Expert: Andy Mendyk - 7/22/2010

Question
Hi Andy,

First, thank you for the quick response to my question last month regarding flights.  Our trip is booked now,(just a few days!-hooray) but I do have a couple other questions.

1) Do you have any info on day trips to Curacao? Details, pros, cons?  We have been to Aruba several times and there are things we definitely want to do each time, but also we try to do at least one new thing each time, so I was thinking about Curacao as a possibility.  I am wondering if it would be worth the time and possible hassles with airport and all.

2) What are the current best jeweler options, especially for unique, quality pieces at reasonable prices?  We usually do some shopping and over the last 10 years have patronized various shops.

3) Are you aware of any place that has dance music? (don't mean so much the very lively places like Carlos and Charlies or whatever it's now called) We also enjoy the piano bars and are hoping that Sopranos is still there. Are there any othe piano bars?

Thanks so much.
Jean

Answer
Hello jean!  There are plenty of daily flights to/from Curacao from Aruba. There is really not much to do there except for some shopping and sights. With the hassle at the airport, it can quickly eat away from your vacation time!.
Jewelers..I like Columbian Emeralds at the Renaissance Mall for selection and quality, but they do not like to bargain much, and will hold firm on the price. Kays Jewelers, just around the corner, has a fair selection, and usually will work with you to bring the price down a bit. I have always heard positive remarks about Kays.
Dance music...well..that was the "Old" Aruba. Now, it's all that lively stuff mostly for the younger crowd. I did not hear anything regarding Sopranos, so maybe you may be in luck!
Have a great trip..I'll be there myself in 3 weeks!