Farewell St Martin

We have explored both sides of St Martin over the past week - the French side and the Dutch (Netherlands) side.

The two sides are definitely associated with separate countries, using different currency, etc. It's odd that the Dutch side still uses "guilder" as their currency rather than the euro, which is used on the French side. English is spoken universally, but so is French, Dutch, German, and some Spanish.

Both countries, being part of the European Union, have open borders. Driving between the sides is similar to driving between states in the US - there is a sign marking the boundary, but no checkpoints, no customs and immigration, etc. Whether via car, dinghy, or on foot, you can go wherever you want on the island.

The food is quite good. I don't think we had a meal we didn't like. It's also quite expensive.

The chandleries (hardware stores for boats) on the Dutch side are well stocked, and prices are outrageous, but not ridiculously so like in the BVIs and USVIs.

They say that "boat" stands for "Break Out Another Thousand". Indeed, we just about did that buying supplies for upcoming boat projects.

We found that grocery stores were really well stocked and reasonably priced. We took the opportunity to replenish our cupboards, fridges and freezers.

We knew that this stop would be quick, and indeed we are about to embark on a passage to Guadeloupe. This looks like our best weather window for the next week, with another weather front rolling off the eastern US. We are hoping that it only takes us 24 hours to get there.

We have heard amazing things about Guadeloupe from friends, so we are really looking forward to spending several weeks there!