Westpunt

[Carol in NC]

We'll be staying at the Lodge Hura Kulanda -- in less than a week! Thanks, els, for your post about directions from the airport -- that answers one question. The others:
1) We're wondering whether Westpunt is in the middle of nowhere. Is there a supermarket nearby, or should we stop on the way from the airport?

2) We've been to Curacao twice before and never changed very much currency (from US$), as we were staying in Willemstad. And although we drove around the island on our last trip, eating lunch near Christoffel Park, we don't remember whether we paid in USD or NAF. What's the situation in the more remote parts of the island?

Carol & John in NC

[els]

Hi Carol,

there is no supermarket close by, there is one along the way from the airport to Westpunt at Tera Cora, the supermarket is called California. It will not be up to your usual standard, but shopping is okay there. No exclusive products like French cheese or a large wineselection though.
There is also a very small 'supermarket' (more toko which means foodshop) along the way from Kura Hulanda Lodge to Soto, it is about 5 miles from the Lodge. If you look at the map, you'll see the road in Bandabou (west side of the island) looks like a lasso, Soto lies on the south side of this lasso. You can't miss it. It is a very simple neighbourhood toko, but for things like juice, tea, coffee, bread, cookies, etc it will suffice.
You can pay almost everywhere in dollars, the rate is 1.75 antillian guilders to the dollar. But often you'll get change in antillian guilders.
have fun!
Els

[Carol in NC]

Thanks for the information, Els!

We're seeing weather forecasts (via Weather Undergound) of thunderstorms and 60% to 70% chance of rain. Does this translate to a passing shower, or gloomy, rainy days? We haven't visiting during this time of year; did we pick the 'rainy season' this time? Or the more important question, does it mean choppy water for snokeling?

Carol in NC

[els]

Hi Carol,

I am looking outside and the sun is shining, but a little while ago when I was at the supermarket, it turned out it had rained in the sort time it took me to do the shopping. It is the rainy season, but mostly short and heavy showers and also very locally (even on a small island like ours).
As to snorkling and clear water, this mostly depends on sunshine and current, less on rainfall.
Hope you have a great time!
Els