Curaçao Chronicles: A Tale of Acceptance and Natural Beauty

Greetings from Handelskade

One of the most photographed locations in Curaçao. Handelskade is located in the Punda district.

Hey there, fellow wanderers! Let me hit you with the lowdown on my recent jaunt to the sunny shores of Curaçao – spoiler alert: it was an absolute game-changer.

So picture this: you're a person of size, cruising into vacation mode, ready to soak up some sun, sand, and good vibes. But let's be real, sometimes those vibes can get a little tainted. As a plus-size traveler, I've often found myself navigating through the unspoken judgments and societal norms that can cast a shadow over vacation bliss. From the subtle stares at the beach to the raised eyebrows in the resort gym, the experience can sometimes feel like a constant battle against preconceived notions.

But then, Curaçao happened. And let me tell you, it's like stepping into a whole other dimension of acceptance and inclusivity. Seriously, it's like they've got a secret recipe for making everyone feel like they belong, no questions asked.

From the moment I touched down, I could feel the difference in the air. Gone were the days of worrying about the stares when I strutted my stuff in a bikini or hit up the resort gym for a sweat. In Curaçao, it's all about being you, no filters or judgments attached.

And can we talk about the natural vibes? I'm talking natural hair, minimal makeup (if any), and let's not forget about those natural bodies! The wig and weave culture? Non-existent, my friends. Sure, I spotted a couple of weaves here and there, but they were as rare as a unicorn sighting.

Now, let's get to the real MVPs of Curaçao – the chi-chis. You'll see 'em everywhere, statues and images of these voluptuous goddesses, representing the strength and beauty of Caribbean women. It's like they're saying, "Hey, you're fabulous just the way you are." It was a refreshing change from the often-unattainable ideals perpetuated elsewhere.

And as a plus-size, natural-haired gal myself, let me tell you, Curaçao's vibe was like a warm hug I never knew I needed. For the first time in what felt like forever, I could just be me, without a care in the world about what anyone else thought.

In a world where societal pressures can sometimes feel overwhelming, Curaçao stands as a beacon of hope – a reminder that acceptance and inclusivity are not just buzzwords but lived experiences. So if you're craving a getaway where you can truly let your hair down (or rock that natural 'fro), do yourself a favor and add Curaçao to your bucket list. Trust me, you won't regret it.

Catch you on the flip side, my fellow adventurers!


Iya Thomas

Iya is the Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Shapely. Iya is committed to inspiring people of size to crush inhibitions, champion their community and live their best plus sized life! You can follow her on Instagram @cutebydefinition.

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