East Side Story- Curacao NightMagazine -2019

Activities

Activities

East Side Story

by Susan Campbell Curaçao’s wide-ranging attractions are hidden all over the island and well worth going off the beaten path to discover.

So, let’s trek to the east to find some secret gems.

There are wild things waiting for those who love animals, nature, and eco-touring away from the fray, and you need only follow the road to Santa Catarina on the island’s east interior to find them.

There are farms, ranches, parks, and art and culture all concealed in this vicinity, like Den Paradera the famous healing herb garden cultivated by legendary local Dinah Veeris. You just have to know where to look!

And thanks to Serena Israel, creator of Chichi®, the island’s most beloved, colorful sculpture mascots, more visitors are realizing the area’s appeal when they seek out her art factory where you can create your very own Chichi® souvenirs through her workshops.

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Make your own Chichi®

Serena says, “When I first decided to open my own factory/atelier and give local women a place to work and create art, I knew that I wanted a spot where we would be able to be at home with nature, away from the crowds – it had to be a setting that inspired creativity. I found that out here on the east side in a lovely garden with the audio backdrop of birdsong, and I wanted others to discover it too! I also have great neighbors that have much to offer as well. So, we’ve all decided to work together to promote the region. Come out for the entire day or even two, there’s a lot to do!”

Visitors are invited to join the walk-in workshops at Serena’s Art Factory each

Friday morning at 9 a.m. where they can paint their own Chichi® doll with expert supervision. No doubt you’ve seen the famous Chichi® all over the island, from an eclectic assortment of sizes and renditions in chosen retailers to the larger-than-life sculptures adorning the streets throughout Curaçao. They make ideal souvenirs, and better still, when you paint your own they become even more special! And the entire setting is wheelchair accessible.

The Aloe Vera Plantation nearby is another interesting stop. That’s where they grow the plants used to make CurAloe products. Though Curaçao is too arid for growing many things, aloe thrives there, and you can see all the wonderful healing and beneficial properties that the aloe gel has via a movie at their farm and you’ll even learn how the production works. You can also purchase some quality CurAloe products on-site and all over the island. E

CurAloe plantation

Curaçao Ostrich Farm

Serena’s Art Factory

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Activities

Activities

Did you know they make a health drink using aloe vera juice and herbal extracts now? Aloe is such a wonder plant!

Surprising family fun

If you’re seeking some very cool attractions for families, you’ll find Curaçao Ostrich Farm just down the road. Children typically adore animals, and people of all ages will marvel at the gangly flightless birds at this lively spot. They offer guided jeeps safaris of their sprawling ranch where you can see over 200 birds up close and learn about their odd behavior. You’ll also have a chance to feed

them for fabulous photo ops, and you can even hold an ostrich egg in your hands!

If you’re really adventurous, you can arrange a ride on one!

There is also a children’s playground and more animals to see, like emus, potbellied pigs, crocodiles, squirrel monkeys, and colorful tropical birds. And after your adventures stop for lunch at their restaurant, Zambezi, specializing in African style fare.

Another place of interest nearby, and ideal for all ages, is called Amazonia. It is indeed a surprise to find a huge replicated rain forest jungle full of exotic animals not

indigenous to this island. Every effort has been made to make the over 130 species of animals feel right at home in their lush man-made environment. You’ll encounter snakes, spiders, lizards, monkeys, lots of beautiful birds, and more.

Tours begin at 10 a.m. and you can combine it with a day pass at their pool.

Afterward, enjoy dinner Brazilian style at their steakhouse L’Aldea.

St. Joris Baai secrets

Head northeast to find a large inland bay where you can’t help but notice the colorful kites of the boarders gracefully

swooping over the aqua blue sea. There’s no better place on the island to take a windsurfing or kiteboarding lesson than at St. Joris Baai. Don’t let the rather ramshackle huts fool you, the folks at NIX and Awa Salu are professional, certified top-notch instructors. They give excellent instruction to beginners starting at ages eight and up, and the conditions of this protected bay offer an ideal experience for all skill levels.

So, as you can see, there are plenty of good reasons to head to the eastern interior region of this island for some seriously special, out of the ordinary experiences. K

Courtesy of Dinah Veeris

Courtesy of Curaçao Ostrich Farm

Drone view of St. Joris Baai courtesy of NIX kitesurfing school Courtesy of CurAloe plantation

Courtesy of Serena’s Art Factory

Courtesy of Serena Janet Israel, Serena’s Art Factory

Courtesy of Awa Salu kitesurfing school

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