BLU DEL BARRIO

DISCOVERING THE FUTURE

BY ALEXANDER RODRIGUEZ

Blu del Barrio as Adira and Ian Alexander as Gray of the CBS All Access series STAR TREK: DISCOVERY. Photo by Michael Gibson/CBS

BLU DEL BARRIO’S JOURNEY TO THE STAR TREK UNIVERSE TOOK THEM AROUND THE GLOBE FIRST. Of Argentinian heritage, raised in Southern California, studying in London, and filming in Canada, Blu now calls the USS Discovery home - in the 32nd century. In the third season of the CBS Access’ Star Trek franchise, Blu’s character, Adira, tells her fellow crew member, “I’ve never felt like a ‘she’ or - or a ‘her,’ so… I would prefer ‘they’ or ‘them’.” Star Trek history was made as the first non-binary actor took their place to play the first recurring character in the franchise not to identify with their assigned gender at birth. This telling moment, carefully curated by the producers with involvement from Blu and with involvement from GLAAD, added to the promise of Star Trek – in the future, everyone will have visibility, and no one will be excluded because of race, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation. It took Star Trek 55 years to get here, but then again, so did Hollywood.

The casting of Blu as Adira happened at warp speed. Blu was finishing up school in the UK, taped their audition, and in the space of a few weeks, was arriving on set to begin their mission.

It did happen insanely fast! I don’t know that I necessarily nailed anything in the audition, but I do remember feeling really calm afterward. Every once in a while, I’ll do an audition and just feel calm and present after the fact. And then you let it go. I think in this case it just had to do with Adira. I saw so many similarities to myself in them right off the bat, so I felt at home playing them.

Star Trek Discovery is their first major acting project. Not only did Blu have to deal with the nuances of joining a hit show already in its third season, but they also had to learn about the Star Trek Universe. Decades worth of canon, with multiple spinoffs, novels, comics, and even animation would seem daunting all on its own, then add the unforgiving Trekkie fandom who remember every factoid and storyline.

Prior to auditioning, I hadn’t watched a lot of Star Trek at all. But as soon as I was cast, I got recommendations left and right from friends who are Trekkies! They told me which series to watch, which character arcs I should follow, what their favorite storylines are. It was very eye-opening as to how rich and caring the Star Trek community is.

On top of 55 years of material to catch up on, Blu was given a complex character. Adira is the first human known to become a “permanent” host to a Trill symbiont, an alien species that also happens to be their boyfriend.

To research for the role of Adira, I watched Deep Space Nine. Specifically, to follow the storyline of Jadzia Dax (now one of my favorite characters). There’s not a whole lot of information about the Trill species elsewhere in the other series, so I spent a lot of time with DS9.

It may sound odd, but the resulting storyline is beautifully poetic and reflects our own journey to feel complete, to feel loved, even in the void of isolation and loss. Double history was made with Blu’s storyline as Ian Alexander was cast as Adira’s boyfriend, marking the first openly trans actor cast in the Star Trek Universe, playing the first trans character of any franchise. The two were immediately celebrated by the LGBTQ community and swept up in a media frenzy. Blu did not just get an acting role; they became a spokesperson for the community.

I am an introverted person, so I was honestly terrified when Ian and I were announced. I don’t know that I could have ever been ready for it. One thing it’s brought me that I am infinitely grateful for is a community of queer people who resonate with Adira as much as I did. I get so many messages from trans kids (and parents of trans kids!) just saying hello and how much they loved seeing Adira on TV - and it means more to me than I can put into words.

I had a lot of anxiety at the beginning. I had only just come out and didn’t feel like I deserved a platform. I felt I couldn’t represent everyone. What I’ve come to realize is, I was right. I can’t speak for everyone. What I can do is share my experience, be honest and transparent, and lift the voices of other members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Blu’s character has educated the world of sci-fi as to what the future really looks like and has educated a fandom of Trekkies who are now experiencing the extent of what creator Gene Roddenberry’s intent for the show was. Star Trek would also teach Blu something about their own life.

