Question: What does Dushi mean?
As the world swirls, I’ve clutched calm by mentally voyaging back to the sweet island of Curaçao: the small Caribbean island I had the joy of visiting this summer. To understand why I’m using the word “Sweet“, let’s explore the Papiamentu word, “Dushi.”
“Dushi” is a beloved and frequently-used word in Curaçao. In the island’s Papiamentu language, “dushi” means sweet, nice, or good. In Curaçao, you can use “dushi” to praise a food, lovely person, or pleasing place. The word is like a hug.
What are examples of Dushi in Curaçao?
My most dushi moment in Curaçao occurred at Playa Jeremi, a spot on the northwest shore of Curaçao that is one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve seen in my life. It wasn’t just the contrast of the spiky cacti against the sprawling azure sea, however, that spun my heart. It was spotting this father and daughter swim-cuddling:
Did you squeal, too, when you saw that sweetness?
My second dushi Curaçao moment is this fish mural from Willemstad. The island pulses with Caribbean colors, but this particular building stole my heart. “Hello and welcome!” the fish seems to be singing. Let me embrace you with my fishy fins!
I originally drove by the building on my first day in Willemstad, but was going too speedily to photograph it. For days, I couldn’t find it again, but as if by magic, it materialized just before my departure. Leaning out the window, I lapped up the art with my camera, snapping heartily, and thanking artists Chantaal Tams and Danique Henriquez for their contribution to the city.
A closing dushi moment: While night-strolling by the Queen Emma floating bridge in Willemstad, a signal sounded, then people began running off the bridge, giggling and giddy, as the structure started swinging open for a ship. A rainbow ride!
I took almost 100 photos as the rainbow lights changed shape to let the boat through! With every inch the bridge moved, a different building appeared from my vantage point. Silhouettes of happy people bounced along, momentarily trapped in the hovering rainbow in the middle of the water, laughing all the while.
Curaçao is one of the sweetest places I’ve ever voyaged, and if you’re feeling stressed, gazing at photos of the island — or even visiting in person! — can soothe like a caress. Curaçao sits outside the hurricane belt, so don’t discard ideas of travel there because of recent storms. In fact, the island is using its protected geography to assist its neighbors affected by the hurricanes, meaning that bringing business to Curaçao can support the whole region.
So what about you? Which of these moments most resonates with you? Have you been to or thought about Curaçao before? Do share!
I was a guest of the dushi Curaçao Tourist Board, but all dushi declarations are my own!
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Danique Henriquez & Chantal Taams says
Hi Lilly,
This is Chantal and Danique speaking, who painted the fish mural you saw when you visited Curacao last year. We wanted to express out gratitude for the positive feedback. We hope many more people enjoy it the way you did.
Greetings from Curacao!
Lillie Marshall says
This is so exciting to connect!!! How did the article find its way to you???
Danique Henriquez & Chantal Taams says
Hey Lillie,
I came across the blogpost because I’m currently enrolling at colleges and I wanted to see what would come up if I googled myself. I got so excited when I saw a picture of our mural, and then to find out there was a whole blogpost about it was amazing. I was at school so I immediately ran to tell Chantal, who goes to the same high school that I go to. We were both so excited and we are both so grateful it really made our day!
Lillie Marshall says
That’s wonderful!!! Best of luck in your studies, and be in touch!
Anne Herbertson says
Amazing!! Eye- catching pictures… Love it..
john says
To travel is to take a journey into yourself.
Guy says
killer pictures, heard this can be a really fun island to visit
Kell | Happy Go Travel says
I have never been but after seeing how beautiful it is, I’m definitely adding it to my list!
Dave M. says
I love foreign words with no English translation! Adding dushi to my vocab list :)
Marta says
I loved learning about the word ‘dushi’, thank you! I have never been to Curacao but stragely enough, it seems to pop up often in my life recently: a person I know told me about visiting with kids, a friend noticed easy connections with Europe and it was even mentioned in a tv series I follow! Sounds like I shuold plan a family holiday there and create ‘dushi’ memories
Lillie says
So funny when the universe gives messages like that! I’m curious now which TV series mentioned it…
Sarah Ebner says
I can absolutely see why you loved it – the colours are so vibrant, especially of the sea, and it sounds just gorgeous! Bet you’d love to go back – I’d love to visit!
Lillie says
I absolutely would love to go back! I was only there for a few days, but there is so, so, so much more to explore on the island, and the people are so kind and welcoming that I yearned to linger for weeks more.