The Final Week (Gracen Harris)

On Monday, we hiked to the Cupecoy Caves after class and spent the afternoon exploring and relaxing there. The caves were absolutely beautiful and unlike anything I had ever seen before. Being able to climb around the rocks and take in the scenery was such a unique experience. The views of the ocean from the caves made it even more memorable. Afterward, we headed back and spent some time by the pool before dinner. That evening was our last karaoke night together. It was a bittersweet experience because we all knew our time on the island was quickly coming to an end. We laughed, sang, and enjoyed each other's company while reflecting on the memories we had made throughout the trip.

On Tuesday, we traveled to Philipsburg for the day. One of my main goals was to pick up souvenirs for my family and friends back home. It was fun walking around the shops and finding meaningful gifts for everyone. We stopped for lunch, where I ordered mahi tacos that were delicious. My favorite stop of the day was the Yoda Guy Museum. As a Star Wars fan, it was fascinating to learn more about the artist, Nick Maley, and meeting him in person! I ended up purchasing signed posters for my dad and little sister, which I knew they would love.

Wednesday was a productive day focused on packing and getting organized. With the trip coming to a close, I started preparing my belongings for the journey home. We also spent a good portion of the day working on our project and navigating the details of our plans book. In between work, I enjoyed some downtime by the pool. That evening, we went to dinner at French Cocoette, which was another great dining experience and a nice way to continue enjoying the island's culinary culture.

Thursday followed a similar routine with class, pool time, and more packing. That evening, we returned to our favorite restaurant, Mama's, for one final dinner. This time I ordered the pizza, and it was amazing. Since we had eaten there so often throughout the trip, we took a picture with the staff and thanked them for their kindness and excellent service. It felt special to show our appreciation before leaving the island.

Friday was our final day of class and our social media takeover day. We spent time finalizing the design and layout of our plans book and making sure everything was coming together successfully. After relaxing by the pool one last time, we got ready for our Tango Cruise dinner. The cruise was the perfect way to spend our last evening in St. Maarten. We enjoyed mahi mahi, chicken, and several side dishes while taking in the beautiful scenery. It was a relaxing and memorable way to celebrate the end of an incredible experience.

On Saturday, my flight departed from SXM at 12:17 p.m., making me the first person to leave on the shuttle. Saying goodbye to the friends I had made throughout the trip was sad, but I was grateful for all the memories we shared. After a layover in Charlotte, I finally arrived home in Charleston around 7:00 p.m. I was so excited to see my family and my dog again.

On Sunday, I spent the day settling back into life at home and continuing work on our project. It was wonderful to spend time with family and reconnect with friends from my hometown.

I handed out the souvenirs I had brought back, and everyone loved them. Although I was happy to be home, I will truly miss St. Maarten and all of the experiences I had there. The friendships, memories, and lessons I gained from this trip are something I will always cherish, and I wouldn't trade the experience for the world.