Curacao

Despite the 4,881 miles that separate Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao, and Amsterdam, Holland's capital, the two are remarkably similar. Both are decorated with narrow, gabled buildings crowned with red-tiled roofs, both tempt tourists with Dutch cuisine and hopping nightlife, and both brew a mean beer (though Curacao's Amstel stands alone: It's brewed with desalinated seawater).

Not to be missed in Willemstad is the Mikve Israel-Emanuel Synagogue. Erected in 1732, it is the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere. The traditional sand floor reminds the congregation of generations spent wandering the desert for the Promised Land.

Also in Willemstad, 17th-century fort Amsterdam encloses the Dutch Reformed Church (look for the cannonball embedded in the wall-it was fired by Captain Bligh) and the Governor's Palace.

HISTORY

When Alonso de Ojeda, a Spanish navigator traveling with Amerigo Vespucci, came across Curacao in 1499, he immediately claimed it for Spain. By the early 1500s, settlements had sprung up across the isle. A conflict in 1634, however, put ownership of the island into the hands of the Dutch West India Company. Soon after, Portuguese and Spanish Jews, seeking refuge from the Inquisition, arrived in Curacao. In the first two decades of the 19th century, the Dutch temporarily lost control of the island to Britain. In 1954, Curacao became a self-governing partner, along with Aruba and Bonaire, in the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

ECO-ADVENTURE

Two bridges have put Curacao on the map: the Queen Juliana, the highest in the Caribbean, and the Queen Emma Pontoon, which swings wide many times daily to allow access to one of the busiest ports in the world. It also separates the two halves of the city. After touring Curacao's natural sites, including the Hato and Boca Tabla Caves, refresh yourself with a tour of the Curacao Liqueur distillery at Chobolobo. Delight in the exotic taste of the bitter orange liqueur – much like Curacao, it has a unique flavor.

DON'T MISS

– Exploring the Curacao Underwater Park, one of the Caribbean's best marine reserves
– Munching local specialties such as stoba, funchi, pan bati and keshi yena
– Visiting the Mikvé Emanuel Synagogue, the oldest in the Americas
– Shopping Willemstad's floating market in Punda, the city's oldest section

• Tourist Information: 800-270-3350
• Website: www.curacao-tourism.com
• Language: The official language is Dutch and the native language is Papiamento, but English and Spanish are commonly heard on the island.
• Currency: Netherlands Antillean Florin (NAFl); US currency excepted everywhere
• Taxes: US $20.00 departure tax for international flights, US $7.00 for flights within the Netherlands Antilles. Hotels charge an additional 7% government tax.
• Electricity: 110-130 volts, like in the U.S., but 50 cycles instead of 60. Most U.S. appliances will work here. European and South American visitors need to bring converters.
• Documents: Citizens of the U.S. and Canada need a passport or other proof of citizenship (birth certificate or voter's registration) with a photo I.D. All other travelers need a valid passport, and all visitors must show a return or onward ticket.