Statia has the distinction of being the first foreign country to recognize the flag of the brand new United States back in 1776. It is an island rich in history and was the trading port through which the French and Dutch sent arms to the colonies in their fight against the British. At one time almost 20,000 people lived there. Today, in addition to hiking the Quill, an extinct volcano, there are the remains of an old synagogue and jewish cemetery you can visit. A day trip there is educational and interesting and, as others have noted, not a typical beach and booze filled way to spend a day. In my mind that makes it kind of nice.


Bruce J