Irma (...not La Douce)

Last month we visited the Caribbean. We started on the island where we have been living 7 years, the island where I started my blog in 2008.

 

As you probably know, St. Maarten/St.Martin was severely hit by hurricane Irma on September 6th, 2017. Although we have been following the newspapers and social media ever since, seeing the effects was really shocking..!

 

For once I will address a post on this blog to the aftermath.

 Seeing the island struggle to rebuild was quite difficult. Knowing that lots of people and businesses are still waiting for the payments of the insurance companies before they can start renovating the roofs and other damaged parts. Many people lost their jobs due to the demolished hotels, few tourists are visiting the island that, except for its beaches, now has little more to offer. Knowing that there are just a few months left before another hurricane season starts, makes everything extra hard.

 

 

view from our apartment

 

Oyster Pond, once a very popular nautical area. Docks complety destroyed, hardly any yacht in harbor now, since there seem to be several ships on the bottom and thus sailing is difficult and dangerous. Moreover, no facilities are left...

 

 

Front Street in Philipsburg

At the time of our visit, I guess only 20-30 percent of the shops were open

This is an area close to the harbor where in high season up to 9 cruiseships came ashore. But, who needs diamonds seeing this?

 

 

Driving along the eastern coastway, we passed Coralita Beach and these cars

give a good impression of nature's powers

 

 

Marigot. Capital of the French part of the island

All shops and businesses at the waterfront completely destroyed,

so very sad to witness

 

and finally Orient Beach.

Once the most popular beach for both tourists and

people of this island. Lovely shops and restaurants, everything to welcome and pamper the people who came here to have a good time.

 

 

Before taking up my blogging regime, I felt the urge to tell you about these very recent experiences.



 

We have been talking to many survivors and can only just a little bit imagine how horrendous the passing of this hurricane must have been.

 

However, we have also seen the resilience of the people. The determination to rebuild and make St. Maarten/St. Martin once again a favorite destination to travel to.

 

Next time something else, more art related

 

Thanks for reading, see you soon,

 

Regina