Thursday!

We know, I can hear you say...... so what? Bear with me. In Curaçao, this is the day of the week when we GO OUT. Fridays are "happy hour time", as everywhere else in the world, but Thursdays are special. It's the day when everyone goes out for more than just drinks.

Thursdays are the days off of most housekeepers; and , yes, I can hear that too. How spoiled are people over there? Well, let's face it, everybody wants help with dinner, with laundry and other domestic chores. Don't you? I have seen people with all kinds of backgrounds adjusting smoothly to this way of life, believe me! And whatever people think, it does leave you time to enjoy other things. I was grateful and miss it! A good housekeeper is a treasure. Anyway, back to Thursdays. With housekeepers off, the family makes plans for dinner out or visits with friends. The children enjoy these outings in the middle of the week, a break of sorts before the weekend because it involves the whole family. Trust me, it really helps with the dynamics of life in a small community.

Plans are made throughout the week, or during that day. Phone calls, exchanges when picking up your children at school or leaving work in the late afternoon.... everyone gets into it. Of course, if you are not married, have no children or a housekeeper you can join as well. It's expected of you! In most cases plans will be made for drinks in one of the "in" places around the island. Everyone knows where to go and at what time it would be appropriate to show up. In most instances there will be music, food and lively conversation. Depending on your preference, you can stay a couple of hours or until the early hours.

There are, of course, people who do not feel partying on Thursday is the thing to do; but will dine out with the family and the children. Or they can go shopping. Yes, Thursday night is koop avond or shopping night in Dutch. It's one day a week in which stores are open at night. That is what's great! There is something for everyone on Thursdays, not only sitting in front of the television watching one more episode of some boring reality show. Since this is a small place, you are bound to encounter everyone or almost everyone you know, in whatever place you chose. I can tell you, everything on the islands is a social function and you'd love it! Thursdays rock in the Tropics..... why not here?!