TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Fun in the Sun Nov./Dec. 2015 Part 3

"Fun in the Sun" Nov./Dec. 2015 Part 3

Day 18

We are getting this vacation thing down pat now and find it very easy with the shutters closed to sleep in until 9:00 A.M. Such luxury!
We had coffee on the balcony and decided to skip breakfast and go out for lunch. We find we can't eat a big lunch and breakfast too and I was craving Mark's ribs!

Around noontime, we got ready and went into Philipsburg to Mark's Place. We ordered some drinks and then got our big delicious rib platters with the two sides. David got fries and salad with his and I decided to go with the scalloped potatoes with mine. Many people rave about these scalloped potatoes, but to me they were too dry and not creamy as advertised. I mentioned this to the waitress and she said they are not making them as creamy anymore as people were complaining about the creaminess. Imagine that! Oh well, they tasted fine, but my own version of scalloped potatoes are the bomb! The ribs were excellent and that is what we really went for, so no complaints. Friendly staff and good service there as usual. Just for your info.... the rib plates are now $16 and all you can eat ribs are $23.50. No service charge is added .

After lunch, I did a bit of shopping and on the way home we went into Indigo Bay to check on the progress at this new development site. It is definitely growing with many homes being constructed and new streets in existence. The landscaping is looking nice with lots of flowering shrubs and flowers enclosed in attractive rock work. Kokomo is still open but nobody was there when we checked it out. I am not sure exactly how successful this business is going to be, but perhaps when the area gets finished things might improve for them.

We came back to the condo and relaxed with a cocktail. The sky was hazy tonight so no brilliant sunset.
We had a late dinner and I posted Part 2 of my trip report before bedtime.



Day 19

Well another glorious day in paradise! Toasted baguette,fruit/yogurt and coffee comprised breakfast and then spent some time on the balcony gazing at the ocean. Saw the ships coming in one after the other for a total of 6 today. Definitely not a shopping day!

Later we got ready and went off to spend some time on Dawn Beach. We enjoy having lunch there overlooking the ocean and it is never crowded. We ordered a club sandwich and a grilled chicken sandwich, both of which were very good. Amstel Bright there from 11-4 P.M. is only $1 so easy to have a few of these.

We did not go in the water as there is still lots of seaweed on that beach and actually the water is full of it. We saw only one person swimmng there.I'm sure business in that area is suffering because of the condition of the beach. No cruise people around either in spite of all the ships in port today.

We arrived home around 4:30 P.M. and relaxed until it was time to get ready for dinner. We had planned to go to The Palms on two other nights, but plans got changed, so we decided this was the night. We spent a few minutes talking to Greg, Jo and Genevieve and then ordered our drinks while brosing the menu. We shared some great potato pies as an appetizer, and Since drunken ribs were available tonight, I decided on that with two sides, and David had the curry chicken with rice and salad.The plates there are huge and as usual I had no room for the famous carrot cake. Next time I am going only for dessert and coffee so I can enjoy the cake! After a few more cocktails and great conversation with everyone, we went for a few hours to the Hollywood Casino. I don't usually win at this casino, but tonight was an exception, so I was happy about that!






Day 20

We were greeted with blue sunny skies and only a light breeze. Just a perfect day! Unfortunately we did not have any water as water lines were being replaced in an area close by, but we had lots of water in the fridge to make coffee and we had a light breakfast.

By late morning the water was back on and we showered and got ready to go out for lunch. Layla's was our lunch destination today and we were meeting a group of friends there to dine overlooking the water. There were 12 of us and we all ordered something different and all the meals were very good! After several drinks and lots of laughs, it was time to end our 4 hour afternoon luncheon. It is so much fun to eat with our feet in the sand and converse with good friends!

On the way home, we stopped at the Carousel for some delicious ice-cream dessert and spent some time watching the children enjoying the carousel ride.

We watched the sunset from our balcony and decided to stay in and cook dinner tonight since we really were not feeling very hungry after our big lunch. We will probably go out later tonight since we are only a few blocks away from all the nightly entertainment.






Day 21

Well three weeks have past and these daily reports are probably starting to get boring for others to read.
We have the routine down to an art and lots of repeat visits to our favorite island places. Usually we awaken to breakfast on the balcony overlooking the pool and the ocean and then decide what is on our agenda for the day.

