Curacao redux

Today, we docked again in Curacao. The Norwegian Pearl remains docked here, looking a little sad not going out to sea.

It is another hazy day here in the Southern Caribbean. At least it isn't raining like it was during our visit nine days ago.

There is a resort right by the dock. It has this terrific looking sand entry pool with an infinity edge overlooking the ocean.

Just above and to the right of the pool, you can make out the Queen Emma pontoon bridge that spans inlet for foot traffic and the much higher Queen Juliana bridge for vehicular traffic.

Here, you can see the welcome tents and vendors that greet guests as they leave the ship.

There is also a baseball diamond right across from the dock. In the distance to the right, you can see the Queen Juliana bridge.

In the distance, you can also make out the oil refinery that processes Venezuelan oil.

I've mentioned the, let's call it "interesting" art throughout the ship. Here's a piece that we see every day when going to the Sky Observation Lounge on deck 14 for trivia.

At least Arlona isn't as much of a puzzle as he is.

After losing miserably at trivia (there are some serious trivia players on this ship), we ventured ashore.

To get to town, you pass through RIF fort, now a shopping and dining spot. A little past that, you walk along the channel that splits the town. Here, you can see the two bridges more clearly.

And here's a better look at the pontoon bridge.

As we approached, we could hear the bell ringing indicating that the bridge was about to open.

Here it is, partially open.

And fully open.

It really changes the look of the town without the bridge.

These are the pontoons right next to shore when the bridge is open.

And a look down the bridge, now to nowhere.

We opted to hop the ferry to get across. The ferry runs for those that don't want to walk the bridge and for when the bridge is open.

Here is the ship that caused the bridge to open, heading out to sea past our cruise ship.

It was nice to see the local vendors still have a sense of humor.

We admired some of the local art.

And we strolled along a small beach near town.

We got back to the bridge just as the bell began to ring again.

Here is the pilot house as it is swinging away.

And here's it is, as it closes and reopens to foot traffic.

It's fun to see the bridge operate.

It was time to head back to the ship to cool down and have lunch.

We spent time reading in our deck before heading up for 4pm trivia. Birds seen to have commented about the ship being in port today...

With just the two of us, we scored 13/15 this afternoon, but a perfect 15 won. We didn't know that Brian Jones was a founding member of the Rolling Stones and that a mudskipper is a fish. Oh well...

After dinner, we went to the headliner show, a comedy magician. He was entertaining. Then, we made a stop for a nightcap.

About 10pm, before we sailed, the captain announced that more people had been diagnosed with COVID and another two passengers were disembarked before we sailed. Close contacts had already been quarantined.

We sailed shortly after and said farewell to Curacao.

Tomorrow, our first visit to Bonaire.