Cornell Students Discover Jewish Heritage, Scuba Diving in Curacao
By Justin Leader
It wasn’t your run-of-the-mill alternative break as 15 members of Cornell Hillel’s Jewish scuba club, Scubi Jew, recently ventured to the southern-most point in the Caribbean to the island of Curacao for a fantastic program of Jewish heritage and scuba diving.
Curacao is known throughout the world for its wonderful scuba diving, but many visitors don’t realize that it is also home to the first Jewish community in the Western Hemisphere with many spots of interest to visiting Jews. The Scubi Jew group visited the Jewish cemetery on the island, which was established in the mid-1600s and is well-maintained today despite the corrosive salt air and fumes from the nearby oil refinery. Among the engravings on the tombstones of the tree of life and the angel of death, we saw many depictions of skull and crossbones. It was the custom of the early Jewish settlers to follow the tradition of their ancestors who were persecuted during the Spanish Inquisition and put a skull and crossbones on their tombstones to keep their bodies from being dug up and burned by the Inquisition. We were surprised to learn that not only was this the first Jewish cemetery in the Western Hemisphere but also the first Caucasian cemetery.
Curacao was also the economic center of the Caribbean under the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century and often frequented by pirates and privateers. It turns out the pirates stole their flag, too, from the Jewish cemetery. Before they saw the Jewish tombstones, pirates would customarily fly a black flag. According to our guide, when they saw the Jewish cemetery with its skull and crossbones, they stole the idea and added it to their black flag, and thus the Jolly Roger flag was born.
Our exploration of Jewish history in Curacao also brought us to the Mikveh Israel-Emanuel Synagogue, which was built in 1731 and has been in continuous use ever since. Its sand-covered floor led us from the history of the island into the arms of the current Jewish community.
We were welcomed for Shabbat services at the synagogue and Shabbat dinner in the homes of the local Jewish community. We were guests of honor among several happy extended families for Shabbat dinner, including Cornell alumni who live on the island. As our Hillel director told us, we should expect to feel perfectly at home because when you are with fellow Jews, you are with family. He was right. The locals speak Dutch, English, Spanish and Papiemento (a language only spoken in the Netherland Antilles) but kiddush and motzi blessings over the wine and bread, respectively, are always the same. We were at home.
The experience was enriched not only by the Curacaon adults we met on our trip, but by the adults we brought with us. A few of our parents came along and added a family feel to the trip. Even those students who weren’t “theirs” grew to love them during the trip.
Between scuba diving in the pristine Caribbean waters and Jewish learning, it was an experience that none of us will ever forget. We were able to explore our own Jewish identity, find our place in the Jewish world and build a community for ourselves back on campus. And of course, we’re all looking forward to returning to our new friends and family in Curacao.
Justin Leader is a senior at Cornell University.
Source: Hillel.org
Limestone Holiday Curacao
Limestone Holiday is a cozy waterfront resort. The cottages are located in a tropical flower and palm garden, in front of a private beach with long chairs and hammocks and a lovely swimming area like a swimming-pool in sea.
You have a view over the Spanish Water bay on the Table mountain. We offer comfortable studios, one and two bedroom apartments equipped with kitchen, TV, air-conditioning, hot water shower, porch, linen, towels and cleaning service, an office with phone, fax, internet, email and a guest library.
If you might miss something, you may still ask for it. This is a perfect place for water sports such as: sailing, waterskiing, kayaking, snorkeling or diving. We have a scuba dive center with dive- and snorkel-sets and a boat for snorkel trips and boat-dives. You can start a PADI open water course right in front of the door and see the video instruction in your own apartment. At night you can learn to dance salsa or meringue.
You are near to downtown Historic Willemstad with museums, the Curaçao Marine Park with breathtaking snorkel & dive spots, beaches such as Barbara Beach, Caracas-bay Island, Jan Thiel, the Sea Aquarium with many attractions, super-markets, nice restaurants: Sarifundi’s Marina, landhuis Brakkeput Mei Mei, Larry’s,
nightlife: Baja, Mambo beach, Salinja, hotels and casinos. We rent a car with the apartment as an attractive package. All year round it is sunny, no hurricanes and there are many nice places and beaches to be discovered. We’ll give you personal attention and all the information you will need to find your way around the island, so you can really enjoy your holiday.
