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SXM Day 9 – October 12, 2020

After breakfast in the villa, we took a short drive to Simpson Bay for a walk over the causeway. Weather wise it’s another fine morning, and the views are incredible from the causeway. We continued on to the Dutch / French border before turning back. It’s definitely more scenic and safer, traffic wise, than walking through the neighborhood. People we encounter on our walks always offer a friendly good morning and a man, traveling in his inflatable boat under the causeway, gave us an enthusiastic wave and greeting. They don’t call this the Friendly Island for nothing!

We returned home, chilling by the pool. Each morning I walk the small beach in the back of the villa, searching for treasure. My treasure consists mostly of sea glass and small pieces of tumbled ceramic tile. I haven’t found too much this trip, but my collection is slowly growing each day.

Around 11:30 it was time to drive to Mary’s Boon for lunch. We ordered a bottle of Rose and sat at a picnic table along the ocean, looking out to the majestic island of Saba. Bill and Elaine met us there a short while later. It’s a holiday today, so there were quite a few guests on the beach. Lunch consisted of a Grilled Chicken sandwich for Marc, Mahi sandwiches for Jo and Bill, and a bacon cheeseburger for Elaine. All served with French fries and all delicious. It was getting quite hot outside, so we moved inside where the breeze was quite pleasant. Much better! The hours flew by so quickly. We left around 4 and Bill and Elaine stayed for a swim in Simpson Bay. I wish I could’ve joined them, but my swimming skills are very rusty (pretty much non-existent).

We hung around the villa for a while and since it’s Monday, with a lot of restaurants closed, tried to think of a place to dine for dinner. We looked up Mark’s Place online and the website stated that it was open. The drive other the hill was easy, taking only about 15 minutes. The restaurant was indeed open, and we were the only two people in the dining room! Anyone who has dined there knows that this place is always packed with locals – even in slow season. Their take-out business, however, was brisk. Marc always orders the lasagna, but I like to try different menu items. Tonight I ordered the Goat Curry, which was excellent! The dish had a nice spice to it and was served with rice & peas, a small salad, a small wedge of macaroni and cheese and frozen vegetables. Needless to say, I couldn’t finish it all and the leftovers will be enjoyed at breakfast tomorrow. Marc’s lasagna was served with a salad. No leftovers for him.

It was another wonderful day in paradise. Our vacation time, unfortunately, is running out. Two more full days to enjoy before the flight out on Thursday.

I am so enjoying your daily reports

Thanks for the report. I was wondering how much longer you were going to be there. I shall definitely miss your daily reports!

Once again, thank-you for the report.

Enjoy your final days.

So once you go to Mary's Boon " you are a "Boonie"!

Thanks for another update. Mark's Place is a very long time favorite of mine. Sad to see them so slow but glad they were doing a good carryout business. With most locals NOT working since March, tough for them to go out like they used to.

Another nice report. Sounds like a wonderful vacation.

I'm afraid its going to take a long time before economy rebounds on island. Carnival canceled November cruises and am sure others will follow.

Yes, not at all good for the locals who depend on tourists.

[quote=bigbobthib - So once you go to Mary's Boon " you are a "Boonie"!]


/The term ‘Boonie’ used to be ‘Boonie for the Day’ going back to the early 90’s (or maybe even before that) when I first heard it.

Back then, Mary’s Boon sponsored an informal program whereby you could come for breakfast or lunch and enjoy their beach and lounge chairs for the day for free. This was long before Karakter opened next door and The Boon was still a very low-keyed laid back venue back then - It was before they took on the later personality of being a cool place to go and It still managed to remain a relatively undiscovered and under peopled.

This was also before time-sharing took hold at the Boon and it was primarily known as a quaint island inn on the beach with a great restaurant. Among the best of what the island had to offer in the line of real island atmosphere. Those who took advantage of the free chairs and beach after a great meal came to be known as ‘Boonies for the Day’. Or so we were told way back then.

Thank you everyone! We’ve been Boonies for many, many years. Probably since the late 90’s. Love that place. And Mark’s Place too!

Do you have any idea how heart-broken we’re all gonna’ be when you head home?

Your write-ups have been lovely and clearly so well appreciated by so many. We will all miss you and them, so again, thank you for taking the time and making the effort to share with all of us.

I couldn't agree more!

Me three!! We all are so happy to have someone reporting on island!!!