Paradise Found: The Tranquil Beauty of Sint Michiel

• HelloBon dia
  [Bon dee-ah]
• GoodbyeAyo
  [Ah-yo]
• YesSi
  [See]
• NoNo
  [No]
• Please/You're welcomePor fabor
  [Pohr fah-bor]
• Thank youDanki
  [Dahn-kee]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpa
  [Dees-kool-pah]
• How are you?Kon ta bai?
  [Kohn 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 Ing-lehs]
• 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, pohr fah-bor]
• I don't eat meatMi no ta kome karni
  [Mee noh tah koh-meh kar-nee]
• Cheers!Salud!
  [Sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMi ke paga, por fabor
  [Mee keh pah-gah, pohr fah-bor]

• Help!Yudami!
  [Yoo-dah-mee]
• Go away!Bai for di mi!
  [Bye fohr dee mee]
• Call the Police!Yama polis!
  [Yah-mah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Yama un dokter!
  [Yah-mah oon dok-ter]
• 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-men-teh mee-rah]
• How much is it?Kuantu esaki ta kosta?
  [Kwan-too eh-sah-kee tah koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveEsaki ta masha karo
  [Eh-sah-kee tah mah-shah kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Bo por baha e preis?
  [Boh por bah-hah eh preis]

• What time is it?Kon ora e ta?
  [Kohn oh-rah eh tah]
• It's one o'clockE ta un ora
  [Eh tah oon oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Mitad di dies
  [Mee-tahd dee dee-ehs]
• MorningMarduga
  [Mar-doo-gah]
• AfternoonTardi
  [Tahr-dee]
• EveningAnochi
  [Ah-noh-chee]
• YesterdayAnoche
  [Ah-noh-chay]
• TodayAwe
  [Ah-way]
• TomorrowMañana
  [Mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Un
  [Oon]
• 2Dos
  [Dohs]
• 3Tres
  [Tres]
• 4Cuatro
  [Kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [Seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [Sayce]
• 7Siete
  [See-eh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [Och-oh]
• 9Nueve
  [Nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [Dee-ehs]

• Where's a/the...?Unda ta e...?
  [Oon-dah tah eh]
• What's the address?Kua ta e adres?
  [Kwah tah eh ah-dres]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bo por mustrami (riba e mapa)?
  [Boh por moos-trah-mee (ree-bah eh mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kuando ta e siguiente (bus)?
  [Kwan-doh tah eh see-gwee-ehn-teh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un tiki (pa ....)
  [Oon tee-kee (pah)]

Before European colonization, the area now known as Sint Michiel was inhabited by the Arawak and Caquetio indigenous peoples. These tribes were known for their fishing, hunting, and rudimentary farming techniques. They left behind petroglyphs and artifacts that provide a window into their way of life.

In 1499, Spanish explorers arrived on the island of Curaçao. Though they did not settle the area, they laid the groundwork for future European colonization. The bay of Sint Michiel was first charted during this era, marking it as an important coastal feature.

In 1634, the Dutch West India Company took control of Curaçao, including Sint Michiel. The Dutch fortified the area with several defensive structures to protect against potential Spanish attacks. Sint Michiel Bay became a focal point for trade and military strategy.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Sint Michiel became an integral part of Curaçao’s plantation economy. Slaves were brought in to work on plantations that grew crops like indigo and dyewood. The remnants of these plantations can still be seen in the area, including old buildings and machinery.

Built in the 18th century, Fort Sint Michiel served as a strategic military outpost to protect the bay from pirates and foreign invaders. Today, it stands as a historical monument, offering visitors a glimpse into the island’s colonial past.

During World War II, Curaçao, including Sint Michiel, played a crucial role due to its oil refineries, which supplied fuel to the Allied forces. The area saw an increase in military activity and fortifications to protect against German U-boat attacks.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Sint Michiel transformed from a quiet fishing village into a burgeoning tourist destination. The area is now known for its beautiful beaches, diving spots, and the vibrant local culture, while still retaining its historical charm.

Sint Michiel is a melting pot of cultures, reflecting Curaçao’s diverse heritage. The local population celebrates various festivals, including the annual Carnival and Dia di Bandera (Flag Day), showcasing traditional music, dance, and cuisine.

Sint Michiel is located on the western coast of Curacao, just a short drive from the island's capital, Willemstad. The nearest major airport is Hato International Airport (CUR), which is approximately a 15-minute drive from Sint Michiel. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use a private shuttle service to reach your destination.

Getting around Sint Michiel is fairly straightforward. Renting a car is the most convenient option, allowing you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Taxis are also available but can be expensive for long distances. Public buses are an affordable option and connect Sint Michiel to other parts of the island, including Willemstad. Biking is another great way to explore the area, especially the scenic coastline.

The official currency in Curacao is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG), but US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted. Credit cards are commonly used in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are readily available in Sint Michiel and throughout the island.

Sint Michiel is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone late at night and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas. Areas near Willemstad have higher crime rates, so exercise caution if venturing into the capital. Always lock your car and do not leave valuables visible inside.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The nearest hospital is St. Elisabeth Hospital in Willemstad, approximately 20 minutes away by car. Pharmacies are available in the area for minor health issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and to carry a copy of your insurance policy.

Fashion: Do dress casually but respectfully. Swimwear is appropriate at the beach but should not be worn in town. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers and the bus driver. Don’t eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Bon Bini' (welcome) or 'Kon ta bai?' (how are you?). A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like 'keshi yena' and 'pastechi.' Don’t refuse a meal if invited to someone's home; it is considered impolite.

To experience Sint Michiel like a local, visit the local fish market early in the morning to see fishermen bringing in their catch. Try snorkeling or diving at the nearby Blue Bay, known for its vibrant marine life. Engage with locals, who are often happy to share stories and tips about the area. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the nearby salt pans and flamingo sanctuary for a unique natural experience.