St. Martin - W.I.
St. Martin is a fascinating mix of France and Holland which have shared the island since 1648. About the size of Grand Blanc Township, the island split is approximately 60% French and 40% Dutch. There are no boarder checks between the two sides of the island however the French region uses the Euro currency while the Dutch side uses the Netherlands Gilder. The island is lush with a Caribbean beauty all its own. With great beaches and tropical weather, it's not surprising that tourism accounts for 85% of their economies. We docked in Philipsburg (Dutch capital) and drove 15 minutes across the island to Marigot (French capital). It was Sunday morning so the only merchants open were street vendors and taverns. Though the Euro and Gilder are the official currencies, everyone takes U.S. dollars. The other noticeable difference was the Dutch side had casinos and no nude beaches, the French side had nude beaches and no casinos. (You ...