Barber: The Hidden Gem of Curaçao

• HelloBon dia
  [bon dee-ah]
• GoodbyeAyo
  [ah-yo]
• YesSi
  [see]
• NoNo
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePor fabor
  [por fa-bor]
• Thank youDanki
  [dahn-kee]
• Excuse me/SorrySkuze mi
  [skoo-zay mee]
• How are you?Kon ta bai?
  [kohn tah bah-ee]
• Fine. And you?Bon. I boso?
  [bon. ee boh-soh?]
• Do you speak English?Bo papia Ingles?
  [boh pah-pee-ah een-glehs?]
• I don't understandMi no ta kompronde
  [mee noh tah kom-prohn-deh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi ke mira e menu, por fabor
  [mee keh mee-rah eh meh-noo, por fa-bor]
• I don't eat meatMi no kome karni
  [mee noh koh-meh kar-nee]
• Cheers!Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMi ke paga, por fabor
  [mee keh pah-gah, por fa-bor]

• Help!Yudami!
  [yoo-dah-mee]
• Go away!Bai for di aki!
  [bah-ee fohr dee ah-kee]
• Call the Police!Yama polis!
  [yah-mah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Yama un dokter!
  [yah-mah oon dohk-tehr]
• I'm lostMi ta perdi
  [mee tah pehr-dee]
• I'm illMi ta malu
  [mee tah mah-loo]

• I'd like to buy...Mi ke kumpra...
  [mee keh koom-prah]
• I'm just lookingMi ta solamente mira
  [mee tah soh-lah-mehn-teh mee-rah]
• How much is it?Kuantu esaki ta?
  [kwan-too eh-sah-kee tah?]
• That's too expensiveEsaki ta muchu karo
  [eh-sah-kee tah moo-choo kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Bo por baha e prijs?
  [boh por bah-hah eh prees?]

• What time is it?Kuantu ora ta?
  [kwan-too oh-rah tah?]
• It's one o'clockTa un ora
  [tah oon oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Mitad di dies
  [mee-tahd dee dees]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonAtardi
  [ah-tahr-dee]
• EveningAnochi
  [ah-noh-chee]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayAwe
  [ah-weh]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1un
  [oon]
• 2dos
  [dohs]
• 3tres
  [trehs]
• 4cuater
  [kwah-tehr]
• 5sinku
  [seen-koo]
• 6seis
  [sehs]
• 7siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9nuebe
  [nweh-beh]
• 10diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?Unda tin ...?
  [oon-dah teen ...?]
• What's the address?Kiko e adres ta?
  [kee-koh eh ah-drehs tah?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bo por mustra mi (riba e mapa)?
  [boh por moos-trah mee (ree-bah eh mah-pah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kuando ta bini e siguiente (bus)?
  [kwan-doh tah bee-nee eh see-gwee-ehn-teh (boos)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Un tiki (pa ....)
  [oon tee-kee (pah ....)]

Before the arrival of Europeans, the area now known as Barber was inhabited by the Arawak and Caquetio Indigenous peoples. They thrived on the island, practicing agriculture, fishing, and crafting pottery. The region's fertile soil and access to freshwater sources made it a prime location for settlement.

In 1499, Spanish explorers arrived in Curaçao, marking the beginning of European influence in the region. Although the Spanish initially saw little value in the island due to its lack of precious metals, they did establish some control. Barber, along with other parts of Curaçao, became a waypoint for ships and a place for resources like fresh water and wood.

By the early 17th century, the Dutch West India Company had taken control of Curaçao, including Barber. The Dutch transformed the island into a center for trade and commerce. Barber became a focal point for agriculture, particularly in the cultivation of crops like maize, beans, and yucca, which were essential for sustaining the local population and the Dutch settlers.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, Curaçao's economy became heavily reliant on plantations. Barber was home to several large plantations, where enslaved Africans were forced to work under harsh conditions. This period left a lasting impact on the cultural and social fabric of the community, influencing everything from local cuisine to religious practices.

In 1863, the Netherlands abolished slavery in its colonies, including Curaçao. The abolition of slavery was a monumental event in Barber's history, leading to significant social changes. Freed slaves in Barber established their own communities, often on the very lands where they had once been enslaved. This era saw the growth of a more diverse and resilient community, with freed individuals contributing to the development of local culture and economy.

The 20th century brought modernization and development to Barber. Infrastructure improvements, such as roads and public facilities, connected Barber more closely with the rest of Curaçao. The community also saw the establishment of schools and healthcare services, improving the quality of life for its residents. Despite these changes, Barber has managed to retain its unique cultural heritage.

Barber is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, which is evident in its local festivals, music, and cuisine. The annual harvest festival, ‘Seú,’ is a vibrant event that showcases traditional music, dance, and food, reflecting the agricultural roots of the community. Additionally, Barber is known for its traditional architecture, with many buildings reflecting the Dutch colonial style.

Barber is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including the Christoffel National Park. The area is a haven for ecotourism, offering activities like hiking, bird watching, and exploring caves. The park is home to the island’s highest peak, Mount Christoffel, and a diverse array of flora and fauna, making Barber a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts.

Barber is located in the northwestern part of Curaçao. The nearest airport is Hato International Airport, approximately 30 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi, which is the most convenient option, or rent a car for more flexibility. Public buses also run from the airport to various parts of the island, including Barber, but they are less frequent.

Within Barber, the primary modes of transportation are taxis and rental cars. While the town is small and many attractions are within walking distance, a rental car can be useful for exploring surrounding areas. Public buses are available but may not be as reliable or frequent. Bicycles are also a popular way to get around for short distances.

The official currency in Curaçao is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG), but US dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and street vendors. ATMs are available in Barber, so withdrawing cash is convenient.

Barber is generally a safe destination for tourists, but it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Barber itself doesn't have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it's important to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. There are local police stations and medical facilities in Barber. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear lightweight, breathable clothing due to the tropical climate. Avoid overly revealing outfits, especially in more traditional areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting religious sites, dress modestly and remove hats. Public Transport: Do be patient and respectful with drivers and other passengers. Don't be loud or disruptive. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Bon dia' (Good day). A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offered by locals graciously. Don't waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Barber like a local, visit the weekly market where you can buy fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss exploring the Christoffel National Park for hiking and wildlife spotting. For a unique experience, visit the nearby Shete Boka National Park, known for its stunning coastal views and natural blowholes.