Day Six – St. Martin

Oma and Opa were very generous today and volunteered to take R for the morning so we could go on a tour.  We left in the morning.   It was an island tour.  Our driver was very knowledgeable about the island and we learned a lot.  The tiny island is really two distinct countries on one island.  Unbelievable, different laws, different school systems, 2 airports, 2 water treatment plants, 2 electrical plants.. wow. 

Anyways we had a nice drive with some stops for the magnificent views.  We stopped in the French capital,  Marrigot, and it was pretty darn French, with rude sales people just like in France!

We also toured the Dutch capital of Phillipsburg.  It was a lovely little town, with lots and lots of jewelry shops, just like on many of the other islands.   It was pretty much hard work to find shops that were not selling jewelry.   We did manage to find some nice dolls with darker skins for R.  She is thrilled with the new dolls.  

This afternoon was quite low key, we all had a good nap, then we played a bit before dinner.   Dinner was lovely, the Beef tenderloin was absolutely delish.  And the dessert, wow.  They had made a white chocolate chef’s hat, signed it with the chef’s name, filled it with chocolate mousse, and drizzled berry stuff on it, and served it with a bit of whipped cream and blueberries.  Wow.   Later tonight is the Dutch Chocolate Extravaganza.   They say it takes 60 hours to prepare!  We’ll see if I can stay up until 10 to see it.

We are now catching a bit of Rattatouie.  (the movie).   It is quite funny.

**  I managed to stay up to see this Dutch Chocolate Extravaganza.  wow.  They had built a replica of the Eiffel tower out of white chocolate, a few dozen different types of chocoate desserts, several dark and light chocolate fountains, a huge fortress made out of chocolate, and more.  Wow.  Jo-anna, that would have been your definition of heaven.  Mom and I ended up only having fruit skewers dipped in white chocolate, but that was enough!