Trip Report 31 December 2003 to 18 January 2004

If you expect to party on New Years Eve, get there before New Years Eve. We traveled New Years Eve morning. We left home at 3am for a 7am flight out of Dulles. We got delayed in San Juan for 3 additional hours, due to the flight from Philadephia being late. Therefore, we did not arrive in St. Maarten until after 5 pm. We took a taxi to Club Orient; stopping along the way for some supplies. Upon arrival at Club O, the office was closed, but the security guys knew we were coming and had our keys waiting for us. They showed us to our suite and we quickly got into something more comfortable and headed over to see our friends chalet where our friends were having a BBQ. Thanks to Bob and Marla for the wine with the special labels. The labels read Orient Beach, Island Merow 2003, A special creation by Dave & Regina, Bill & Philly, Kevin & Sue, Butch & Kelly, and Bob & Marla. St Martin, FWI. The fireworks at midnight were spectacular. You see them going off all over the island.

The first day on the beach was pretty much a sleeper, we did not care if the wind was blowing too hard, we just wanted to sleep. New Years night all of our friends ended up at our place for a glass of wine, which led to more and more wine. The first few days were really windy on Orient, so we ventured to Cupecoy and Baie Rouge a couple days. First time at Cupecoy, found it hard to get in and out of the water, so we stayed in the little pools of water in the rocks. On Saturday we moved over to Oyster Bay Resort for 2 weeks, but returned to Orient to join our friends on the beach everyday. We did get to Mullet Bay after the Rhino Riders, also enjoyed the beach at Buccaneer Beach Bar for a few minutes one day between rain showers.

Places we ate that were good:

Paradise View: This place overlooks Baie Orient, it is located with the shops at the top of the hill. Claudette, a long time friend, has a new chef, Dennis, and he is wonderful. The first night we had dinner with friends and had salmon, mahi mahi, snapper, and chicken. With four bottles of wine and desert it was about $100.00 a couple. The food was delicious, we even went back a second time and had salmon and steak. Both were very good. She also serves a very good Guava coladas when you come off of the beach.

Orleans D Poulett: what a fantastic meal and really reasonable even with wine and desert.

Zee Best in Phillipsburg: Danny was his charming self as always and the pastries are still wonderful. Watch out for the huge crepes though, you will not need lunch if you have one of those for breakfast.

Le Frigate: This is a little shop over the hill from Captain Olivers going toward Orient, had some great crosissants and coffee. Never got back for dinner or lunch

Repaire du Pirate: Grand Case, watch out for the MORTs is all we can say. If you do not know what this is you must go there to find out. It will make you do strange things.


Baywatch: What can we say, we never had a bad meal at Andy and Cheryls place. Breakfasts are to die for as well as the Margarita Buffalo Wings. We miss your cooking Andy. We also overheard something while having lunch one day.Andy and Cheryl are planning a wedding this April, THEIRS . The very best to you and we will have a toast to you that day. When you go there wish them the best.

Jade at Oyster Bay Beach Resort: We ate here for breakfast one morning. Buffet and it was actually pretty good. At least the food was hot. The resort has hired a chef to take over the kitchen and from what we hear the food is way better than what it used to be.

Captain Olivers: Went here for desert one night. Had the portiterroles and crème bruele. Can you say heaven. Of course we had to have the banana rum shooter before we left.

Peg Leg Pub: Best steak on the island, of course the other food is just as good also. Sean always takes good care of us when we come in, which this trip was often. Jack came over to say hello each time we came in also.

Turtle Pier: I always have lobster here and it didn not disappoint me. Friends had the all you can eat Ribs, which they said were delicious.

Mary Boons: Went the night they had Chicken cordon Blue and Lobster. Had a little of both and they were very tasty. Nice setting on the water.

La Gondola at the Altantis Casino. Very good


Rental Car:
We rented from Michael and Joe at Unity as we always do. We did not get the car until Friday, but Michael showed up with it on Thursday night, what a guy. We were involved in a hit and run near the Old House on a Sunday. Minor damage to the car, but it could have been a whole lot worse as the guy was passing on the hill right at the Old House. We called Michael, he said to bring the car over, he gave us his Jeep for a couple days and Monday night we got ours back. Now where in the states can you a damaged car fixed in two days. If you do not take their insurance, make sure your credit card will cover any damage. Most US insurance companies do not cover rentals overseas.

Things we did that we had not done before:

Went to see someone we had met last June in NYC, Deepti at DK Gems. Kelly got a new sparkler for her finger and I got more FF miles. Thanks Deepti, see you next year again.

Went parasailing over Orient What a rush! It was fun to see the island from above.

Rhino Riders: Also a great experience. Especially fun returning, the guide took us by all the yachts that were in the lagoon. (We were dreaming here).

Speaking of the big yachts, we went with Neil Rooney for a walk along the piers the night he opened his new bar at the entrance to the Princess Casino. We got there around 5 and were the first two customers for the place. After our walk we returned and were customers 3&4. Then some of the crews from the big boats started showing up. There was a lot of discussion as to the name of the bar, and I do not know if it has been decided yet. Rumor has it that is will be called the Stern Winch

We ended up Sat the 18th back at Club O for our last night. We grilled out and then went to Papagayos for some entertainment and drinks after dinner. Got up Sunday morning for a walk along the beach one last time, stopped in to see Andy and have a cup of coffee with him before returning to finish packing for the trip home. It was hard leaving the peacfullness of Club O, but we had to go.


We went to the airport and checked our baggage and then went to BBB to say good by to Neil. Had a few drinks, met a couple from PA., it was their first visit to the island for a week (former cruise boat people). Ate lunch there, before turning the car in and heading back to the airport for that long trip home to the cold of winter.

We can not wait to return.
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