Pietermaai District is known as a lively, colorful, hip neighborhood with the best restaurants, cozy cafes, stores, and boutique hotels. What is unique about Pietermaai is that it serves a diverse group of people. Throughout the day you can admire the stunning 18th and 19th century architecture in this neighborhood, you can clearly see the old and new ‘modern’ influence blending into each other. Together this makes an enchanting and atmospheric environment
In the weekend, Pietermaai is full of live entertainment, nightlife, and popular restaurants. A popular neighborhood filled with (young) professionals, artists, music lovers, students, and tourists.
The outbreak of COVID-19 virus worldwide and the strong measures implemented on Curaçao has hit the entrepreneurs of Pietermaai hard. As of last week, could these entrepreneurs finally open their doors to the public after being closed for more than 6 weeks. In the next blog articles, we will be sharing the experiences of 5 entrepreneurs in Pietermaai who have started once again in good spirits
We spoke to the owners of the restaurants and bars: Mundo Bizarro, Miles Jazz Café, Kapsalon Jolanda, Wils, and the managers of the restaurants Kome and Scuba Lodge Boutique Hotel.
Mundo Bizarro is a beloved restaurant and café by locals as well as tourists. It lies within the heart of Pietermaai and as soon as you enter the terra it is as if you have entered a living room from the 70s/80s. With its vintage and colorful furniture and distinct artwork. With some nice soul music playing in the background, this is the perfect setting for a cozy dinner or drink with your friends or loved ones. Every Thursday night this lovely living room is transformed into a dance floor full of salsa lovers who are there for a Caribbean party.
We interviewed the owner of Mundo Bizarro: Wimfried Boereven
“What were your thoughts when the Prime Minister announced on Match 13th 2020 that the borders were closing due to the worldwide spread of COVID-19?”
At first, I took it very lightly. We are going to be closed for two weeks and it will blow over soon. However, that was not the case. When you are at home and closely follow the media, you realize that it is all very serious.
What are the consequences of the closure of the borders on your company? From having no income overnight.
The first this we did after the closure was a thorough cleaning and distributing perishable goods among the staff, as well, securing the property to prevent any burglaries. We have 14 employees, 9 of which are permanent employees. From the start, I was very open and honest about the situation and gave them advice on how to handle their money in uncertain times.
What has changed for you, personally?
It was very difficult for me. I am single and recently moved. I am used to having people around me all the time. In addition, I suffer from gout and I normally get plenty of exercise but now I am just sitting at home. To me what was strange was after I closed the restaurant at 9:30 and the streets were completely empty.