Today we were meeting Maureen and Larry at Dreams to spend the day there and enjoy some more of their delicious food. There were a few clouds around, but soon the sky cleared and it was a lovely day. After enjoying some Bloody Marys on the beach, we went into the restaurant for lunch. For appetizers, David and I shared the Vietanese chicken rolls and Maureen and Larry shared the calimari. I had the half chicken dinner and David had the Bo Bun Nem salad. A reverse order from our previous day. Both were excellent! Maureen also had the Bo Bun Nem salad and thought it was the best! Larry had the carbonara, but thought this dish was better at other places he had eaten it on the island was better. Maureen was the only one still able to eat dessert. We enjoyed wine and beer with the meals.

After dinner we returned to the beach, but there was no more beach service today so we were disappointed with that. They seemed to be short staffed and Bruno was not there today so his absence was apparent. There was music and a fashion show in the outdoor pavillion, but overall a quiet day on the beach. This was also the first day of our trip that we saw seaweed in the water and on the beach there and it wasn't raked as it had been in the past. We spoke to the manager about it and he said,"no beach boy today". Oh well, C'est la vie!

About 4:30 we left the beach and headed home to get ready to spend the evening at Buccaneer Beach Bar. Some friends (Georgia,David,Todd and MJ) had just arrived today so we were all gathering to welcome them. We had a nice time there. The food and drinks were good, but the service was very slow. I love the BBC's there and the smoked rib platter was delicious!

After everyone left, we decided to go to the Dunes Casino for some entertainment. It was a fun evening and I managed a win on the Great Wall! We were off to dreamland by 2:00 A.M.
[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...AATKM/GQ-OoN8fvD4/s640-Ic42/IMG_5955.JPG[/img]
[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...AATJ0/xwqs1jspRMM/s640-Ic42/IMG_5952.JPG[/img]
[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...AATKE/9UJlFvSM6lI/s640-Ic42/IMG_5954.JPG[/img]



Day 22

Good morning! We got a later start to the day as we decided to spend a pool day here at the condo and just relax. We had a leisurely breakfast consisting of eggs,cheese , hashbrowns, toast and several cups of coffee.

After breakfast, we got caught up on some correspondence and then spent the afternoon enjoying the quiet pool.
What started off as a quiet day turned into a lot of activity in the surrounding area as there were a total of 3 bomb threats at the airport. The first one was announced at 12:30 P.M. and the all clear was around 2:30 P.M. Right after that there was one more and a third one later in the afternoon involving an Air France flight which was scheduled to depart. We were going to a function at Crazy Cow right across from the airport at 5:00 P.M. and were stopped by police. No access to places close to the airport. The plane was thoroughly searched and was allowed to take off and afterwards the all clear was announced again so we were permitted to enter the area. The Crazy Cow is right beside the Pink Iguana where the man that was involved in the first threat was apprehended earlier in the afternoon. It really was a very different day!

After the party, we decided to go to Izi for dinner since we hadn't dined there yet. It was now 8:30 P.M. and they were very busy, but we got a nice table and enjoyed an excellent meal. We both had wine to drink and David had the lamb shank and I chose the portofino lasagna with salmon and spinach in a rich creamy sauce. Melt in your mouth delicious! They served nice shots of limoncello afterwards. A very nice 9 year old little gentleman came around to the table conversing with the patrons dressed in Izi uniform and he was delightful! He is a little Canadian fellow who know lives here with his family and enjoys working the room. He told us he has "worked" there for 2 years part time. So cute!

We returned home around 10:30 P.M. and decided to stay in for the remainder of the night after all the day's excitement.
[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...AATGA/gpB4VJatAiI/s640-Ic42/IMG_5922.JPG[/img]
[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...AATMk/IctgAcr6Udw/s640-Ic42/IMG_5985.JPG[/img]
[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...AATMs/ImEuxz_CukQ/s640-Ic42/IMG_5986.JPG[/img]
[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...AATM8/N9yhjlH2EL8/s640-Ic42/IMG_5988.JPG[/img]


Day 23

It was an absolutely georgous morning and we had made arrangements to go to Captain Frenchy in Grand Case today. After a breakfast of cereal, juice, toast and coffee we got ready to spend the day there.

Michael, the manager there had reserved a parking spot for us and we quickly settled into the comfy chairs with drink in hand. Their mango coladas are amazing with extra rum floating on top! Soon others joined us on the beach and before long all the chairs were filled. It was truly a picturesque day and so relaxing in this little spot tucked away from the island activity.

