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St. Martin
Want to spend your honeymoon immersed in the cultures of both the Dutch and the French? Visit the island of St. Martin -- called Sint Maarten in Dutch -- an island that is French on the northern side and Dutch on the southern side.
If you don't speak French, stick with Sint Maarten, where the common language spoken is English. Besides the usual beaches and tropical splendor, you'll find a Belgian chocolate factory on this side. And what's more romantic than chocolate? On the St. Martin side, enjoy espresso and patisseries. The town of Grand Case is famous for its row of restaurants along the beach road. And if you and your spouse are feeling adventurous, visit Orient Beach, where clothing is optional.


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ATLANTA (AP) — Americans are plowing money into their homes at an astonishing rate, new, used and even those not yet built, creating for Home Depot a frenzy of loyal customers.
The world's biggest home improvement retailer rang up its highest quarterly sales, and richest earnings in the company's history, and it boosted its outlook for the year Tuesday.
Revenue for the period ended July increased to $28.11 billion from $26.47 billion, topping the $27.84 billion that analysts polled by Zacks Investment Research forecast.
Sales at stores open at least a year, a key indicator of a retailers' health, increased 6.3 percent. In the U.S., the figure rose 6.6 percent.
In June, Americans signed more contracts to buy homes, snapping a three-month decline in pending sales. That same month, U.S. sales of new homes rose slightly, a sign that more would-be buyers are seeking newly built properties. In May U.S. home prices reached a new high for the sixth straight month.
Home Depot Inc. earned $2.67 billion, or $2.25 per share, in the quarter. A year ago the Atlanta-based company earned $2.44 billion, or $1.97 per share.
Analysts were calling for earnings of $2.21 per share, according to a Zacks survey.
Home Depot now foresees 2017 earnings per share will rise about 13 percent from the prior-year period and sales will climb approximately 5.3 percent. Its previous guidance was for earnings per share growth of about 11 percent and sales growth of approximately 4.6 percent.

subset: commoncrawl


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Just imagine it – high up on a stunning cliff, overlooking the crystalline blue water, with lights hanging from white canopies as you and your partner exchange your vows. It's perfect bliss. Is this how you envisioned your wedding day?
More and more couples are looking to get married abroad in some truly beautiful destinations. If this is you, the choices can be overwhelming. Europe is home to some of the most romantic landscapes in the world, so it's no wonder celebrities and everyday couples are hosting special ceremonies on its shores. If you're looking to have your wedding abroad and are stuck on where to book, let us help you out by showing you some of Europe's most romantic spots to say "I do". Who knows, one of them could be the setting for your dream wedding.
Venice, Italy
The country hosting the love story of Romeo and Juliet is bound to have some romantic connotations. Venice itself has always been known as a city of love and now more than ever it's a hotspot for couples to tie the knot. George Clooney recently put this wedding location on the map after his own luxury ceremony in Venice with lawyer and activist Amal Alamuddin. Venice's winding cobbled streets, maze of canals and Venetian Renaissance architecture has romance written all over it.
Halkidiki, Greece
This peninsula in northern Greece is truly one of the most picturesque spots in the world. With white beaches and see-through blue water, this destination has it all. It's as if it has come right out of a postcard – wedding invitations, anyone?
Halkidiki is home to an array of fantastic restaurants and bars where you can book your reception meal. Or if you'd rather stay on-site, there's a multitude of luxury hotels that specifically cater for overseas visitors looking to get hitched.
Cyprus is a small island in the Mediterranean boasting hundreds of beaches, several historical ruins and plenty of olive groves. Paphos is beautiful and the Akamas peninsula is known to be the birthplace of the goddess of love and is home to the famous Aphrodite's Rock.
It doesn't get much more romantic than marrying the love of your life where Aphrodite herself is rumoured to have been born. Cyprus has a diverse topography, with forests, mountains, unspoilt golden beaches and fantastic hidden coves – all of which are great for wedding photos.
Paris, France
This list wouldn't be complete without the most romantic holiday destination of them all, Paris. Known around the world as the city of love, this wedding hotspot is sure to knock the socks off all your guests. The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Notre Dame can all be found here – and make for some pretty impressive backgrounds. You and your partner can spend some time taking photos next to all of these iconic structures, as your guests will have plenty to keep them entertained!
Some of the world's most famous poets, artists, and musicians come from France and attribute Paris to their artistic flare. Walking around the city you'll see endless couples holding hands and making romantic memories, and you could be next.
The Algarve, Portugal
The south coast of Portugal is overflowing with incredible spots to say "I do". Home to an array of breathtaking cliffs and unbeatable beaches, the Algarve is a great place to bring your loved ones. Before and after the big day your guests can enjoy exploring the small castle towns and historic villages.
This area gets over 300 days of sunshine a year, so you can plan your wedding for any month or season. The Algarve is also known to have some lovely marinas and waterside restaurants, which would be ideal for an outdoors wedding reception. For more information, visit our Algarve information pages or visit My Guide Algarve.
Canary Islands, Spain
The Canary Islands are probably the most exotic places on our list. These seven islands are infused with Spanish culture, but they have an African climate. Make sure to bring your sun cream to this destination. Each of the Canary Islands has their own personality and style. Depending on what type of wedding you want, there is an island that will suit your ceremony.
You'll have your choice of phenomenal coastlines, sleepy villages, vineyards, palm tree-lined marinas and volcanic mountain ranges. There's no end to the venues you could use for your wedding day.
This sunny Mediterranean country can be found just south of Italy. With historic cities and fabulous harbour areas, Malta is definitely one for the wedding list. This beautiful island has some incredible waterside accommodation which is ideal for you and your wedding guests to stay in.
Make the most of your time there and book a honeymoon while you're at it. Hop aboard a boat with your loved one and sail around Malta's incredible blue lagoons. Spinola Bay is a picturesque spot, full of docks lined with boats that twinkle in the moonlight. You can also visit some of the historic ancient churches or the third oldest theatre in Europe, the Manoel.