Welcome to St. Martin – Two Countries – One Island by D.G.Kaye
Welcome to this month’s edition of my travel column here at Sally’s Smorgasbord. Today I’ve chosen to share some interesting facts about the beautiful Caribbean island of St. Martin, affectionately named ‘The Friendly Island’.
The island of St. Martin is shared between two countries – French and Dutch. The island is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Caribbean to the west in the northeast of the Caribbean Sea, approximately 190 miles east of Puerto Rico. The whole island is approximately 34 sq. miles with the ownership of each side is usually said to be a 60/40 split, with the French owning approximately 20 sq. miles and the Dutch 13 sq. miles. Although smaller, the Dutch side boasts a heavier populated side than the French side.
History and Legends
The French call their island Saint Martin and the Dutch call it Sint Maarten, and no matter what you choose to call it, it’s one of my favorite islands in the Caribbean.
The island was divided back in 1648 after being taken over several times by various conquerors. The capital of the French side is Marigot and the capital of the Dutch side is Philipsburg. Legend says Christopher Columbus first discovered the island back in 1493.
After several take overs the Dutch built a fort to assert their claim and control access to the island. In the 18th century, a massive influx of African slaves, were imported to the island to develop the sugar cane plantations. On March 23, 1648, the kingdom of France and the Dutch republic agreed to divide the land and created what is still known today as The Treaty of Concordia
There’s an old legend that speaks about how the land was decided to be divided.
Apparently, the natives of each side were asked to choose a ‘walker’. The two walkers began standing back to back and were instructed to walk in opposite directions – no running! At the point where the two met up again was to be declared the dividing line for each one’s country. According to legend, the Frenchman walked faster because he drank wine before the race and the Dutchman drank gin, supposedly the gin was more tiring than the wine. But ultimately, the Dutch accused the Frenchman of running, which apparently didn’t seem to matter because the new perimeters were set with each country officially being deemed with their respective land official.
About the Island
Climate – The dry season with sporadic rain runs from December through May, and the hurricane season typically runs anywhere from June through November where one can also expect tropical storms, particularly in September. Daily annual temperatures typically range anywhere from mid 60s to high 80s throughout the year. Visitor guides will state that mid-November and December, and May and June are the best times climate-wise to visit the island. While November through May will cost more money to visit there, the price for hotels goes down considerably May and June and likewise for the summer/early fall months because of the unpredictable weather. Many hotels on the Atlantic side, in particular, close down during hurricane season.
St. Martin has been hit by several hurricanes through the years, namely, Maria in 2017, which was reported to damage approximately 95% of the French side and 75% of the Dutch side. I was stunned to hear that the island was re-opened for tourists shortly before Christmas of 2017, although it was still in need of major repairs.
Tourism – The main industry for the island relies on tourism. The Dutch side is best known for its beaches, duty-free jewelry, native guava berry liquors, casinos and nightlife. The French side is known more for its nude beaches, clothing, outdoor markets and French and Indian Caribbean cuisine.
Languages – The two official languages spoken on the island are French and Dutch. But there are also French based, Creole and Spanish languages spoken from the emigration of natives from surrounding islands. Many other immigrants from the ABC islands – Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, living there, speak their traditional Papiemento.
Shopping – You will find some of the world’s best prices on this duty-free island, especially for fine jewelry – gold, diamonds, watches, and just about every piece of jewelry you could possibly imagine for less than half of what you’d pay at home. Many of the jewelers are wholesalers and distributors, so as consumers, we bypass the middlemen retailers and resellers, and of course the import and export taxes.
Other items of note to be found on the island for some great discounts are liquor, tobacco, leather goods and many designer goods. To give you a rough idea of deep discounts, you can still pick up a carton of cigarettes there for $15 – $20! Liquor is ridiculously cheap. Before my husband was informed he can no longer drink alcohol due to his health issues, he enjoyed the odd glass of Johnny Walker Blue Scotch – the highest grade of that brand’s label. Here in Canada, that bottle would run close to $350 – I kid you not. But every time we’d visit the island he would pick up a bottle for approximately $115 US. A ring my husband once bought me for $2200, came in at $5500 dollar upon the appraisal I obtained once at home.
