TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Trip Report, Week 2, November 22-27, 2018 (Really only 6 days)

Thursday, November 22

Assuming I start coming to SXM in November on a regular basis, I want to spend Thanksgivings the way I spent it today: on a boat trip on Enigma C3 with Capt. Neil. Today’s trip was a lazy excursion to Baie Longue where we anchored for playtime in the water, followed by lunch. Since it was Thanksgiving and since some of us were on the boat three days ago, Neil decided to change up the menu and have roast chicken instead of ribs. It was a South African recipe and was delicious.





After lunch we motored to Mullet for more water time; Mullet looked to be very busy.




This was a shorter day, starting at 9:30, and we were back by 4:00. It was every bit as enjoyable as Monday’s trip, but in a different way, as there were only five us. A perfect boating day!

I met Cincinnati_Kid for Thanksgiving buffet dinner at Divi. I wasn’t knocked out by the food but enjoyed talking jazz with Don (we have the same favorite male jazz vocalist!). Divi’s renovation of the restaurant is quite nice, but I didn’t take any pictures.

Friday, November 23

It was a lazy day at the condo’s pool, which I had to myself; lots of sun today. Had an early pickup at the Fish Market for a sunset sail on No1SXM, now owned by Mirian and Pieter, who owned the Passaat. It was a lovely night for a sail; very pleasant.




Saturday, November 24

The mid-stay housecleaning of my condo was scheduled to occur today so I wanted to get out before the maid arrived. Karakter for breakfast sounded like a good choice. I was there early enough that parking was not a problem. After breakfast I spent several hours in a lounge chair; it was a perfect beach day.



I headed home to get cleaned up for the evening’s event, which was a wine tasting at Sylvain Pereira’s Select Wine Cellar, organized by Jeff Jhangiani.




I lost track of how many wines were tasted and how many courses of food were served. I also wasn’t good at remembering to take pictures, unfortunately. I do remember one of the courses was a perfectly prepared roast duck. This is salmon over an avocado mousse.



Everything was marvelous, and it was a fun evening.

Sunday, November 25

Yet another sail, this on Spellbound, originally scheduled for Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla, and Bankie Banks’ place. Due to rough waters at Rendezvous Bay, the itinerary was changed to Meads Bay; since I’m not a fan of Bankie, this was a welcome change. Again, the weather was perfect. We anchored for a few hours for water playtime and lunch. Meads Bay is quite beautiful.





Monday, November 26

There were only two cruise ships in town and I had errands to run in Philipsburg. I found parking on Front Street although it was several blocks away from my destination. The first stop was DK Gems to drop off jewelry for repair. In the process, I found some earrings I couldn’t live without. Raj quoted me a good cash price, but I didn’t have that much on me. Since I was seeing Jeff that evening, Raj suggested I give Jeff the cash and he would give me my jewelry. Great service!

I have read a lot about Juggie’s Secret Spice so headed to his place, which I had not visited before, to pick some up. I didn’t realize he had the store next to his Smallest Bar in the World; it’s worth visiting if you are looking for booze and souvenirs.



On the way to Holland House for lunch, I saw a sweet group of children in front of Oranje School singing Christmas carols. They were just darling; unfortunately, that picture didn’t turn out. Lunch was disappointing, but you can’t beat the setting.



I had my nails done at a place on Long Wall Road recommended to me and then went back to the condo to rest before dinner

This was another special time. Jeff Jhangiani organized a dinner at l’Astrolabe for seven people, and we all just “clicked.” The food was fabulous, but the fellowship was even better . . . so good that it was suggested we spend next Thanksgiving at someone’s home with everyone cooking or bringing a dish. Sounds wonderful, and I may have to rethink sailing.

Mondays are Surf ‘n Turf nights at l’Astrolabe. But for 48 Euro, you can have any appetizer, any entrée, and any dessert on the menu. The entrée could include the surf and turf offering. Bread was served with a red pepper spread (I think; memory is a little fuzzy) and a cold zucchini soup. My appetizer was a lobster bisque; entrée was crispy duck; dessert was a white chocolate concoction with wonderful raspberries.





Tuesday, November 27

I had asked Ruby Bute if I could take her to lunch. She wanted us to come to her gallery first to see some pieces from a showing she had on Sunday; the artist was a former student of hers who works in “pastels” (chalk). He was quite good. Unfortunately for my pocket book, I saw another Ruby original that I wanted to have. I didn’t have enough cash on me so will need to go back to pick it up.



After visiting with Ruby on her porch and viewing the gallery, we had lunch at Gutside. A complimentary appetizer of stuffed christophine was very tasty. Richard had enough goat for three servings of goat stew, and I was lucky enough to have one of them.

There is a standing Happy Hour at 5:30 at The Palms on Tuesdays. I left Cupecoy at 5:15; the traffic jam started at the airport and was bumper to bumper. I finally arrived at The Palms at 6:00 only to learn that others who were going to be there turned around and went back home. I don’t blame them, as traffic was truly horrific. After a drink with those who were there, I picked up take-out from Spaghetti House in Jordan Village and thought it was unexceptional.

+++++

I can’t post any more photos in this thread so am cutting this report short by one day. More to come later.