Philipsburg, St. Martin

St. Martin is a fascinating mix of France and Holland and the island has been shared by the two nations since 1648. The early economy relied on cotton, tobacco, salt and sugar. A large salt pond remains, once harvested by the Dutch East India Company for trade. Today, the Dutch side of the island, anchored by its capital, Philipsburg, is dotted with resorts and casinos. The renowned Rotary Lookout Point offers stunning panoramic views of the Simpson Bay Lagoon and surrounding islands. Further north, the 1.5-mile swath of white sand at Orient Beach is ideal for sunbathing. Description from Viking website.

 

St Maarten 37 square miles Dutch and French Tourist main industry since 1860 Used to be salt indigo sugarcane 90 k population rapidly growing Slaver y abolished 1836? Brown pelicans national bird 189 species birds Mangrove trees protected School 7-1:45 Dutch and English Ditch flying man Steepest zip line ** Indigo bay property new built $225 k No river Turn saltwater to drinking water Flamboyant tree national tree Many fast food KFC McDonald BKing Car dealers 40k for suv St Barts most expensive island in Caribbean rich artist take yachts to st Bart’s from Maarten Caster oil tree Cruise control movie made here when boat crashed into city Grenada  is off the hurricane belt Fresh jacks fish for sale Rocky coast No snakes Mongoose Lots of monkeys Iguanas  ** Le Petite Hotel nice and cute on the beach School 8-4 on French side lunch 12-1 Government built houses for low income elderly people 1 percent crime French send to Guadalupe island Only domestic animals except those above Homes 150k to millions Two of every thing Power plants Dutch side has port Bigger hotels Can’t explain why French side pays more 30-45 inches rain

 

December 2023