Local Internet Marketing – A Lesson From Curacao!
I just spent a relaxing week in Curacao, an island off the coast of Venezuela. We stayed at some quaint apartments overlooking a bay called the Spanish Waters. This place is really off the beaten path. Our day started with Costa Rican coffee on the patio only a few feet from the water. Big Sigh!
The inn is owned by a charming couple, Raul and Sylvia. He gives scuba diving instructions and she teaches Salsa dance lessons. The name of the place is called the Limestone Holiday in case you’re looking for an ideal location to rejuvenate.
I was talking to the owners and they asked what I did for a living. That is not always an easy answer, but to simplify the response I said Internet marketing. That answer always stimulates interest, especially from local business owners. Now I originally found this quaint inn through the Internet. In fact, it kept popping up on a number of different keyword searches. They proceeded to tell me how they use to spend considerable money advertising offline, and the results were not all that impressive.
Several years ago they built a web site and now they get 90% of their business off the Internet. Except for a listing on the official Curacao site, most of their traffic is free and generated through the search engines. What is amazing is that they made little effort to optimize their site for the search engines. They just built pages that focus on their rooms, their location, scuba diving and local attractions. But important terms like Curacao, scuba diving, restaurant, etc. are peppered throughout the site.
The same terms people would use if they were researching Curacao for a vacation. There was no conscious effort to strategically position the terms throughout the copy for the sake of the search engines. In fact, they do not even know what search engine optimization means. This is a perfect example how a local business can generate new customers with a minimal effort. I can tell you that the owners of the inn were not working on their site on a daily basis. In fact, they may not have updated it in the last six month.
And yet they are generating new business that would cost thousands on a monthly basis if they were advertising offline. Depending on the competitiveness of your market, with a just minor effort you could dominate the search results for your local area. And those results can generate targeted prospects who are actively looking for your products or services. By following the basics of search engine optimization, and by creating content that is search engine friendly, you could significantly increase your profits and have the time and money to visit the Limestone Holiday in Curacao.
Source: Best Syndication
By Fred Waters
Fred Waters is President of the Local Online Marketing Association, where you can get the Free Ebook, The Indispensable Guide to Local Online Marketing. Learn how you can profit online and reach new customers.
Strike group soaks up sunny Southern ports in Caribbean
By JACK DORSEY, The Virginian-Pilot
© April 13, 2006 | Last updated 3:24 PM Apr. 13
Rather than rattling sabers, as some nations have alleged of a Norfolk-based carrier strike group’s presence near South America, it appears that the biggest defensive weapon its 6,500 sailors are reaching for are bottles of suntan lotion.
It’s hot down south and Rear Adm. Joseph F. Kilkenny said Wednesday his sailors are thrilled to get an early start on summer in such exotic ports as Curacao, Aruba and St. Maarten while they cruise the region for nearly two months.
While not an unusual place for the Navy to train, it has been a few years since an aircraft carrier group has spent so much time in the Caribbean and South American waters.
Kilkenny, commander of Carrier Strike Group 10, heads a scaled-down strike group of four ships, including the carrier George Washington, the destroyer Stout, cruiser Monterey, all from Norfolk, and the frigate Underwood from Mayport, Fla.
Rather than a full 80-plane air wing, the GW is carrying just 35.
The group left home April 4 and should return in early June.
EFEX 2006 Efficiency Exposition for Business & Home
For the 9th time, the World Trade Center Curacao transforms into a digital hot spot featuring the very latest in telecommunications and computer technology.
EFEX 2006 is the largest and highest ranked expo of its kind in the Netherlands Antilles.
Under one roof, you, as an exhibitor, upload your consumer solutions and download a database of ideas, contacts and potential clients.
EFEX 2006, your opportunity to do business, keep up with industry trends, and make connections with customers.
Why participate in this Efficiency Expo?
Because Entrepreneurs like you are the Digital Pioneers that will help consumers make sense of ever-changing and evolving technologies. Your knowledge, skills and products become must-have tools for businesses, government, homes and offices.