At lunch time, we went up into the restaurant and enjoyed some drinks before the food arrived. Our food choice today was the bacon cheeseburger served with green salad. The meat was freshly ground and lots of bacon resulted in a melt in your mouth burger! Carib and Corona washed it all down.

Just as we were finishing lunch, a few other friends joined us on the beach and we continued enjoying a great day.
We left the beach just as the sun was setting over the hills and were home just before dark.

We had planned to cook in tonight as we needed a break from restaurant food. I prepared a maritime meal of salt fish, potatoes and a creamy white sauce which received rave reviews. No room for dessert tonight!

We enjoyed a nice bottle of rose wine and spent a quiet evening "at home".I know that is hard to believe, but it actually did happen! We do occasionally stay at home.
[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...AATNM/Mc35zonmxTI/s640-Ic42/IMG_5989.JPG[/img]
[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...AATPs/6KfJ-Ru-n5I/s640-Ic42/IMG_6009.JPG[/img] [img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...AATP0/pUmHyypqkgg/s640-Ic42/IMG_6010.JPG[/img]
[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...AATOk/fw0rSdx1KGg/s640-Ic42/IMG_6000.JPG[/img]

Day 24

Today began as many others with warm temperatures and sunny skies.

After breakfast, we got ready and drove to Palm Beach to spend the day with Maureen and Larry. The beach there was wide and clear of seaweed with a few waves crashing on the shore. The children there were having great fun jumping in the waves and playing on the beach. Palm Beach has lots of comfortable chairs with thick pads and the chairs are widely spaced so really a very nice beach experience. If you want two umbrellas, they are offered as well.

We had bloody Marys delivered to our chairs and we relaxed on the beach until noontime when we went into the restuarant for lunch. Lunch there is always good and today was no exemption. I was not too hungry after a big breakfast so I chose the ceasar salad with chicken . David had the giant prawns , Maureen had a salmon and tuna dish and Larry chose the tapas plate which consisted of mahi mahi, calamari, octopus and a few other specialties. Everyone enjoyed their choices and had no room for dessert. Sparkling water, beer and wine were the chosen drinks. We were served some delicious passion fruit rum shots at the end of the meal.

After lunch we retired to our beach chairs and spent a lovely afternoon enjoying the sunshine and watching the beach activities.

We returned home just after 5:00 P.M. and had some left overs for dinner as we really were not very hungry. We relaxed for a while and then got ready to join some friends at The Palms for drinks. We finally got to enjoy the famous carrot cake ! We only ordered dessert tonight, carrot cake and coffee and it was delicious!

We left there around 9:00 P.M. and spent a few hours at the Hollywood Casino. Ony a small win tonight, but fun teasing the machine!
Sweet dreams and visions of another nice day !
[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...AATT0/6jaj-QrLNu0/s640-Ic42/IMG_6042.JPG[/img]
[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...AATUk/VgR-pDVywEo/s640-Ic42/IMG_6048.JPG[/img]
[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...AATVE/IwDF457wTh0/s640-Ic42/IMG_6053.JPG[/img]

Day 25

It was a bit hazy in early morning, but soon the sun was shining brightly and the view of the passing ships was delightful.
We had breakfast in the condo and enjoyed more coffee on the balcony overlooking the pool. So relaxing here! We decided to stay close to home today and just spent the day reading and enjoying a few cocktails by the pool. It is nice to have that luxury with an extended vacation. We don't feel we have to travel to a different place every day.

We had salad and fish for lunch with some fruit and cheese for dessert. Actually Islandgem Cafe has been doing a good business this trip! Regardless of how good the restaurant food is here, we do get tired of it after so many days. Hubby says the service is good here too and no extra tax added, so the tips have been rolling in!

We practised relaxing again during the afternoon and then got ready and went out for dinner. We met friends at Bavaria for dinner tonight to say good-bye to Maureen and Larry since this was their last day on the island this trip. The food was very good and mainly consisted of Vienna schnitzel and German Bratwurst with apple struedel for dessert. We tried different types of German beer and liked them all! Bavaria is a nice spot to have a leisurely dinner. We like to sit indoors here as the ambience is much nicer and the jazz music coming from the outdoor area is just right. All in all a lovely evening!

