Moving to CuraÂ¿ao, in the Netherlands Antilles, was a wonderful thing, but it took me a while to realize it. The island is diverse, sophisticated and breathtakingly beautiful. My husband's family has been there since 1659, so there was history and tradition to surround our children as they grew up. That was priceless, but what about me? Expatriate life is a unique experience and one I thoroughly enjoyed. I joined committees, learned to play bridge, tried my hand at diplomacy and made friends from all over the world. Still, I had a list of reasons to leave. In the end and against all odds, CuraÂ¿ao became my home and I miss it. What contradictions you can find in the Tropics!