A strange, albeit colourful, place Curacao. During the course of checking in yesterday we had a wander around Willenstad. New Years Eve should be interesting in the town, rthe parties kick off about midday! Nobody, but nobody, in Spanish Water has admitted to organising a party on any boat, so not quite sure what we'll do. I have to be at the airport by 2040 to pick up a returning 'Sammie the Seal', so any party won't be taking place on Trouters.

Anyway, checking in: We were given a sketch map which helped locate the various offices we had to visit, which was a great help. The day started badly when we were told there was a 0930 bus to town. As we approached the bus-stop at 0905, the bus drove away as we started to run towards it! The next bus arrived at 1015...great. We found Customs easily enough and were in and out within ten minutes, very friendly, no problemo. We then crossed the river on the ferry as the swing bridge had swung open to admit a couple of small ships. We located the entrance to the complex where Immigration and the Port Authority leve, filled out the necessary paperwork to be issued with a gate pass and proceeded to Immigration. There was a notice, 'Back at 1200' it said. it lied. The time was 1110 and the Port Authority office closed at (wait for it) 1200 for an hour and a half lunch break. Trying to short-cut the system (yes, I know, I should know better by now) I went up to the P.A. office, explained that they were not present and asked if I could complete the paperwork for an anchoring permit. 'No', was the answer, so back to the Immigration office. Time went by. Other yotties arrived, how we larfed and chatted as 1200 came and went. The Port Authority office closed for lunch. I foolishly tempted fate by saying it was no problem because by the time Immigration appeared the P.A. office would have re-opened. On the dot of 1247 Immigration appeared a little sheepishly and issued forms to fill out. Filled-out forms and passports stamped it was now 1302. Wait outside the Port Authority office. 1330 go into office and complete forms. Forms duly photocopied (once the machine had warmed up) and just as we were about to depart.....'You must fill out a sail plan and return it to this office before you leave'. OK, we're checking out on the 1st, leaving in the morning of the 2nd. Are you open on the 1st? 'Not until the 4th, but you must submit this form'. OK, I'll fill it out now. 'That'll be OK'. So, guessing that the colour of the liferaft was orange, thinking that we would have 20 days food onboard when we left and that we would be in Cartegena by 12th Jan (not that it mattered because I didn't give a contact phone number in case we were 'overdue') I gave the nice lady the form and we went and had a late lunch. I draw a discreet veil over the free rum tasting session I had in a nearby rum shop, but as their cheapest offering was US$38 for a 750cl bottle (unlike good Ole Jack Iron at US$ 11.15 for a 1.75 litre bottle) I made my excuses and left. Todays fun-filled mission will be to locate a hire car :)

The 'famous' (?) bridge

Colourful, innit?