CheddarChick
Contributor
All right guys I know it's late but here it comes. And I am sorry it is so long...
3-8-07 to 3-22-07 Thursday to Thursday
Curacao Trip Report
14 days??? I get to be gone for 14 days!!!!! No phone, no clients, nothing to do but DIVE!!!!
Thursday March 8, 2007
Leaving from Chicago on Air Jamaica at 6:20 a.m. on Thursday March 8, 2007. Saved about $900 on airfare by not going Saturday or Sunday. I worried myself silly about bad reports. Plane left on time and arrived with all my gear on time!! Flight was smooth, short layover in Jamaica was ..interesting ..Small airport that has the runway right next to the Sandals resort. Huh? Bet that makes for loud times by the pool. Anyway, back in the air, on to Curacao!!!
Landed at the new & improved Curacao airport, at 3:40 p.m... Bon Bini all!! Customs was easy, baggage pick up, a piece of cake and out the door to a short walk to the rental car site on the right. We went thru Budget Rent a car, as they were the most reasonable rates I could find. Under $400 for the 14 day period. Rental insurance, nah, what for? Outside the brand new 2007 Toyota Yaris was clean, and shiny. Couldnt help thinking, hmmm, dive gear stinks after 1 day. Ah well, not my car. As they drive on the same side of the road as USA, and follow the same driving rules (err, mostly. But I think you have to pass the horn blowing class before they let you drive). We had driven there last year so it was easy to find our way around to the apartment we had rented. The apartment is called the Kolibre House It is an owner operated 4-unit that sits on the far end of the island towards the south side. Hmmm, concrete wall with electric and barb wire fence covered with blooming flowers. A townhouse style split floor apartment that has 2 bedrooms and 1 bath on the upper floor. Master bedroom has a balcony overlooking the lanai below. Mini kitchen, living room, 2nd bath, sliding doors that open onto private lanai. Each room has separate AC unit and big windows. Rent at $630 per week did not include utilities. The additional $90 for water and electric, I felt was reasonable. We felt very secure here, steel bars on all windows, security lights, locking mechanisms on all doors. The only draw back is the circular stairway from the main level to the lower level. Very steep and tricky at first, though you got the hang of it after awhile, (about a week). Getting to the apartment by 5:00 pm, we just settled in and relaxed. Must find grocery store soon!!! There are a couple in the area that are very nice. The Centrum is the furthest away, past the Marriott on the road to West Punt. All stocked most Americanized foods and dry goods. And the Danish meats and cheeses are to die for. Make sure you buy the $3 map, it is great even if you don't drive.
3-8-07 to 3-22-07 Thursday to Thursday
Curacao Trip Report
14 days??? I get to be gone for 14 days!!!!! No phone, no clients, nothing to do but DIVE!!!!
Thursday March 8, 2007
Leaving from Chicago on Air Jamaica at 6:20 a.m. on Thursday March 8, 2007. Saved about $900 on airfare by not going Saturday or Sunday. I worried myself silly about bad reports. Plane left on time and arrived with all my gear on time!! Flight was smooth, short layover in Jamaica was ..interesting ..Small airport that has the runway right next to the Sandals resort. Huh? Bet that makes for loud times by the pool. Anyway, back in the air, on to Curacao!!!
Landed at the new & improved Curacao airport, at 3:40 p.m... Bon Bini all!! Customs was easy, baggage pick up, a piece of cake and out the door to a short walk to the rental car site on the right. We went thru Budget Rent a car, as they were the most reasonable rates I could find. Under $400 for the 14 day period. Rental insurance, nah, what for? Outside the brand new 2007 Toyota Yaris was clean, and shiny. Couldnt help thinking, hmmm, dive gear stinks after 1 day. Ah well, not my car. As they drive on the same side of the road as USA, and follow the same driving rules (err, mostly. But I think you have to pass the horn blowing class before they let you drive). We had driven there last year so it was easy to find our way around to the apartment we had rented. The apartment is called the Kolibre House It is an owner operated 4-unit that sits on the far end of the island towards the south side. Hmmm, concrete wall with electric and barb wire fence covered with blooming flowers. A townhouse style split floor apartment that has 2 bedrooms and 1 bath on the upper floor. Master bedroom has a balcony overlooking the lanai below. Mini kitchen, living room, 2nd bath, sliding doors that open onto private lanai. Each room has separate AC unit and big windows. Rent at $630 per week did not include utilities. The additional $90 for water and electric, I felt was reasonable. We felt very secure here, steel bars on all windows, security lights, locking mechanisms on all doors. The only draw back is the circular stairway from the main level to the lower level. Very steep and tricky at first, though you got the hang of it after awhile, (about a week). Getting to the apartment by 5:00 pm, we just settled in and relaxed. Must find grocery store soon!!! There are a couple in the area that are very nice. The Centrum is the furthest away, past the Marriott on the road to West Punt. All stocked most Americanized foods and dry goods. And the Danish meats and cheeses are to die for. Make sure you buy the $3 map, it is great even if you don't drive.