Well here goes.... not the usual report...

Thirteen days of 30C weather day and night, hardly a drop of rain and no sign of Montserrat. What could be better?

Arrived Dec 31 late with Westjet. We were more than excited to finally fly over Sunset Beach Bar. Captured a great photo as I was prepared. Many puddles were still visible from recent rains.

Getting thru the airport happened all too quickly for all my senses were taxed. My first impression of the Caribbean air, how warm it was as it caressed my pasty cheeks... ahhhhhh!

Out the door we went and the dispatcher heralded us to a waiting taxi. He was good to let us stand outside and catch our breath a moment before he whisked us and another British Columbian couple away (Did we really travel 1.5days to run into a couple from our home province, wasn’t that the point of travelling so far away). The taxi driver was very friendly and took us the long touristy way home. The other couple were staying at the Weston and whilst we were at the other end of the island, Mt Vernon so it was a warm welcome and appreciated.

Once we arrived to mt Vernon, we were warmly greeted by security guards who spoke English. Not that is was an issue as I am French Canadien. So we sat and chatted about what was happening re fireworks since the wind and clouds were so bad. After all it was a blue moon which affected the tides, etc. and therefore, the security guard advised us the fireworks may very well be cancelled. I was looking forward to it, oh well. We sat and chatted over a few Keith’s (Canadian beer I picked up at Toronto duty free). The security guard warmed up to us and offered options for our ny eve outing.

We awaited our keys and off we went to clean up. We stayed at mt Vernon and to avoid duplicity in this long post, see my mt Vernon comments.

After about 2 hrs we wander back to reception where the security guard whisks two young Canadian girls to Hercules Creole restaurant in Cul de sac. We were assured he would make sure a taxi was called to get us home safely.

At Hercules we had two appetizers which were meals in themselves, two conch fricassee, two or three glasses of wine each while very few fireworks went off. The waiter was exceptional. Before long, we were dancing to New Year song with owner, Hercules and our waiter, Harry. We loved it. Other patrons came over and gave us the French kiss kiss and wished us the best for the New Year. How can you beat that for the first few hours on the island????

Well, sure we beat it! Later Hercules and Harry took us to a local bar to take in the festivities. We danced until 330 when I said it was enough and time to go. We were driven home safely from a bar in Marigot I think. What an experience for bringing in the New Year. We’ll always remember Dec 31 as the best!

[color:"red"]Jan 1.[/color] Tired but elated. We start walking around mt Vernon looking for the grocery store we drove by. We asked around at Sol et Luna and the waiter said it was a 10mins walk to US Imports. This is not so and don't even attempt as there are no sidewalks. We finally made it to the car wash where I inquired again. Before we knew it a local from Dutch side finished drying his car and drove us all over the place looking for a case of beer. He must have stopped at four places. We finally bought a case of cold beer for 12USD and French bottle of merlot for 5.50USD and a few other small things. He drove us home happy.

Later, we go to Booboo Jam for a bite to eat. Nothing special to report here. I had a burger I think and a few beers and my friend had the chicken wrap, she was more content with her meal. They only take Euros so it was a little pricey. We suspected they had two menus... one for the tourists and one for the locals as even in Euros we figured the prices would be cheaper. Oh well, darkness fell upon us before we knew it. We were surprised how quickly it gets dark, no dusk transition or light pollution like we expected. So we walked home in the dark, not knowing where we were heading but knowing all would be ok. The stars were with us that night, as luck would have it a bus had just set up shop to sell beer/food below mt Vernon so we headed for the only light we could see. The owner was still there and offered us a beer. We stayed and chatted. He gave us great local info and directions to get on the property as earlier we took the long way.

[color:"red"]Jan 2.[/color] Off again to look for provisions. The security guard takes us after his shift to US Imports. We bought delicious cheeses and many other food/alcohol requirements. We bought the security guard a 1L bottle of whisky for 7.50 Euros. They offered 1.35 exchange rates that day. We will always be thankful for the security guards assistance the first few days.

That night we went downstairs to the pizzeria where Harvey the owner hooked us up with some young lads. Off we went to a beach bar with the assurance that we would be escorted home. By the end of the night we were escorted by the predetermined gentlemen, a local and his dog. We made it home safe at 2am. After shaking our booty, we were tired.

[color:"red"]Jan 3.[/color] The local somehow finds us on the beach and takes us to Galleon Beach. We spend the day in the water. along the way he and his cousin take us the long way showing us local plants including beach berry, animal life - my friend saw a mongoose which they were determined to show us as we were discussing never seeing one or knowing what it was. On the way back we took the shortcut with more geographical information. We loved it. They introduced us at the beach bars and told us where to hang out. They escorted us home and went their way.

