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Re: Memories of your first trip
[Re: vacanakey]
#13686
01/25/2011 11:28 PM
01/25/2011 11:28 PM
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Anonymous
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Anonymous
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Mine was in 1984 and I was a senior in High School. My parents had just bought a time share at the Pelican. I remember how beautiful the beaches and water were compared to what I was used to in NY/NJ area. My second trip in 1988 when I was a bit older was more memorable for me. I spent a lot of time on the French side going to swanky Euro bars and had a lot of fun meeting all these "cool" Europeans while hanging out on a tropical island. Even though I don't remember every detail of those trips, i do remember I had a great time...as I have with each subsequent trip!
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Re: Memories of your first trip
[Re: sjculmo]
#13688
01/26/2011 12:09 AM
01/26/2011 12:09 AM
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 437 Virginia
seascape
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 437
Virginia
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Ours was off a cruise ship. Our boys were still fairly young and we let them do the yacht excursion from Phillipsburg by themselves and then we were too afraid to venture off in case something went wrong so we stayed right at the dock!
Our next visit was for a Windjammer cruise and we stayed a night before as well as after and we were hooked! Got to know the French side and have been going to Orient every yr. since. Headed there this summer with newbies and I'm a nervous wreck about it! Just worried they won't have the same feelings that we do. This will be our 6th annual trip <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
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Re: Memories of your first trip
[Re: seascape]
#13689
01/26/2011 01:46 AM
01/26/2011 01:46 AM
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 177 Md
libra46
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Traveler
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 177
Md
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My first trip was Aug. 1989, stayed at Sea Palace. What I remember most was the friendliness of the people, especially that of a young man whom we meet on Front street in Philipsburg late one night. He informed us that we didn't have to be afraid of walking at night, if anything were to happen a local would be there immedidately to assist us, even before the police. I also remember "the dogs" they were every where!!! however they all seemed harmless, paying little or no attention to people. Of course then there was Orient Beach, I'd never been to a nude beach before!!!!!!!!!!!!! there was very little on Orient, Pedro's & a few places selling souvenirs, and Orient Beach Club. Needless to say, I haven't missed a year since then, and for the 12 yrs. twice a yr. Guess you could say I'm hooked!!!
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Re: Memories of your first trip
[Re: Gordon1957]
#13691
01/26/2011 07:48 AM
01/26/2011 07:48 AM
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Anonymous
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Anonymous
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Our first trip was way back in 1994. We stayed at the now defunct LeBelle Creole and I remember the oooh wowwing!! when we approached the cobblestoned courtyard to check-in. The groun ds and bell tower were beautiful. We rented a car and went to Mullet, Friars and Orient beaches. Ate at the lolos for lunch. Very basic back then. Alot less traffic and many loose dogs around even outside the casinos. Bought a week timeshare at the Sapphire and remember a large C/O beach there with jet skis for rent nextdoor. The NY Rangers hockey team won the cup and I watched at Lynettes place now closed. Lots of great memories. Rermember also how lovely Dawn beach area was too. Wife took off top 1st time. Have since been coming back and watched the island grow. There was if anybody remembers a building moratorium in place for years until recently. Now it is out of control. Preferthe Fr side prim arily now..Hope this sparks a few memories for others. Tim from Long Islnd
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Re: Memories of your first trip
[Re: vacanakey]
#13692
01/26/2011 07:51 AM
01/26/2011 07:51 AM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,198
Lreserve
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,198
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Over 15 years ago, we arrived at La Plantation, (Orient Bay) in the dark. We were tired after getting lost & I was disappointed, with our room, as I wanted to be closer to the pool. The room was a bit tired in it's decor too.
The next morning I woke up, looked out our window, and the view was stunning. We had complete privacy on our veranda. So, right then, I realized this was certainly better than being by the pool. We had complimentary breakfast every morning by the pool. I'm not even a big pool person. What was I thinking.
The best part was, a client gave us a list of all the restaurants they loved. Inexpensive to haute cuisine. I will always be thankful for that because it made our vacation very special.
