Another day of glorious hot weather with temperatures in the 80s Fahrenheit predicted, if it is not that already. And perhaps, not the most suitable conditions for a hike over steep and tough terrain, a shore trip which I opted for, partly because of its late start time, and partly to keep up my (so far) ineffective exercise regime! So far, I have exceeded 11,000 steps on all but two days, when I came reasonably close.
St. Maarten lies just east of the British Virgin Islands, one of which, Tortola, we call at tomorrow, bringing the curtain down on a wonderful island hopping in the North Atlantic and Caribbean. St. Maarten gets its name from the time Christopher Columbus “discovered” the island, landing there on the Saint’s Day commemorating St. Martin. The Dutch and French continue to share the island in agreed territories, and I am told that the Euro is the main currency here. I have a mere 80 of them from a previous holiday! That should get me a t-shirt.
This morning, I was awake before 7 am when I was expecting the “bongs” to arouse me from my slumbers. Last night, after an enjoyable day in St. Kitts, I joined earlier table companions Alan and Sue for dinner. We were shown to the regular table of Jack Joan and Jean, far more established travellers than I will ever be, and whom I have come across on recent previous travels. None of us were enthusiastic about the show on offer. We relaxed in the Queen Elizabeth inspired Chart Room on Deck 3. Before dinner, I watched with continued amazement at how quickly the sun sets in this part of the world.
This morning, although awake earlier than usual, l had a fairly late breakfast of porridge, banana, yoghurt and mixed fresh fruit including strawberries, retrieved from the back, out of sight! I then visited the Future Tours Office to ascertain rumours that bargains were to be had continuing this voyage back to the Caribbean. Indeed, I can go home for four days, get back on again and return some time in March. Ye Gods, I’m sorely tempted! I also went to the library where I had some Internet time reinstated after failing to log out correctly.
My walking tour does not start until 13.20 hrs. I thus decided on an early lunch in the Britannia Restaurant at a table with magnificent views, apart from a bog-standard lamp post, which, needless to say serves an important purpose.
Notes. M.S.C. Mediterranean Shipping Company. N.C.L. Norwegian Cruise Line RCI Royal Caribbean International.
Even if you dine every day in the main restaurant, there is always a sense of occasion. A line of immaculately turned out waiters and restaurant personnel are at the entrance to greet you, and show you to your seat. Arrive early, and a window seat is assured!
I shall write about the Coastal Hike later tonight
While I remember: Last night, a medical emergency necessitated a hasty run to Philipsburg where, shortly after 10 o’clock, the ship was met by an ambulance team. However, we were not allowed ashore until this morning.
Many thanks for reading, David, completed over lunch, posted after the hike at 17.20 hrs.
David's Cruise 