Travel Guide to Fort Amsterdam

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh re-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [non]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [seel voo pleh]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi
  [ex-kew-zay mwa]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [kom-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byen. ay twah]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-leh voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh meh-nyoo, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-ahnd]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh seh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah po-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh mayd-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu(e)
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ash-tay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhuhst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-veh voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell uhr ay-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay zewn uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [deez uhr ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor dewee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [katr]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuf]
• 10Dix
  [deez]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [ooh ay]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay la-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh proh-shahn (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Fort Amsterdam was established in 1631 by the Dutch West India Company to protect their valuable salt trade routes. It was the first fortification built by the Dutch in the Caribbean. The fort was strategically located on the peninsula on the southern side of the Great Bay in Sint Maarten, offering a commanding view of both the bay and the Caribbean Sea.

In 1633, just two years after its establishment, Fort Amsterdam was captured by Spanish forces led by Captain Francisco de Toledo. The Spanish aimed to control the lucrative salt trade and used the fort as a base to launch attacks on other Dutch territories in the Caribbean. The fort remained under Spanish control until 1648, when it was returned to the Dutch under the Treaty of Westphalia.

After regaining control, the Dutch focused on fortifying and expanding Fort Amsterdam to better withstand future attacks. The fort was rebuilt using stronger materials, and additional cannons were installed to enhance its defensive capabilities. These upgrades were crucial in maintaining Dutch control over the area and protecting their economic interests.

During the late 17th and early 18th centuries, Fort Amsterdam played a key role in defending against pirate threats and smuggling activities. The fort's strategic location made it a prime target for pirates looking to disrupt trade routes. Despite these challenges, the Dutch managed to maintain control, largely due to the fort's formidable defenses and the vigilance of its garrison.

By the 19th century, the strategic importance of Fort Amsterdam began to wane as new trade routes and technologies emerged. The fort was gradually abandoned and fell into disrepair. However, its historical significance was recognized, and efforts were made to preserve its ruins as a cultural heritage site. Today, Fort Amsterdam stands as a testament to the island's turbulent history and its role in the larger narrative of Caribbean colonialism.

Today, Fort Amsterdam is a popular tourist destination and a symbol of Sint Maarten's rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the ruins, which include remnants of the original walls, cannons, and other historical artifacts. The site also offers stunning panoramic views of the Great Bay and the Caribbean Sea, providing a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue.

Fort Amsterdam is located in Philipsburg, the capital of Sint Maarten. The nearest airport is Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), which is approximately 10 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Philipsburg. Alternatively, there are public buses and shuttle services available that can take you to Philipsburg and other parts of the island.

Once in Philipsburg, getting to Fort Amsterdam is straightforward. You can take a taxi or use local buses that run frequently. Renting a car is also a popular option for tourists who wish to explore the island at their own pace. Biking and walking are feasible for shorter distances and offer a more intimate way to explore the local scenery.

The official currency in Sint Maarten is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG), although the US dollar (USD) is widely accepted. Credit cards are commonly used in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available in Philipsburg and other major areas, but it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or rural parts of the island.

Fort Amsterdam and Philipsburg are generally safe for tourists, but it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas and be cautious of your belongings, especially in crowded places like markets. Be aware of pickpockets and petty theft, which can occur in tourist-heavy areas.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. There are medical facilities and pharmacies available in Philipsburg. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and consider the tropical climate; lightweight and breathable fabrics are recommended. Avoid overly revealing clothing in public areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do use public transport respectfully and be prepared to give up your seat for elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'hello' or 'bonjour,' reflecting the island's Dutch and French influences. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and seafood. Don’t refuse hospitality; it is considered impolite.

To experience Fort Amsterdam like a local, visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds. Take a guided tour to learn about the rich history of the fort and its strategic importance. Engage with local vendors and try authentic Sint Maarten cuisine at nearby eateries. Don’t miss the stunning views of Great Bay and the surrounding areas from the fort's vantage points.