Curaçao - Adventure Guide to Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao - page 239

tryside and Landhuis Brakkeput Mei Mei ( 767-1500), which is now a

restaurant. Plan to spend some time driving around this area, which will
be fairly quiet during the week, but hopping with activity on weekends.
Caracasbaai , on the southwest side of Spanish Water, was once domi-
nated by the Shell Oil Terminal. Recently, the area has been transformed
into one of the trendiest spots on the island, with an assortment of
watersports equipment available at Baja Beach. Guides lead tours
through Fort Beekenburg, built between 1701 and 1704 to defend Curaçao
from pirates and foreign troops. Views from the tower are awesome.
The Hato Caves , near the airport, have an underground lake, waterfalls,
and large chambers decorated with stalagmites and stalactites that are
still growing and will eventually meet to form a single column. During
hourly tours, guides point out shells and coral in the rock formations,
which developed millions of years ago when Curaçao was under water.
Shifts in the earth caused cracks in the cave walls and pieces fell from the
top to create an opening. If you happen to be around at dusk, you'll see
hundreds of bats flying out of this space to hunt for food.
The caves are part of an iguana-filled park with a patio snack bar. A walk-
ing trail leads to ancient Indian carvings that indicate the Caiquetios held
religious ceremonies either inside or near the caves more than 1,500 years
ago. Look for signs on the airport highway (Rooseveltweg) indicating the
way to Hato Caves. The park is open daily from 10 am until 5 pm; admis-
sion is $6.50 for adults and $4.75 for children younger than 12. 868-

0379.
Landhuis Brievengat , east of the airport on Bonhamweg, holds many
musical shows and cultural events throughout the year. Experts think the
house was built in the early 18th century for a plantation owner who grew
aloe and raised cattle. A rare hurricane destroyed the property in 1877,
and it was abandoned until Shell Oil bought it many years later in order to
pump freshwater from the underground well. Shell donated the estate to
the government of Curaçao in the mid-1950s, and the ruined mansion was
restored to its original splendor. Notice the unusual towers at the sides of
the house. They were once used as a prison for slaves who caused trouble.
Visitors may tour Brievengat daily, 9:15 am-12:15 pm and 3-6 pm. Admis-
sion is $2 for adults and $1 for children younger than 12. Live bands and
folklore groups often entertain (sometimes with dance lessons), but check
K-Pasa for a listing of scheduled events, or call in advance for information,

737-8344 or 565-2156 (cell).
Playa Kanoa , north from Brievengat on a paved road which becomes dirt,
is a protected cove, and one of the only safe watersports areas on the rug-
ged north coast. Local windsurfers frequent the bay, and you can swim in
the placid water, but there's not much of a beach.
The Ostrich and Game Farm , near St. Joris Bay on the northeast coast,
is the largest of its type outside Africa. You can visit by taking a guided
tour in the black-and-white-striped Zebra Safari Jeep ( 747-2777), which