I’m learning that I am more resilient than I thought I was. I’ve struggled with my mental health for my entire life, and for most of that time, I’ve been told I was weak because of it. But while being on Star Trek I’ve learned (and am still learning) that it is just the opposite. I’ve fought so hard to stay afloat and keep going, and I’m still fighting. I’m constantly working at 110% to fight against my mental illness. So, for anyone who does struggle with their mental health, know that you are an incredible force. We’re so much stronger than people perceive us to be.

Blu’s acting career started at the age of seven with theater and short films and was a finalist for the 2016 National YoungArts Foundation awards in the theater category.

I honestly think it was the escapism. Theater for me as a kid was the only place I could explore my identity freely. When I showed up to school looking like a boy, parents wouldn’t look me in the eye. But when I walked on stage as Sebastian in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, no one asked any questions because I was just an eight-year-old “playing a character.” Theater gave me freedom. It’s given me joy, friendship, and love. It has been the most incredible outlet for my whole life. So, if you’re a parent and your child shows interest in the arts, please support them in any way you can!

Something I think I’ve relearned from when I was a kid is how much I love to just play. When I was young, I adored the improvisational aspects of theater. I loved bouncing off someone else and making people laugh. Coming to work on Star Trek, I was so terrified to misstep. But my first episode was directed by Jonathan Frakes who is quite possibly the most playful person I’ve ever met. He encouraged that side of me, and I’m so grateful for it.

The on-screen chemistry with the Discovery cast is palpable. Del Barrio joins other actors from our community, including Wilson Cruz, Anthony Rapp, Tig Notaro, and co-star Alexander, as well as other actors from the show who have come out as staunch allies.

I know this is simple and sort of sounds too good to be true, but I just got lucky. This cast is full of the most caring, inspiring, hilarious people I have ever met. They feel like family to me. The chemistry we have on screen, we don’t have to work for. I am so insanely grateful that I get to work with people who I consider some of my closest friends.

Favorite part about filming in the Star Trek universe?

This might be a simple answer, but the fantasy. I get to play a character in a fantastical universe that has been built and built upon for years. A world in which almost anything is possible. I walk on set and there’s a spaceship. I walk outside and there’s an alien smoking a cigarette. It is absolutely the coolest job in the world. There are moments on set sometimes where one of us will turn to another and just say in disbelief, “We’re on Star Trek.”

The most challenging part about acting in the Star Trek universe?

Ironically, the same answer: the fantasy. The most difficult parts for me are when we’re discussing the science of this universe. If I can’t fully understand what I’m talking about, it’s hard for me to memorize my lines. When it comes to the technical and scientific jargon we use, I really need to sit down and make it make sense in my mind in order to learn it.

With consummate acting training from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, the focus on Blu’s career is their identity as non-binary. Does the media attention regarding their identity overshadow their acting skills?

Yes and No. This is an interesting and very important question. I remember what it was like being an actor before I came out. Yes, there was more focus on my acting, but binary gender roles still exist. Problematic ones. Especially in this industry. The only people we really don’t seem to put boundaries on are cis straight white men. They win awards for playing anything and everything.

In terms of my career now, yes, I do feel that there is a much larger focus on my gender identity, but I believe it’s necessary. There are still very few visible non-binary actors in this industry. So, it’s imperative that I talk about my experience and share with the world who I am. The goal is to have countless more trans and nonbinary actors working in the film industry and being seen, especially actors of color. That won’t happen if we stay quiet. Once there are more of us in the media, the focus will be centered on our art rather than our identities.

Sonequa Martin-Green as Burnham, Doug Jones as Saru, Raven Dauda as Doctor Pollard, Wilson Cruz as Dr. Hugh Culber and Blu del Barrio as Adira of the CBS All Access series STAR TREK: DISCOVERY. Photo by Michael Gibson/CBS

Blu del Barrio as Adira of the CBS All Access series STAR TREK: DISCOVERY. Photo by Michael Gibson/CBS

We are all still learning about the parts that make up our community. There is still resistance in the mainstream world, and even in the LGBTQ community, to accept the uses of pronouns or gender identity outside of the accepted norms. How would Blu describe their identity as non-binary?