Afterwards we went to the Princess Casino to pass a few hours and listen to the music there which is usually very nice. After four hours I was down $30, but had fun playing different machines. Variety is the spice of life!
[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...AATV0/ROWMi-f87b0/s640-Ic42/IMG_6058.JPG[/img] [img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...AATV8/kbKnZlkdPjk/s640-Ic42/IMG_6059.JPG[/img]
[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...AATWc/QVWNO9AJk8o/s640-Ic42/IMG_6063.JPG[/img]

Day 26

Today is the American Thanksgiving and we have been invited to celebrate this special occasion with some good American friends on the island. We are truly blessed!

We had cereal, toast, juice and coffee for breakfast, and then relaxed on the balcony enjoying the view of ships coming into port for the day.

Soon it was time to start cooking a few things to take to Linda's for dinner. I cooked shrimp for an appetizer and some little potato balls. I also made a dish of brussels sprouts in garlic and oil to accompany the main course.

We arrived at Linda's around 3:00 P.M. and enjoyed drinks and conversation until dinner time. We had a good selection of appetizers which we all enjoyed. Dinner tonight was a rib feast . Linda had cooked 16 slabs of ribs and everyone brought food to contribute to the feast. We had roasted potatoes, spinach, brussels sprouts and salad and a variety of French pastries for dessert. The food was plentiful and so delicious! It was truly a lovely day with great food, great friends and great times. Some of the husbands watched the football game and everyone else enjoyed the drinks and conversation until late in the evening.

We are truly blessed to be able to celebrate this special occasion with wonderful island friends!
[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...AATXs/t1zrK8d8k4A/s640-Ic42/IMG_6073.JPG[/img]
[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...AATX8/cgeIr-dfFHs/s512-Ic42/IMG_6075.JPG[/img]
[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...AATXM/hIoqH48POuE/s640-Ic42/IMG_6069.JPG[/img]
[img]https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-...AATIU/99h4gvQVnL4/s640-Ic42/IMG_5676.JPG[/img]

Thanks for the report and the wonderful pictures!!!

No, Elizabeth - your reports are not getting boring! I like to vacation the way you do - few "appointments" and deciding each day what to do that day. Another great report and wonderful pictures. Thanks!

Your reports are never boring, Elizabeth. I look forward to them. Keep enjoying your trip.

Thanks for another really enjoyable read with pictures.

Love your reports,never boring!

Elizabeth:

Thanks for another fabulous report and beautiful pictures.

Boring? I beg to differ. Love your reports!

great reports-great pics-I like/make creamy scalloped potatoes too-maybe it's a Canadian thing

Thank you for the reports. I don't find them boring at all. Our trips are so boring that I rarely do a report.

Great report will be down there in 2weeks hope to do a great job roporting like you

Another great read, I feel like I'm right there with you! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Ummmm, me, too. And on all counts! Very nice, Elizabeth. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Very funny you two... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

If that's boring Elizabeth, I'll take it any day! Thanks for taking the time to share. Wonderful pictures of food, friends, and scenery..... it doesn't get any better.

Absolutely love your reports! Thanks so much for taking the time to share your trip!

Elizabeth this was a perfect day to wake up to your report. Thank-you for brightening my day!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Will you be in SXM in April?

I'm enjoying your reports, but they're making me miss SXM more and more.. Couple questions, I assume from your pics that you ate at Mr Busby's while on Dawn Beach. What was that sinfully looking dessert Maureen ordered at Dreams, and where in Grand case is Captain Frenchy's? Enjoy your time.

Norm to answer your questions-1- Yes, we ate at Mr. Busby's and parked right at the door. We have never had a parking problem there. 2- Maureen's dessert was chocolate macaroon and she said it was delicious. 3- Captain Frenchy is right beside Caribbean Creole( former Enold's) near the main road coming from Grand Case village.It is a great little spot right on the beach, but parking is limited.

Good heavens, you make me feel like a slacker. I am (forgive me) much younger than you, and I don't get up to half what you do. Granted, were I there multiple weeks like you I might get a little more ambitious in the evenings, but in my single weeks, we're often in bed by 10, and rarely later than 11.

I am going to follow your lead on food, I think. Though the Islandgem Bistro may be closed in February, I will hit many of your other choices.

I feel we haven't been as busy this trip because we have been here much longer. When we came for only two weeks we felt we had to fit it all in. I am a night hawk at home so staying out late here is just normal for me. I guess you are just as old as you feel. I always say I have lots of time to sleep when I close my eyes for the last time so live life to the fullest!

Islandgem Bistro will be closed in February for staff vacation! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Your trip reports are anything but boring. I look forward to reading them all. Another great installment - thanks for posting.