TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Smoking or something else

After Pat was lambasted for commenting on Irish1223's comment about smoking I thought a separate post was in order. I am sure there are many who arrive on island expecting the North American or European attitude towards smoking to prevail. Regrettably this is not so and your only alternative is to voice your opinion to the proprietors of the establishment and back it up by spending your dollars elsewhere. In my opinion nothing ruins a meal more than someone else's smoke.

OK, BACK UP, my comment was directed at rustic's post, not at Pat. We are not going to debate the evils of smoking here.

Candu,

In all fairness to everyone, I changed my post because once I had time to rethink it, I personally felt it was an inappropriate response to anyone's trip report.

As far as smoking or non-smoking locations, when I travel I realize it's up to me to forego my preconceived 'at home' realities, regardless of how justified I may feel they are, and to accept that I'm a guest in another country and it's up to me to accept their customs as they are, rather than to expect them to bend to my sensibilities.

I changed my post because I felt my post was inappropriate and the OP of that thread did not deserve to have it high-jacked by a thoughtless post on my part.

I appreciate your thoughts, but believe me, I did not feel that I was taking any personal heat and I really do believe, even as a reformed smoker, I can't expect the world to change to accommodate my personal preferences when I travel outside my own little world and personal comfort zones. Sometimes we post first and think later. That now deleted post was one of those occasions. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.
Joseph Joubert

Leaving and taking our business elsewhere is exactly what I have done....and yes, the proprietor knew I needed ( not wanted, NEEDED) to have a smoke free experience.
At a well known, upscale steak place in Maho, a table smoked cigars next to us. Not only did it interfere with tasting and enjoying our food, wine, etc...but it nearly landed me in the hospital needing a nebulizer.
I've even had issues on the beach at Karakters, when 3 pack smokers aimed it right at me.
Unfortunately, it's I who must run for upwind locations or leave.

As Pat said, we cannot expect the same health issue enlightenment, and awareness of the second hand nature, and dangers of smoking in another country. Behavior in SXM in regard to many things seems to be that people feel freedom to behave as they wouldn't otherwise.

I do enjoy a cigar while relaxing at a beach while vacationing but always make sure to ask if anyone is nearby whether it would bother them. Such a simple step so everyone can enjoy the area equally.
on the other hand if I am already in the middle of a cigar and someone new arrives, I don't stop.
Its like buying a house next to an airport then complaining about the noise.

Again, this is not the time or place to debate the evils of smoking. This is a travel board.

Great post Pat. I think those are words by which to live. Not only with regard to smoking but many other issues as well.

I'm curious, did your rescue inhaler or epipen not work?

Not debating smoking but rules should be followed. Was in a nice St.Bart's restaurant last April sitting with my wife and 2 teenage sons, when 3 30 something French women sat at the table next to us, all started smoking. It was disgusting. There was a sign in the restaurant, in French, that clearly stated NO SMOKING and a $160EU fine. We asked the owner of the restaurant to ask the women to stop smoking. He totally blew us off and said the sign was a joke. It was to late to leave as we were eating. I can't remember the name of the place but it was a popular inexpensive placed that served Pizza in Gustavia by the waterfront. We love to be stereotyped as the Ugly traveling Amercans but my wife who is very patient and kind will not go back because of several incidents like this when in French speaking islands.

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Shocked.gif" alt="" /> Oh my! My short and simple referral to smoking in my original trip report was NOT meant as a condemnation on smoking itself, but rather to point out how accommodating the staff at the Greenhouse was for our quiet request to move to another table. And truly the only reason we did that was because the gentlemen were smoking a very stinky type of cigarette and their table was very close to ours, with the breeze blowing their smoke directly at us. It was making Ed nauseous. We were discreet and quiet about our request, and did not either resent them smoking or made a scene.

Carol was correct. SXM is not the USA and their laws and rules are not our own. If we dislike something, it is up to us to move and not up to others to stop what is legal over here. We don't have to like it, we just have to find another option if one is available. We did so without too much trouble and everyone was happy. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

And, Pat, I certainly did not consider your comment as 'hijacking' my thread. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and your heart was in the right place. You are one of the most considerate, thoughtful, and peaceful persons on here and I always appreciate your posts. Thank you for taking the time to read mine, unexceptional as they may sometimes be. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

If you are a world traveler, you will experience smoking in outdoor cafés in Spain, Italy, France & other Caribbean islands as well. Many other European countries.

I have never smoked, you are not going to change people or certain restaurant owners from enforcing non-smoking in an outdoor restaurant or cafe on this island, St. Barth, Anguilla, you will need to either accept it or dine inside. If you are dining inside but it is an open space same situation. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

And that was exactly how I read it the first time!

No matter where you are from smoking in a restaurant is rude. I do not take a crap next to your table when you are eating, I use a toilet. I even try not to fart or belch at the table--what is the difference? Which is ruder a cloud of stinking smoke or a natural human fart. And really cigar smokers do you truly believe your cigars do not stink--really. It is okay to pay for a nice meal and expect it to not be ruined by a rude smoker--who fricken cares where you are from. Smokers know what they are doing they just don't give a crap about anyone but themselves.

Your comment is totally rude and with that, this one is done.