When we were invited to join our family on their holiday mid-December in St. Martin, we jumped at the chance.  The timing worked for them with the kids’ school schedules.  We were happy to be included.  

I didn’t know much about St. Martin or any of the Caribbean islands for that matter other than the British Virgin Islands. We have loved sailing in the BVI’s.  We’ve not been big beach vacation people.  So, off we went, flip flops, sun dresses (not enough) and plenty of sun screen. 

I learned that St. Martin is divided into two parts—Dutch owned and belonging to the French.  We stayed at a resort on the Dutch side for three nights before moving to a rental townhouse on Orient Beach on the French side for the rest of the 10 day trip. We could walk to  the site of an old fort, enjoying the canon and remains of buildings.   There’s history to be found.

The cruise ships influenced a lot of what I saw on the Dutch side.   We were told as many as six a day dock here. Wow. 

We saw lots of shopping and bars and lively places geared for folks getting off the big ships.  Some of them made me laugh.  A Buddha Bar serving coffee?   The Boogie Bouncer? Cigars and Table cloths? What a funny combination.  Since fhis isn’t normally my kind of travel destination  it was fun to see.  Made me think of Key West. I loved the happy vibe. The shopping.  The food. The relaxed atmosphere.  The people were very friendly and thrilled to have tourists back.  

I personally enjoyed all the color on everything including trash cans.  Happy decor.  Whether you are on the French or Dutch side, Caribbean brights add to the “on vacation”  feeling.  

The meals were great.  All kinds of food.  Beautiful settings.  I would expect nothing less of the French than good food beautifully served. 

We had a great time watching the World Soccer Cup at a French beach restaurant.  The waiters served Caribbean shots when the team scored.  While the broadcast was in French, it was easy to follow the game and cheer with the 100 or people gathered at water’s edge. 

I found lots of stuff to amuse me.  The dog using a bunch of ice cubes for  a head rest.  Motorcyclists on the boat dock. A creative staircase.   Local art.  

As a lifelong northerner,  the Christmas decor in this climate looked strange to me.  The beach bar with French flags around the ceiling (for the soccer match), Santa Claus on the wall and Caribbean bright curtains amused me.  What a mashup of themes.   They got them all in.   

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We went to Pinel Island for the day, enjoying the beach and a walk to see a more expansive view.  Gorgeous.   

The abundant Iguana’s were followed by our grandson.  He also enjoyed the resident parrot at the resort.  I got a kick out of the random donkeys we saw.  

My two creative attempts at some more artsy photography are here:  a double exposure and sand on the beach.   

And then home……the blizzard of December…..that was a shocker…….