TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin I knew there was a reason! Updated with photos

I knew there was a reason that I have not driven Carol down Front Street in P'burg, just forgot why I had not done it in years. Then I remember... after the fact <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> Reminder to self, do not do this!!! There is a reason!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

With only one ship in (but it was the Oasis) it really was not crowded at all. That and they had front street open to traffic. So drop her at the "Old Street" entrance and I go to the paid lot a Bobby's and head back to find her.

Fortunately I drop her off with NO CASH OR CREDIT CARDS!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> Brilliance on my part, don't think?? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Unfortunately, when I found her she had already had her eyes on a couple of places on Old Street. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> This is not good, I think to myself! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> Reminder to self, do not take Carol to Front Street, this is a "Bad Thing!" <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> I knew there was a reason why she had not been there in a long time, silly me forgot!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

After to couple of store stops (that she had ALREADY FOUND) <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> Then it was off the Caribbean Gems to (replace/fix/make woman happy) to get the silver chain that would really work with the Garnet she got in Marigot the other day. There was no happening with what it came with, so to Caribbean Gems with the
pendant in hand to make sure the silver necklace would work. AMAZINGLY!!!! Caribbean Gems came through, FIRST TRY EVEN, funny how that happens!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Reminder to self, do not take Carol to Front Street!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

Got the silver necklace to "fix" the Garnet!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> (I said there was a reason not to take her to front street, remember??)

Then the artist that does the sand paintings/tile work.

Then the glass jewelry store -- that if you buy enough then you also get the volume/set discount! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> So she got the volume discount.

In reality it was not much and when you see the pictures then you will agree.

But that is not the point! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> Front Street is fine, just do not give them Credit Cards or Cash and wait in the parking lot or at the local establishment have some liquid refreshment. Going back to them when they ARE IN THE STORES "LOOKING" is generally not a good idea! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Reminder to self, do not take Carol back to Front Street for several more years. Thinking maybe I should archive this post in the trip reports section to remind me!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Here are the photos:

You taking Carol back to front Street tomorrow? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Actually the post was tongue in cheek. Everything including parking, etc was under $200, but you would not believe it when you see the pictures! But that is beside the point! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Although see did look at some earrings (will not even talk about those) -- but even she said that was not going to happen. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> Carol can find some of the most expensive things in a store -- just zoooooms in like a bee to nectar! Amazing! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

NO! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Do not make the same mistake twice in less than 24 hours! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Beside, then the earrings might come back into play!! NO, do not think so! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

No cash or credit cards? OK, she'll need a debit card or two.

No, absolutely NOT!!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> Besides she hates debit cards.

If he's like me i'll put my foot down till she says, take me back, and then we go buy earrings! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

$200 for everything & she went in to a jewelry store??? My husband would be soooo jealous of you! Lol <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

Ok, this is something special really.

The sand painting on tile, are done locally by the artist using SXM sand.

The sea glass is used from SXM or at the min. from the dutch Caribbean, but think it all came from SXM. But you will not believe the pictures of the sea glass jewelry. It is fantastic!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Getting stuff, locally made is more important to us now that it used to be.

But we will not talk about the "other" stuff that may have been eyed upon. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> Not going to Front Street can be a good thing! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

By the way -- did I mention the special jewelry boxes and case for the sea glass?? Came with the volume discount! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

Ok, necklace, earrings, ring and bracelet --- package deal. But actually better. Why do you ask???? Because she could choose each individual piece for the package deal....... not bad at all! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

No, we have plans for lunch at Dreams tomorrow! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" />

Honestly, it had been YEARS since I have been to Front Street. I really don't buy that much jewelry anymore, as I don't have anyplace to wear expensive stuff now. I would have LOVED to have those blue topaz earrings though! Sort of got sucked in by the 80% tag, then still decided it was too much money! The glass jewelry from Elements is really quite stunning, for the price.. Will post some pictures later..

Will see if we can do better photos as they do not do it justice at all.

I got a pendant and earrings from Elements a couple of years ago, and I love them. Someone always comments when I wear them.

They are unique, that makes them special!

Carol I love that sea glass store. I have several pieces. Enjoy and tell Eric it is a small price to pay to keep you happy!!

"Eric it is a small price to pay to keep you happy" Happy wife happy life. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

There's always Saturday!

They really are not expensive. I just love anything blue!

They are beautiful. I love that colour combination! Will check them out in January. On back street as well as the sand art?
Nice to take island things back home.

Very, very pretty. And re the beautiful shades of blue, they actually look like St. Maarten.

And tell Eric, stop whining!! You could be into diamonds!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

On OLD Street, not Back Street, along with the sand art person. I also checked out Kenny's (the Rima outlet or whatever). VERY disappointed in that. They did not have hardly any selection in what I wanted, which was the polyester sundresses. All they had were the spaghetti strap ones, which I do not like.

Carol,

If you go back into town, try my place on Cannegieter:

(click)

gary

I do not think we will get back into town. I am very happy with the purchases I did make.

Hi Guys!!! Would you please put the sea glass jewelry pictures on? And the sand art? We had a BLAST meeting you two on Sunday. And seeing your beautiful villa on Monday.

The glass has been added to the original note, will have to get the pictures of the sand tiles. The ones we purchased were magnets for the refrigerator at home. Will see them daily as a result.

Aren't those blue topaz earrings still calling your name?
Next years anniversary gift early?? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Since the GPS (that I do not have) broke, there is no way I could find my way back to the jewelry store. But that is the way it is! <img src="http://65.246.19.145/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

It's not SEA GLASS. Eric mis-spoke. The pictures are now in the original note. The website is www.elementsbonaire.com

Great to meet you guys too! That was fun..

Yes, they still are calling, but I'm not answering the phone! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

We absolutely LOVE the tiles you got at the market! Wish we would have gotten some. We will on the next trip!! I took a picture of our sand paintings but I'm not sure how to post or send to you! Sure wish we were still there. It is miserable weather here in PA.

We talked to the 'tile lady' about shipping to the states. She said that she does some of it, but doesn't have a website. That might change. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" />

Here is the picture of the sand art refrigerator magnets

Love them! She is a really nice girl too! Tess. I will have to figure out how to add my picture.

Carol probably did not need your money or credit cards to make her purchases as she makes lots of money herself and is a very independent lady! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> Being nice to her will reap you lots of benefits Eric! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> Glad she found what she was looking for. The pictures are lovely.

Those pieces are gorgeous.

The sand art we purchased look exactly the same, but they were on canvas with a small tripod to hold them.

I wasn't sure what we would do those, and we definitely did need refrigerator magnets. Kind of wished I had bought more of the magnets...

......thanks for posting our Elements dichroic glass pieces! A lovely couple found our shop yesterday due to your post & also enjoyed the discount! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Good for you! I am so enjoying my pieces!

There is a reason why they offer free beer!

Eric, I fuse glass & this glass is called dichroic glass. It is the type of glass I use & make pieces similar to this. The pieces she picked out are nice. Especially the pendant which I believe was double fired. Sea glass has a matte finish from being tumbled in the sea. I saw the sand paintings on Carol's post & I hope to pick up a few in August. That was a good price for that haul! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />