If you’ve ever traveled in the Caribbean, you will have heard a variety of languages spoken, depending on what islands you visited. If you take a trip to Curacao, you’ll hear English and Spanish – but its primary languages are Dutch and Papiamento. This colorful mix of languages describes Curacao well: exciting, vibrant, and a wonderful place to visit.

If you wonder why Dutch is spoken on this island in the Caribbean, you need to know that Curacao is the largest of five islands in a group known as the Netherlands Antilles. Dutch settlers made this island their home, and their culture and traditions integrated with those of the local people. The official language, Papiamento, shows this integration: it is a mix of Dutch, African, Spanish, and Portuguese languages! The atmosphere and culture of this island are something no tourist should miss.

If you like a party, you’ll want to visit Curacao at carnival time! The festivities, which take place before Lent, are well-known and are a great place to hear excellent music. If you want a quieter vacation, look to the pristine scenery and beaches for beauty, peace and quiet.

Make sure you save room in your travel bags for souvenirs – Curacao is famous for its huge selection of duty-free products. Shopping here is a pleasant experience, as you can see the sights of each city and town as you wander from shop to shop. Watch for the island’s historic buildings when you are in the main cities.

The tropical climate is most enjoyable, especially if you like to be outside on the beach or taking part in sports or other leisure activities. Illnesses and disease that are found in other tropical locations are very scarce here, so you can enjoy your vacation without worry. Do make sure to use sunscreen and insect-repellant if you are going to be out of doors for more than a few minutes; these are good precautions that will help you to have a wonderful stay without worrying about bug bites or sunburn!

Lorraine Weston
http://www.travellingportal.com/curacao/
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Picture: Island of Curacao