I can only speak from my own life since everyone experiences gender (or lack thereof) very differently. I experience being trans and nonbinary in a very fluid way. There is never any stasis. To put it simply: I wasn’t comfortable when I was living and being perceived as “female.” I felt alienated and alone. I had dysphoria and I knew something needed to change. But when I started thinking more deeply about my identity, I knew I also didn’t feel entirely like a “male.” Realizing that I am still valid even if I don’t fit into that binary is what finally brought me some comfort. Before, I felt I was stuck in this life. Now, I feel like I’m on a journey.

This isn’t exclusively about nonbinary people, but people need to understand the difference between gender identity and gender expression. There is such a warped belief that nonbinary people need to look androgynous, trans men need to “look like men,” and trans women need to “look like women.” GENDER EXPRESSION AND GENDER IDENTITY ARE NOT THE SAME THING.

Communication is key. I think within our community there is trauma, and a common response to that is to put up walls for safety. I believe that’s the reason there’s some gatekeeping within the LGBTQ+ community. But when it comes down to it, when we listen to each other’s stories, there are so many similarities. It’s what makes us a community in the first place.

And what does the future of non-binary actors in film looks like?

In the future, they’ll just be called actors.

Blu has become a role model for a number of youths, within the Trek family and beyond. Coming out as non-binary can be difficult, not to mention dangerous.

If you are thinking about coming out, the best advice I can give you is: Listen to your gut first. This is your life. Do not let anyone pressure you into coming out or staying silent. If you can, find at least one person with who you feel totally safe sharing. And if it doesn’t go smoothly, know that your future is still going to be full of other queer people who will empathize and shower you with love. Found family is a beautiful thing. You’ve got this.

Given the chance, Blu would tell their seven-year-old self, fresh into the acting world:

You know exactly who you are. You always have. You don’t need to be like anyone else to be accepted. You’re not alone, you’re special. And deep down, you know that. Lead with love. (Also, you are absolutely allowed to name yourself Blu).

Season 4 of Discovery is coming soon, with a slight delay due to COVID, and the actors have been away from their homes for months filming in Canada. Fans are clamoring for more and given the path the show has taken with the storyline and the progression of an inclusive vision, the future is literally an open possibility, where no one has gone before. Del Barrio would love to work on queer independent films with a bigger dream to star in a Tim Burton project. For now, they are enjoying the ride. Their Pride message is clear for this century and into the 32nd century:

Happy Pride to ALL of you - those who are out and those who aren’t. Those who are still questioning and those who aren’t. Those who are younger and those who are older. There is no right way to celebrate pride. Love where you are right now. I love you.

Crew member Paul Stamets, played by Anthony Rapp, remarks about Blu’s character, “Their work has been nothing short of stellar. They’re, really something.” Indeed. Warp speed ahead. ■

You can follow Blu on IG: @BluDelB Look for our podcast chat with Blu at www.Metrosource.com

WHAT’S IN YOUR GYM BAG?

BY JEFFREY JAMES KEYES

A PROPERLY STOCKED BAG CAN MEAN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LEAVING THE GYM LOOKING RUN DOWN OR FRESH AND READY TO TAKE ON THE WORLD. A quick glance at anyone’s gym bag might include a jock strap, shorts, tank top, and water bottle, but how are you stepping up your game? Add some top-of-theline skincare products, of course. If you are about to put in some quality time pounding the elliptical, pumping some iron, and doing some heavy lifting, why not add a little post-workout product to look like a million bucks?

