The "My Taste Buds Are In Paradise" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Recently read on a forum about choices of ice cream on the Caribbean island of St. Martin.  Some responders favored Etna ice cream which is made on the Dutch side of the island while quite a few people recommended buying gelato instead of ice cream at the Carousel Bar and Gelateria.  Gelato is the Italian word for ice cream and is made much the same as ice cream, but with little or no air blended with the milk, cream, sugar and fruits.  I had no idea where to find Carousel on the island so I typed a comment asking for help to find the place.  A few minutes later I had my answer.  Since Carol and I were on the island at the time and since we both love ice cream, we decided it was time to search out this place in Simpson Bay and give it a try.  Unbelievable!  The Carousel is just amazing.  And ....... there actually is a Venetian carousel that you can ride at the rear of the establishment.  Place was opened on May 22, 2010 by owner Amando Di Natale in Cole Bay on the Dutch side of the island.  Evidently the carousel was transported to the island from an area near Venice, Italy.  The majestic horses and ornamental carvings and colors are just beautiful.  The building's architecture is primarily stone and marble which had been imported from Europe.  All around the outside of the sixteen-sided building are photographs of ice cream lovers from all over the world with many of the photos being famous people who are enjoying their special treats.  I told Carol, "Let's get inside, quick before all the stuff is gone."  A gift shop greets you as you enter which features small animated carousels, some of which are musical.  And of course, the gelato is the star of the place.  A rainbow of gorgeous colors tempt you as you look through the display cases filled with the gelato choices.  Free taste test of any if necessary to find just the right one.  All the gelato is made daily with fresh ingredients in the area to the left of the entrance that features glass panels to allow you to see the process.  Workers were busy decorating gelato creations the day Carol and I made our journey.  The floors of the place are white glass tiles with cobalt blue stars throughout, but the star of the showroom is the hand-strung Bohemian chandelier with thousands of crystal beads that illuminates the entire room.  After you eat your treasure that you have chosen, mint chocolate chip for Carol and chocolate orange with a slice of orange embedded in the gelato for me, you can wind your way to the rear of the building to see the carousel.  Being the ice cream lover that I am, I just can't believe that I missed this fantastic treat the last two years while visiting on vacation.  Not gonna happen ever again I can promise you.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - photos of our find follow:

All sides of the building are covered with photos of people a cool treat.

Inside the door to the right is the gift shop.

Musical carousels are for sale in the gift shop.

To the left is the room where the gelato is made which can be seen through large windows.

And ...... your choice will be?

Carol had a cup of Mint Chocolate Chip.

The opposite side of the room features other treats.........

...... which would be these.

The interior walls feature tile murals such as this one.

The crystal ceiling.

And, naturally the Venetian carousel.

Plumed horse.

Hand-painted Venetian scenes.