SM4KYN is currently active again as PJ2/SM4KYN from Curacao Island, IOTA SA - 099.
He is working on 80 - 6m.
Recent DX Spots PJ2/SM4KYN
QSL via home call.
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Anders Qvist, Pilgrimsvagen 24A, 68137 Kristinehamn, Sweden.
The island of Curaçao: a paradise in the Caribbean
Many people are familiar with the refined and sophisticated taste of Curaçao liqueur, but not everyone knows that it originates from an island in the Caribbean with the same name. Located off the coast of Venezuela, it is a separate state within the Netherlands and belongs to the Lesser Antilles. Despite its small size, Curaçao is the largest island belonging to the Netherlands. The island is simply bathed in azure: blue skies and crystal clear waters. It is a true paradise, attracting tourists from all over the world with its natural beauty, secluded beaches with pure white sand, breathtaking diving, and exotic atmosphere. Here you can forget about everything, listen to the sound of the waves, sip a cocktail, and enjoy a relaxing vacation.
Curacao Island. PJ2/SM4KYN QSL. Sunset, PJ2T.
Interesting facts from history
According to legend, the island got its name from Spanish explorer Alonso de Ojeda, who landed sailors suffering from scurvy on the island and found them completely healthy upon his return. The crew was saved by vitamin C, which is found in large quantities in local fruits. So the navigator decided to name this amazing island Curaçao, which means “healing” in Portuguese.
There is another version, according to which the name of the island is associated with the word “curazon” - heart, which later transformed into Curaçao. After Oqueda's discovery, hundreds of Spanish gold prospectors flocked to the island, but the lack of fresh water forced them to leave these picturesque places. The Dutch who followed them began to actively develop agriculture, growing fruit, peanuts, and corn, and extracting salt from lakes. During the heyday of the slave trade, Curaçao was one of the slave transit points.
It was during this period that the foundations of the island's official language, Papiamento, were laid. It is a mixture of several European languages and some African dialects. Today, locals use Papiamento alongside Dutch in everyday life, and many also speak Spanish and English.
Curaçao: warm climate and hospitality
The island's capital is Willemstad, with its drawbridges and low-rise Dutch-style buildings. The population is predominantly black, Latino, and Dutch. The locals are known for their friendliness and welcoming attitude towards tourists. If you look at someone, they will immediately greet you.
As for the climate, the island is located in the subequatorial zone, so the weather is sunny and hot almost all year round. It is comfortable in Curaçao in both winter and summer, as there is little difference in temperature between seasons. In the summer months, it is usually +30 °C, while in winter it is around +25 °C. At the same time, the fresh sea breeze makes the heat easy to bear. The rainy season on the island lasts throughout the fall and ends in December.
A vibrant vacation on the island
Curaçao is an island of contrasts, with natural landscapes that amaze with their diversity. The deserted northern side with islands of solidified lava and volcanic cliffs borders the south, where there are many picturesque bays with sandy beaches and winding inlets. The coastline is framed by small coral reefs of stunning beauty, but the seabed is sandy. The natural park is home to Mount Saint Christoffel, 375 meters high, the highest point on the island. Exotic birds and rare animals live here.
On the numerous beaches separated by secluded coves, everyone will find something to their liking in Curaçao. Here you can bask in the gentle tropical sun, feel at one with nature, or discover sports such as diving, snorkeling, or windsurfing. Many come here for extreme entertainment. For example, you can swim with sharks. You can also go on an excursion to a coral mushroom forest or sunken ships, but such diving is more suitable for professionals.
Exotic cuisine and holidays
In addition to cocktails based on the famous orange liqueur Curaçao, the island offers exotic national dishes such as charcoal-grilled barracuda and stewed goat meat.
It is also worth trying the traditional soup made by local chefs from goat meat and plantain, which has an unusual spicy taste due to the spices, as well as “keshi-yena” - a cheese pie with tomatoes and chicken in an original sauce.
Curaçao is a colorful Caribbean island that hosts many festive events. On the first day of January, a colorful and enchanting carnival begins here with parades and musical performances. The island also hosts salsa and jazz festivals.
