" the Dutch and the French wished to draw a border on the island in a civilized manner. It was decided that a race should be held to determine how much land each nation could claim.
The French competitor had to follow the coastline to the North, the Dutchman had to walk South. Once they circumnavigated the island and met again, a line would be drawn between the starting point and the meeting point to define the border.
Both men choose beverages according to their culture: the Frenchmen a bottle of Red Wine, the Dutch a bottle of Genever (Dutch Gin). Obviously, quenching one's thirst with Gin will have a more significant negative impact on one's athletic performance than sipping some wine. The Dutch soldier discovered this when he met his more sober French competitor again: His gin induced slow-down cost the Dutch quite some territory. French St. Martin covers now two thirds of the 37 square mile island."
Philipsburg is the capitol on the Dutch side and is where the cruise ships dock.
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| The port @ Philispburg It is amazing to watch the huge ships dock. |
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| Port entrance to the island and shops |
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| Trying out some local hot sauces |
After walking through some of the local shops we met up with our tour group to tour the island. We decided to just go on a driving tour the went over to Marigot on the French side. Along the waterfront in Margot is a market full of local goods.
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| Leaving Philisburg |
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| French side |
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| Marigot on French side |
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| Fort Louis overlooking the town of Marigot |
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| Little French Restaurant |
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| After walking around the market in Marigot we needed to stop for a refreshing beverage (Long Island Iced Tea!) |
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| Beautiful views on the drive |
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| Leaving port |
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| View of island from ship |
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| What better way to end the day..... |
We had a great day seeing the island. It was interesting seeing the difference in the architecture from the Dutch side to the French side. The Dutch side is more commercialized with the French side staying true to the locals.
Next stop St. Thomas.....