St. Maarten

Breakfast as usual then we headed out to find our meeting spot for our excursion.

We had directions (this was our only private excursion) but had to ask for help finding it.  When we got there we found out we were the only 2 who signed up for the particular excursion we planned.  The other one, which had a fair number of folks, was ours plus a "beach break".  We were assured there was a very nice restaurant there so we said OK when they moved us to that excursion with no additional charge.   Then the waiting began.  We were to meet them at 9:30, and it got close to 10:00 and no movement.  Some complained and they took us after that.  Thank goodness for complainers!

We started on the Dutch side of the island, and moved to the French side.  St. Maarten was devastated during the 2017 hurricanes and is coming back but is far from being back in business fully.  We saw evidence of this time and time again. But we also saw lovely beaches.

We headed to Rainbow Beach where the beach break was to take place.  We opted to have a very nice lunch - starting with the special drink of the day - a mojito with champagne.  It was pretty and refreshing!  We decided to share 3 tapas dishes - mozzarella sticks (yes mozzarella sticks), chicken skewers, and calamari.  All were really good!  And they came with a gorgeous beach view.  While waiting for our meal I noticed a Maryland flag hanging from a condo porch right next to the restaurant.  It was so close I walked over and had a nice conversation with the guys.  They were from Baltimore and come every year.  They pointed out the properties nearby that were not open.  They were very nice, and I enjoyed talking to them!

We slowed down in an area that had LOTS of iguanas in the trees.  They are hard to see in the pics, but there were a LOT of them. 

Next we stopped for a "shopping opportunity".  I took this pic so show the traditional markets but honestly we could have taken this picture on any of the islands we have been on.  Some vendors are more aggressive than others, but most are very respectful of a polite no thank you.

Then we headed toward Moho beach that is famous for planes taking off and landing right over the beach.  It was nice to see, but after you have seen a couple of planes land you are ready to move on.

They have a surfboard at the beach bar where they post the landing times.

Then it was on our way back to the ship.

Off to dinner, then a bit of music before heading to an early bedtime.  We were both beat!  Tomorrow is a sea day and we are looking forward to it!