Living on an island is pleasant. Especially when it's a tropical island. For over 30 years, I've lived on Curaçao. However, even here, life presents its fair share of challenges.
From my "makamba" perspective, I like to write about things that stand out to me or that I experience on the island; things you don't immediately think of when it comes to Curaçao. A personal insight for everyone planning to visit Curaçao and who is interested in more than just sun, sea, and beach. Simply because there is so much more. My blog below is about a young man with a dream!
It was December 31, 1994
Suddenly, he stood right in front of me. I hadn't seen him in a very long time, but our first encounter is burned into my retina, as if it were yesterday.
Twenty-eight years ago on New Year's Eve, note well my birthday, I was standing on the beach of Marie Pompoen waiting for my diving students.
It was early in the morning and the small beach looked deserted when the friendly man approached me.
"What a beautiful place, don't you think?" After I agreed, he shared his plans with me.
Dream place
Here I will build my restaurant. The view from the terrace is amazing. Guests will be able to enjoy a delicious local meal by the water.
“A very good idea,” I said. “My students are always hungry after a swim.”
His enthusiasm was contagious.
Then his tone became a bit more serious. "You know, when you've passed the age of 30, it's time to stop messing around and do something useful with your life. But you know all about that, of course." I looked at him in disbelief. As if he knew. That very day, I turned 30. I never told him.
Christmas groceries
And now I meet him in the supermarket. His cart full of Christmas supplies for his restaurant, which has been a household name on the island for 28 years.
Regularly, my guests ask where they can eat some delicious local food, and then I tell them about that enthusiastic gentleman from Sea Side Terrace!
It was December 31, 1994
Christmas groceries