Playa Lagun: Curacao's Secluded Gem

• HelloBon dia
  [bon dee-ah]
• GoodbyeAyo
  [eye-yo]
• YesSi
  [see]
• NoNo
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePor fabor
  [por fah-bor]
• Thank youDanki
  [dan-kee]
• Excuse me/SorryDiskulpa
  [dee-skool-pah]
• How are you?Kon ta bai?
  [kon tah by]
• Fine. And you?Bon. I boso?
  [bon. ee boh-soh]
• Do you speak English?Bo ta papia Ingles?
  [boh tah pah-pee-ah een-gles]
• I don't understandMi no ta kompronde
  [mee noh tah kohm-prohn-deh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi ke mira e menu, por fabor
  [mee keh mee-rah eh men-oo, por fah-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 fah-bor]

• Help!Yuda!
  [yoo-dah]
• Go away!Bai for!
  [by for]
• Call the Police!Yama polis!
  [yah-mah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Yama un dokter!
  [yah-mah oon dohk-ter]
• I'm lostMi a hasi perdi
  [mee ah hah-see 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 mira solamente
  [mee tah mee-rah soh-lah-men-teh]
• How much is it?Kuantu e kostu?
  [kwan-too eh kohs-too]
• That's too expensiveEsaki ta muchu karo
  [eh-sah-kee tah moo-choo kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Bo por baha e preis?
  [boh por bah-hah eh preis]

• What time is it?Kuantu ora e ta?
  [kwan-too oh-rah eh tah]
• It's one o'clockE ta un ora
  [eh tah oon oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Mitad di (10)
  [mee-tah dee ten]
• MorningMarduga
  [mar-doo-gah]
• AfternoonAtardi
  [ah-tar-dee]
• EveningAnochi
  [ah-noh-chee]
• YesterdayAnoche
  [ah-noh-cheh]
• TodayAwe
  [ah-weh]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-no]
• 2Doso
  [doh-soh]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Kuater
  [kwah-ter]
• 5Sinku
  [seen-koo]
• 6Sies
  [see-ehs]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nuebe
  [nweh-beh]
• 10Dies
  [dee-ehs]

• Where's a/the...?Unda tin un/e...
  [oon-dah teen oon/eh]
• What's the address?Kual ta e adres?
  [koo-ahl tah eh ah-dres]
• 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)?Kon ora e proximo (bus)?
  [kon oh-rah eh prok-see-moh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un tiki (pa ....)
  [oon tee-kee (pah)]

Long before European explorers set foot on Curacao, the island was inhabited by the Arawak and Caquetio Indigenous peoples. Playa Lagun, with its rich marine life and fertile land, was an important settlement area. These early inhabitants left behind petroglyphs and artifacts which can still be found in the vicinity, offering a glimpse into their maritime culture and agricultural practices.

In 1499, Spanish explorers under the command of Alonso de Ojeda and Amerigo Vespucci arrived in Curacao. They named the island 'Isla de los Gigantes' due to the tall stature of the Indigenous people they encountered. Playa Lagun, with its strategic coastal location, became a significant spot for the Spanish, who utilized it as a fishing and trading outpost.

In 1634, the Dutch West India Company took control of Curacao from the Spanish. Recognizing the strategic importance of Playa Lagun, the Dutch established fortifications in the area to protect against potential invasions and to safeguard their burgeoning trade routes. Remnants of these fortifications can still be explored, offering visitors a tangible connection to the island's colonial past.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Curacao became a central hub in the transatlantic slave trade. Playa Lagun was surrounded by several plantations that utilized enslaved African labor. These plantations produced goods such as salt, indigo, and dyewood. The painful history of slavery in the area is remembered through local museums and historical sites, where the stories of the enslaved individuals are honored.

Slavery was officially abolished in Curacao on July 1, 1863. This monumental event led to significant social and economic changes in Playa Lagun and the rest of the island. Freed individuals established their own communities and contributed to the cultural and economic development of the area. Annual celebrations and remembrances are held to honor this pivotal moment in history.

Throughout the 20th century, Playa Lagun transitioned from an agricultural hub to a sought-after tourist destination. The natural beauty of its beaches, cliffs, and underwater life attracted visitors from around the world. Infrastructure improvements, such as the construction of roads and accommodations, were made to support the growing tourism industry, transforming Playa Lagun into the serene and picturesque locale it is known for today.

In recent decades, Playa Lagun has become a focal point for marine conservation efforts. Local and international organizations collaborate to protect the area's coral reefs and marine biodiversity. Initiatives include sustainable tourism practices, reef restoration projects, and public education campaigns. These efforts ensure that Playa Lagun's natural beauty and ecological significance are preserved for future generations.

Playa Lagun is located on the northwest coast of Curacao. The nearest international airport is Hato International Airport, approximately 30 kilometers away. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use a shuttle service to reach Playa Lagun. The drive typically takes around 40 minutes via the Weg Naar Westpunt road.

While Playa Lagun itself is small and walkable, exploring the wider area is best done by car. Car rentals are available at the airport and in Willemstad. For those preferring public transport, there are buses that connect Playa Lagun with other parts of the island, though they may not be frequent. Taxis are also an option, but it's advisable to agree on a fare before starting your journey.

The official currency of Curacao is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG), but US dollars are widely accepted. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are available in nearby towns and offer cash withdrawals in both ANG and USD. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets.

Playa Lagun is generally safe for tourists. However, it is recommended to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving valuables unattended on the beach and be cautious when walking alone at night. Certain areas in Willemstad have higher crime rates and tourists are advised to stay vigilant, particularly in the Punda and Otrobanda districts at night.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The nearest medical facilities are in Willemstad, approximately 40 minutes away by car. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Local pharmacies in nearby towns can provide over-the-counter medications for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do wear lightweight clothing suitable for a tropical climate. Avoid overly revealing swimwear when not on the beach. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting religious sites. Dress modestly and follow any posted guidelines. Public Transport: Do be patient as buses may not run on a strict schedule. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a simple 'Bon Bini' (Welcome) or 'Kon ta bai?' (How are you?). Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like 'keshi yena' and fresh seafood. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Playa Lagun like a local, visit the fishermen in the early morning as they bring in their catch. Engage with locals at small eateries and try freshly prepared meals. Snorkeling and diving are popular activities; renting gear locally allows you to discover hidden underwater gems. Don't miss the stunning sunsets from the beach or nearby cliffs, which are a favorite among locals.