The island of Curacao is situated at 60 kilometers from the South American mainland in the southern part of the Caribbean Sea. Southeast of the island lies Little Curacao, an uninhabited islet. Curacao originated 100 million years ago under the sea and the oldest rock formations for the major part exist of volcanic rock. These old rocks were raised above sea level some 60 million years ago and then surrounded by coral limestone. The landscape is flat for the major part with a few hills, mainly in the northwestern part of the island. The highest peak of Curacao is the Christoffelberg (372 meter). From the top of this hill one has a magnificent view of the island. To climb the hill with kids takes about an hour and a half and is well worth the effort. It is one of the most vegetated areas of the island and uphill one can discover all kinds of plants, animals and beautiful rocks (large boulders in different forms). Once on top you can feel the strong and refreshing northeastern wind and you are rewarded for your climbing effort with the beautiful view. The small loose rocks make it extra adventurous for kids to conquer the mountain and reach its top. At the steepest part of the climb you have to be careful, however, because to fall means a crash of a dozen meter or more.

To descend the hill requires other physical movements, which makes it another adventure. To climb this hill as inhabitant or visitor of the island is recommended for both the old and the young. I climb this hill at least once a year with my children. Considering the effort and safety for the first climb it is best to wait till a child is at least six years old. That is the rule I use. Furthermore applies that the earlier in the day one starts the climb, the less one is hindered by the heat and the bright sun, and the more one can enjoy the area.

Another recommendation is to witness a passionate game of domino. It is only now, after I’ve been back in Curacao for more than ten years, that I recently witnessed the true arena and scene of the game. It is literally played under a tree and into the wee hours of the night. A barbeque and alcoholic beverages are essential elements. It is most common that the players (friends) call each other names when they make even the smallest mental error. As an outsider or non-participating party you would think that the game will end in a huge fight between (former) best friends. Nothing is less true, however. When the sun almost rises one says a temporary goodbye to the game and the arena is abandoned with a sincere word of thanks to the host. The principal lead players of the domino game are (almost always) the men and the women play a supporting role by providing the necessary food and beverages. It is also notable that the game is played anywhere and everywhere and that the players completely lose themselves in the game. Everybody is welcome to take a seat at the table and one is only judged for the quality of his game. Professional or social status of daily life is forgotten and any mental error is thrashed vocally in loud terms.

Perhaps the passion of the spoken language Papiamento contributes to the fanaticism with which the game is played. Even though Dutch is still the official language, for most people in Curacao Papiamento is their mother tongue. The name Papiamento probably derives from the Portuguese word “Papear”, which means “to speak”. Papiamento is a typical mixed language with Portuguese and Spanish grammar and with many words deriving from Dutch and English. The language originated in the seventeenth century as a means of communication between the slaves and their masters and among the slaves themselves. Papiamento and domino are both mastered by all social classes and are part of the identity of the population of the Caribbean island of Curacao.

Not the social status but the skill of the game is what counts; if you master the game you “are the man” of the evening. As regards this game my qualities are minimal and I am very conscious thereof, so when I am invited to join the game I think it wiser to refrain myself from sitting at the table. For me to closely witness this very passionate and eminent mental game is sufficient for now. I will therefore suffice with getting a taste of the spicy atmosphere of the Caribbean game of domino. Nevertheless I am convinced that one day I will try my resilience and the passion for the game as a player.

Gerrit Scheper