Perched at the southern end of the Caribbean Sea and the largest of the five islands that are the Netherlands Antilles, Curacao offers a diverse culture and history. Discovered in 1499 by the Europeans the country is reminiscent of parts of Europe.

One thing that really defines Curacao for me is the vibrant coloured houses lined-up in a row on display like doll houses in a toyshop. Each house has three and four stories capped off with steep gables and an orange roofing tile and finished in bright pinks, hot reds and electric blues makes more of an even bigger impact.

The distinct Dutch architecture dates back to the 17th and 18th century and is most prominent in Punda and Otrabanda in the capital city of Willemstad is where many of these houses are located. It is especially pretty from a distance where you can see the colourful reflection dancing on the waterfront.

Better known as Dutch-styled gabled houses legend has it that the reason behind the vibrant colours is that the governor of yesteryear used to get headaches from seeing plain white, so colour was introduced to help ease his painful eyes. Curacao certainly is a sight for sore eyes with its pretty dolly houses all in a row that captivates the child in me.