So, once aboard the Love Boat we chugged off to St Maarten. It’s ½ Dutch, ½ French and we hung out in the Dutchy part. The kids snorkeled off the beach and made delightful dolphin shrieking noises through their snorkels every time they saw something fun. It was $10 for 3 beach chairs and 3 beers. Ideal. ☺

I think only homeless people actually sit on the sand here. Tourists are obliged to spring for a lounger with an umbrella (and beer) which is no hardship when you factor tourist money is the only economic stimulation.

The first night on the ship there was a ‘man over board’ alarm at 3.30am. I thought I must have dreamed it. The kids were snoring. There was no one in the corridors. I sat outside on the balcony for half an hour watching distant lightening and the moon and phosphoresence on the wave crests … meanwhile on the other side of the ship we had rescued 3 people from their sinking yacht. So I wasn’t mental – as it turned out.

The ship has a Kid’s Club thing and Jack and Molly LOVE it. They don’t want to visit any of the islands. They spring out of bed! in a rush to get there. Or run back up the gang plank on return if I have persuaded them to leave the ship. I think it’s been nice for them to speak to children who aren’t each other.

Here’s some photos of St Maarten and our little friend. We’re eating shrimp with rice and beans / ribs with rice and beans. And everything comes with plantain.