The main street – Front St. in Philipsburg, is located directly in front of Great Bay beach where the cruise ships dock. It’s a long street lined with jewelry store after jewelry store so it’s good to have a recommendation from someone where to shop for best value because it can become very overwhelming going into every store with all those sparkly trinkets beckoning your attention.
Currency – Although the Euro is used on the French side and the Dutch Netherland Antillean guilder used on the Dutch side, the whole island also operates with U.S. dollars.
Airport – Princess Julianna International serves the entire island, and people can pass freely with no border checks between the two countries. The airport hosts many major airlines and St. Martin’s short main runway is known for its specific location between a large hill and the beach, attracting many tourists to watch some spectacular landings and takeoffs flying just above sunbathers on Maho Beach. There is also a paid tour offered complete with cocktail on the beach to watch the low flying planes and listen live between the aircraft and control tower.
Beaches – St. Martin is known to have some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, and there are many of them. For an island of only 34 sq. miles, the island has 37 gorgeous beaches to sunbathe, swim, snorkel, parasail, you name it- your choice of watersport is there. On the French side, you will also find the famed nude beach- Orient Beach located on Orient Bay, known as the St. Tropez of the Caribbean, also known for its nude beach.
My first visit to St. Martin was over twenty years ago. I wasn’t quite adept at investigative research as the computer era had yet to hit. We were hoping to book an all-inclusive property, which back then was rare for that island, and we chose a hotel situated on Orient Beach. Little did we know after our first morning of walking that beach, that hub and I would feel a little out of place as we strolled with our shorts and bathing suits on while passing many sunburned bottoms and breasts taking in more sun. We ultimately decided that we’d still go for our morning walks on the beach but decided to sunbathe at the pool during the day with our swimsuits on.
Dining – St. Martin is known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean with a variety of cuisine choices available. Besides the many delicious French restaurants in Grande Case on the French side, you will find many other popular restaurants and ocean side dining offering Dutch, Creole, Italian, Jamaican, Indian, Vietnamese. Japanese and American food. A true culinary experience to suit an array of palettes.
Sightseeing – There’s plenty to do in St. Martin if you’re feeling energetic and ambitious to get up off your beach chairs. This small island packs a punch of fun things to do besides visiting beaches and shopping. You will find tours to Rhum distilleries, ATV adventures, evening cruise sails with dinner, drinks and dancing, a wide array of water sports, jet ski rentals, swim with the dolphins, wine tasting, the double-decker bus tour. and even smaller group tours that will take you by boat to close-by neighboring islands – St. Barth’s and Anguilla.
This island also holds its annual Carnival celebrations complete with feathered costumes, reggae music and local bands performing on the streets. The French side celebrates during Lent and the Dutch side celebrates for 17 days and nights when the island comes to a standstill for over 17 days and nights. Locals prepare for this festive event by sewing costumes and preparing to party hardy. If you aren’t able to attend one of these fabulous celebrations, make sure to visit the Jump Up Casino in Philipsburg to see a display of photos and items from previous parades.
I love St. Martin for its beautiful beaches, the best shopping deals, their beautiful island temps, great food and one of the friendliest islands in the Caribbean. I’ve been there many times as I’ve been on many Caribbean cruises and never choose an itinerary that doesn’t include visiting that island. If I were to take a solo island vacation again, I would definitely consider going back to St. Martin for a winter vacation instead of just a day or two stop-over on a cruise ship.
Have any of you ever been to St. Martin?
©D.G. Kaye 2018
Another amazing article from Debby for the travel column and I know that she would love your feedback and questions on St. Martin or any other travel related subject.. I am sure she will have the answer for you.
About D.G. Kaye
Debby Gies is a Canadian nonfiction/memoir author who writes under the pen name of D.G. Kaye. She was born, raised, and resides in Toronto, Canada. Kaye writes about her life experiences, matters of the heart and women’s issues.
