St Maarten Style

St Maarten is a beautiful island that is well developed compared to other Caribbean islands and has many different and interesting aspects to it. It is divided into French and Dutch sides, the French side being very French and the Dutch side not so Dutch. Living on the Dutch side where English is the most commonly spoken language, then Spanish, Papamentio (local dialect) and then possibly Dutch one feels like they are somewhere between Europe, America and the Caribbean.

There is no border between the two sides but one know instantly when they are on the French side because the roads are much much better then on the Dutch side. The road system on the island is notoriously bad and it can take until cows come home to get to where you are going. Traffic is chronically congested and the amount of cars on this island is quite substantial. The best way to get around is by scooter or vespa. They are cheap to run, can be parked anywhere and fun to drive.

The traffic situation is not helped by the guy who stops mid commute to chat to his friend either in another car or roadside. This is quite a common site here and although it would infuriate any North American driver there seems to be little road rage as people just accept the traffic situation. Hey what can I say it the Caribbean.

The pace here is a bit slower but still lively as there is quite a mix of people from various nationalities here. While the majority of business and upper management positions appear to be held by people not from St Maarten the workforce is made up of many different cultural groups. What was unexpected for me is how I did not feel any overwhelming sense of culture shock. I suspect it has to do with English being the universal language spoken here and many products come from the States.

Apart from its traffic, St Maarten has so much to offer. Amazing beaches, fantastic nightlife, shopping and dining. There are a range of activities that one can do from sailing, snorkeling, shopping, drinking (considered a past time fdown here) and just relaxing. I would encourage anyone who has the chance to visit St Maarten to do so without hesitation. Besides who does not want to be on a beach right now.

Life in the Caribbean

I have to admit that life in the Caribbean is great. To be surrounded by swaying palm trees and aquamarine water that is so clear that you see straight to the bottom brings nothing but a smile to my face. I have to pinch myself sometimes when I wake up and look out my window and see sunshine and sand.

It is still strange however to be lying on a beach in mid-January when you are so use to bundling up in layers of cloths, bracing yourself for the biting cold and digging your car out of three feet of snow. Living on St Maarten has convinced me that it is unnatural for human beings to be living in frightfully cold conditions, reaffirming my belief that those who choose to live in the prairies are crazy.

All in all living on St Maarten has been wonderful so far and I am looking forward to exploring all that the island has to offer.