Tirzah
Tirzah Statia
IG: Iamtirzah
Hi, I’m Tirzah, a true local ambassador of Curaçao. I am the owner of LokaLish by IAMTIRZAH, and I operate as an experience curator. After living abroad in Europe for 15 years, I made the decision to move back home, and I have been back for over 10 years now. I’m a well-traveled Caribbean girl who has explored many countries in Europe, including Morocco, Turkey, Luxembourg, the UK, and Portugal. More recently, I’ve been exploring South America, visiting Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, Chile, and Venezuela.
[WHY I MOVED BACK AND EXPERIENCE #1]
The decision to return to Curaçao was life-changing, and it all started with an unforgettable experience—swimming with dolphins. That moment in the water with Gigi made me realize how deeply connected I am to Curaçao. It was a feeling I couldn't ignore, and it ultimately led me back home. Even today, I still pay to swim with Gigi, the same dolphin that left such an impact on me. You can fact-check this with the Dolphin Academy! Talking about it gives me goosebumps every time.
[FAVORITE LOCAL EXPERIENCES]
Having late lunch at Purunchi is one of my favorite things to do it’s a local seafood (they sell only fish) restaurant situated in the fishing neighborhood of Zakitó. Here, it’s truly “from sea to plate.” The fishermen catch the fish, and it’s served fresh right away. One of the 10 reasons I love this place is because they serve lionfish. Lionfish, originally from the Pacific, they are invasive into our waters and are rapidly harming the marine ecosystem. By eating them, we help control their population and protect our underwater environment. Every Friday, I visit Purunchi and request lionfish. The restaurant itself is unique, the owners live upstairs, and their living room downstairs is transformed into a dining area.
Stroll in Otrobanda is an other thing I love to do. This area brings back beautiful memories since my grandfather was born here, and my grandmother lived here too. After enjoying a meal on Fridays at Purunchi, I love to take a walk through the streets, soaking in the history, culture, and reflecting on my past. These walks near my family home have often led me to make life-changing decisions too.
During my stroll in Otrobanda stopping at Netto Bar is a must. This iconic spot is the oldest bar in Curaçao, serving the island’s famous Green Rum. The recipe is a well-kept secret, and the bar has been around for over 50 years. And untill this day I’m friends with owner. ( 3rd generation) A Friday in my life wouldn’t be complete without stopping here for a drink and experiencing this true local gem.
[CLOSING]
There’s so much more I’d love to share, but I could talk for hours. I hope to be part of your production so I can take you deeper into my world, show you more of what I love, and share the experiences that have shaped my life.
I can't wait to share more with you, see you soon.