CANNABLISS MINI FOAMING CLEANSER

www.cannablissorganic.com $15

We’ve leaned into cannabis skincare products before, and this organic foaming cleanser is chock full of botanicals and natural goodies like CBD paired with Korean herbs. Cleanse, hydrate, and soothe your skin with nature’s astringent properties through herbs like snow parsley and dried burdock root. Snow parsley, a healing herb known to fight skin irritation, provides calming properties while the dried root of the burdock plant gently cleanses while soothing and fighting bacteria. This cleanser is certified vegan, contains less than 0.3% THC, and can help you to feel refreshed and extremely relaxed with each use. Gentle for all skin types. EVERY MAN JACK CITRUS HAND SANITIZER

www.everymanjack.com $8/2 pack

Every Man Jack’s hand sanitizer spray is perfect to slide into the pocket of a gym bag or your track pants for use between weights. The spray, made with natural ethanol, is 99.9% effective against most common germs. What is that great smell? Coconut oil with citrus essential oils work together to refresh and moisturize. Don’t take any chances with bacteria or germs just because you’re determined to lift before dinner. Earlier this year Every Man Jack teamed up with Rainbow Railroad to release a limited-edition Pride Set featuring four of their scented body washes that directly supported the LGBTQ+ community. While it might be too late to snag a Pride Set, we appreciate Every Man Jack’s effort in the community.

GOODWIPES BODY WIPES

www.goodwipes.com $10

In 2013 Sam Nebel and Charlie Siciak, self-declared “Crusaders of the Hygiene Revolution,” left their day jobs to start goodwipes, a company that features premium, wet wipes that are cool, convenient, and eco-friendly. Formulated with Ginseng, Natural Tea Tree Oil & Cooling peppermint, these Body Wipes are basically a shower in a wipe. Bring a lightweight Cedar, Fresh, or Lavender scented pack of singles with you to the gym to use after spin or a cardio class and you’ll feel rejuvenated and ready to meet the guys after working out. goodwipes body wipes are free from parabens and alcohol. 100% biodegradable and hypoallergenic, so go ahead and wipe it all away. KIEHL’S SINCE 1851 “ULTIMATE MAN” BODY SCRUB SOAP

www.kiehls.com $15

Like to use your own soap at the gym? You’re not alone! Kiehl’s Since 1851 “Ultimate Man” Body Scrub Soap is a great option for after cardio. This “highly efficient exfoliating bar soap for men is made with sloughing Bran and Oatmeal and infused with an invigorating aroma. Cleanse your skin and hellp to get rid of any unnecessary roughness (leave that for the kettlebell class!) Gently massage your total body with this bar to cleanse, remove excess oil and dirt, and help soothe tired muscles. Kiehl’s is a longtime supporter of the LGBTQ community and donates directly to The Trevor Project, an organization that proivdes free counseling services to LGBTQ youth.

LUMIBLOOM LUMISPORT CBD

www.lumibloom.com $21.99

Looking for some roll-on muscle relief? LumiBloom’s CBD Muscle Relief Stick is a great addition to your gym bag. LumiBloom combines arnica, capsaicin, rosemary, and 350 mg of premium broad-spectrum CBD for an excellent post-workout relief and refresh. This roll-on can temporarily relieve soreness, muscle pain, stiffness. CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and this 2.6 oz sport stick provides immediate topical relief. What’s that warming feeling? It’s capsaicin, a chili pepper extract, that soothes and heats things up.

MALIN + GOETZ EUCALYPTUS DEODORANT

www.malinandgoetz.com $22

Stay fresh before and after your workout with Malin + Goetz’s eucalyptus deodorant, a gentle, odor-neutralizing option to eliminate body odor throughout the day. MALIN + GOETZ is a family-owned and operated apothecary in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood. Their mission, simple as it may be, is “to make skincare less complicated and, most importantly, to address the needs of irritated and sensitive skin.” Their eucalyptus deodorant is synthesized with refreshing natural eucalyptus extract and citronellyl. The deodorant is formulated without aluminum, alcohol or parabens and absorbs residue-free.

