I had prefered to keep you informed about my adventures on Curaçao from the island, however first the internet at our accommodations was out of service and secondly my notebook decided it was too hot to work. 

We started the month of November with some hours in the air. After 9 hours of flying time we landed on the airport of Curaçao which was like stepping into a hot oven. Fortunately, the bikes and suitcases had come along.

After a long day (5 additional hours due to the time difference) we were happy to be settled at our accommodation. We mounted the bikes, had a bite to eat and were ready for bed. Despite the heat you definitely need a blanket as you can not sleep there without airconditioning.

On day 1 we spend exploring the pool and our parc Livingstone and went to a supermarket withe the free supermarket shuttle. Into the bus, one hour to do your groceries and back into the bus going back. Very handy but you cannot expose certain products to the tropical temperatures too long. Our milk was already gone after 1 day n the fridge, while the expiration date was not due yet. From then on only pasteurised milk. In the afternoon we went on the bike for our adventurous trip to the bike store Dasia for getting some more air in our tubes. We quickly discoverd that it is not a very bike friendly island and moreover most of the roads can use a new layer of asphalt. We also had to watch big holes, dogs, goats and cars.

The next morning we had a exploring trip of the bike course on the schedule. After some contacts thru the internet we would be with a group of 6 cyclists, maybe completed with some members of TEC (local bike club). However after also some advertising on Curaçao there was a group of about 60 cyclists at Lions Dive at 8:30 am. Iwan (the organiser of this happening)had arranged a truck which would follow us and was loaded with cool boxes with sme nice cold drinks. We experienced that this was definitely no luxury for these weather circumstances.

The climate is definitly something else here. For triathletes: it is comparable to Hawaii in this time of the year (rain season). At 6:00 am in the morning it is already hot and at 11:00 pm you are still able to sit outside in your bading suite. For refreshment you do not have to jump in the pool as the water has heated up as well. In the sea it is nice and wetsuits are not known here. In a room with airconditioning you have the most change to cool off and in the cool cel of a supermarket . However, after hearing the weather forecast of the Netherlands I should stop mourning. You just need to get used to it, although you have to adjust your succes expectations in the sport. 

It was nice to discover such a large part of the island and on the way back the enjoyment was even bigger, as the asphalt had been renewed here. Another thing worth mentioning is the ferry trip from Punda to Otrbanda and back. The bridge was open and we had to go with the whole group by ferry. At first we thought we had to go in two times but we were able to fit all on the same ferry. We definitely had some spectators. It was fun to finally meet and see the cyclists with who I had only been communicating by the e-mail. Overall a very succesful "event"

At night there was some time for relaxation. We went to the beach movies. Lying on a beach bed on Mambo Beach. Well something you have to do once in your life, right? The beds were of different comfort (with or without pillow etc). So there we weren lying on the beach and watching to a movie on a big screen. 

After a short night we wanted to do some early sightseeing. Early as we wanted to climb the highest mountain on Curaçao: the "Christoffelberg". With our big car (see picture ) we made a trip to the West. Unfortunately we weren't there before 9 am due to a traffic jam to Willemstad. A trip to the top of the  mountain would take us about 60 minutes (that is what the sign said). It started easy on a beautiful trail, but the amount of rocks increased very quickly. The last part could only be done using hands and feet. I really thought : is this the right way? Well yes. I believe they should alter the description they give in most tourist guides to hike to the top, flip flops not allowed. We luckily wore our sneakers but we saw people returning because they were wearing flip flops.  

The view was beautiful and the way down easier than expected. AFterwards we had another look around in the parc and then we went further for some real Antaliaans lunch at Jaanchi's. Of course I wanted to try some Iguana (speciality on the island). The taste, well try it your self . Okay I would say a bit like chicken and rabbit. Definitely tasted okay. Finally we went to "Grote Knip", a beautiful bay for snorkling. Finally also some time to continue in my big addiction of the moment (the trilogy of Larsson).  Soon I found out I am not the only one. Of course I had to buy the next edition at the Bruna (bookstore) on Curaçao.

On Thursday we had a free helikopter flight on the schedule. Why not even tough it was only 5 minutes. I did not mind at all to go in a helicopter once more (Hawaii first time) and Jochem had never been in one. Short but definitely worth while. We had a really nice view over Willemstad. After the flight we acted like tourists and explored Willemstad.

Thursday afternoon we participated in the criterium just around the corner from our accommodation. From the professionals just 3 started:van Hummel, Hoogerland en Feillu. Furthermore all men and Rylana and Sione (moi). There was a mean little climb each lap. A lap was about 1.8 kilometers. Fun to take part in and I was doing better than expected. The profs were gone in no time but I was together with Alain Smets (a belgian cycle fanatic) and later also another 2 locals. So let's go.

On Friday again time for some sightseeing. We went to the caves of Hato. After me having some doubts I have to say it was definitely worth while to visit. And moreover I finally was able to get a large Iguana on my camera. I had been hunting already the whole week but I did not get further than being too late or a dead one. In the afternoon we were able to register for the Amstel Curaçao race. We entered ourselves as members of the Pemasijo-team. AA team specially founded for the ACR compromised of Peter-Mark-Sione-and–Jochem. ;-).
 

Then finally Saturday the "big" day. Start time 2 pm, but around 1:30 pm we had to get already in the start zone. The professionals were still in their airconditioned rooms of course. I was already boiled and cooked before the start. Then finally the start. The first 5 kilometers were limited behind a truck. However for a large group it was going already too fast so the first sifting had been made. From the beginning we were already to far back and after the limited part we did not stop but they did a "flying start" and therefore the pros were gone in not time. I tried to keep up with the second group. Unfortunately it started to rain after about 10 kilometers and the round about had turned very very slippery. If the roads get wet on Curaçao the roads turn into a ice skating rink. You can just not imagine this and even going straight is very difficult. There were some crashes but fortunately nothing serious.  The group splited up due to this, but I managed to stick to the group. Luckily the rest of the trip we had no more rain nor wet roads. 

On the way we picked up a few individuals who had tried to stick to the pros. I was in a group with mainly locals, ex pros and ice-skater/entertainer Erik Hulzebosch. There was a good pace and at the finish it appeared we were not even 10 minutes behind the pros. The Pemasijo team members (see picture at left side. we are nog standing in the fromation: masipejo) finished all and were supported by Susan (girlfriend of Mark) and Paul (Peter's dad) who also have made pictures and video footage. It was a nice happening and I enjoyed. At night there was an after party followed by the day of departure. Bikes in the boxes again, quick visit to Willemstad and back home. Again a climate shock!

Soon I will add some new pictures to the wall of fame and I will tell more about my plans for 2010!