\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTraditional dishes are centered on one-pot stews blending fish, seafood and produce with peppers, local spices and coconut<\/b>. All the international restaurants can be found as well such as French, Italian or American. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSweets and desserts include sugar cakes, scones, potato-pudding, guava berry tarts<\/b>, and coconut pies<\/b>. <\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\tOne must taste the Guavaberry liqueur<\/b>, a unique liqueur made from the wild local berry. The Guavaberry fruits are found in the central hills and are rare. Centuries ago every family made their own recipes and the liqueur is present in many folk tales from the island.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n \n\t\t\t <\/p>\n \n\t\t\tCulture<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tReligion is very present as well and numerous religious communities are found. The main ones are the Catholics, the Anglican, the Adventists, the Baptist, the Methodist, the Rastafarian, the Hindus and Voodoo practitioners. <\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\tGames play an important role in the islands traditions, a favourite is domino; every evening and Sundays you will see men sitting on terraces, sidewalks or in bars playing the game. Next favourites in line are bingo and calabash. Gambling on vicious cockfights is also a part of the culture.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n \n\t\t\t <\/p>\n \n\t\t\tGeography<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSt. Maarten\/St. Martin is part of the Leeward Group of the Lesser Antilles. The east shores bathe in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean whereas the west side enjoys the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. <\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe terrain consist of hilly terrain covered with brush and cactus, several coves and bays embracing the waters with white sandy beaches, salt ponds and small pockets of dense vegetation including palm trees. Mount Flagstaff, an extinct volcano, is the most noticeable feature of the island.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n \n\t\t\t <\/p>\n \n\t\t\tHistory<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe island's history dates back to the Stone Age (4,000 BC) where excavations indicate tribal life. The Arawak Indians settled around 800 AD and lived peacefully from the land but things changed in the 14th century with the arrival of the cannibalistic Carib Indians. A rich economy was founded on the discovered salt mines, explaining the islands original name “Soualiga”, or “Salt Island”. <\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\tChristopher Columbus sighted the island in 1493 but it remained uncolonized until 1630 when separate small groups of Dutch and French settlers took the land. The Spanish soon attacked but were defeated in 1644 by the join efforts of the Dutch and French. The two signed an accord within a few years and agreed to divide the island. Today’s boundary date from 1817. Sint-Maarten became a constituent countrie within the Kingdom of the Netherlands on 10 October 2010.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n \n\t\t\t <\/p>\n \n\t\t\tNature<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRed and black mangrove trees are found in the marshy areas, such as Simpson Bay Lagoon<\/b> and l’Etang aux Poissons<\/b>. This area where the sea waters and the mangroves meet is a veritable breeding ground for thousands of marine creatures which feed of the urchins and molluscs. This delicate ecosystem is protected by the St. Martin Natural Marine Reserve<\/b>. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLand vegetation has adapted to the salty soil and harsh sun. Shorelines include grasses and vines<\/b>, and are followed by a low brush, cacti and some shrubs<\/b>. The forests include trees like the Coconut, Almond and Tamarind trees<\/b>. As the altitude and humidity rise lush rainforests<\/b> of ferns and larger trees emerge such as the Mango tree. The animal species are represented by iguanas, hummingbirds, monkeys, mongoose and parrots<\/b>. <\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\tA great place to experience this, is on the hiking trails of Paradise Peak<\/b>, the highest point of the island at 424 m.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n \n\t\t\t <\/p>\n \n\t\t\tSports<\/div>\n \n\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Boat trips, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, windsurfing and surfing<\/b> can all be practised. Deep-sea fishing<\/b>excursions leave daily. Scuba divers<\/b> can explore the 40 dive sites found around the island and some spots offer great snorkelling<\/b> as well. <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBiking<\/b> is very popular as well as mountain biking with cleared paths ideal for beginners as well as experts.Hiking<\/b> is another great option along the vast network of hiking trails. Horseback rides<\/b> along the beach can be magical experiences. The adventure seekers should try the paragliding<\/b> and parachuting<\/b> facilities. <\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Mullet Bay Golf Course offers a full 18-hole golf course. Tennis<\/b> courts can be found in various locations and many are lit for night play.<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n \n\t\t\t <\/p>\n | | | | | |
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