Where are they now?

Dom had 4 days off in a row so we took the opportunity to fly to St.Martin for the weekend.

It's a pretty neat place - it is the smallest landmass (37 square miles, or 96 square km if you prefer) in the world shared by 2 independent states. On an island one-fifth the size of the island of Montreal!! St. Martin in the north is a territory of France and Sint Maarten in the south is a Dutch territory and part of the Netherlands Antilles (as is Curacao).

On the French side, everything is priced in Euros (and is accordingly quite expensive - 4 euros for a beer, anyone??) but they also do business in US dollars. On the Dutch side, they seemed to predominantly use US dollars but would also accept euros or the Netherlands Antilles Guilder, which is the official currency (and, again, also that of Curacao). The Dutch side seemed more developed - more populated, more large resorts, while the French side seemed to have more of a genuine Caribbean feel.

Our hotel was up as far North as you can go, on the French side. We had a relaxing stay. Both Dom and I had the chance to dive and Joshua enjoyed a dip in the pool.

This is the "famous" Orient Beach on the east side of the island:

Joshua enjoying a dip in the pool with Mummy: 

  .. and having a beer with Dad!