NATURA CHRONOS AQUA AUTO-REPLENISH GEL-HYDRATOR

www.naturabrasil.com $28

Natura, one of the largest Brazilian cosmetics companies, has been in operation since 1969 and of their 2,000+ products, the Natura Chronos Aqua Auto-Replenish Gel-Hydrator is a standout for hydrating after your workout. Toss out your tired moisturizers and look no further, this super-concentrated gel repairs hydration levels according to the needs of each region of the face. What is so special about this product? The combination of fevillea extract, hyaluronic acid, and prebiotics, provides immediate hydration, prompting your skin to continue to self-hydrate. OFFCOURT PERFORMANCE BODY SPRAY TRIO PACK

www.offcourt.com $30

Offcourt is a high-performance men’s personal care brand with products designed for active lifestyles...yes, literally created for you to pack for the gym! The brand launched this past March with a Performance Body Spray, taking on Axe with the first aluminum-free deodorant that doubles as a cologne. The trio pack, which includes Fig Leaves + White Musk, Fresh Citron + Driftwood, and Coconut Water + Sandalwood, offers a quick burst of freshness for every mood. Individual bottles of spray retail at $10, so why not opt for the trio pack so you can match the fragrance to your overall mood. Cleansing agents in the spray wipe the bacterial-slate clean while powerful prebiotics support the growth of “good bacteria” while keeping the unsavory ones at bay.

WONDERGLOSS BALM ADDICT VEGAN LIP CARE BALM

www.wondergloss.com $6

Who wants to kiss dry, cracked lips? Chapped lips might seem like a seasonable issue, but it’s important to keep your lips moist year-round. Wondergloss’ Balm Addict Vegan Lip Care Balm is a craveable Lip Balm that protects and soothes. The balm comes in a variety of organic flavors, including nectarine, cotton candy, cherry, rose, coconut, watermelon, and flavor free including a hint of stevia for sweetness. Moisturize those post-gym puckers with a blend of olive fruit oil, coconut oil, shea butter, palm fruit oil, jojoba seed oil, rosehip seed oil, and sunflower seed oil. Wondergloss Balm Addict Vegan Lip Care Balm is totally vegan, cruelty free, gluten free, and paraben free. Oh, look, a treadmill just opened. Time to get on it and work up a sweat!

SELF/ISH EXFOLIATING PADS

www.selfishskin.com $18

SELF/ish caught our eye as the handsome Jonathan Bennett, star of Mean Girls, is one of their poster boys. This new collection of high-end men’s products are formulated with the pure power of “Clean Science.” Some of their bestsellers include SELF/ish Beard Oil and their gentle Facial Cleanser, but their Exfoliating Pads are the perfect quick wipe after workout solution. Unclog your pores, eliminate blackheads, and freshen your face in a single swipe. These quick wipe pads are soaked in a natural blend of exfoliating acids and ingredients like witch hazel, willow bark extract, lemon, orange, and sugar maple and free from ingredients like formaldehyde, mineral oil, and synthetic fragrances. Go ahead and be selfish with SELF/ish! Wipe that post-workout nonsense away. THE FEELIST DO NOT DISTURB EXTRA STRENGTH BODY CREAM

www.thefeelist.com $78

Do Not Disturb Extra Strength Body Cream, infused with an extra strength dose of 500 mg Broad Spectrum CBD, is a deeply relaxing and restorative moisturizing body cream. The cream, formulated with a unique blend of essential oils and natural extracts is both calming and moisturizing. This fast acting cream contains hemp derived cannabinoids, Himalayan pink salt, Maris sal, Epsom salt, and soothing essential oils like cedarwood, lavender, and vanilla. Pulling out this sleek black tube will draw eyes and curiosity in the locker room. Apply generously to knees, shoulders and all those muscles that may need a little extra R&R.

CURAÇAO OLD AND NEW WORLDS COLLIDE

A FAVORED LOCATION AMONG DUTCH NATIONALS MAY ENTICE AMERICAN TRAVELERS IN SEARCH OF NEW SIGHTS

BY MEGAN VENZIN

“DUSHI” HAS MANY MEANINGS. DEPENDING ON THE CONTEXT IN WHICH IT’S USED, THE PAPIAMENTO WORD CAN DESCRIBE SOMETHING THAT’S TASTY, SEXY, SWEET, OR JUST PLAIN NICE. The dreamy island of Curaçao, where the language is most often used, deserves all those complimentary labels and more.

