The island is pretty small - 36 sq miles. It is split into two, half is part of the Netherlands, the other half French. The border is just a line on the map and a couple of flags as you drive past, but the two parts are very different. On the French side they use Euros (they take US Dollars as well), speak French, have Gendarme and La Poste and nice little patisseries and coffee shops. It is basically France. Dutch side uses the Dollar, speaks English, and is mostly full of Casinos, bars, expensive shops and hotels. The cruise ships dock on the Dutch side, and bring with them thousands of fat Americans with Hawaiian shirts. All over the island there are great views, perfect turquoise water and incredible beaches, so I stopped in for a few days before flying into the British Virgin Islands.
Philipsburg, capital of the Dutch side.
I managed to get put up by a French couple while I stayed on the island, Rene-Jean and Genevieve. They were great hosts, fed me cheese, baguette and wine, and gave me the keys to their hillside villa in a gated estate. Not bad. This is their pool.
The market in Marigot, French capital.
I was told about a good beach shack for lunch that was cheap on the French side. Plate of BBQ pork ribs fresh off the grill, rice and peas, salad and a pint of Orangina - $7. Bargain.
Grand Casse. I walked to the end of this beach (the other direction to the photo). I realised as I was sat reading that the beach was deserted. There are so many beaches everywhere that none of them are busy. Very similar to Blackpool...
After 3 or 4 days I took a half hour flight to the BVIs, kitesurfing everyday.
No comments:
Post a Comment