We have just returned from 17 days in Paradise! Unfortunatley reality has set in and life must go on until the next trip - Xmas to New Years 2004/2005.
This will not be so much as a full blown trip report, but it will be commentary on what we have seen or done.
1. Sand and beaches - Both Pinel and Orient are fully sanded. You can walk from one end of Orient to the other without having to wade through the ocean, or have to go through Kon Tiki restaurant to continue your trip. The water has receded so that neither Pedro's, KonTiki or Papagayo's are threatened with flooding, and there are rows of chairs in front of each. The water has receded on Pinel so that the sand bar that was covered with water last Xmas is now back and visible.
2. Weather - By far the rainiest that we have experienced in many a year. Several days had torrential rains for several minutes or in one case several hours, but no day was a total washout and we were able to get to a beach. As a result of the rains the island is green and lush.
3. Restaurants. -
a. Tutta Pasta - Wonderful food, reasonably priced and gracious hospitality. We ate there three times.
b. Laguna - Always a treat with gracious owners and staff. Ate there twice. Excellent food at reasonable prices.
c. Paris Bistro - Our first time there and what a wonderful surprise. Located in the Maho complex, with a varied menu especially in the fish department. Good food, reasonable prices, nice sized portions and excellent service. This was one of the two restaurant finds of the trip.
d. Peg Leg Pub - THE place for Steak in St Maarten. Jack knows how to get it done!!! Ate there twice. 10-11 oz filet - $26, 6-7 oz for $24. With salad, and veggies. Ate there twice.
e. Casablance - Great if you love Morrocan food. Unique atmosphere, not found anywhere else on the island.
f. Tropicana - Wonderful as usual - Ate there twice. Maitre d' Chris makes everyone feel special.
g. Saratoga - Located in Simpson Bay. This was the other prize find of the trip. Good selection, food and service. Reasonably priced.
h. L'Alabama - This was our biggest disappointment. We have been eating there for so many years, loved it and looked forward to this place for our last, top notch dinner. Unfortunately we will probably not go there again. While the food was excellent, and presented well, and Pascal was gracious as usual, the entree portions were less than appetizer size. We paid alot for very little.
Well thats all folks - can't wait for December, and we have already made dinner reservations in several of the above mentioned reastaurants.
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