Living on an island is pleasant. Especially when it is a tropical island. I have lived on Curaçao for more than 30 years. Yet life here also brings its own challenges. From my “makamba” perspective, I enjoy writing about things that catch my eye; things you don’t think of 1, 2, 3 when you think of Curaçao. A personal insight for anyone planning to visit Curaçao and interested in more than sun, sea, and beach. Just because there is so much more.
My blog below is about students going to study in the Netherlands.
Tranendal
The first word that comes to mind to describe the past week.
Coincidence or not, it also turns out to be the name of a hamlet in Groningen; the province where we left our daughter on August 11, when we crossed the Atlantic Ocean, back to Curaçao.
Farewell
We knew the moment would come. Every parent here knows that. Some choose to move after their child finishes secondary school. This is, however, far from possible for everyone.
Student flight
And so each year we deal with a collective tranendal at Hato, the airport of Curaçao. Students say goodbye to their loved ones to take a special flight to the Netherlands for their studies. It is a heartbreaking scene.
There is also a group that travels separately because parents and family accompany them to help their son or daughter. The tears do not flow less.
Freedom
Of course there is also the other side. Island children get the chance to broaden their horizons. Step by step tasting freedom and venturing into the wider world. Making their own decisions and taking responsibility. That starts already in the last months on Curaçao when the 18‑year‑olds get their driver's licence. Read my blog about this 'Met de vlam in de pijp'
Ultimately we hope that a large part of the students returns with a diploma in hand to help the island move forward.
And we....?
When the tears have dried, we try to enjoy as much as possible from a distance. After all, that is also not a punishment from Curaçao, because living on an island remains pleasant.
