With an area of only 37 square miles , the island of St. Maarten/St. Martin is the smallest island in the world ever to have been partitioned between two different nations. The Dutch and French have shared this Island of paradise for nearly 350 years. The border is hardly noticable and people cross back and forth without ever realizing they are entering a new country. The only marker is a monument between Union Road and Bellevue, testifying to centuries of peaceful cohabitation and the treaty that made the arrangement possible.

We spent our time exploring the Dutch side. Rainy weather prevented us from enjoying the beaches but did not dampen our insatiable need to shop the shops. We found gold items to be among the least expensive and highest quality of our journey thus far. I bought what was claimed to be an authentic Rolex watch. It tarnished quickly, the hands ticked instead of running smoothly and, ultimately, only lasted two years. I paid very little and it was fun.

Although the region falls under the government of Netherlands Antilles and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, its diversity and the strong influence of West-Indian traditions make its culture anything but exclusively Dutch. Walking the roadways, away from other tourists, there is an unusual serenity. The peoples are a lay back sophistication of a blend of Caribbean and European cultures.

The rains ended shortly before our required return to our ship. Soon St. Maarten's dependable trade winds freed us from the humidity and we were graced, once again, with its promised temperate climate and sun. A glimps of what could have been shown as we sailed away - on to our next stop - Dominica.