As our welcoming committee converged in jubilation at the elevators, apparently the guy in room 10** wasn't nearly as relieved as the rest of us!  How could he not realize the miracle that arrived right there on his own floor?  Furthermore, how could his sleep be anymore important than our celebration!?  Needless to say the "social gathering" swiftly moved back to our dining room where Glorious Richard (my newest best friend) fed and hydrated our new northern friends.

Word quickly spread throughout the hotel of our desire for a 6:00am shuttle to the airport - which was apparently in direct completion of a wedding party desiring the same shuttle at the same time the next morning.  Being the conscientious and courteous travelers we are, we opted to board the shuttle at 5:30 so as not to upset the wedding party. Bright eyed and bushy-tailed, there we were, waiting for our shuttle to arrive, well almost everyone... not to mention any names but the BILL needed to be paid and the MELons needed to be prettied up!

Have you ever arrived to an airport to be the first in line at baggage check? Well, I can now add that to my list of life-long achievements! Trust me when I say it doesn't really payoff, especially when you learn after the 2 or 3 bus loads of ORANGE shirts arrived that you were suppose to register your itinerary and passport in the once dormant kiosks!  It was here at the baggage check that I finally sighed my first gasp of relief.  My checked and carry on luggage squeaked under the radar by a grand total of 0.8 pounds!

After surviving the long tedious line up for java and sustenance, we bounced between gates 80 and 76 a few times.  (I swear some guy in security was behind the walls watching a monitor saying something like, "Hey Joe, watch this!  Look at those fools!  I have them under my spell!  Let's change the gate number one more time, and see if they'll scramble themselves back to their point of origin!")

Once finally settled for one last time at gate 80, a special surprise for our Aunt Linda was orchestrated by cousins Bev, Donna, Mel and Aunt Ann. Linda disappeared to the washroom and when she came out we greeted her with this little display of our affection...Bikini shirts for all of us!  Let me tell you, we suddenly became the hit of Gate 80!  Swarms of travellers were ready to trade their tickets in to be on our plane!  Frankly, with all this sexiness, I can't blame them at all!

And then it happened:  our departure was established for 9:30 and at 9:15 we were prompted to begin boarding.  Travellers in all shapes and sizes, snug as bugs, wedged cheek to cheek to cheek, seat belts secured in the "I can't breath" position, excitement at it's peek, and, we wait, and wait, and wait.  Through my pinhole window I see rain, men in winter coats and attire scurrying like ants and all I can think of are my impending warm thoughts of beach, sand and sunshine. Now a small delay may be viewed as a pause of inconvenience.  I'll define a "small delay" as say 10-15 minutes.  It's funny what 1.5 hours will do with impending excitement. In fact, at the 45 minute mark human kindness steps aside and some how makes room for what I might class as the WTF (Where's the Flight) Syndrome. A rather vocal display from a certain passenger (no, not from out party!!) began to brew.  All as I can say, thank goodness he didn't take to the loud speaker... oh wait, he didn't need one, he was doing okay without it! I kept looking behind me as I was rather certain this was going to result in the Air Marshall revealing themselves - if not the SWAT team - after all we were flying Sunwing! An additional 45 minutes after that and several frustrating announcements by the flight crew, our delay was remedied.  Apparently our "cardboard and rubber egg, pretend cheese and "you'd swear it was bacon" sandwiches finally arrived for us take off. That's right, we were delayed because they couldn't coordinate our in flight grub - and trust me when I say, it was NOT worth the wait!  Our wheels left Canadian soil at 11:06, and we placed them on Curacao soil at 4:46pm Curacao time (5:46 in Ontario.)

The processing in Customs was a breeze, baggage was a dream and within a handful of minutes we were embracing the 34+ degree humidity - no signs of winter garb nor freezing rain. We once again loaded our luggage onto our waiting shuttle and meandered toward our hotel, the Renaissance in Willemstad Curacao.  The hotel is beautiful, the staff are very courteous, and it didn't take long for the drinks to be pouring!

