We arrived in St. Maarten on Dec1 on the United flight out of Dulles. The flight was about 20 minutes early. We arrived just after a Jet Blue flight but we were able to walk to Immigration while the Jet Blue folks had to be bused. That means while we cleared Immigration 1st (it was a breeze, no one ahead of us at all) they put up the Jet Blue luggage 1st. Nevertheless, we were on our way 30 minutes after touchdown.

Michael from Unity was waiting for us and whisked us to his new location behind the Simpson Bay Police Station. We had our car and were on our way in minutes.

At Simpson Bay Resort we had a little wait for our room to be ready. Since we added on 1 extra day to our 2 weeks the first night was in F11, right on the beach. Jeannie of Shop n Drop had arranged for delivery of all the necessities and they were in our kitchen waiting for us. Such Wonderful Service. So nice not to have to run to the store and just relax on the balcony with adult beverages and appetizers.

The next morning, we moved to Unit B332 in the lower B building which was to be our home for the next 2 weeks. Nice view looking out over the Flamingo Resort to the ocean. Saw some beautiful sunsets but no green flash. They really have done a great job of repairing the resort after Irma. Except for the missing C & D buildings, you’d never know anything happened. Landscaping is lush. They have redone the tennis court by the A building and are close to being done with the ones by the B pool. We were moved to B476 in the upper B building for our 2nd week. Loved that unit.

On Monday we had friends arrive to spend 4 days with us. We thoroughly enjoyed their visit. I think we may have hooked them on St. Maarten! We took them to the TTOL get together at Bar Code. Such a nice evening. We stayed for dinner. I had the Lamb Stew – Delicious. Two of us had Fish and Chips and one had a burger. We were all very happy. Great food at a great price. They waiter, Stew, was superb!

Other meals out included Bistrot Caribes in Grand Case, The Greenhouse, Avantika, and Piazza Pascal.

All out meals were great everywhere. At Bistrot, starters included the warm goat cheese salad with smoked duck breast, Escargot, and Lobster bisque. Entrees were Red Snapper, Rack of Lamb, Scallops and Filet of Beef. Desserts were a crème brulee and the molten chocolate cake. Everything was amazing!

We went to the greenhouse for our favorite warps – Bang Bang Chicken and Bang Bang Shrimp. We were not disappointed. As good as we remember.

Avantik was also as good as we remembered. We stated with some crab wantons. Entrées included Pad Thai, Drunken noodles, a curry dish and a tofu dish. We took home lots of leftovers that were even better the next day for breakfast and lunch!

Piazza Pascal holds a special place in our hearts since Donna, Pascals wife, is form Michigan, not too far form us originally. Unfortunately, she was off the island spoiling her new grandson. Pascal took great care of us. We stated with Calamari. I’ve never had calamari that was not battered and fried. The was strips of meat sautéed and finished with a wine sauce. It was so tender! Absolutely the best Calamari we’ve even had. Entrees were Lasagna and coconut crusted Mahi Mahi over a curry sauce with tomato Risotto. YUM!
Grand Case stills is devastated by the aftereffects of Irma. More places closed then open. We left Bistrot Caribes about 9:30pm and the streets were deserted. The old paid parking lot is not open so parking is on the street which can be difficult. Very Sad.

One evening we had Jeannie over for dinner. I fixed Pesto pasta with shrimp and honey glazed carrots.

The rest of our meals were eight leftovers or fixed in out unit. We did do some take away from La Petron. The tacos are really good. Pizza there was not half bad either.

Our departure on Sunday was through the new reopened ground floor of the terminal building. I did a detailed post on that under the Airport Status thread. Pleasantly surprised.

Over all Simpson Bay is doing well. Still a few places closed but lots of activity, Maho is pretty much a ghost town though the casino is open They are working on all the shops but not much is open. Phillipsburg is doing better. Still quite a few shops under repair but there are enough open that it looks pretty good. Never felt uneasy anywhere except perhaps Grand Case at 9:30pm. Didn’t hit any beaches as we’re pretty much pool people now.

Took lots of food pictures but have had dickens of a time trying to figure out how to pat them here.

These 2 weeks were our weeks leftover from Irma so we’ll be going back in March for or regular visit. Can’t wait!!!