Plum Bay - Most of the Gang
I thought I’d just share a fun and eclectic collection of photographs that represent some of the things we’ve been doing and discovering since we’ve come to St. Martin. I’ll let the pictures tell the story. I still have no way to charge the batteries on my camera, so I don’t have as many photos to share as I’d like. But this will get us started for now.
Plum Bay
On Friday afternoon we were picked up by Cecily Lew, Cheyenne McGlue, and Cheyenne’s two boys Dillon and Ronan. They took us to one of their favorite beaches, Plum Bay.
Dillon and Ronan have been on the island now for 16 months and they are veterans of the beach. And they look like it! It was fun to watch their confidence in the water.
It took Andi a little while to warm to the idea of trying the boogie boards, but once she did, she was hooked.
“Dad!” she said, “we have GOT to get some of these!”
Andi after a run up the beach on a boogie board
We were also introduced to a new activity: Skim Boarding. A skim board is a thin piece of wood which you toss down on the water as it is receding back into the ocean and ride it into surf. Dillon was a master at it. I tried it twice. And twice I fell on my face.
After I left to take Piper home for a nap, Tanner gave it a try. He said on about his 20th attempt, he finally managed to stay on the board.
Tanner trying his hand at skin boarding, and Ronan on a boogie board
Andi and Tanner playing in the surf
Tanner and Ronan
Dillon with a skim board, Andi with a boogie board
Piper and her shades
Swimming with Iguanas
Iguanas by the Pool
Down by one of the pools, it’s not uncommon to see iguanas hanging out sunning themselves. This morning there were four of them, two of which seemed to take an interest in our swimming.
Piper checking out the iguanas
Cari taking a rare break to join us for a Saturday morning swim
Fruit Juices & Milk
Ok, I know this is random, and I’ve been told I’m weird for posting this, but I think it’s fun. I’m having a blast trying out all the different fruit juices down here. This photo only shows a small sample of the variety available, and they are actually very affordable. Also, the milk is like nothing you’ll ever find in the States, at least that I’m aware of. They call it “shelf milk” because it will sit on the shelf just about forever w/o going bad. You don’t need to refrigerate it until after it’s been opened. It does taste different, but not worse. Just…. different.
Fruit Juices
Shelf Milk
Juice is one of the few things that seem to be cheaper here than in the States, and it’s *so delicious.*
You can buy real milk here too. We have it much better than in Dominica; all their milk is powdered.
It IS delicious! And we’ve seen the real milk, it’s just a little more expensive. And, it will go bad if the power is out for a long time.
You are not weird for posting about the juice or milk – now you will remember it forever – hahaha – so glad the kids had a good time and are getting more psyched about the ocean. The boys are really enjoying more friends to hang with!!!!
Thanks for the validation 🙂 I didn’t think I was weird either. And yes, they had a blast! I think they are starting to see the potential source of fun that the ocean can provide. We sure do appreciate your family and all you have done for us. Please extend our gratitude to your boys.
Sounds like you’re making the adjustment just fine! It’s interesting reading about the “shelf milk” I had that on my mission in Belgium. At first it was not was I was expecting, coming from Holland and the land of cheese and ulra-fresh milk. But once you refrigerated the carton, it became better. Now I miss is…sort of. I’m also tickled to learn that you’re smack in the middle of the Dutch Antilles. In Holland, we taught a plethora of families from the Caribbean, and even picked up a little Papiamento when they didn’t want to speak Dutch or English. Can’t wait to hear more. Thank you for sharing!
Hey, thanks Flipper. The kids and I don’t mind the shelf milk, but Carina doesn’t care for it at all. Fresh (normal) milk is available, but it costs more. I don’t fully understand the relationship between Netherlands Antilles and the Holland itself. Are the islanders here considered Dutch citizens?
Casey – On October 10th, 2010 St.Maarten became Country St.Maarten – it is a country under the kingdom of holland. I do believe they carry a Dutch passport. The citizens on the French side carry a passport from France. The boys are looking for more fun with your family!!!!!
Let us know what’s next on the activity list. Maybe snorkeling? We have gear now.
I just remembered yesturday that you guys have a blog & I have had so much fun reading about your adventures. Your whole experience up until now sounds like an emotional rollercoaster. I hope now that you’ve been there for a few days things will start to “normal” out. Looks like you’ll have a fun 20 months ahead of you. Keep the posts coming!
Thanks Emily! We really want to know when you guys are going to do your annual sail boat trip and head down here for a visit!
I drank that milk the whole time I was in africa! Sounds like your doin well. Do you still have your home phone?
Yep, home phone is still the same. 320-230-7730.