Unfortunately, with a very long day of early wake ups, airport politics and delays, by the time we arrived at the hotel, discovered our rooms, established our "home away from homes" and descended to the bar where we were to meet, I have not seen much of our surroundings in the daylight.  For all I know, there may not be a beach, or an oasis waiting for me, this could all be a big ploy to lure me into a paradise that does not exist, but it's not winter here, and I have traded in my boots for sandals.  As for the paradise, well, I'm afraid you, like the rest of us will have to wait until tomorrow to discover paradises beauty.  Until then, I'll be forced to navigate the resort's beauty by starlight, with my Blue Curacao,  Coconut Rum and Pineapple beverage - 'cause hydration is imperative in this evening heat.

Until tomorrow...

'Twas the Night Before Travel Day...Let the Roasting Begin! January 16th, 2015

The bags are packed and we're ready to go.  I do wonder if vacations really are as "relaxing" as they are intended to be. Or is it that all the preparations leading up to your departure just makes you feel so much more relaxed once you arrive to your destination, because you are so stressed out by the time you head to the airport?

Work with me here for a moment:

• Is it not true "restricted items in your carry on" is just a ploy between the airline and your credit card carrier for the moment your luggage has been "misplaced";
• For weeks, we've been watching the American dollar plunge to 1999 rates.  That alone has become stressful enough to give even the most healthy a heart attack;
• I think it's odd that a 20 kg checked bag seems like a fair standard, until of course when you have actually packed and weighed your suitcase - for the 3rd re-pack (and counting).  By the way, how is it that fellow travelers who are departing for 1 week get to take the same size and weight as those of us travelling for 2 weeks?
• Even though you know in your heart your career is likely not going to blow up just because you plan a vacation, somehow working to fit in everything you would have done for the duration of your absence, throughout the week prior to your leave suddenly seems rather silly.  Geesh, wish I would have seen that one about 40 hours ago;
• It does become disconcerting to realize you are wearing out your passport, just by the number of times you have checked, checked and double checked that you pack it.

Never-the-less, the bags are in deed packed, and this time tomorrow we will meet our travel-mates (all 16 of them), where we will celebrate our safe arrival in Toronto. Here we will begin scheming a plan to determine how best to leave our footprint on the journey ahead. Of course, there will be lots to celebrate over the next week.  Speaking of which, special thanks to the creativity of my cousins Melinda and Bill, who posted this incredibly creative birthday card for our Aunt Linda, who will be turning a young 60 while we are away.  Good work guys! 

Let the roasting begin!

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Five Days and Counting, Tuesday January 13th, 2015

As a proud Canadian, I am feeling the moral dilemma/tug-of-war in thinking we are 5 days away from a drastic plan to escape the "minus double digits" of Canada to a region where the temperatures are usually only dreamed of by those rich and famous.  It all seems to be mildly (pun intended) unorthodox. 

It is true in fact there's little about this trip that rings "morally correct" when I think about it, after all, I am abandoning the husband, kitty and career to join family and friends in celebrating life's milestones and accomplishments at an all-inclusive resort with temperatures in the mid 80's.  Morals are very complex in deed.

Okay, reality check... all of this in fact is true and then some!  Seventeen of my soon to be (if not already) favourite maternal family members and friends will be schlepping between pool, bar and dinner table while basking in 100% vitamin D sunshine in nothing more than a swimsuit.  It's not an easy feat let me tell you!  For example, these plans did not just happen. They have been scrutinized, evaluated, investigated and put in place over a grueling, relentless year of planning.  Digging out summer wear in the middle of our cold winter season, seems so unnatural.  The amount of preparation, packing and prospecting has been exhausting.  And let's not mention the unnatural act that involves placing innocent vacation seekers into a cylinder tube with windows, which has been scientifically altered making it "lighter than air", to travel warp-speed miles above the earth's surface, only to find yourself transported into a foreign land, in a different time zone (ahead 1 hour to Ontario) where no one knows your name - except of course the other 16 people travelling with you. 

Meh, let's face it, it is a HUGE moral dilemma, but I'm willing to give it a whirl! 

In an attempt to make this blog post end where we started...we are in deed 5 days and counting folks!  For those of you following back home, enjoy the journey as you follow along. Know that if you join us here vicariously through our blog posts, you are also bound by obligation to our Curacao Motto and Promise (repeat as you read): 
                     "Snow is home, sun is here, I think I'll have another beer!"
Cheers!