Dec 15: St. Maarten
I had breakfast at Vesna again, and then walked down to La Sucriere for coffee and an almond croissant. I ran into Paul and Anne as I was leaving, they are in the middle of some work on the boat, new batteries and cooker, a new starter ordered from the UK, and the typical work that never ends on a boat. The plan for today was to do a little shopping in Philipsburg then head to Marigot for lunch and some time on the waterfront .Traffic on the way there was backed up from Cole Bay to beyond the bridge, practically in front of the hotel. It started out well enough, I picked up some cigars at Gulmohars; I had thought they closed, but they just reconfigured the store expanding the jewelry section. I stopped at Sint rose for mojitos and a smoke, took a walk along the boardwalk and stopped at The Get Wet Bar for a last beer and to say goodbye to Phil (this is the place previously referred to as the Canadian bar). That’s where the plans changed; Alex, a guy from Brampton Ontario, who I met Monday was there and just as then he would not stop buying beers. Every time I would say “this is my last one, I have to get going” I would return form the restroom and find a fresh one waiting. Finally I gave up on Marigot and decided on The Greenhouse in Simpson Bay for a cheeseburger, the two for one happy hour drink special did influence my decision. After a nice burger and four tasty mojitos it was time for a nap. I saw there was a live band at La Bombas so I walked there around 9. There was a good crowd and the band played a good selection reggae, a bonfire on the beach and plenty of people dancing made it interesting. There is a small pizza place across from Soggy Dollar so I gave them a try. The pie was made to order and came out quickly due to the thin crust, we like ours thicker in Buffalo, but it was very good and didn’t leave me feeling stuffed. I met a couple brothers from Turkey, who have a hair salon on the island and also in New York; he gave me his card in case I wanted to get my hair cut when I got home. I tried to explain the part of New York I live in is 450 miles from the city, but finally it was easier to just say I would try it. It was around midnight when I finished my pizza so I called it a night.