D.G. writes to inspire others. Her writing encompasses stories taken from events she encountered in her own life, and she shares the lessons taken from them. Her sunny outlook on life developed from learning to overcome challenges in her life, and finding the upside from those situations, while practicing gratitude for all the positives.
When Kaye isn’t writing intimate memoirs, she brings her natural sense of humor into her other works. She loves to laugh and self- medicate with a daily dose of humor.
I love to tell stories that have lessons in them, and hope to empower others by sharing my own experiences. I write raw and honest about my own experiences, hoping through my writing, that others can relate and find that there is always a choice to move from a negative space, and look for the positive.
Quotes:
“Live Laugh Love . . . And Don’t Forget to Breathe!”
“For every kindness, there should be kindness in return. Wouldn’t that just make the world right?”
When I’m not writing, I’m reading or quite possibly looking after some mundane thing in life. It’s also possible I may be on a secret getaway trip, as that is my passion—traveling.
Books by D.G. Kaye
About Twenty Years: After “I Do”.
May/December memoirs.
In this personal accounting, D.G. Kaye shares the insights and wisdom she has accrued through twenty years of keeping her marriage strong and thriving despite the everyday changes and challenges of aging. Kaye reveals how a little creative planning, acceptance, and unconditional love can create a bond no obstacle will break. Kaye’s stories are informative, inspiring, and a testament to love eclipsing all when two people understand, respect, and honor their vows. She adds that a daily sprinkling of laughter is a staple in nourishing a healthy marriage.
Twenty years began with a promise. As Kaye recounts what transpired within that time, she shows that true love has no limits, even when one spouse ages ahead of the other.
One of the recent reviews for the book
Canadian author, D. G. Kaye has written a heartwarming memoir in “Twenty Years After I Do,” detailing the ups and downs of marriage to an older man. I was eager to read this book because I am married to a man who is older than me by a decade. I wasn’t sure what I’d find, but having read other books by this author, I knew I was in for a treat.
Kaye shares how she met her husband, Gordon, chronicling how he swept her off her feet with his captivating personality, and how he made her laugh. With a sense of intimacy, the writing draws you in, as if you are listening to a good friend. Their connection, a true love story, (so rare these days) was a joy to experience through her words.
This book is a memoir in the real sense of the word, where the author details her relationship with her husband based on her knowledge of his battle with prostate cancer. As time trudges along, and more health issues crop up, this couple finds themselves confronting their mortality head-on. Most people would crumble under the stress of these burdens, but not Kaye. Because of the love that she and Gordon share they discover that they can overcome whatever life throws at them.
What I enjoyed was Kaye’s willingness to share the innermost details of her life experiences so others could learn from her example. There was no glossing over here, and she does tell it like it is. Ultimately, she leads the reader to the conclusion that love and humor conquer all. I’ve taken many of her insights and tucked them away for future reference.
A quick read, “Twenty Years After I Do,” will touch you with warmth and sincerity, as the phrase “…till death do us part…” takes on new meaning.
MY RATING: Character Believability: 5 Flow and Pace: 5 Reader Engagement: 5 Reader Enrichment: 5 Reader Enjoyment: 5 Overall Rate: 5 out of 5 Stars
Read the other reviews and buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077V386TL
and Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B077V386TL
Other books by D.G. Kaye
Read all the reviews and buy the books: http://www.amazon.com/author/dgkaye7
and Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/D.G.-Kaye/e/B00HE028FO
More reviews and follow Debby on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/dgkaye
Connect to Debby Gies
Come and visit me at our Literary Diva’s Library group on Facebook
Blog: http://www.dgkayewriter.com
About me: http://www.wiseintro.co/dgkaye7
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/@pokercubster (yes there’s a story)
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/dgkaye7
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/dgkaye
Google: http://www.google.com/+DebbyDGKayeGies
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dgkaye
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/dgkaye7
Thank you for dropping in today and please help spread the news of Debby’s travel column and we look forward to your questions and comments. Thanks Sally and Debby
Thanks for that colourful trip – I haven’t been to any of the islands, but if I ever get on a boat going that way I’ll know where to stop off!