[color:"red"]Jan 4[/color]. Got a lift to Margot from someone we met at pizzeria. We lucked out again. Off to Anguilla. We didn’t bring enough money as we were counting on using credit cards but as per usual someone comes to our rescue. Kenny the taxi driver from Anguilla was hanging around and said he would take care of us on the island. We risked it with 10$ ea in our pockets. Its 40$ return for the ferry, $52USD return for taxi to shoal bay. Kenny made a deal with the bar to make things right. We stayed glued to our chairs pretty near all day as the waves were brewing viciously. It was beautiful and we’d do it again, but next time we’ll inquire about the tides at Shoal Bay, we`re told the 4th most beautiful beach in the world. Took a taxi home for 20$usd. The Marigot pub waiter negotiated a better price for us as he knew we only had 20$ between us left. We waited a long time but now that I think about it, we were looking for a taxi with a sign on the roof and many don’t have that, so it may be our fault…. Marigot is a beautiful place to be if you have to wait and rest and take it easy….

[color:"red"]Jan 5.[/color] Beach day. Spent the whole day at Sun Beach. We like hanging out upstairs as it’s usually empty and the people watching is bar none. Beer 3 usd. 1;1 here. Service is great and the bartender is very friendly. Finally we find Luis for the bathing suits. I ordered two bottoms, a top, and a dress. We spend a lot of time getting to know each other so he can figure out what to make for me.

[color:"red"]Jan 6[/color] We booked tiko tiko but it was cancelled since they need 6 pple. This was disappointing as we had an opportunity to go to Grand Case the night before and turned it down so we could get up early. We had to leave 20 mins early to walk all the way to club O for 9am just to find out the tour was cancelled.

We’re on Caribbean time, so plan B means we booked a lounger at Sun Beach for 7 or 8usd each including a rum punch. Here the greeter figured us out right away since we had a chair front and ctre. He hooked me up with Brian for a message in club O. Brian’s soft hand were magical the moment they touched my heel and not to mention the soothing waves crashing along the Orient beach sand. I was in a whole new world… loving every minute of it. He charges 40usd and Euros for half an hour and 65/hr. well worth the experience. He’ll even come to your chair is you want to schedule him that way. Later we went to Luis to pick up my swimsuit, just in case it was ready. To our surprise it was.

[color:"red"]Jan 7[/color] We aren’t eating out much, in fact we aren’t eating much at all… good thing Montezuma’s revenge is keeping the diet plan, because I sure wasn’t. To much liquid calories again at Sun beach. By now we have a routine. Spend the day at the south end of the beach, visit Luis since my friend liked my suit so much she ordered one, and walk back stopping to say hi to my new friends at Palm Beach. Later we drop in at Pizzeria in Mt Vernon to find out what we’ll be doing the following day.

[color:"red"]Jan 8[/color] – One of the locals takes us for a tour of the island. Off to Marigot market, Long beach, Sunset beach bar, above Philipsburg and cactus nature reserve to name a few. We spend all day sight seeing and posing for the camera in our sexy swimsuits.

[color:"red"]Jan 9[/color] – We frantically realize it’s time to buy souvenirs… so off we go to Sun beach to relax and think about it some more. We swim of course, consider snorkelling once again however the waves are too brisk.

[color:"red"]Jan. 10[/color] – Upon my return around noon, my friend and I head off to do what we do best… Sun Beach, Papalogolas, Palm Beach. The food at Papalogoloas wasn’t all that special. I had swordfish burger which was dry, my friend a ham and cheese sandwich which she says you can’t mess up and my other friend the best looking ribs ever. Our appetizer was delicious calamari.

I book another message with Brian.. I just can’t help it, as I chalk it down to ensuring I don’t lose my deep tan thanks to his massage oil.

[color:"red"]Jan 11[/color] – I have a business meeting and take advantage of the friendly taxi driver taking me for another tour of the island. We stop all over the place and he shows me some local flavour. It was a great experience. This is not a good day to snorkel though we have the time.

I book my final massage with Brian from Club O. Something about hearing the waves crash, Caribbean music and fresh air as his fingers role over my body…

Later, I run into an old friend and we decide Orient Beach constellations should be burned in my memory. We go for a midnight swim and spend hours under the stars. I couldn’t imagine any other way to end my time in paradise.

[color:"red"]Jan 12[/color] – We change our plans to spend the day in Philipsburg and Sunset Beach Bar in order to soak in a few more rays and snorkel. As we say good buy to the many friends we have made on the island, we realize the seas are upset again and we will not have the opportunity to snorkel this time.

Plan B kicks in and we crack open our last Presidente since we didn’t want them to go to waste and toast to ‘all those we left behind’ realizing that we too will be one of those left behind. I shed a tear for St Martin and her hospitality. I know I am leaving a better person and now have new experiences to build upon. We will be back.. only 49 weeks to go!

PS for Canadian travellers, ma doo doo is considered a souvenir and is not subject to our alcohol limit. I brought back 3L with no problem. WOuld have brought back alot more, but for the weight restrictions.

Crazy Canuxx

49 weeks to go! Watch out Orient Bay!