Now I have my own favorites that I recommend to new vacationers...
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Re: Memories of your first trip
[Re: Lreserve]
#13693
01/26/2011 08:20 AM
01/26/2011 08:20 AM
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Anonymous
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Anonymous
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O yes I remember our first trip to SXM in 1980. It was very special time because Marge and I spent our 10th wedding anniversary. We had a very romantic dinner near the lagoon at the now ruins of Mullet Bay villas. I can remember a fellow named Mr. X who was a SXM resident that we met who kindly showed Marge and I the entire island. Back then there were only a handful of hotels and there was no traffic! But we still go back to the island that we call our second home.
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Re: Memories of your first trip
[Re: vacanakey]
#13695
01/26/2011 08:50 AM
01/26/2011 08:50 AM
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Anonymous
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1979 Hurricane Frederic had just hit St Maarten and we had to sign a release from American Airlines. The release stated that they not be held liable for loss of hotel room if we continued on to SXM. We were on the first flight into SXM from NY after the hurricane and since we had friends who had built a home on Morning Dove Rd in Point Blanche we did not see a problem. We stayed at what was then the Divi Hotel and did not rent a car. We walked every day from the Divi to our friends in Point Blanche and some times we did it twice a day. We ate at The Seaview in the cafe by the Sea Grapes. We met many local's, all with the family name of Richardson, went to the local radio station and sat while our friends gave an interview about the Hurricane damages. Front street had many residential homes and a very friendly feel. Even though there were no lights along Front Street we felt very safe and quite often walked it at night. The Casino's at Divi and the Seaview did not allow local people into them and had a restriction as to how often they were allowed in. It seemed back then there were more Pelicans and Sugar birds and dogs on the Island. I still love going and still stay in Phillipsburg.
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Re: Memories of your first trip
[Re: vacanakey]
#13697
01/26/2011 09:17 AM
01/26/2011 09:17 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Posts: 83,601
Central Florida!
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Our very first trip to SXM was for a day on a cruise ship in 1989. We literally spent ALL day on Front Street shopping.. We loved it, but I can't believe now I spent all day shopping!! Back then, of course, SXM was a tender port. First time staying on island was February 1994, Green Cay Villas #9. I actually don't remember too much of what we did or where we ate except that we spent our beach days on Orient, of course, and there wasn't a heck of a lot there in those days, so I assume we ate at Pedro's and Papagayo for lunch. We also spent a couple of whole days at the villa and didn't leave all day. Lovely!! Wish I could do that today!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />
Carol Hill
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Re: Memories of your first trip
[Re: vacanakey]
#13699
01/26/2011 10:25 AM
01/26/2011 10:25 AM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 148
thebowl
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 148
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Our first trip was probably in the early 90s. We were lucky to be invited to be the guests of a wonderful couple who spent 8-plus weeks on the island every year, who knew it inside and out, so we were able to learn about places that we still frequent. Our first morning was spent at the original Zee Best, followed by a trip to Orient, with lunch at Kon-Tiki.
I think we were only there for 4 days or so, but we hit Rosie's, Da Livio's (sp?), Talk of the Town, Chez Raymond and a place over in Orleans that is no longer open, very similar to Yvette's.
Back then most flights to Philly went through San Juan. Our friend even taught me to purchase steamed ham and gouda sandwiches at the little snack bar in the old airport, so as to not have to deal with the "food" in the San Juan airport.
We still think about Mitch and Frannie every time we go down, and our first breakfast is still always at Zee Best.
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Re: Memories of your first trip
[Re: glo]
#13701
01/26/2011 10:37 AM
01/26/2011 10:37 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 83,601 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Posts: 83,601
Central Florida!
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Mullett was destroyed by Hurricane Luis in September 1995. Not sure on the new airport. 2005 maybe??
