Earlier this year we took a cruise with friends to the ABC's of Aruba, Bonnaire and Curacao. Of the three, Curacao was the most interesting and most enjoyable with the colorful Dutch city of Willemstad’s buildings, houses and street paintings.

Why the colored building? It was a headache that changed an island, according to local tales. Curaçao’s famous pastel-colored buildings possibly began in 1817 when former governor Albert Kikkert allegedly complained of headaches after looking at the brilliant white buildings which reflected the sun’s glare.

However, It’s said that after this the buildings were all painted in bright colors, and Kikkert may have had a more colorful reason behind his order as it was said that he was part owner of a local paint factory...typical government official...

Cheers, hope you enjoy the colors.