Sint Maarten

FINALLY, we’re off the ship for a few! I thought the wobbling would stop, but I found that I was still walking crooked on land. Maybe it’s just my poor balance. 

Our ship docked in Phillipsberg, St. Maarten which is known for its shopping and jewelry. There was a LOT of walking and a little bit of shopping. Maureen bought a beautiful necklace and I purchased my Guavaberry Rum and Guavaberry Liquor. It’s extremely good- very smooth, flavorful... I hope I don’t drink through it too quickly, since it can’t be purchased in the States.

After a few hours, we hailed a cab and took a ride to Margot, the capital of the French side of the island. The drive was a smart move- we got to see a good portion of the hilly coast and white sandy beaches as we drove. I was surprised when we passed a KFC and about 4 different Subway Sandwich Shops. Then, there was a Sherman William’s store in the middle of this dilapidated area, along with an ACE Hardware. Our cab companion said, “all you need here is a Walmart” – when our taxi driver promptly replied that one should be on the island in the near future. It’s sad to see the commercialism spread to such a beautiful island, but if it’s what the people want…

We had lunch at a French Creole/Caribbean outdoor restaurant that had seating for maybe 15 people, most of them locals. The food, after a 45 minute wait, was great. I had curry chicken with rice, potato salad (with peas and carrots), plantains (HOLY CRAP these were addicting), and a salad. I was stuffed, and the food was dirt cheap, too. 

We wandered around the outdoor market area, playing with little gemstone turtles and turning over wooden masks, but neither of us bought anything there. It was too touristy, nothing was jumping out at us to buy. We took the cab back to Phillipsberg to begin our return to the ship. 

I told Maureen that I couldn’t leave the island without at least wading into the Caribbean Sea. We walked down to the beach in our bare feet and walked along one of the bays on the way back to the ship. It was so warm and blue… I didn’t want to get out of the water. Maureen pointed out that we would be spending an entire day at the beach and in the Caribbean while in Haiti, so I reluctantly got out of the water and took the 10 minute walk back to the ship.

My alcohol was left with the ship’s porters, since we can’t bring our own alcohol onboard. I better get it back…

Today's Fanny Pack count: 13. A new record!

And, we have a trivia question for the day-- if you had to wear either feathers in your hair or a fanny pack everyday for the rest of your life, what would you choose?? Because both are pretty freaking prevalent on the boat.. just not worn at the same time.