Carol Hill
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Re: Memories of your first trip
[Re: leenms]
#13703
01/26/2011 10:54 AM
01/26/2011 10:54 AM
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Anonymous
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My first visit was in '86. I wish I would have gotten to know even more people. And I wish I would have gone to Sam's more. I didn't go to bars that much then, my loss. Sam's was located on Front St down toward the end toward the east.
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Re: Memories of your first trip
[Re: Tom]
#13705
01/26/2011 11:15 AM
01/26/2011 11:15 AM
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Anonymous
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first trip was in dec 1994 stayed at mullet bay leave feb 12 on our 5th trip in villa near orient beach love the orient area <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />
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Re: Memories of your first trip
[Re: vacanakey]
#13706
01/26/2011 11:35 AM
01/26/2011 11:35 AM
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 937 Bronx, New York
Ready_To_Go
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 937
Bronx, New York
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First trip was in mid-80s, not sure exactly. Was supposed to be a 3 night 4 day trip but at the end we just could not leave. Our travel agent was able to extend for 2 more days and even then we cried at the airport departure. Have made 20+ trips and every time it is time to leave a tear forms in my eye. Our adventures included trips to Phillipsburg to Land's Radio to make phone calls. Supermarkets didn't have much and what they had could sometimes be a little old. Nothing on Orient except Pedros. First time experience for C/O. The most memorable experience was seeing the blue water and white sand...quite a contrast to NYC beaches.
The Up Front Band "and the band played on"
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Re: Memories of your first trip
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#13707
01/26/2011 11:49 AM
01/26/2011 11:49 AM
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,160 Greensboro, NC
charlieh
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,160
Greensboro, NC
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Carol_Hill said: Mullett was destroyed by Hurricane Luis in September 1995. Not sure on the new airport. 2005 maybe?? Carol - I know the new terminal was not open in May 2006 but it was open in May 2007.
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Re: Memories of your first trip
#13708
01/26/2011 12:19 PM
01/26/2011 12:19 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 538 Southern Oregon on the Rogue R...
pamj
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Posts: 538
Southern Oregon on the Rogue R...
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Our first two trips were via a cruise ships - 1982 and 1993. In 1982 Backstreet was just a dirt street. The West Indies Tavern had yet to burn down.
Our first stay, not on a cruise, was in 1997. We had fun going around the island, got lost on the back side of Philipsburg,(yes you can get briefly lost), and spent an entire day just checking out the beaches on our map. The first time we drove in to Friar's Beach, you almost needed a 4wd and we thought for sure we missed a turn off and had the wrong road. We have been devotees of Friar's ever since.
The island had experienced several days of heavy rain just before our stay in 1997. As our taxi drove down the huge water filled, pot-hole road to Beachside Villas (which is now paved), I remember thinking, "What did I get us into?". Once again, we have been devotees to BSV ever since.
I remember eating at Turtle Pier, Boathouse, SSBB, Bar de la Mer, and Friar's. The market of choice for us was the old Rams at Cole Bay, or the old Ospay in Simpson Bay. Grocery variety was not nearly like it is now, in my opinion.
We were there only 10 days, and as we flew out, I had tears in my eyes - we had such a good time. I told my husband I wanted to come back again. We have been back every year except 2000.
PamJ
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Re: Memories of your first trip
[Re: charlieh]
#13709
01/26/2011 12:23 PM
01/26/2011 12:23 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 878 Mississauga, ON, Canada
Southshore
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 878
Mississauga, ON, Canada
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Our first trip was July 1992. We stayed at Flamboyant on an All Inclusive deal that was very inexpensive at the time. For the first couple of days, we just stayed around Flamboyant. Then we wandered next door to Mercure Simpson and met a very nice young man named Philip who was running a car rental desk in their lobby. He convinced us to rent a car for three days, to better see what the island had to offer. I think we would not have gone back to SXM if we had not seen the rest of the island, driving ourselves. We went into P'burg and Marigot. I really wanted to see Orient Beach. The day we went there was windy and rainy, no one on the beach, no bars, etc. I recall my husband saying: "I don't think much of this beach. Not nice at all!" Now, I think he would sell his soul for a couple of days on Orient.
