St-Martin / St Maarten is a tropical island in the northeast Caribbean, approximately 300 km (186 miles) east of Puerto Rico. It is one among the 22 odd islands or land masses across the globe, whose administration is shared between two different countries.
Before St. Maarten became a must-see destination for cruisers, the island was most popular for its must-have ingredient. Salt! Back in the 17th century, Dutch settlers started harvesting salt from Great Salt Pond and sending shiploads back to Europe. And even before the Europeans started craving the stuff, the natives named the island "Soualiga" or "Land of Salt".
Philipsburg, Dutch capital
Marigot, French capital
The island is divided roughly 60/40 between France and the Netherlands Antilles; it is the smallest inhabited sea island divided between two nations, a division dating to 1648. Other than the island's name (spelled Saint-Martin on the French half), both sides are quite unique. It has two governments, two parliaments, two hospitals, two airports, two currencies, two everything. Even the electricity current... The standard in Dutch St. Maarten are wired as in the U.S. (110 volts, 60 cycles). The French side of the island uses European current (220 volts, 50 cycles). St. Martin's Dutch side is known for its festive nightlife, beaches, jewelry, exotic drinks made with nativerum-based guava-berry liquors, and plentiful casinos. The island's French side is known for its nude beaches, clothes, shopping (including outdoor markets), and rich French and Indian Caribbean cuisine.
As we arrive in Philipsburg, the capital of Sint Maarten, you'll immediately notice the Dutch influences, dating back to the colonial days. Wander down the narrow alleyways that lead to pastel-colored houses, perfectly intact with their second-story verandas and courtyards filled with flowers.
Princess Juliana International Airport serves the Dutch part of the island. World famous for its close-proximity photographs of landing aircraft.
No comments:
Post a Comment