SXM Day 4 – October 7, 2020

We woke up to clear day and the island of Saba is clearly visible from our back deck. She’s such a beautiful sight! Breakfast consisted of eggs and toast on the patio. This morning’s walk took us through the streets of Beacon Hill and to Sunset Beach Bar. We had to slow down many times, trying to maneuver around the large puddles in the road from the previous night’s rain storms.

We’re planning on driving into Philipsburg later this morning, so most of the morning was spent relaxing in and around the pool. It’s so great to spend time reading books. A rather large and green iguana joined us on the deck and he (or she?) spent time munching on the grass and shrubbery on the property. We don't see that in Rhode Island!
We drove into town with little to no traffic. There are four cruise ships in port with just staff onboard. We found a parking spot in the lot located in front of the salt pond. That’s another rarity as we usually pay to park in the Bobby’s Marina lot. It was a relatively short walk to D. K. Gems and it’s so sad to see many shops shuttered/closed/ for rent on Front Street.

The glass doors to D.K. Gems were closed, but the staff were inside and we were warmly greeted by the door. No hugs given – another first. Jeff, Deepti and Kamal were in the store. We were disappointed not to see Raj and Anjali. Deepti and I had lots of catching up on to do as we hadn’t seen each other since her wedding. As for shopping, Deepti put together a diamond necklace that was similar to what she wears. It’s simple, but stunning. We’re not quite sure we’re going to buy it, but will decide later. It’s always fun to try on jewelry!

We left the store and headed to Juggie’s for a beer, shopping and great conversation. The only thing missing was his cigar and his friend and artist, Brother B. A little while later, a young couple who live on island joined us for a drink. It was a very pleasurable couple of hours and we could’ve stayed longer, but it was 2:30 and we needed to eat lunch. Juggie suggested that we get takeout from Fat Jimmy’s, which is located right near where we parked along the salt pond. Both the rib and chicken curry meals were plentiful, inexpensive and very tasty.

We had dinner plans with Jeff and met in the Lal’s parking lot. Lal’s is still not open, but Jeff let us know that it won’t be open until November. A bummer for us as Lal’s is a place we always visit while on the island. We decided on dinner in Marigot at the Yacht Club. That restaurant was not open on Wednesday, so we walked across the street to O Plongeoir, which Jeff highly recommended. The restaurant did not disappoint. We shared a bottle of rose and a calamari/chourizo appetizer. For the main course, Jeff ordered steak, Marc had beef carpaccio, and I ordered moules et frites. Another fine meal, spent with a dear friend.

That pretty much sums up Day 4!

Thanks for another update. Got to be really tough on the businesses with the lack or tourists.

Sounds great!! We’ve always meant to try O Plongier and somehow it never happens. Next time, maybe? 😊😊

Thanks for the report! If you decide to buy the necklace, would love to see a picture! And, would love to see pictures of your trip, in general!

Thanks for the updates, great reading them. We ate at O'Plongier many years ago when it was under different management and really enjoyed our meal. Never got back there.

Thanks for letting us tag along.

You can't go wrong with places Jeff recommends!

Sounds like a great trip, Jeff ordering steak, that's unusual !! :-)