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Re: Memories of your first trip
#13712
01/26/2011 01:24 PM
01/26/2011 01:24 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 207 Clearwater, FL
RABBY
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Posts: 207
Clearwater, FL
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Our first trip was November 1985. It was our honeymoon! My husband choose SXM at random, we knew nothing about the island. We stayed at the old Marina Royale ...It was in Marigot right on the marina and we had a second floor balcony...Everyone was so "French" we felt like we were completely out of our element...! We learned fast however...We learned all about haute cuisine that trip...I remember a restaurant in Marigot called Le Buccaneer where we had our first taste of french food..We rented a "mini moke" and had a blast...we visited all the beaches..When we stopped at Baie Rouge we discovered some folks were "sans" bathing suits! Well, we were shocked (however, we quickly jointed them) and never looked back. SXM was a very different place in 1985...there was nothing on Orient, but Pedros and Club O..it was so much fun...We spent the rest of the trip on Orient...Lots of great memories...we are making our next trip in July..staying at Club O..cannot wait..our first summer trip..yah!!
..."there's this one particular harbor"....
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Re: Memories of your first trip
[Re: glo]
#13716
01/26/2011 02:29 PM
01/26/2011 02:29 PM
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 937 Bronx, New York
Ready_To_Go
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 937
Bronx, New York
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glo. Yes. I remember when you didn't need a passport to visit SXM. In fact, I got my first passport right before that changed because my traveling companion said it is easier to travel with a passport.
The Up Front Band "and the band played on"
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Re: Memories of your first trip
[Re: RABBY]
#13717
01/26/2011 02:37 PM
01/26/2011 02:37 PM
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 443
RudynAnna
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 443
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RABBY said: Our first trip was November 1985. It was our honeymoon! My husband choose SXM at random, we knew nothing about the island. We stayed at the old Marina Royale ...It was in Marigot right on the marina and we had a second floor balcony...Everyone was so "French" we felt like we were completely out of our element...! We learned fast however...We learned all about haute cuisine that trip...I remember a restaurant in Marigot called Le Buccaneer where we had our first taste of french food..We rented a "mini moke" and had a blast...we visited all the beaches..When we stopped at Baie Rouge we discovered some folks were "sans" bathing suits! Well, we were shocked (however, we quickly jointed them) and never looked back. SXM was a very different place in 1985...there was nothing on Orient, but Pedros and Club O..it was so much fun...We spent the rest of the trip on Orient...Lots of great memories...we are making our next trip in July..staying at Club O..cannot wait..our first summer trip..yah!! Wow, Le Buccaneer! He was an American trying to compete with the French in Marigot. Nice guy, but I think he closed up the next year. I was first there in 1983, Orient also had Robert's Water Ferry to Green cay. I still see Robert at Orient every once in a while.
Total Solar Eclipse Saros 139 Silyon, Turkey 29 March 2006
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Re: Memories of your first trip
[Re: fabila]
#13718
01/26/2011 03:26 PM
01/26/2011 03:26 PM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 83
Debpemb
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Posts: 83
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Our first trip to SXM was 3/20 - 3/27/1983! Coincidentally, I was just looking at our photo album of that vacation. We knew nothing....relied on the travel agent. We stayed at the Maho. What a beach there was then...long, wide, sea grape trees, palm trees. We have a picture of me flat out on the lounge chair, white as white can be, stretching every fiber of my being toward the sun. The OP asked if we would have changed anything...Yeah...sunscreen would have been smart. I never needed sunblock before. Then again, I'd never been south of New York. What a burn. Anyway, the beach was so beautiful, we used that as our base beach. We did rent a car....Drove all around. Our very first experience with "real" French food. First time I had escargot. The chef (honest to God) came out to show me how to get the snail out of the shell with the eyelash curler it was served in. That was in P'Burg. Can't imagine where or what it was because it was fine, fine French food. There was also a little beach bar on the Boardwalk called Pinnochio's. Best banana daiquiri. In Grand Case, I remember eating at the "Rainbow Cafe." All the waiter could say in English was, "American Express, don't leave home without it." What a meal....we had a booth right on the water where we were joined by the house Siamese cat. In those days all the restaurants had cats in them because of the mice. Same deal at Caravanserai (sp?). I remember that meal as being not so good, something about undercooked veal? (I gave the rest to the cat!) On Marigot Harbor, we ate at L'Aventure up on the hill. Another really cute French waiter with whom I was so excited to speak French. Then when he came, I was too embarrassed & could only choke out, "Deux Gin et Tonics, s'il vous plait." I had my first Salade Nicoise.....so good.
