Cruise 2010-Virgin Islands-Day 4

Welcome to St. Maarten! One side of the island is Dutch and the other one is French. Good to know which language to use, right? So, we took off in the morning in search of a scooter rental place. Our neighbor ladies in Orem had told us that we HAVE to rent scooters and ride them around the island. So, we did. We found the nearby place....


At the St. Maarten pier, ready to explore the island.

Continuing with the scooter story. Did I forget to mention that I have NEVER been on a scooter ALONE? I thought, how bad could it be anyway? I can ride a bike. No sweat. WRONG!!! Why was this the optimal place to start learning how to ride a scooter? I don't know.

So, we rented two scooters. Rod and Alex were on one and I was on the other. When I sat down on the scooter ready to go, I didn't realize that when you turn the handle and give it some gas, the scooter goes by itself! WHAT!!??? The scooter went and I was left behind running after it and screaming to Rod some chosen words. Precious moment, for sure. Welcome to paradise.

But now, we need to pause to explore this picture and to find out all the things that are wrong with it:


-Helmet. Do you know what a 90-degree heat and 90 % humidity do to your hair? I was a matted mess after the ride.
-Droopy boobs. Yes, wearing a swimsuit with no support. Ready to go snorkeling if I survive this ride from hell. Realization: I need a boob job.
-Sweat under my boobs. I shook like a leaf the whole time I sat on that scooter and sweat was pouring out from every inch of my body, unfortunately gathering under my boobs. My back was just a huge sweat puddle.
-SMHP (St. Maarten Highway Patrol). I look like one, don't I with the aviator glasses.
-Smile. So fake. I was scared to death. You should have seen the huge row of cars and trucks that were following me in the rush hour traffic. Me-going 40 mph (my top speed), them-honking and swearing at this particular tourist.
-Purse. Who brings a purse to ride a scooter? Me, that's who.


Rod is just the most patient man I know. He encouraged me to ride faster because all the cars and trucks were inpatient behind him. Alex was so sweet to pat my head and cheek to find out if I was ok. Love my men.

I survived but didn't get to see the island because I was so nervous. What I saw was a bunch of trucks, sucked on a lot of exhaust and swore I would never do this again. Next time we will rent a car and go to the beach.

Then it was time to go snorkeling.


Alex and Rod. So handsome half-naked men.

The catamaran that took us to the Shipwreck Cove (misleading name. No wrecks and no fish)

Alex having fun on the Cat.

Our trusty French-speaking captain. Our ship is in the background.

Alex is ready to go snorkeling.

Alex in the beautiful turquoise waters of St. Maarten.

Alex and Rod popping out of the water.

The butt-crack in the rock was the place where we snorkeled.

Tomorrow: St. Thomas