HM: Touring 37 Sq. Miles

Honeymoon Day 4

We were surprisingly adjusted to Island time, which was probably the benefit of spending so much quality time in the Atlanta airport. The first thing on our agenda was the island tour with Bertrum Thomas, a witty older guy who gave a nice tour. We toured the whole island and had a few stops along the way. The first was at Simpson bay, where we got some rundowns on the island particulars. Like, there is a water and power station on each side of the island (French and Dutch) and they run on different voltage. We also saw the spot of a new resort and a questionable church site. From Simpson Bay, we went a bit through the Dutch side and found ourselves at the French border. The only way you know you are crossing over is the “Welcome” signs and the white tags on the road.

We stopped in the capitol of the French side, which is Marigot. We walked around a bit and I wish that we had more time available to take in food choices. The bakery that I had wanted to visit was closed for the day and the market was quiet with a few exceptions. We saw Fort Lewis, which was the French fort, but did not take the trek up to see it. From the capitol we went out in the countryside and saw the guavaberries, which aside from tourism, is their biggest product. You take the guavaberries and add them to a pina colada! So good. Another misfortune for Matt is that they are rum. Their products used to be salt and sugar cane. These products are no longer being a reliable export for the country. From there, we went to Orient Bay and enjoyed a walk along the beach with a guavaberry colada.

 We got back on the bus and went through the French Quarters and saw their main livestock! Although we never partook in enjoying cuisine from this animals, we saw it on the menu. We crossed back over to the Dutch side and went through the capitol of the Dutch side, Phillipsburg. This city is known for it’s shopping and because of the location to the cruise docks, they have stores such as Tiffany’s, LaCoste, Ralph Lauren, Cartier, and so on. They can fit up to 8 cruises in the bay and when you get up to 10,000 on a cruise, that makes for some interesting opportunities. Their two shopping streets are Front Street and Back Street and Matt and I also took in the boardwalk. From there we headed back to the resort, and passed a cemetery, which was super intriguing. Because of the water and the hurricane, the set up was a bit different than what we were used to.

Our tour guide focused on a few things that were very interesting. So much of the island has changed because they are building the island out onto the water to better fit their needs. They are building up the land and expanding in that sense. He also commented that the laws (like the power abilities) are different for each side. What is done on one side is sometimes not allowed on the other. He did saw, we are not French or Dutch, but we are one island. And aside from some semantics, it was obvious to see how that worked. We also never changed our money over, everything ran in dollars (French and Dutch side). Although it got more problematic with the French side, which was on the Euro, we did get the crossover to happen pretty seamlessly. Language was also not a barrier. Everyone spoke English, Mr. Thomas explained that the island is surrounded by British Islands and before the airport was established, traveling only occurred by boats to these British Islands. This necessity boded well for the island as the English probably has served the tourism industry beyond what was expected.

Mr. Thomas: See the rules are different and the law is different on the two side. If you are married on the Dutch side, you are single on the French side. (long pause) I'm just kidding.

After the tour, Matt and I headed back into Phillipsburg. After doing some light shopping, we headed to Barefoot Restaurant. We started with some jerk wings, which I’ll admit I had my doubts, but they were so tasty. A bit of a kick with the seasoning, but worth mentioning for sure. Matt had a shrimp dish while I ventured out to try conch (the meat inside the big seashells). Matt’s meal was definitely the best and I found myself jealous as mine was a bit chewy…not what I was expecting. The flavor was good, but I couldn’t get past just how chewy.

As we were sitting there, suddenly the clouds let loose. The rain came in buckets and we found ourselves stranded as it continued to downpour. We had another drink but found that we wouldn’t be able to out wait it. We continued some browsing on the front street stores before heading back.

As we sat and watched the rain, we decided to smoke a few cigars. Sounds great in theory and after struggling to light with a match, we did enjoy them. That is until I finished mine and realized that my stomach/body hadn’t built up the tolerance to tobacco and smoke and I found myself a bit sick! What a wimp.

 

After a slight nap and some ginger ale, Matt and I headed down to the resort’s meal special…surf and turf. I’ll admit I was very disappointed. The flank and skirt stakes were a waste of time (but most steaks are compared to what we get from home). The salad bar seemed bleak. The pork was dried out. The lobster was okay, but I’m determining that maybe I don’t like lobster…it’s okay but crab is waaaayyyy better. The best thing of the dinner was the soup and the bread. I’m not sure what kinda soup…I’m thinking it was a seafood. What’s funny is that I had 2 or 3 bowls of it…and it wasn’t until we were getting ready to leave that Matt even tried it and he surprisingly agreed.

Best meal: The Barefoot restaurant meal…If I had ordered Matt’s shrimp, it would have been an EASY pick…but because of the chicken wings, the rice, and the fried plantains it still was pretty noteworthy.

While walking on the French side…
ALR: I’m so glad I have you here to translate for me, just like I translated in Cabo.
MJR: Screw you!