We went to the casino (1st time) at the Maho one night after I had a little too much to drink (ahem). I must have been so annoying at the table because I kept splitting tens and WINNING. Everybody was rolling their eyes when all of a sudden the lady dealer said to the table, "Leave her alone, mon. It's women's in-two-wishin." I won $350 at blackjack (lost it all the next night after the snail fiasco).
That was that...we spent 25 years after that trying out different islands, when I didn't realize that it's SXM that's special. We went back in 2008 & the fever hit me like a hammer. I'd like to make it a yearly (heck monthly) trip, but my husband didn't get the fever. My 24-year-old daughter came with us this year, and she got the fever. She better hurry up and get a job so she can start taking me with her!
Anyway, I love St. Martin & I never want to go anywhere else (except Italy). Go and enjoy!
P.S. A passport was needed in 1983. I'm looking at mine right now!
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Re: Memories of your first trip
[Re: vacanakey]
#13719
01/26/2011 03:53 PM
01/26/2011 03:53 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 882 Arizona
marybeth
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Traveler
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Posts: 882
Arizona
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My 1st trip was in 1978 off a cruise ship – and we spent the entire trip on Front Street – and all I can really remember is the Courthouse. We returned in 1991 again on a cruise ship & took a cab to Mullet Bay Beach – gorgeous! Then in 1997 we spent 1 week at the Pelican in the lower B building and have been back once or twice a year ever since. We rented a car (and I do remember the security bars across the steering wheel!) and spent most of our beach days at Orient. Dinner was in Grand Case – l’Alabama, Sebastiano’s, le Pressoir, Rainbow Club, and a restaurant whose name I cannot remember but it had a hammock with a mannequin on the front porch. I remember Ric’s Place in P’burg for lunch. There was a bulletin board that was a precursor to TTOL I can remember reading & printing their info – so while we got “confused” regularly (Don never gets “lost”) we did have a game plan of what we wanted to do and see. And we keep on coming back…
MB
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Re: Memories of your first trip
[Re: Southshore]
#13723
01/26/2011 04:51 PM
01/26/2011 04:51 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,532 Welland, Ontario, Canada
John
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Posts: 1,532
Welland, Ontario, Canada
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Our first trip was also to Flamboyant but in 1991 (because it was all-inclusive..must be a Canadian thing, eh). We were actually booked into Flamboyant II which later became the Belvedere Hotel in French Cul de Sac. Once we were seated on the plane the stewardess asked for us to identify ourselves, our hearts skipped a beat thinking this was not good news, we had teenage children at home <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />. However, she told us we were being transferred to Flamboyant I as II was not ready for guests.
After being assigned our room we walked to the bar beside the pool. My wife let out a very loud "OH NO"! Seems they had Double Diamond Beer on tap (one of my favourites)...and it was all inclusive! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" /> Yes, I did OD by the end of the week.
For beach time we would walk to Baie Rouge and come back mid afternoon. One of the best things we did was take a bus tour of the island which is how we discovered Orient Beach and Club Orient. The only dowside is we did not discover Grand Case until the next year.
After the first visit we were "hooked" and now looking forward to trip 20 in June.
John <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Umbrella.gif" alt="" />
[color:"red"]May you always have sand in your shoes...and a dollar in your pocket! [/color]
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