Justin's Journey

Today started with renting a car. I was picked up by the car rental company and did all the paperwork in Salinja, which is east of Willemstad. So I got this little car and a map from the rental company, and here I went! Fortunately, they drive on the right side of the road here. I still remember my experience from driving in Cayman Island. Driving on the left side took some time to get used to…

The sign here is not clearly marked. I was surprised that I arrived in the Christoffel National Park without too much trouble. It was recommended by a Dutch guy I talked to on the beach yesterday. He told me it’s a great place for a hike. He is right. Although I was warned by the staff at the entrance that it may be a bit hot today for the hike, I made it up to the top of the Christoffel Mountain. There were beautiful cactus, trees, rocks, along with the hot and humid weather. I ran into a friendly local couple who recommended me where to eat and what beaches to go to. Although I went up to the mountain and they were behind me, we missed each other at the top. I think I went to the other side of the peak! Oh, well.

After I made it down to the entrance of the park, I decided to go to Jaanchie’s for lunch, as recommended by the couple. It’s a local institution and the decoration is rusty. The food was good – I ordered Iguana and conch with rice and plantain with a little piece of cake at the end. I had never had Iguana before. It’s kind of boney but tasted pretty good. The conch was fried slightly and servered with the sauce. It’s excellent. Food always makes me happy, especially when I am tired. 🙂

Off to the beaches! I was suggested by the couple I met earlier that I should do beach hopping. I went for the Playa Knip first. I was a bit lost when I drove there. Talking about good timing – the couple I met in the mountain were driving right behind me. They were heading to the same beach. So I got to follow them with their car behind me. It worked and the beach was beautiful. The sky was blue and the water was pleasant. It was not crowded at all. What a great place to relax and day dreaming. I managed to go to another beach called Playa Lagun. It’s a smaller cove and the rocks near it are very interesting. I only stayed briefly since I was getting tired. I went back to my hotel and called it a day. By the way, I was very exciting that I actually found my way back!

I haven’t had dinner at the hotel and decided to give it a try. Their restaurant Sjalotte is very stylish. I got a fish soup, a piece of steak, and a desert as a set meal. The pumpkin seed bread was very tasty with butter and olive. They did a fantastic job for every dish. I am so tired with the full stomach. Time for bed…