A highlight of EFEX is the uniting of intellectual bandwidth among industries that are innovating all sorts of digital solutions. Our Efficiency Expo gives you the opportunity to exchange ideas, explore collaboration and hopefully forge partnerships with other exhibitors and consumers in the areas of mobile communications, wireless internet, home theater, digital audio, video and photo imaging, pod casting, web design, gaming and much more.
Key Networking Receptions and Workshops
We offer the opportunity for you to host a networking reception, a meeting or a workshop on the EFEX terrace or in one of the meeting rooms of the World Trade Center Curacao. Think of how much more visibility and interaction this opportunity can give your business as a featured participant in EFEX 2006.
Consumers need your expertise more now than ever before to help them make sense of their digital world. That’s why it makes sense for you to book your space now. Call or email Destination Curacao and we’ll upload you into EFEX 2006!
2006 7 – 9 April : International Tennis Tournament (Davis Cup) 7-8-9 April 2006
Davis Cup match between the Netherlands Antilles and Sto. Domingo
S.O.V. Asiento Rust & Burgh
7-8-9 April 2006 (10:00, 9:30 10:00 AM)
www.natf.an
2006 Vacation Expo Curaçao
At the 1st annual Vacation Expo Curaçao
close to 5,000 very enthusiastic attendees
and buyers re-ignited their passion for travel
and overseas destinations, while Caribbean,
Latin American and European travel industry
leaders strengthened their bonds.
Participants included, national tourism authorities, travel agents, tour operators, major hotels, cruise lines and international airlines.
* The next edition of Vacation Expo Curaçao is scheduled for March 15 to 18, 2007.
* Pick your spot on the floorplan.
* Register today!
* Finding China in Guilin
* Hala Gorani: A postcard from Cairo
* Dream trip: The Leaning Tower of Pisa
* Utah adventure cures vacation doldrums
* Mickey Mouse to set sail in Europe
* Canadian tourism back, but far from booming; officials call for another $30 million advertising
* India, Philippines to sign agreement on cooperation in tourism
* Oman Travel Market in progress
* French now need US visas for travel
* Korea Now a Tourism ‘Superpower’
In addition representatives of a number of tourism related industries (including Hertz International, skin care products, banks and phone companies) made use of the promotional opportunity provided by the Vacation Expo 2006. The presence of the American Airlines, Air Jamaica, KLM, Aeropostal and Surinam Airways was considered a highlight by the event’s the organizers. The airlines made use of the expo to promote their globe spanning services.
Effective Promotional Tool
Vacation Expo 2006, held from March 16 through 19 at the World Trade Center Curaçao, proved to be a very effective promotional tool. Visitors took the opportunity to interact on a one-on-one basis with exhibitors and got answers to many questions ranging from the best time for traveling to roaming options, comprehensive travel insurance arrangements and effective preventive vaccinations. In addition to satisfying their curiosity attendees also got a taste of several kitchens of the world. A big screen in the center of the food court continuously showed presentations of the show’s exhibitors. The exuberant interest shown by the visitors compelled many exhibitors to already sign up for next year’s event.
Mark your calendars
The next Vacation Expo Curaçao is scheduled for March 15 to 18, 2007. Destination Curaçao, organizers of a number of annual and bi-annual trade shows (EFEX, Living, Fashion Weekend), are already preparing for the 2007 edition, building on this year’s success. Tourism related businesses are invited to apply at their earliest convenience to ensure that they will (again) be part of Vacation Expo Curaçao 2007.
Revisit www.vacationexpocuracao.com regularly for more information and registration or contact Destination Curaçao at (+599 9) 463 6178.
Destination Curaçao N.V.
World Trade Center Curaçao
P.O.Box 6103, Curaçao N.A.
Phone: (+599 9) 463 6178
Fax: (+599 9) 463 6539
www.destination-curacao.com
Antigua highlighted at Curacao Expo
Filed under: Business and Economy, Conferences and Trade Shows, Events
Antigua & Barbuda made full use of the opportunity to market its many assets while attending Vacation Expo Curacao 2006.
Attending the event was staff from within the marketing department of the Ministry of Tourism who presented Antigua & Barbuda, its festivals, beaches and other special tourist products to the over 4,900 people in attendance.
