Again, he said “No riding, I’m not kidding”. I went back and asked another officer if it is true that biking in St. Maarten is not possible. He concurred to what his colleague had said that I cannot ride the bike…but ONLY while at the terminal, he added. I was so relieved when I heard that! I thought that my journey had already ended even before I get to start.
So, I walked with my bike going past the officer who stopped me and he was smiling at me. He said, “that’s right, no riding when on the terminal”. On my mind, I wish you had said that the first time. Lesson learnt, know the rules, don’t panic and clarify things when you’re confused. 🙂
As soon as I got out of the terminal gates, I got anxious because of the “what ifs”. I was very far away from home and what if I get into an accident? What if I don’t get back on time? Those were the worries that were running through my mind. So, I collected myself, took a deep breath and went on my way.
From the terminal, I turned left going to the boardwalk; I kept right because some of the vehicles were driving too fast. When I have reached the boardwalk, I stopped for a moment. There was no rush of tourists yet so I was able to get some decent shots that were not too cluttered. A sundry of flamboyant umbrellas were set up on the beach adding a vibrant feel to the place.
In the distance were some orange reddish-roofed villas at the foot of a hill and I have a hunch that that is where I was supposed to go. After confirming it with a local, I squandered no time and forged the road under the Caribbean sun. I went past the villas and straight up the hill.
I got off the bike and started to walk up the rock-strewn path. As I got closer to the top, I had a peek at a huge canon on the edge of the cliff. I went further up and before me were the remnants of the past, a few of the stone walls still stand from what was left of the Southeast Bastion that used to watch over the bays.
Unfortunately, the rest of the vintage canons were dismantled from the carriage and were to undergo repairs.
At first, I was a bit disenchanted with what was left to see; I thought that there was nothing special. I have decided to go around and I have found some interesting areas. I guess, just like anything in life, I just have to look at it from a different perspective to appreciate it more.
There was no one else on the hill and all I can hear were the roaring winds and the crashing of the waves. I saw brown pelicans gliding in the air and diving to the sea. I have set eyes on the expanse of Great Bay and Little Bay like a huge playground for tourists with all the different water activities.
Biking and hiking in a foreign land was another one of the many firsts that I can take off of my bucket list. With this trip, I came to fathom that even if it was too much of a burden for me go to these high places (I’m not a professional hiker so everywhere I go to was too high for me 🙂 ), I am still pushing forward because there is a different sense of fulfillment every time I get to the summit.
I have been to St. Maarten a few times but I only usually went to the stores downtown and the nearby beach. I have never really dared to go further to see what was beyond those imaginary walls. Maybe it is because of the limited time that I have on land or of the notion that it might cost me a fortune to go and take on an adventure.
But then I realized that it was an opportunity for me to get to know other cultures or meet other people. Not anyone can have this chance at any given time or maybe even in their lifetime. I just have to take that leap of faith and live in the moment.
(Sources: stmartinisland.org, Philipsburg crossroads of the Caribbean, geographia.com)
Have you been to St. Maarten?
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. It was the first fort to be built by Dutch settlers in the Caribbean.){kind=link}
I love love love St.Maarten. I’ve been there a few times times although never did I ride a bike, which would of been a fun way to explore. This place hasn’t failed me yet on how incredible it is everytime I’ve visited.
Yes, it’s true. It is one of my favorite ports in the Caribbean. I have done biking once but I would love to do it again when I get another chance. Thanks for dropping by.
Yeah same. Never have had too much time there to do many activities for it was always a cruise stop with all my family members. This island is hard to beat🙂
This island is hard to beat. Never had much time to do many activities the times I’ve visited there for it was always a short cruise stop with my whole entire family
I never been there but love to go there.
This is so thorough and I’m really fascinated by the history and culture of St Maarten! I love the look of Beach of Great Bay, it looks incredible picturesque and I could really imagine my self relaxing there. The colours and sunshine is so cheerful – thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome Sam.
Wow this is really beautiful. I’m finally going to the Caribbean in May. Can’t wait.
I look forward to reading your post about it. Enjoy your trip.
Oh my gosh! Your photos are so beautiful! I love the blueness of the sea – I’m very jealous. Glad to hear that you clarified about the bikes. Sometimes it can be very confusing.
Thank you. At least I know now what to do next time. 🙂
I have never been there, but would love to go!
It would definitely be worth a try. 🙂
Beautiful photos!!
Thank you. 🙂
I have been there and found it really beautiful – as did you I see!! How adventurous of you to do it on a bicycle!! Loved the colorful umbrellas especially
Hello Tina,
It is really a beauty and I enjoyed it and still enjoying it. I have yet to go to the French side though. Thank you for reading my post and I hope that it brought back how you felt when you were there. 🙂
Would love to go someday! I love hiking and would love to be able to do that there. Btw, thanks for the follow. I’m following you back 😉
Thank you Boots. Enjoy your travels. 🙂
Hi would like to publish an excerpt of your blog to one of the local sxm travel blogs contact me on Facebook I LOVE ST MAARTEN! page or email novodia9(@)yahoo.com thanks
Wow. Really nice and we wish we will be there. The caribbean islands have such fascinating stories of naval warfare, piracy etc. That’s how the movies began. Imagine that the rusted cannons firing against an armada coming onto the fort!
Hello Mel & Suan,
It really has a rich history about piracy and conquerors. These islands were precious jewels and played a very important role in the expansion of colonies during the early times.
That’s right! But not all was about treasure, the islands were sugar plantations and exported this white gold to Europe!
Haven’t been but it looks spectacular. Great photos.
Hi Sue,
The Caribbean region is really fascinating. Thank you for your appreciation of my work.