i heart st. maarten

i <3 st. maarten

here's fun info:

Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch St. Maarten, fills a narrow stretch of land between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond. Founded in 1763 by John Philips, a Scottish (<3) captain in the Dutch navy, it soon became a bustling center of international trade. Today it's still as bustling as ever, with lively shopping streets, cafes and hotels. (i lovveee iittt)
Two main roads cut across the length of Philipsburg-Front Street and Back Street. Front Street (the main street) is lined with duty-free shops offering everything from Italian leather goods and Japanese cameras to native crafts. Narrow alleyways lead in either direction to arcades and courtyards filled with flowers. Of course, the West Indian architecture, including the pastel colored houses (practically a caribbean staple) with second story verandas over looking the street inspire you to draw, paint or write.
French Side? Picturesque. Hit up Orchard Beach!

Here are some pictures that make me happy:

(french side)

(fallen umbrella= windy that day...)

if you have a chance to visit, you won't be sorry.

i plan on staying there for one week after i make enough money from my books to fund the trip ;)

what do you think?

love me,

the globetrotting gamine