Stray Dogs
by jenn_d
This doesn't fall under a favorite thing or fond memory but it is general information.
The stray population here is overwhelming. Coincidently an article was published in the local paper while I was on the island citing the Antilles of being the third worst in the world in their treatment and care of animals (Greece was 1st, Bulgaria 2nd, China 4th).
There is a local humane society but they are overwhelmed and rely mostly on donations from foreigners.
http://www.animal-welfare-sxm.com/
They Take Florins Don't They?
by starship
The official language of St. Maarten is Dutch though English is widely spoken, and the currency in St. Maarten is the Dutch Florin or Guilder, but everyone prefers the U.S. money. If you pay in U.S. dollars, you will receive change in U.S. dollars. We traded coins with a local woman so that I could have a Dutch Florin as a souvenir because we would not get one otherwise.
The Dutch side of St. Maarten is home to 32,000 residents who enjoy an annual average temperature of 80 degrees (which only feels like 95 degrees) and 45" of annual rainfall.
Banking hours are 8:30 am to 3:30 pm only though some banks are open Saturday mornings.
Tipping here is expected as in many places in the Caribbean where there tourism is firmly established. While hotels add 10 - 15% service charges, the same percentage is expected by taxi drivers and other service personnel.
Hotels are wired as in the U.S. for 110 volts, 60 cycles. The children enjoying the beach and the great shopping!
Take a lot of photos, the...
by BROOKS
Take a lot of photos, the scenerey is beautiful. Be sure to keep your finger out of the camera like me, who ruined nearly 50 beautiful cultural and arcitechtural photographs!!! There is a lot to do in Philipsburg. It's wonderful watching the rainbow colored people that populate this hot and sunny tropical isle. In this photograph, you can see Philipsburg's natural entry/departure site. This is where most of the cruise ships dock to let all of the timid voyagers off. Smaller boats, fishing boats, and 'ferries' dock here as well. My brother has lived here for 9 years so all my trips are quite memorable. One very interesting and stunning memories is when you land, you are only a few feet above Maho beach where people are swimming and having fun!!!
Packing for the Warm Weather
by cjg1
A carryon or a suitcase will do depending on how long your trip. Light comfortable clothing such as shorts, tee shirts, sundresses are good to keep you cool. A hat is also a good idea to keep your head and face from getting sunburned. Comfortable shoes for walking and flip flops for the beach. Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, razor, shaving cream, deodorant, toothbrush, tooth paste, bodywash, sunscreen, contacts. Digital camera, memory card reader, video camera bathingsuits, towels, flip flops
Pinel Island
by CatInEurope
Pinel is a little island that you must travel to by boat from the French side. It is always busy and breathtakingly beautiful.
It gets extremely hot - so bring pleantly of sunscreen. You can rent chairs and umbrellas on the island.
There is a restaurant, although i have never eated there. The shops are very cute but very expensive.
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KLM MD-11 arriving from Amsterdam
Tiny little shop
Pirate Skulls
I love the trunks
