Linda,

With all due respect, you are incredible in that you do get out and about the island - ALL OF IT - as a solo traveler far more than many of us these days. There was a time, back in the day, when we wouldn't have thought twice about an evening trip to Marigot or Grand Case for dinner but these days, really - not so much.

Sasasal,

The gendarmes are doing their job with these traffic controls, whether anyone likes it or not. But there's no reason for them to be less than pleasant about it. And the controls are not just about checking the alcohol levels of drivers but I have to say, I've never heard of anyone being held in jail for not having their passports on them and a ride back to the car would have been nice.

We don't spend much time on the French side of the island these days and if we go there, it's generally for a day/lunch at FBBC, Dreams or Anse Marcel Beach Club and when we are there I don't worry about the alcohol thing since one of us doesn't drink at all. But I sure will be copying our passports and keep them with us in the future so thank you for the heads up.

Good thing your car wasn't stolen while your DH languished in jail awaiting his passport arrival! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />