Hello everyone....<BR>I'm a grad student planning on doing some research out in St. Martin this summer (lucky me!!!) but I'm having troubles locating reasonably priced accomodations for a 3 month stay (April to June.) I thought I'd take a chance and use this forum to see if anyone might be able to recommend a place, or know of someone who is renting apartments....worth a shot!<BR>Thanks!

Oh, please.....Your instincts were correct...this is not the place to seek 3 month accomodation. Try a real estate agent. (Doesn't your grad student 'research grant' cover accomodation??)

Sue, try your question on Lonely Planet's Thorn Tree message board. Folks there are more the starving-student type and will be able to help. Sorry Mike was so rude!

Try Seabreeze Hotel...it's cheap, small, and would likely be what you are looking for (phone 26054)...or also try a sweet, darling little hotel called L'esperence (phone 25355). They are small and most likely you could work out a deal. <BR>

Thanks Joan and Mona...Your suggestions were much appreciated. <BR>(I thought I was crazy in thinking Mike was patronizing me...oh please...)

Sue - just curious, but what is your research on? Is it a socioeconomical paper or what?<BR><BR>Just curious.<BR>

Hi Susan,<BR>I have a BSc in archaeology and anthropology, and I've excavated twice in Antigua...I loved the dig experience so much, I thought it would be an interesting idea to try and create the opportunity for tourists to participate in excavations as well. So, for my grad research I'm focusing on the potential for &quot;archaeology tourism&quot;, and at this point I'm gearing this project towards cruise ship patrons...but at the same time, I'm also concerened with commoditizing the prehistoric culture of St. Martin, and I want to make sure it does not offend the integrity of the site or the local residents and culture. <BR>If anyone has any input the'd like to share with me about this idea, I'd love to hear it.<BR>Hope I didn't bore you!

Sue - contact the Daily Herald, its the paper on the dutch side of the island, there was alot of talk recently about new resorts going in and finding historic places, and they were getting demolished. I know I'm not wording this correct, but there is a new place going in called Acqua Marina, and they supposedly uncovered an Arawack settlement area, but just went forward and destroyed it!! I may have some of the facts wrong, but that what I got out of a conversation while at a restaurant last week. Website for the paper is thedailyherald.com - good luck

&quot;create the opportunity for tourists to participate in excavations&quot; w/o<BR>&quot;commodotizing&quot;!!!???? (BTW 'commodotizing'is not a word) I cannot believe that any university on the face of this earth wld. support such a &quot;thesis&quot; for &quot;grad reaearch&quot;! <BR>Your &quot;archeology tourism&quot; is a business proposal &amp; a way for you to make a buck potentially! So stop flaunting yourself as an academic researcher! You are an embarrassment to academic research. Your 'idea' is an insult to archeologists &amp; anthropologists.

Just curious; years ago (late 80's), I ran across a group who were digging in the forests south of Marsh Harbor, Abaco, for Lucayan and Arawak artifacts. One man, a Bahamian, who worked with one of the local hotels in Marsh Harbor (now Abaco Beach Resort) dug with them because the endeavor fascinated him. He had a closet full of artifacts. Does anyone know of the group who were, or possibly still are, digging at this site on Abaco. It sounds like a few professional archeologists have made comments here. Please advise about this endeavor on Abaco. Thanks Robert

David,<BR><BR>1) I invite you to look up articles in journals regarding the anthropology of tourism, and tourism in general in which you will fing the term &quot;commoditizing&quot; frequently used...(and I'm certain it is used in other disciplines as well...) <BR><BR>2)I've already come across a few excavations that are geared towards employing the public....but these are digs that last for about two weeks and are extremely pricey.<BR><BR>3)An embarassment? I do not feel that way; Many professional archaeologists have expressed an interest in this idea, and it is from them that I look for guidance.<BR><BR>4) It is a business proposal, certainly....but young students who pursue this field don't do it for the money because there is simply none to be made.<BR><BR>My excavation experiences in the Caribbean were some of the most fulfilling in my life thus far....I apologize if it offends you that I wish to try and give this same opportunity to others.<BR><BR>

Sue,<BR><BR>Most smaller hotels, villas, cabanas, etc will offer you a very good rate for a longer stay. You will be surprised what a great rate you could get for 3 months, especially going off peak season like you are...<BR><BR>BTW - David - you are a clueless troll, with more gall than brains...