TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin 11/09/22

JUST DO IT

So as of today we are officially into week two of this long awaited and much anticipated trip. There have been lots of pitfalls and deterrents but we made it and I’m so very glad we did.

Both DH and I have had some health issues this past year and we realize as you get older you just never know what’s in store down the road. You really have to take advantage of the good moments and make the most of them.

Leading up to and planning this trip we had issues galore - health issues right off the bat and then, with our plane reservations; and once we got the tickets resolved we had problems with reservation dates at BSV but they assured me they would work with us as much as possible - AND THEY DID; we had to have a game plan in case BSV couldn’t come through so we made alternate refundable reservations elsewhere and shortly after we paid in full, they went belly-up (although we do hope to get our money back through our credit card); our airport car service was originally only available for one way transport but was able to rearrange their schedule to accommodate us round trip, and then the driver developed Covid 19 (but recovered in plenty of time to still drive us); and you ask, “What else could possibly go wrong?” But the good news - it all worked out.

When our preferred unit here at BSV became available for the additional time we needed, friends who were here contacted us, and Tracy at Beachside worked her magic and here we are. I felt terrible for the guests before us who had to cancel their trip last minute but so very grateful the Mascarins worked with us.

And now, we’re here and much of our first week was intermittent foul weather. But again, WE’RE HERE!! We haven’t done much but you can’t imagine how good it feels to sit on the porch and watch and listen to the crashing waves: so good to reconnect with old friends; and so nice to have the choice of so many dining venues from lowly beach fare to high end dining and everything in between. Not to mention the choice of so many gorgeous beaches if we want to choose them.

So my bottom line to anyone considering doing something a little hair brained or crazy - JUST DO IT and the chances are pretty good you’ll be glad you did.

Hopefully week #2 is better weather.

And, I did not in any way take your post as whining at all.

So good morning!

I just reread what I posted last night and in the daylight hours it reads like a “whiney whiney poor me” commentary and that was not my intention at all. And no, for those who might have thought so, I hadn’t been drinking when I posted. But maybe I should have been!!

Basically, I wanted to suggest to those who might debate an up-coming trip and contemplate cancelling, think long and hard before you do so. It hasn’t been our typical SXM vacation but it’s still been all good, even with the weather being what it’s been! Yesterday was great and this morning is gorgeous, too, so I’m happy with my choice.

Pat, I didn't sense any whining at all in your post; in fact, I find it very positive! Enjoy your second week!

So glad you decided to go and so glad things worked out for you, except for the weather, that is!!

Pat, I am so glad you and DH were able to make this trip. You are so correct...we just don't know what curve balls life will throw at us. I wish I had a picture of the guys at the SXM airport carrying my Bill down the airplane steps. It was to be our last trip physically together, but what a beautiful trip it was. The island people are extremely helpful and we never were neglected. This last summer I returned to place Bill's ashes at Happy Bay. Bill had a saying: "No Bad Days." He now flies with the angels. So yes, Pat, JUST DO IT is fine advice. Make a memory. They are what will give solace down the road.

Sincerely,
Barbara

Thank you all and particularly you, Barbara. I know how devastated you were at his passing and I can only start to imagine how hard that final trip with your DH had to have been. But I’m sure it gives you peace to know he returned to a favorite place and that will be a part of your legacy to him.

I get to return this summer and spend 2 weeks. While I can no longer walk that path to Happy Bay, I will take Captain Neil's boat one day to it. I can feel his presence just typing about it. Take care.
Barbara