Klein Curacao

Handelskade and Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge

Mention Curaçao and most minds will conjure images of the sweet blue liqueur of the same name. While many Americans have tasted the drink made from bitter oranges, it seems that less of them frequent the popular European vacation spot. However, that could change as fully vaccinated travelers embark on unfamiliar adventures.

Curaçao doesn’t boast the brand name all-inclusive resorts of the Bahamas or Cancun, and that’s a good thing. The Caribbean escape offers an experience far more complex than that, completed by a vibe that is personal, unique, and charmingly homegrown.

For those who are just now learning that Curaçao is more than the sapphire-colored booze that settles at the bottom of their favorite rum punch, here is the simple introduction: Curaçao is a constituent country - part of The Kingdom of the Netherlands, to be specific. Sitting between Aruba and Bonaire, and just 40 miles north of Venezuela, it is the largest and most populous of the ABC islands.

Architecture Pietermaai

Settled first by the Arawak Amerindians who migrated from South America, Curaçao was later inhabited by Spanish colonists in 1499. The Dutch assumed power about a century later and transformed the island into the commerce center of their West Indian Trade Company.

Simply put, it is a history lover’s dream, and is home to eight masonry forts dating back as early as the 1600s. These towering behemoths were constructed for defensive purposes, mostly to preserve the highly valuable trade routes (which on a darker note also played a major role in facilitating the Dutch slave trade).

Along with downtown Willemstad’s colorful Handelskade - a riverside row of businesses, hotels and residential plots that look like technicolor gingerbread houses - these sights undoubtedly contribute to its status today as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge is another renowned structure, which floats and opens to allow traffic flow along the capital city’s busy central waterway. (Start running when the bell rings, or you may be waiting on the waves for quite a while. When it is all lit up at night however, tourists hardly seem to mind the delay.)

Aside from its storied past, Curaçao is highly sought after for its energetic and friendly atmosphere. Thrill seekers make the trek to dine on world-class food, engage in watersports and drink in streets lined with casual BBQ stands, or as the locals call them, “trùk’i pan.”

For those who want a taste of both worlds, Avila Beach Hotel is the move. It is the oldest hotel on Curaçao and has served many functions prior to accepting leisure and business stay-overs in 1949. It first housed English governors, and eventually operated as a boarding school for boys and as a private hospital where the well-off could retreat for emergency care.

The black and white photos that hang on the reception walls, and landmarks such as the on-site Octagon Museum, offer a glimpse into the past. But, honestly, it is difficult to feel anything other than hyper-present when breathing in the serene beauty of the hotel’s two private beaches and vibrant house reef where mid-day snorkeling is a must.

“Our amazing staff is what makes our hotel stand out,” says PR coordinator, Gabriëlla Hoop. “Over 90% of our staff are locals and we try to offer them a working environment where their growth is an important element. The sunny weather year-round and friendly and welcoming staff is why our slogan is ‘Feel the Warmth’.”

And feel we shall. We kick off our stay with the resort’s own pineapple-kissed “Bon Bini” cocktail, which means “Welcome” in the native tongue. It’s the perfect introduction to several

days spent snacking on signature bites like the beet and truffle bitterballen at The Pen Restaurant and indulging in open-air total relaxation massages compliments of the magic hands at Cloud Nine Spa.

And if you are a hopeless romantic, there are plenty of opportunities to lean into those “feels”, too. “The observer tower is a unique location to enjoy together with your loved one - it’s also a popular occasion and spot to get on one knee,” Hoop adds with a wink. The Blues Restaurant, home of Curacao’s legendary jazz night, was closed to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19, so we transformed the tower into our own quiet dancefloor on more than one occasion. Even in the absence of amplified sound, the ambiance is on point and love is in the air.

