ST. MARTIN – APRIL 24TH

Well, I have finally figured out the difference between “St. Maarten” and “St Martin”.  Two distinct territories of two different countries occupy one island.  Located in the northeastern Caribbean, the land is divided 60/40 between the French St. Martin and Dutch St. Maarten, although the Dutch side has a larger population.  Total population in 2007 was 74,842 – 35,925 living on the French side and 38,927 living on the Dutch side.  Making a phone call from St. Martin to St. Maarten will be considered an international call. 

The residents of St. Martin speak English although French is occasionally spoken.  On St. Maarten, the official language is Dutch, however, most locals speak English.  The Euro is the official currency on the French side and the Guilder (NFL) is used on the Dutch side.  The U.S. Dollar is accepted throughout the Island. 

Philipsburg is the Dutch capital of St. Maarten while Marigot, our port, is the capital of St. Martin.  There’s no border crossing between the two and the only indication you’ve changed territories is a small sign and a change in road surface.  

 

Tragically, a large part of Dutch St. Maarten was destroyed during the hurricane season a year or two ago (it might be longer) and friends who visited while we were in port said there was still evidence of the devastation suffered.  Hopefully, things will improve so that the tourist market can continue to thrive on this Island. 

We tendered to Marigot and a great outdoor local market was located just opposite the street from the tender dock.  Lots of vendors selling magnets, clothing, jewelry, t-shirts, wooden trinkets, beads, etc. 

We eventually met up with Nathalie Cottrelle who sold unique purses made from zippers.  I thought they were fantastic and had to buy one.  

We eventually met up with Nathalie Cottrelle who sold unique purses made from zippers.  I thought they were fantastic and had to buy one.  

 

We also came across some young people in uniforms but I have no idea if they’re in school or military training.  

Also interesting were these two who were compelled to display their incredible 6-packs in public in the heat and humidity.  Perhaps if I looked like that, I would be compelled to do the same ---- NOT! 

On our way back to the tender, we came across another lovely lady who sold boxes and I, of course, had to have one of those too.  Somehow my collecting has gone from solely magnets to wooden boxes.  Oh, well.  It could be worse.  I could be collecting pebbles like one of our fellow passengers, Kim, and things could get a bit heavy.  

I finally was able to catch a photo of the ship’s security warning over the tender doorway.  Every time I’ve seen it, it was either too close or I couldn’t get up to snap the photo.  

MICHAEL’S OBSERVATIONS:   There’s no question that these tropical ports are always hot and humid.  St. Martin was no different but for the fact that the outdoor shopping was right along the waterfront and during our short trip here, there was a lovely breeze which helped cool things down along with a sea of tents under which the sellers’ displayed their wares.  It was a lovely visit and I wish them the best in recovering from the horrific hurricane damage.