This lovely waterfront scene is Willemstad, Curacao. I recently visited this beautiful little island on a ship with 2000 gay men. Unlike many other Caribbean islands where we are greeted with minimal tolerance (our money is green like everyone else’s) or occasionally disdain and even hostility, Curacao welcomed our group with open arms and a party in our honor.
The island was a former Dutch colony and now depends on its large oil refinery (due to its very close proximity to Venezuela) and tourism. It is one of the most beautiful of the Southern Caribbean islands that I have visited. The capital, pictured here, is an odd combination of trendy stores, floating farmers’ market, wildly varying architectural styles, high-style natives, and tanned ex-pats.
The beaches are stunning (powdery white sand), the people friendly, and the fish is delicious!
See a bit more of Willemstad at my vacation gallery.