Marketing Manager for the Caribbean region Joyce Henry and Public Relations Officer Annette Michael, relayed that the country could not have been presented to Curacao at a more opportune time.
The tourism officials said the general consensus of people visiting the Antiguan and Barbudan stall was that they were tired of the metropolitan areas of the world and would like to indulge a bit more in whatsoever the Caribbean had to offer, particularly Antigua.
Airlift, was a major area of concern, and Caribbean Star Airlines answered the call as it will begin direct flights to Curacao in June, from its hub in Antigua.
Although a contingent from the Carnival office was not present at the Vacation Expo, flyers and DVD presentations were made of the Carnival festival, which peaked the interests of the attendees.
PRO Annette Michael, made use of the opportunities presented mainly with Trois Paradise a local radio station on island in Curacao, and the Flamingo Broadcasting System whose on-air personalities strolled the stalls of the expo. Callers also showed an interest in the wedding and honeymoon packages and other festivities such as sailing week.
Other Caribbean islands that took part in the vacation expo are Aruba and Bonaire (they make up the three nation configuration of the ABC islands), Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Cuba, Columbia, Venezuela, and Jamaica.
The innovative expo enabled consumers to sample the best vacation opportunities of the Caribbean region and other vacation destinations all within walking distance under one roof. It also enabled businesses to have premium, one-on-one access to a captive market of motivated and potentially “ready to buy†vacation shoppers.
Antigua & Barbuda’s next regional showing is in Barbados at the Habitat Tradeshow from the 21- 23 April.
Successful career hotelier at St. Kitts Marriott Resort
A career hotelier with a track record of success at several brand name hotels, is now at the helm of the St. Kitts Marriott Resort & the Royal Beach Casino.
Cuban-born George Landa, boasts almost 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, with 12 years as a general manager, including his most recent role at the Curacao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino for the past three and half years.
He led the Curacao Resort team in reaching the highest guest and associate satisfaction in the Caribbean and the highest financial revenue and profit results in the history of the resort.
Landa, who was introduced to St. Kitts/Nevis Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Dr. Denzil L. Douglas in January, has a passion for local youth education and the community and has spearheaded the first bachelor programme for hospitality in the University of Curacao sponsored by The Hague Hospitality School of Management, adopting and restoring public schools in popular low income neighbourhoods through volunteer and local business partnerships.
He has also participated in charity events, such as American Women’s Club Fundraising Dinners for numerous local needy organisations and assisted in his drive to create corporate leadership partnership events with government to these critical community needs.
The Curacao Marriott under Mr. Landa’s direction received the 2004 Human Resources Award for the Job Certification Programme, which has since been adopted by all other Marriott hotels in the region.
Prior to going to Curacao, Landa was general manager of the Intercontinental Hotel in Valencia, Venezuela, where he again achieved highest associate, guest and financial results in the 32-year history of the Hotel, winning numerous General Manager Awards and the key to the city for his dedication to the community and development of the Tourism Industry.
Landa has previously managed brand hotels such as Hilton, Embassy Suites and Holiday Inn in several major US cities.
Source: SUN St.Kitts & Nevis
Mountain Bike World Cup: Curacao
Curacao – The first round of the UCI World Cup took place in the Caribbean heat this weekend, on the Dutch Antilles island of Curacao. According to Cyclingnews.com, world champion Gunn-Rita Dahle of Multivan Merida Bike Team and Bart Brentjens of Giant Racing won the women’s and men’s races respectively.
Unbearable temperatures forced race organizers to shorten the men’s race by one lap (6.8 kilometers, seven times down to six). And while Brentjens may have had a bit of an advantage over other racers, having helped design the course in his role as mountain biking ambassador from the Netherlands, second place rider and world champion Julien Absalon admits Brentjens was the stronger racer that day. “He was really powerful, and I maybe did too much at the beginning when I had to catch him,” Absalon told Cyclingnews after the finish. “But this is good for me at this time of year, and now I will go back and train for the three World Cups in Europe next month.”
In the women’s race a bit of first-round confusion and a couple of crashes gave Dahle the chance to secure a lead against competitors like Marie-Helene Premont and Mary McConneloug.