TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin ARRIVED!!

We arrived today on the late Miami to SXM flight. Arrived around 3:30 PM. Those on the earlier Miami to SXM flight were not so lucky, as the flight was cancelled!! I have no idea why. We were talking to a couple gals at Miami today who were supposed to be on the early Miami-SXM flight. Fortunately for them, they were both able to get on our flight. I didn't get any reason why that flight was cancelled.

We got our car from AAA, dropped our bags at Beachside Villas and went to Carrefour to pick up supplies for the week. We had originally intended to buy something to cook on the grill for dinner, but by the time we did the 5 PM bridge opening and got through all the traffic going toward P'burg, we decided that Mark's was a better option. So we got most of our supplies and I went over to Mark's and placed an order to go, while Eric stayed behind to finish our order and pay for it. I made the sacrifice to sit and order a drink at the bar while I was waiting for our food. Eric showed up (rather earlier than I expected!!) and we collected our dinner and were off, back to BSV.

PRICE COMPARISON---We ordered drinks from the bar at Miami today, both doubles, grant you, but only one drink apiece. That, with mandatory 18% service charge, added up to $50.................. Fast forward to Mark's this evening... We got one drink apiece, Bacardi and sprite for me, Tangueray and tonic,for Eric, along with one order to go of what they call "garlic chicken", which I would call
Fettucino Alfredo with chicken, and an order of garlic bread. Total cost, including tip at Mark's. $28.50 .. Priceless.

Good deal. Great prices at Mark's Place.

JD, yes, for sure. Although I do have to say I was very disappointed with the garlic bread at Mark's. I think it was cooked a long time before the meal or something.

Tomorrow morning we are off to Super U. The wine prices at Carrefour were AWFUL......

Awesome. You know, honestly, has anyone else noticed that inflation is a bit more subdued in the carribean?

Yes. Prices were as we expected. Lot's of produce items were the same or less than home.

Carrefore had a nice Bordeaux on special when we were there for $8.20. Chateau Grimont 2018. Well worth you giving it a try. Got a 3.8 out of 5 on the Vivino app. Ask for it when you're there.

For cheaper wines I love the Super U branded bags of 1.5L wines, nice easy drinking roses

Hooray Carol. Glad you got here safe. Yes, one of our favorite pastimes when outside the US is going to the grocery. Got a fantastic white Bordeaux at Super U yesterday for $6. The wine prices always floor us. We would pay $15-20 min at home. They had some lovely lamb chops too for a great prices, already cut so great for marinading and fast cooking on the stove top or grill. They had some nice looking kabobs all made up too. The big Carrefour had some of the best pineapples I have ever had. We sat down and had that and some assorted cheese and meat for lunch the other day.

Fat Cat--Yes, we plan on heading to Super U later on today. Definitely for wine, and a few other things we forgot, or they didn't have at Carrefour. Lamb chops sounds amazing! If they still have them, will definitely get some of those also. The Carrefour seemed a little light on some produce items, so will be looking for some fruit today also, along with some cheese.

Can't believe I'm up already. Eric is still in bed though. Looking like a spectacular day setting up. Saba is there this morning, but just barely.

I hear you Carol. I was up with the sun this am while the family slept in. Not very characteristic of me but I made an early night of it last night.

Enjoy your Super U trip. The seaweed at Orient has been come and go. Over last weekend there was none, absolutely none. But as the week has worn on, it seems to be kind of a steady flow and by the end of the day there is a decent pile on the beach. I saw the bulldozer out scooping it up this morning but I have never smelled any here at Orent. But we drove by the Pinel ferry yesterday and the stink is awful even pretty far inland but Pinel itself looked fine so if Pinel is on the list, take some clothes pins for your nose! Lol. We had lunch at Friars Bay yesterday and it was pristine and totally placid but no one had cushions on their chairs sadly.

I'm NEVER up early, voluntarily!

Not speck of seaweed here on Simpson Bay this morning. Beautiful day. I doubt we will go to Pinel, as we haven't been there in years. I want to go to Friars this time, but not sure we will make it. Definitely will go to Orient at some point, at least for lunch. So lovely to be here!!!

Carol.....you are correct. What a beautiful day! Enjoy.

This is great. Have a wonderful trip.

Why did you go to the Pburg Carrefour instead of the Cole Bay Carrefour? Much closer than Pburg.

I just read on one of the forums, that US may end the test needed
to return to the states.

So much less Stress!!!!

Enjoy your stay!!

Yes. As of this Sunday.

LINK

Your post perked me up just reading about your arrival--I could feel your excitement! Enjoy your trip! Never been to Super U but it's now on the list. I agree, lamb chops sound delightful!

Bluesfan--I MUCH prefer the Carrefour by Mark's.

crsxm--Lamb chops on the menu for this evening!!!

cariblee--Yes, no ships in today either, so no stupid people at Sunset.

I guess we will cancel those return Covid tests we have scheduled!!

The Super U is a trip we make multiple times if for wine alone, but the cheese and cold cut section can easily supply the makings of a great meal. They also have some prepared cold salads like cous cous, fruit, and pasta salads. I like to keep them in the fridge for snacks or when in need of a light lunch.

After Parrott Ville this am we made it to Orient, seaweed is minimal today.

FatCat--I didn't see any prepared salads. Guess I need to look for those next time!

Carol, at Hope Estate they are in a cold case in the back near the breads and tarts and cookie bakery items (which was so hard to resist, we did buy a bunch of macarons however, daughter loves them). I picked up a big container of cous cous salad yesterday, mmmmm, so good.

Ah, we only went to Marigot Super U..