Once upon a time...in the Caribbean far, far away...
Was a man named Nick Maley, also known as "That Yoda Guy" who opened a shop in St. Maarten...
I'm not talented enough to continue with the Star Wars theming so let me just get to my story.
Disney Cruise Line always provides you with a shopping list and map for each port of call. There are even seminars onboard that teach you how to shop and purchase diamonds and other precious gems and tips on how to negotiate to get the best price. Not having the finances or desire to purchase precious gems, I haphazardly glanced at the St. Maarten shopping map the night before our port day.
The shopping map had all the usual stops...which all pretty much revolve around Diamonds International and other jewelry stores. At the far right of the map I spotted something I had never seen before "That Yoda Guy". It was certainly a store name I had never seen before and I was astonished to see it on the map of "Cruise Line Approved" shopping sites.
Since we weren't in the market for diamonds, we decided to take a walk through St. Maarten and go see what "That Yoda Guy" was all about.
I had my doubts about what this shop could possibly have to offer. As Star Wars fans we expected a little hole in the wall shop with Star Wars paraphernalia priced for folks who don't know any better. Sometimes I really enjoy being a dumb tourist because what we found at "That Yoda Guy"'s shop was a delightful surprise! Shop owner, Nick Maley, is known as "That Yoda Guy" for his part in the creation of Yoda from the famous Star Wars movies. Aside from Yoda, Nick contributed his movie make-up and effects to 53 films including Superman and Highlander.
Although this man has achieved success with his skills in make-up and effects he is the most genuine man you could ever meet. Nick runs his shop with his wife Gloria, who is equally delightful, and both welcome each guest like they are long lost friends. While he could set up shop to brag about his successes you won't find Nick on a pedestal singing his own praises. Instead his shop is welcoming and unique and transports you from the Caribbean to a galaxy far, far away. The shop is a mixture of one of a kind movie paraphernalia including original script pages from the Star Wars movies, amazing celebrity life casts (faces used in movies) and inside information on some of cinemas most celebrated films.
While the unique merchandise impressed me and the museum exhibit was truly one of a kind the thing that impressed me the most was Nick himself. This man has a passion for what he's accomplished and even more so for his own future and that of others. Nick gives advice to youngsters who are still young enough to dream and grown ups who had forgotten how to dream and makes you feel that you can achieve anything you want and shouldn't stop trying.
Nick and Gloria hope to expand their shop through the wall next door to add more exhibits to this amazing collection. I encourage anyone who's in the Eastern Caribbean to stop by and see for yourself what "That Yoda Guy" is all about. If you'd like to book an Eastern Caribbean cruise just give me a holler! If you've visited this lovely shop, leave a review on Trip Advisor to encourage others to stop by! I'll post a link to my review within 24 hours when it's posted.
To learn more about Nick visit his site ThatYodaGuy.com.
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