Bon Bini!

That’s the welcome phrase here in Curaçao. I have to say that this place is welcoming and friendly. We have been treated very well since our arrival here in both the airport and hotel. The car rental person was exceedingly friendly: she even escorted us to the car to make sure it met with our expectations. Upon arriving at our hotel, we were greeted by name by the guest services co-ordinator who before allowing us to check in, insisted on showing us two different available rooms for our choice. Now, some of this [well, let’s be honest – most] attention is due to the fact that I am a Diamond member of the Hilton Honors program. But I do have to say that nowhere else in all my travels have I been treated anywhere near this well.

We chose our room overlooking the inlet to Piscadera Bay and facing the setting sun. [I already have some sunset pictures.] That afternoon we spent checking out the grounds and setting up our dives for the week. The dive shop is on premesis, but you can’t charge your dives to your room [no Hilton points for me!] and they don’t take American Express.

We had dinner here at the hotel and it was an Italian buffet – and not like we get in America, but very authentic Italian food, with wonderful salads, pastas, and desserts. They even have a brewery on site, and since they were out of it tonight, I’ll be trying one tomorrow.

Being a Diamond member has it’s perks. We get either a free continental breakfast in the lounge or a coupon for a free full breakfast downstairs.

This place feels like a little Europe plopped down in the middle of the carribean. I like it very much.