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Thanks Janet.. hugsxx
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Happy to pique your interest Janet. 🙂
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Thank you for sharing Matthew.. much appreciated..
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Nice to see your post 👍
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Thanks for commenting..
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Looks very colourful, Debby. I’m looking out on a very grey day here so a bit of Caribbean sunshine and colour (albeit virtual) is welcome.
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A little rum cocktail perhaps Mary…..♥
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It would have to be a virtual one, Sally. I’m struggling to write a paper I’ve to deliver on Sunday about early century occupational therapy in a 19th century asylum. I’m not sure how I was inveigled into this – but I’ll be having a very large, real, drink afterwards.
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Oh my Mary… they saw you coming… still the paper is in good hands. And yes, you will deserve a large one after that.. xx
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Thanks Mary. Pour yourself a cocktail and dream away. ❤
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Yes, I have been to St Martins and totally agree about its beauty and natural friendliness.
It keeps you smiling throughout whether you shop or walk the beaches. I remember wonderful
local bands playing along one beach and who could resist the dance. 💃 .
Jewellery, that was quite an event with wine being served and plenty of time for trying and choosing. Altogether delicious.
Miriam
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Thank you for dropping in Miriam… glad you enjoyed the island.
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So true Miriam. I did forget to point out that all shop owners offer up ‘drinks on the house’ while you gaze at the gems – kind of like a casino in Vegas where they give you free drinks to loosen up and spend. LOL 🙂
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Thanks Debby for the great presentation. I put this on my list of places to go. 🙂
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Good to hear Christoph…xx
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Christoph, I just know you would LOVE that island. ❤
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Thank you Debby. One day I might sail on a Caribbean cruise and visit St Martin too. I have visited St Lucia but that was quite a few years ago.
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I am sure that you would enjoy Brigid… xxx
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Thank you Sally. It would be rather nice… xx
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St. Lucia is beautiful and lush, but a much more quieter island. You should give St. Martin a try! 🙂
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I will do my best Debby. 😊
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🙂
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Enjoyed the beach time! ♥
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haha.. good to hear Billy Ray.. ♥
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Happy to inform and entertain Bill Ray ❤
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Thanks bunches Sal for inviting me to share my experiences with travel on your blog. St. Martin is my most favorite island in all of the Caribbean. I must write about a few other close seconds. 🙂 ❤ xx
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It was brilliant Debby and we will be spoilt for choice after you have shared them all with us.. ♥♥
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Thank you so much Sal. It pleases me immensely that our friends here are inspired! ❤ xx
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Great job… just off to do my quick rounds and then off to bed..tiring this dog sitting!! hugs xx♥
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Thanks again Sal. Sleep tight. ❤
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Love your travel experiences my globe trotter! 🙂 keep sharing!
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Thanks so much Balroop. ❤
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A lovely colourful virtual tour, Debby..Not an island I have visited but after your tour I feel I have… A lovely informative post 🙂 xxx
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Oh thanks so much Carol. I’m glad I was able to transport you there, even if it was virtually. 🙂 ❤ x
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Thanks Carol..hugsx
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I have never been to St. Martin, but after this, I know I would love it! Beautiful, Debbie, and thanks for sharing.
