Day 1 -Christa Version of the Day

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So this online journal is brief insight into the Baker Family excursion of St. Maarten.

The commute from the airport to our hotel was relatively smooth. Well, packing the rental car was entertaining. After being presented with a car similar to that owned by the Flintstone family, we all scratched our chins and tried to figure out how we were going to fit four very large duffels, 4 backpacks, and ourselves into the tiny vehicle. To onlookers’ astonishment, and our own, we were on our way. Last night, our first night in town, we embarked on a mission to find a restaurant. Aunt Pansy and Uncle Scott opted to stay and eat at our hotel, which seemed to be the better idea. We took of in the rental cars, parked in an obscure illegal place, and began to search on foot. Walking through mazes of one way streets, dark alley ways, sketchy vendors, I was beginning to lose hope for ever finding a decent meal. Then, in a serendipitous moment, we ran into the exact restaurant we had originally decided on back at the hotel. We relaxed at the waterfront Blue Bitch Bar, enjoying the view, “old folks music”, delicious meal and buckets of beer.

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Today we prepared to explore the island and all it has to offer our adventurous family. With the intention of experiencing extreme zip lines, exploring caves, impromptu snorkeling, and watching the planes fly in, we only accomplished one of these. Although in my opinion, it was allowing the youngest to drive that provided the most adventure. Needless to say the trip had some hiccups. We were separated from the other half of the Baker family in the first three minutes, reunited 30 minutes later, we continued on. The roads are poorly marked, there is no speed limit, no set lanes and while handling that you must also look out for stray dogs, pedestrians, and other obstacles. It was by a small miracle that Lauren made it through with no scratches or accidents. We got lost just about every 15 minutes. We ate at a well-known rib house, and found a remote bay to go snorkeling in. Every one warmed up to their gear to get ready for our SCUBA adventures tomorrow. Dad is kicking me off to upload pictures, more later.