We were on time to our meeting spot in the theater today. Once we exited the ship with our group, Grandma Trudy and Ross rode in a little cart off the pier and to the bus line, while Sweet Pea and I waiting with the rest of our group and the walked on foot. Grandma Trudy and Rossnwere already waiting in the front of the bus by the time we arrived.
Sweet Pea and I tried to take a selfie but it was really bright.
The bus ride was a long one because of all te destruction from hurricane Irma on the island. There were construction crews repairing the main road away from the port today.
This island seemed to have been hit much harder than St. Thomas. There were cargo container tossed all along the waterside like toy blocks.
Many of them were on thier sides and had been ripped open.
Several hotels we’re without roofs, with entire top floors blow away. We were on the Dutch side. Guests who visited the French part of the island reported that the damage was even worse there. It is hard to see from the photos I tried to take from the bus, but the significant amount of damage was very obvious in person.
Vilma, our excursion guide, was excellent. She told us the history of the island and a bit of her experience on the hurricane. She said her family weathered the storm in her tiny house for hours while she sang songs to God for protection. The after effects of Irma have been long lasting. For example, the electric company is requiring weekly payments from families or they will turn off their electricity immediately. This is a huge problem because many islander’s places of employment (such as those giant hotels) are now literally gone and they have no way to make a living.
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