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Oh fantastic Jan! I’m glad I could inspire you! 🙂 x
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Sounds like a wonderful place Jan… xx
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Hi Debby, this is an excellent travel post. We haven’t been to the Carrabian yet. We’ll make it one day. I love the history, the colors, and everything also. I would get a ring there if we have a chance to go!! ❤ ❤
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Thanks so much Miriam. I never met anyone who didn’t love St. Martin. I’m glad to learn I’ve inspired you to want to go there. And oh yes, make sure you save up for a special trinket when you do go because it’s so tempting to want to go home with a shiny or sparkly souvenir. My husband spoils me and knows he’s in for a wallet hit every time we’ve been there, lol. 🙂 ❤
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I know how it goes, Debby. When I went to Australia, I bought so many pieces of black opal. Only Australia has black opal. I had rings, pendants made for me and my daughter. At St. Martin, with appraisal doubles the paid price, it’s very tempting. Yes, we’ll save up before going. So far, I only wear real jewelry. ❤ ❤
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Oh sounds fabulous Miriam. ❤ xx
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Yes, thank you for an excellent post. ❤ ❤
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My pleasure! ❤
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🙂 ❤
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Sounds like you are halfway there Miriam…xxx♥
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Yes, Sally, we have family travels planned – wedding, trace the ancestry… We’ll get our cruise in soon! ❤ ❤
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A wonderful read, St. Martin sounds amazing, I was almost there on the beach, listening to the music and thinking of nothing more than what to have for dinner. ❤
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So awesome Adele that I could actually have you imagining you were there!!! Hopefully one day you will get there! ❤ xx
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Yes, that is a hope sister. ❤
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❤
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With clothes on I hope Adele….♥♥
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Still have yet to get to the Caribbean! One of these days, maybe, and Saint Martin sounds like a great place. No nude beach for us either 😎 LOL
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Lollllllllllll. Well, one place at a time right John? For now I’m still waiting for you to come to Mexico this winter!!! 🙂 ❤
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Stay tuned for future updates 😎💖
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Yay! 🙂
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I am with you on that one John.. somethings are best left unseen….x
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Debby, I keep taking notes for future reference. I haven’t visited any of the Caribbean islands, but now I know what not to miss. Thanks, Debby and Sally! ♥
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Oh fantastic Olga! You know when you’re ready to venture off you can always message me for advice! ❤
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Reblogged this on Where Genres Collide.
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Thanks so much Traci 🙂
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I have been so St. Martin and I loved it.
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Glad to hear.. it seems to be a beautiful island
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What’s not to love right? 🙂
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Wow!! Debby, your travel posts are fully inclusive. You advise how to best travel, and you are also the expert on certain locations. Best of all, you write in a way that everybody loves to read. I am so impressed. 😀
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As are all of us Jennie… I would not consider going on a cruise or trip without running it passed Debby first… xx
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Absolutely!! 🙂
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Lol Sal, or without inviting me! 🙂 ❤
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That goes without saying Debby… ♥
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Thanks Sal ❤ xxx
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Oh thanks bunches Jennie for your wonderful compliments. I’m so glad that you are enjoying my posts. You know, it was funny, I was reading an article before on famous writer’s advice. One of Hemingway’s tips was to ‘Write the way you talk’. It really struck me because ever since I began writing books I’ve always said, I write like I talk. Maybe I’ll just coin it ‘conversational writing’. Nonetheless, I’m thrilled you enjoy. ❤
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I love your Hemingway story, and it is so true- you do absolutely write like you talk. Really. And that makes the read a pleasure. So, don’t stop! 🙂 I’m glad you liked my complements. In the words of DGKaye… just sayin’. 😍
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Lol, you’re so funny Jennie! Thanks again and hugs! ❤
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❤️😍❤️
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I have been to Saint Martin/Sint Maarten and loved it. Spent the first half of the day in Sint Maarten shopping and the other half in Saint Martin relaxing on the beach. A great place!
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It sounds it Darlene…. I won’t ask what type of beach it was!!! hugsx
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How fabulous Darlene. That’s the way to enjoy it. I hope you picked up a ‘trinket’ lol. 🙂
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Sounds like a wonderful place to visit, Debby. Thanks for this informative post.
