Full Circle to Curaçao

We made it to Curaçao a couple of days ago. Curaçao is where we purchased Blue Kai (then named Karicoli), so there is a certain poetry to arriving here, even though Danny is the only one of us aboard who was here for the delivery. (But a big shout out to the crew who DID brave those very hot, windless delivery days across the Caribbean: Tom, Ivan, Jeff, Jim, and Marty.)

We have really, really enjoyed Curaçao. Easy, cheap buses to get around; lots of interesting architecture and history in Willemstad; A-MAZING selection of reasonably priced produce; and a really enjoyable European feel. On the point of the produce, I actually found myself in something of a state of shock when I saw that the store carried kiwis, grapes, melons, and artichokes. And everything, even the apples and oranges, were at reasonable prices!! We have been staying in Spanish Waters, so the water is a little murky for our tastes in swimming. so I guess the only downside so far is lack of close beach and swimming, but we are moving on soon so we are not too worked up about the swimming.

Tomorrow we leave at the crack of dawn for Aruba. We will stay there maybe one day to rest up for our passage to Columbia. As for Colombia, we are currently thinking that we will sail to Santa Marta and explore the country (including Cartegena) from there. But any way you cut it, Colombia looks like it will be an adventure. Bureaucratic and otherwise. Must. Practice. Spanish. Ahorita.

For a bunch of reasons, including the visit from our very good friends, Jim and Mary Anne, and due to bureaucratic complications and costs if you stay longer, we will likely move along to Panama no later than a week after arriving in Colombia. But we are excited. I, for one, have never been to South America before (other than the guerrilla anchoring in Los Aves Venezuela the other night, which doesn't seem to count since we never went to shore).

I am thinking we need to download Romancing the Stone before leaving Aruba, though. :)

For now, over and out for tonight from Blue Kai.