Having not been on land in ten days, this tropical paradise beckoned an explore. St. Martin did not disappoint.

This Caribbean Island is really two different countries with us spending out time on the 'Dutch Side' occupies about one third of the island's landmass and is owned by Kingdom of the Netherlands. 
We began by exploring the port town and as we walked, we met Lily, who walked us to the City bus stop and gave us directions for riding public transportation. As promised, later in the day I returned to her shop and bought a sundress that I would wear later in the trip.

St. Martin's history shares many commonalities with other Caribbean islands. Its earliest inhabitants were Amerindians, followed by Europeans who brought slavery to exploit commercial interests.

In 1493, on Christopher Columbus second voyages to the West Indies, upon first sighting the island he named it Isla de San Martín. However, though he claimed it as a Spanish territory, Columbus never landed there, and Spain made the settlement of the island a low priority. The French and Dutch, on the other hand, both coveted the island.



Note Steve in the bottom right hand corner. The people, beach, shops and atmosphere made our first stop exceptional.