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Thanks Robbie.. hugsx
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So glad you enjoyed it Robbie 🙂 x
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Interesting post! I’ve also taken a few Caribbean cruises and stopped and many islands (Aruba being one of my favorites – especially for snorkeling) but I haven’t been to St. Martin. I like your advice of going only to St. Martin. Sounds like a good idea for a winter break. 🙂
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It’s a slice of heaven Carol. I’ve also been to Aruba quite a few times but I’d choose St. Martin over Aruba any day. It’s a matter of preference. I find Aruba ‘the breezy island’ a constant breeze of hot air and the most humid island of all – very bad hair days LOL 🙂 ❤
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Hi Debby – well you’ve certainly sold it for me … looks amazing and I’d love to spend some time there – perhaps I’ll give Orient beach a miss! Sounds fantastic … cheers Hilary
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Oh fabulous Hilary! Maybe I should become an agent and start making commissions? Lol just kidding! Yes, perhaps you too can bypass Orient beach LOL 🙂 x
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I think Orient Beach would be devoid of customers if I was on it!! Scattered to all corners with the wind if I was sallying around!! Cheers – even if I was shouting cheers with a bottle in my hand – they’d be a running ….
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Oh come on Hilary! That’s not true at all. And believe me, if you’d seen some of the people I’ve seen on that beach you would think differently. Still. I’m with you, I don’t care if I looked like a model, I wouldn’t be partaking. LOL 🙂
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It was said with tongue in cheek … not sure which cheek – but perhaps I’ll leave the comment as is!!
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I’ve been to a few Caribbean islands when on cruise ships, but not St. Martin. Enjoyed reading about the island. Thanks Debby. x
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Glad you enjoyed Stevie. Oh yes, this is one island you should visit one day. And like I mentioned, if you’re going for a week or 2 stay, you can take a little boat across the way to St. Barths – the tiny island where the rich and famous hang out, somewhere I would also like to see. 🙂 x
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Sounds great. No cruises planned for next year, but you never know…
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I’ve had to cancel my next winter cruise for a few reasons, but you’ll find me in Puerto Vallarta next winter. Come visit! 🙂
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Wish I could…
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Me too 🙂
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Debby you have me hankering those beaches.. Looks to be a wonderful place that ticks many boxes… It’s four years since I went abroad we are exploring more around the British isles these days.. I do miss the blue oceans.. Ours are never that blue.. And wow to the airport landings with a view from the beach.. 🙂 ❤
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Oh thanks so much Sue for making it over here. I’m applauding you for being such a good friend and putting up with the WP gremlins you’ve been experiencing at my blog. ❤ I'm happy to enlighten you with the beautiful multi-blue ocean as it looks in real life. And perhaps one day you may just get yourself to one of the many beautiful Caribbean islands. For now, at least I can give you a taste! 🙂 ❤
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You are welcome Debby, and for one moment I thought we had cracked our problem, but then see its from Sally’s place… And yes the Caribbean sounds a place to aim for…. And I loved the taster you offered Debby.. ❤ Enjoy your Day.. And Hi to Sally too.. ❤ Much love to you both.. ❤
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Yes, false hope Sue. Sally isn’t self-hosted so at least you had no issues replying here. Hugs again! ❤ xxx
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❤ (( Hugs ))
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Thanks Sue…hugs ♥
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St. Martin is lovely but it’s been a while since I’ve gone. Thanks for this post, Debby. You’ve inspired me to go again and see what’s new. ❤ xx
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Hi Vashti. So glad I could inspire you. I know you just came back from beautiful Japan so at least you’re good til the next urge strikes! 🙂 ❤
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That is true. 😉 ❤
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This travel series by Debby is great, Sally. If one didn’t already have the travel bug, I think it would be easy to catch it from Debby. It’s also great for those armchair travellers, like me.
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Thanks so much Norah. So glad to enlighten you while in the arm chair! 🙂 x
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Mark and I are VERY familiar with St. Martin. We spent a total of about 12 or so months on the island during our three years of cruising in the Eastern Caribbean on our sailboat Irie. We even had our wedding party here, on the French side.
Our main reason to live here this long on our boat in the lagoon was because it is a Mecca for sailors, so a good place to work and sell our product. The beaches are, indeed, wonderful and carnival is spectacular. That being said, we found the island to be very busy and built-up, especially the Dutch side. I’m sure things are quite different now, after hurricane Maria. But, it’s not a bad place to visit (or settle for a while), once the economy picks up again.
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Thanks Liesbet… sounds both idyllic and cosmopolitan too with boats converging..I hope for their economy that it revives.. hugs
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