This years November trip was booked over a year ago and we looked forward to it from that day on. This year, however, life kept trying to get in the way but as it happened and the time drew nearer the trip became a definite go.

I had health issues which ultimately resulted in surgery and John was diagnosed with some major health problems for which he is still being treated, but we debated and finally, with our doctors consent, decided the trip was on despite the anxiety of our kids and the concerns of friends. I am ultimately very happy we made this decision but trust me, this has been a different kind of trip for us. Very low key!

The ocean was totally off our radar and the pool was about as good as it got. Mobility is an issue for both of us and walking with a cane was deriguer this trip but in the end it was worth the effort required even if SXM isn’t really great for anyone with limited mobility.

We flew JB round trip and the flights were uneventful which, from our past JB experiences, was in itself unusual. The wheelchair porter service in Sint Maarten was phenomenal both ways and Lesley Bruce aka Kenny’s Car Rentals was right there with our rental car. Easy check-in at BSV as always and Jeannie had already been there and stocked our unit.

I want to offer my special thanks to so many for your concern and for caring about us. Terry and Rit, Sharon, Mike, Tracy and so many others who helped make this a good trip, all things into consideration. And the staff at Beachside was, as always, incredible. All our quirky little requests were handled prior to our arrival and it was perfect.

The weather could have been better, but trust me on this, it could have been a whole lot worse, too. And in honesty, the surf was too rough for me to venture into the ocean although I understand I missed a couple of perfect Mullet kind of days.

We ate great meals with good friends and possibly socialized more this trip than we ever have before. November is a great time of year on island as so many have found. Happy Birthday, Sharon - such a nice party and I can finally attest to the fact that her Mike really does exist since, up to this trip, I had my doubts. And lunch at Marks Place was lovely, too. We got to meet Norm finally and spent a few hours with Barbara at Chesterfields which was special. The highlight of our trip was dinner at Yvette’s with an assemblage of friends. Finally, after all these years, so thanks to our chauffeur and tour guides. It is a restaurant you need to try if you haven’t already.

There were so many great people there and my only regret was being unable to spend time with so many of you. Terry and Michele it was great seeing you again and Pat and Bill, we never did get to do that dinner. Glad we got to share that breakfast, Ann, and so many others whose company we enjoyed. And Elizabeth, we never did get that pool time in. A very big disappointment was in being unable to see some long time friends in P’berg but next time. Irish and Mike F250, more time or finally meeting in real time - next year perhaps? And my sincere apologies to those I’ve missed.

Thank you all for making our trip so very enjoyable and for now, all safe and sound and COLD here in Ct, we’re eagerly looking forward to April.

So nice to see you and John although it wasn't for very long. Glad with all the bumps that you enjoyed your trip and glad you went.

Thanks Louise. It was good to see you and David and all the October/November crew, too, even if only so briefly. 🙂🙂

As always thank you for all your reports. Read them all.

Glad you made the trip. Sounds like things (other than the weather) worked out pretty well.

Pat, I'm so sorry that we didn't get to see you and John this trip; our dates just didn't work out. I'm happy that you powered through all of the issues and made the trip!

I am so glad you and John were ultimately able to make your trip. It was nice seeing you again, even if only for a couple of brief times.

Hi Pat, it was great to see you both. We have missed you and John these past few days. My first post in about 20 years so I hope this works.

Thanks for posting and glad you were able to make it work out so that you could go. It's worth the trip!

All I can add is I’m glade they are HOME safe and sound!!!! #stressful17days 😂😂😂😂😂. Seriously though wish we could have popped in for some of it. Airfare was insane last minute!!!! But glad it all worked out. Rain and all!

We are so happy that you enjoyed your trip and are amazed
at how well you both did!

It was a great trip, with so many great people to spend time with!

While just being in SXM was wonderful, there were highlights of our trip that made it one of the best trips ever:

First of all, the simple fact of being there after all the potential pitfalls along the way made this a very special trip for us.

Our dinner at Yvette’s - thanks to Terry and Rit who set it all up and provided transportation. We would never have found it at night in the dark if left to our own devices and would probably still be wandering around in the dark in the Orleans area.

Being honored to be invited to her birthday gathering and finally getting to meet Sharon’s husband Mike. Our island times had never coincided with Mike’s before so this was special and dinner at Skip Jacks was the best. They even convinced the valet to reserve a convenient parking spot for us in the torrential rains that evening. Good people, for sure. Mike’s a nice guy much like my DH but when he chimes in, he’s well worth hearing from.

And Lesley Bruce who never disappoints. Not only does he provide great service with the rental cars but he even snagged wheel chairs for us making our departure so much easier.

The kindness of the basic St. Maarteners was overwhelming, from our housekeeper who didn’t like us fording the deep puddles in our little rental car and offered us her jeep to drive instead; to the lady at Carrefour Express who wanted to take my grocery list and shop for me; and to Jimbo who helped me navigate the sidewalks to my car at the pharmacy - who knew he was actually from our area at home?! Not me…… so very many special moments spent in favorite places with true friends, even on our porch overlooking the water where we shared time and stories with Michele and Terry and others. As most who are reading this know, I could go on forever but I’ll spare you all……..

And to those we missed, while I offer my apologies for not connecting, there’s always next year and we’re already looking forward to that next trip.

Thank you once again for allowing us to tag along on your trip. Our trips are just like yours- low key- but so relaxing.
I just wish the island would do something about their roads, sidewalks, and parking areas. It's getting so difficult for us older folks to navigate the potholes and flood zones. It really wouldn't take all that much to fix these. (sorry- rant over).
Hope you and John are recouping quickly.
Happy Thanksgiving!!

It was great seeing you Pat at Sharon's party and the Sunday luncheon. I was planning to go down to #14 to say "goodbye". I asked Terry and Michele when you were leaving and they said, " they left yesterday". My intentions were good, but sorry I missed you. Take care and hope the health issues improve over time.

Glad you two made it home safe. Was so nice to talk to you a bit more this November, wish you could spend more time with everybody at the pool. Happy upcoming Holidays, take care.

Luda.

Thank you, Luda, and likewise I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with you and so many other like-minded Sint Maarteners as we all share a mutual love of island. I hope your family has all arrived and you share a very happy island time and a great Thanksgiving.

And Elizabeth, under normal circumstances we would have been able to share some pool time. Next trip for sure.

Sue, feel free to stay on that soapbox as long as you like. I agree completely re the roads and flooding issues, particularly near where we stay and around the Mullet/Cupecoy area. And I would add they really need to fill in the huge potholes by the Driftwood boat bar.

As always, enjoyed all of your reports. Glad you were able to do so well thru life's challenges. Relaxing and chilling is what vaca's are all about. Cheers and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!!

It was great seeing you and John Pat. I'm sorry there wasn't more time, but then again, usually we just miss each other by a day or so. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

I enjoyed our brief time together at the pool!! It's always good to see you and John!!! I'm glad it all worked out in the long run!! We're looking forward to seeing you again next year at BSV!!

Pat, they finally did fill those potholes in with dirt! Couple of good rains and it will be all gone......