For those wishing to experience Curaçao with their partner, know that it is considered an incredibly open country where the LGBTQ+ community is embraced. In fact, every September, a seven-day Pride celebration attracts visitors from near and far. Though 2020’s festivities were postponed due to COVID-19, the Curaçao Pride organization hopes to bring the love back this fall. (Current event information can be found at www.Curaçaopride.com)

Late-night beach parties and other mass events like the aforementioned are on hold, but there are still plenty of other sights and sensations to behold. Not far from Avila’s front steps are several noteworthy restaurants with Caña Bar & Kitchen and Mosa topping that list. The two sit adjacent and share a kitchen and courteous staff who graciously serve up an array of small plates. Caña has an impressive cocktail list that pairs well with its menu of bright ceviches, tender grilled meats and other bold flavors that scream Latin-fusion. Mosa meanwhile, brings the type of breezy, courtyard setting, and a stunning wine list deserving of any date night reservation.

We go twice - once to each location, opting for bites like a flaky snapper steamed in banana leaves, a delicate and creamy burrata garnished with blueberries and tangy balsamic and perhaps one of the best bacon-laced okonomiyaki we have had this side of the Western hemisphere.

Avila Beach Hotel

A stroll through the nearby and eclectic Pietermaai District provides an answer to the existential question: “What would it be like to live inside a box of Chiclets?” Squatty hostels in shades of hotpink, emerald green and baby blue welcome scuba divers from out of town. They sip on espressos and gather their gear before venturing out to sights like the famous Tugboat Beach, where a coral-encrusted shipwreck merits a close-up gander.

This is the location where we tackle a day of exploration with Seabob Curaçao. Our tour guide is the spirited Suzy, who runs the business alongside her three siblings. She divulges that she studied psychology before deciding to “dive into” (pun intended) an alternate profession.

“You can understand why it had to be something fun and not that serious!” she jokes, adding that her co-worker siblings have backgrounds in insurance, law, and justice. “The choice was easy. Tourism is one of Curaçao’s main sources of income. With lots of research we found a thrilling activity unique for Curaçao and still new to the world.” After our first go, we can attest that there is life before Seabob, and life after Seabob - we prefer the latter.

The Seabob is a motorized aquatic vehicle that looks a bit like a miniature jet ski. How they differ, is that his little beauty works best when completely submerged underwater. Using one is the closest we have come to connecting with our inner-mermaid selves.

While we get the hang of trying this new apparatus, Suzy wastes no time collecting footage with her GoPro. Wait … are we making a film?

“Let me show you something fun, under water, come now,” she instructs pointing down. Below the surface we watch Suzy effortlessly zip through the sea like a corkscrew. “Now, your turn! Go!”

Easier said than done, Suzy. But in time we master the trick (and have the shots to prove it). After an hour of flying over plentiful schools of neon tetras and navigating coral nurseries and long-lost wreckage we make out back to the pebble-covered shore.

The final day is reserved for an outing to Mambo Beach Boulevard, a bustling shopping center full of beach bars, restaurants, and high-end shopping. The refreshing mojitos lend reason for a short respite from the sun as we overlook the shimmering Caribbean Sea.

It is hard to believe our trip is already over, but time flies in paradise. We have made so many friends during our stay - Clifton, who works behind the omelet bar at Avila insists we must return for Carnival. “That’s when we really party,” he says with a laugh.

You don’t have to ask us twice. After all, there wasn’t enough time to explore Christoffel National Park or the Hato Caves where winding paths of stalagmites and stalactites bear a stark contrast to the powder-white beaches of majestic Klein Curacao, a tiny, uninhabited island that is a favorite among sunbathers and divers alike.

Ah, the to-do list upon our return just keeps getting longer. But still there is something quite sweet, or shall we say “dushi,” about having witnessed this hidden gem of a destination during a lesser-traveled moment in time. ■

Snorkel and Explore Avila’s House Reef