heading off to moulin rouge

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Home from the Caribbean after some grueling travel mishaps, I'm convinced my tan has already faded just from spending so much time shut away in airports. But no post-vacation rest for me. I'm about to pack up again (as soon as I finish the laundry) and head out to CA for a little magic at Kim's Moulin Rouge event. Here's a peek at one of the swap projects taking up most of my suitcase space. :)

my morning view

It rained all day Sunday while we were out on the sailboat

for the final day of the Heineken Regatta.

Even so, my nose burned except for the ridge of my sunglasses (not a pretty sight).

But today is another glorious morning.

Each morning I wake up around 6 am with the tumultuous racket of the birds

in the trees outside our balcony and the cool morning breeze through the open doors.

It will be tough to leave the island and to go home soon.

dessert at sarafina's in marigot

This weekend the annual Heineken Regatta is the main attraction on St Maarten,

with all classes and nationalities of sailing boats entered,

including the Merchant Marine boat (which won its class today).

We can watch the Regatta from its origin at Simpson Bay on the Dutch side

or as it passes our Rainbow Beach Club or in Marigot on the French side.

When we go to Marigot, we always go to Sarafina's, a favorite French bakery and

cafe, for lunch and dessert. Today's chosen desserts included

raspberry torte and tarte d'abricots (sorry, I couldn't wait to take a bite).

But there's always so much more to choose.

The savory crepes and the peach tea are delicious, too.

Tomorrow we'll be on one of the Regatta boats,

and maybe I'll chance taking photos to share.

sunny facades in curaçao