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Just home after first trip since Irma #189256
03/31/2019 05:58 PM
03/31/2019 05:58 PM
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 41
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jonmar Offline OP
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Went with my wife and 13 year old and we stayed at La Plage. We had a unit that looked the same so I’m guessing it wasn’t damaged much. We’ve been going to SXM since 2001 and loved it. We had a trip booked for last March also but Irma struck so we’ve been excited to go back.

I think the three of us were worried it wouldn’t be the same and we’d have lost a place that we all would go to ‘tomorrow’ if we could. The best part of our trip was that no one once said ‘meh, it used to be better’. Except for the sunset beach bar. They’ve really messed up the feel of that place with the stage and the adult slushy machine blocking the view of the runway. Just dumb to me.

Sure there are things that are a work in progress and it’s sad to see pizza pasta gone in Maho, there are improvements too. Sonesta looks better and so does the casino. I won’t miss Cheri’s cafe and I was happy to hear Rudy’s Deep Sea Fishing is no more. The things we loved are still there. Rosie’s on Mullet Bay. Bamboo Bernie’s. The Royal Islander. Le Moulin Fou. We found a few new places we loved too. Fat Tony’s in Cupecoy and Captain’s Ribs in Simpson Bay. Rainbow in Grand Case??? Whoa!!!

We found the people the most friendly on this trip than others. We’ve often joked about how the ‘friendly island’ isn’t all that friendly but this trip had really great interactions with the people.

A negative that we all agreed on that won’t be popular: Cigarette smoke around people having dinner. I enjoy a cigarette myself with a beer but man I’m the first one to have it out of the way of others. I can’t stand the smell, and if you could smell it while having one I’d never have another. In any case, we moved tables several times at dinner as people just lit up without any regard for others. Now I realize you don’t have to, you’re outside on a patio, but quite honestly I’d just rather be around people that were courteous. I actually don’t know why restaurants don’t have a non smoking area for those that want to eat without the cloud. We moved tables at the yacht club, izi and le moulin fou. Two of those we were the only patio table at the time. Then someone takes the table right next to us and sparks up. Who does that?

Anyway, I’m not anti smoker. I just think the island could get into the 2000s with their smoking rules. Vegas did and survived.

SXM Sponsors
Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: jonmar] #189258
03/31/2019 06:23 PM
03/31/2019 06:23 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,259
Kennys Online content
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Thanks for your very positive and constructive comments. Welcome back.

Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: jonmar] #189271
03/31/2019 07:03 PM
03/31/2019 07:03 PM
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,093
CaribLee Offline
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CaribLee  Offline
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I'm with you on the smoking issue. Nothing worse than trying to enjoy a good meal only to have someone light up a cigarette right next to you. It is the one thing I dislike most about St. Maarten.

Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: jonmar] #189286
03/31/2019 10:18 PM
03/31/2019 10:18 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
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Captain D's is the best for a fast takeout. Glad you enjoyed it.

Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: jonmar] #189289
03/31/2019 10:34 PM
03/31/2019 10:34 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,141
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
islandgem Offline
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Thanks for your report. I agree the smoking problem can be a real problem when dining. They really do need to have smoking areas assigned. It seems places that did not allow smoking before Hurrricane Irma have allowed it now to try to up their business. I enjoy the Red Piano Bar, but did not go there on my last trip in November as the smoking has been a big problem. Hopefully things will change there soon. They may be getting a lot of smokers, but they are also losing a lot of non smokers with this new policy.




Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: jonmar] #189304
04/01/2019 06:52 AM
04/01/2019 06:52 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
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Quote
and I was happy to hear Rudy’s Deep Sea Fishing is no more.


I am confused by this statement. Is Rudy's Deep Sea Fishing still around or "no more" as stated?

Thanks.


J.D.
Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: jonmar] #189306
04/01/2019 06:58 AM
04/01/2019 06:58 AM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,348
Rhode Island
RonDon Online content
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RonDon  Online Content
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Thanks for your report. I love reading how others spend time on SXM, their likes and dislikes. Information for my next trip.

Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: ruralcarrier] #189317
04/01/2019 08:07 AM
04/01/2019 08:07 AM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,259
Kennys Online content
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Kennys  Online Content
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Still around , but his boat is currently at his home next to us.

Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: jonmar] #189318
04/01/2019 08:15 AM
04/01/2019 08:15 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,561
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
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BillandElaine  Offline
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Happy to hear a business is gone after Irma? Really?


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: jonmar] #189319
04/01/2019 08:17 AM
04/01/2019 08:17 AM
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,056
PA
biglar Offline
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A year ago my wife and I were having an evening meal at Le Piment in Orient Village and someone sitting close to me was smoking. Cystal, the owner, noticed I was struggling with the smoke. She inquired and I told her I was allergic to the smoke so she asked the person smoking to stop. He apologized to me and put out the cigarette. I don't think smokers realize their smoke affects more them themselves at times. Same not only on SXM but in all countries. It really does ruin a good meal if you have people smoking in next to you while you are eating.

Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: jonmar] #189322
04/01/2019 08:58 AM
04/01/2019 08:58 AM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 721
Colorado
sxmbeachlover Offline
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Thanks for the update. Do people light up INSIDE or just on the patios?


Famous Quote from SBHonline: The best moderation is the least moderation.
Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: jonmar] #189330
04/01/2019 09:59 AM
04/01/2019 09:59 AM
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 933
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SammyM Offline
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I've only seen this on patios, but I could be wrong. The absolute worst is when some guy lights up a huge cigar right next to your table. That happened to us at breakfast on the patio deck at Holland House a few weeks ago. The dude had no clue how bad it was to deal with that smoke. The breeze helped a bit, but it was still very strong. I was thinking to myself "C'mon man, do you really have to smoke a cigar while having breakfast?" If this happened indoors somewhere my wife and I would move to another table if possible.

Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: SammyM] #189331
04/01/2019 10:07 AM
04/01/2019 10:07 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
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Ohio
Or, someone lights up (cigarette or cigar) and then holds it behind them as they do not want the smoke at their table but they have no problem with it wafting by others nearby.


J.D.
Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: jonmar] #189343
04/01/2019 10:33 AM
04/01/2019 10:33 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
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"and I was happy to hear Rudy’s Deep Sea Fishing is no more. "
Wow. What did they do to warrant that comment?

Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: SXMScubaman] #189344
04/01/2019 10:35 AM
04/01/2019 10:35 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
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Ohio
Originally Posted by SXMScubaman
"and I was happy to hear Rudy’s Deep Sea Fishing is no more. "
Wow. What did they do to warrant that comment?


I previously asked about the comment as I was not sure it was intended as stated and I was actually thinking about doing a trip. Hopefully they will respond.


J.D.
Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: ruralcarrier] #189348
04/01/2019 10:43 AM
04/01/2019 10:43 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
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SXMScubaman  Online Content
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Auburn, WA
I've been out with taylors charter. Highly recommended them. One of the few that let you keep fish.

Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: SXMScubaman] #189349
04/01/2019 10:44 AM
04/01/2019 10:44 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
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Ohio
Another one I was considering.


J.D.
Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: ruralcarrier] #189351
04/01/2019 10:45 AM
04/01/2019 10:45 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
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Auburn, WA
Great guy and knows where to find fish.

Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: jonmar] #189370
04/01/2019 12:48 PM
04/01/2019 12:48 PM
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,093
CaribLee Offline
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CaribLee  Offline
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I also recommend Taylors. I think the guy's name is Dougie who runs the boat (or something similar). He knows what he is doing.

Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: jonmar] #189398
04/01/2019 04:14 PM
04/01/2019 04:14 PM
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 41
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jonmar Offline OP
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Hey just to provide some colour to my remark about Rudy’s. It wasn’t meant that I hoped Irma took the guy out. Rather I was simply glad to see a business go that I had personally had a horrendous experience with. Rudy’s Deep Sea Fishing remains the biggest rip off of my entire life. The buddy I went with agrees. Anytime I go to the island he reminds me to drive by and salut him. Which I have done until this trip. So, no ill will to him as it relates to Irma, rather just years of hoping his business practices would catch up to him.

Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: jonmar] #189400
04/01/2019 04:33 PM
04/01/2019 04:33 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
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Ohio
Thanks for the clarification.


J.D.
Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: CaribLee] #189405
04/01/2019 05:10 PM
04/01/2019 05:10 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
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Originally Posted by CaribLee
I also recommend Taylors. I think the guy's name is Dougie who runs the boat (or something similar). He knows what he is doing.


Yes Thats his name.

Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: jonmar] #189407
04/01/2019 05:16 PM
04/01/2019 05:16 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
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Ok. I can understand your feelings. Its hard to get over a bad experience.

Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: jonmar] #189416
04/01/2019 05:40 PM
04/01/2019 05:40 PM
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 276
North of Boston
Ted_n_Jan Offline
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On the smoking issue, we just got back a week ago, and Jan and I definitely noticed this while we were there.

At Le Cottage, people definitely went outside to smoke. At Barranco, there is a designated very nice smoking area, separated from the dining area. However, at a number of other dinners there was smoking in the restaurant.

At lunch it was much heavier than we had seen in the past, and many were not considerate of other diners.

At KKO one day the tables on both sides of us were smoking. The table to the right was considerate and keeping their cigarettes below the table.

The fellow on our left chain smoked through our whole lunch with the wind blowing from his table to ours.

No idea why this increase, but we did notice it.

Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: biglar] #189438
04/01/2019 08:49 PM
04/01/2019 08:49 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
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I have found more rude smokers at dinners on the French side than Dutch side.

Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: jonmar] #189981
04/07/2019 03:28 AM
04/07/2019 03:28 AM
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,989
Westchester /NYC
Colour1 Offline
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I guess we've been lucky with the smoking thing. I'm a smoker, but yes, I don't like other peoples smoke. It's simple, get up, walk to the bar, light up. Return to the table.


Sand Gravity, got to love it!
Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: CaribLee] #190054
04/07/2019 09:25 PM
04/07/2019 09:25 PM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,668
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LBI2SXM Offline
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Originally Posted by jonmar


Anyway, I’m not anti smoker. I just think the island could get into the 2000s with their smoking rules. Vegas did and survived.

Originally Posted by CaribLee
I'm with you on the smoking issue. Nothing worse than trying to enjoy a good meal only to have someone light up a cigarette right next to you. It is the one thing I dislike most about St. Maarten.


The reason we see a lot of smokers in SXM (and also all the other Caribbean islands) is there are a lot of European tourists that visit their country and Europeans like to smoke. that's fine with me. The problem with Americans is every country they visit they expect USA laws and rules. Well it doesn't work that way. When you visit another country that upsets you because they do things differently and you don't like it, it's very simple, don't go there. I have been to many countries and I have been embarrassed when I see some Americans act the way they do. Why do you think the saying " the Ugly Americans" started? So when you see smokers in SXM chances are they are either Dutch or French. It is their country.

Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: LBI2SXM] #190056
04/07/2019 10:24 PM
04/07/2019 10:24 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
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Understand what your saying but being considerate smokers is another thing. Being rude with smoking in a restaurant is just not acceptable in any country. If I remember right doesn't France have restrictive smoking rules for public places. I enjoy a nice cigar after dinner and at the beach or pool but I would never light up with people near by and if wind would take it their direction.

Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: jonmar] #190060
04/07/2019 11:59 PM
04/07/2019 11:59 PM
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Bahston Offline
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In France, smoking in an enclosed space, including a restaurant, is illegal. It is legal in an open air restaurant, and restaurants in both St Martin and St Barth have been known to stretch the definition of open air.

Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: SXMScubaman] #190148
04/08/2019 09:48 PM
04/08/2019 09:48 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,141
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
islandgem Offline
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Smoking in restaurants and bars is illegal in Canada and has been for several years now. It really makes an evening out very pleasant. I guess that is why dining in island restaurants can sometimes pose a problem. It really does depend if smokers sitting close by are courteous or not. Many are, but sometimes you see others who really have no concern for other diners.




Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: islandgem] #190151
04/08/2019 10:22 PM
04/08/2019 10:22 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
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Same in WA state. We just raised smoking age to 21 too.

Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: SXMScubaman] #190169
04/09/2019 01:28 PM
04/09/2019 01:28 PM
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Posts: 2,668
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LBI2SXM Offline
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Originally Posted by SXMScubaman
Same in WA state. We just raised smoking age to 21 too.


Does that also apply to marijuana??

Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: SXMScubaman] #190183
04/09/2019 03:04 PM
04/09/2019 03:04 PM
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dj1094 Offline
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That's dumb you can die for your country by you can't smoke

Re: Just home after first trip since Irma [Re: dj1094] #190188
04/09/2019 03:39 PM
04/09/2019 03:39 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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OK, guys, straying here into political stuff, which we don't want to do..


Carol Hill

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