I realized a lot during my time in the little yellow house…

My marriage was worse than I had been willing to previously admit to myself and it had broken me in ways that I was going to have to face in order to move forward.

My mother died from Breast Cancer in 2007 and my father from Brain Cancer in 2011. I was missing my parents in ways that I hadn’t expected.

By this point, I was a Birth and Death Doula and a grief worker and I was burnt out from holding space for others.

America had left me frayed. My mental health was teetering.

I needed a reset.

Turns out I was in the PERFECT place to have one! Curacao is truly magical.

On the grounds where I lived, I would wake up to the sounds of roosters. I’d open my door to watch the dog Chocolate greet his animal friends. Peacocks and chickens and lizards would zip past my door as the local caretaker would water the gardens and smile at my morning afro. Eventually, my own dog Ana- Mae would join in and I’d sit outside drinking a tea I’d concocted and listen to music.

I’m lucky, that I can work remote. Once my 2 month ” time out ” was over, my lap top came with me as I spent every moment I could, exploring.

A few of my favorites…

Den Paradera Herb Garden if you’re into medicinal herbs and the most BEAUTIFUL gardens. The grounds are stunning but her herbal blends are legendary.

KOME was my absolute favorite restaurant on the island. There are no views, like you can find at so many other spots, but the menu and service are worth it. I became a regular, and quickly. PLEASE do try the Risotto… I’m drooling just thinking about it.

Boka Pistol A little treacherous to drive, in a tiny hatchback, but WOW! This is just one of the places you can visit in Shete Boka National Park. Perched at the top of a mountain, it’s like standing at the end of Earth and just watching Mother Nature put on a show.

Mambo Beach is popular with tourists for a reason. It’s fun and accessible and the beach is gorgeous. Go early if you want a chair but there are a ton of bars and restaurants and shopping to keep you busy. I found gorgeous Italian dresses and blankets here for CHEAP.

Jaanchies. I almost don’t want to share this one. It’s just that good. This restaurant is a landmark in Curacao and for good reason. They have 1 cocktail and it’s blue and it will knock your socks off it’s so good. The waiter, in his 70’s tells you the menu while sitting at your table and you’re thrilled to hear him recite it each time. The walls are open and hummingbirds sing to you as you dine. The food is so good, be prepared to stop talking completly. You may even moan. I would drive an hour to get here and was NEVER dissapointed. Go, but be quiet about it 🙂

I could go on and on honestly. There were so many places to love. As a Black woman, it was exactly what I needed. I needed to see US smiling. Safe. Thriving. I needed to wear my Afro and not have people ask to touch it. I needed to see Black art and hear our music and just be reminded that there were places where we were loved and welcome and home.