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First Visit....Suggestions welcome
#294761
01/29/2023 11:55 AM
01/29/2023 11:55 AM
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 47 Midwest
TechieTechie
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 47
Midwest
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Hi, I've booked a last minute solo 2 week-ish trip (Sun-Fri) staying at a small complex on the(French side of) Oyster Pond (with car) and would love some recommendations. Me: Mid life, former scuba-er (nursing a torn knee ligament so no crazy diving or miles long hikes on the beach this trip), like to spend 50% of my time relaxing on quiet beaches/reading/snorkeling, 25% driving/exploring/sailing out of the way places, 24% dining/take away in hole in the wall local joints, 1% high end shopping/dining/busy area stuff. Used to be fluent in French, but I'm pretty rusty nowadays. So, I figured SXM would be a good fit for this trip, particularly since crazy hiking/diving/athletic stuff is out. That being said, I am a foodie (have run/worked/eaten in 4 star restaurants in the Northeast, Florida, and thruout Europe). So, I don't mind blowing the budget once in a while on good food...but a freshly baked croissant for breakfast, a simple rustic European picnic lunch (baguette, good cheese, fois gros, charcuterie) and goat curry for dinner would be pretty perfect most days. Have no desire to eat American food and do not eat seafood (I've tried, trust me). For reference, love Coral Bay on St John (and DeCoal Pot), Northside on Grand Cayman (Little Cayman even better), Leverick Bay on Virgin Gorda (their chicken roti is out of this world). Not a fan of (most of) Tortola, Cruz Bay, GC's Seven Mile Beach or St Thomas. Oh, and I travel for work, so I'm traveling on DL thru ATL with Clear/PreCheck/Global Entry (and I don't check bags) and have no desire to watch planes take off/land. Though tricks on how to navigate Juliana would be appreciated. Have Verizon global plan, so I'm all set for wireless. Any/all recommendations are appreciated.  Thanks SO much.
Last edited by TechieTechie; 01/29/2023 12:15 PM.
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Re: First Visit....Suggestions welcome
[Re: TechieTechie]
#294764
01/29/2023 12:11 PM
01/29/2023 12:11 PM
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 47 Midwest
TechieTechie
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 47
Midwest
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3 questions immediately come to mind...
1. Is there grocery delivery to Oyster Pond? It would be great to at least have the basics (coffee fixings, first night dinner, basic breakfast) upon arrival (since I probably won't leave the airport area until 4pm on Sunday). I believe there is a small store in that area, but not sure it'll be open Sunday early evening.
2. I know this might sound crazy, but is there any place to buy pepper spray on the island? Given I'm traveling solo, I might sleep a bit better if I had something defensive on my person (normally my dog's barking would suffice)...and I'm certainly not checking bags for that reason alone.
3. I suspect I might need to buy a comfy outdoor type chair for the porch of my rental (I'm a sucker for lounging on a chaise in the mornings while I drink a big cup of coffeee). In case the owner doesn't provide, any ideas? (last rental, I dragged a super comfy LR (living room) chair out on the porch :))
Thanks!
Last edited by TechieTechie; 01/29/2023 01:00 PM.
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Re: First Visit....Suggestions welcome
[Re: TechieTechie]
#294767
01/29/2023 12:28 PM
01/29/2023 12:28 PM
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Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 149 Arlen, TX
BillDauterive
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 149
Arlen, TX
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1. Couple options: EZ Shop or Shop-n-Drop. I've never used any grocery delivery service, so I can't speak to which one (or a different company) is better. I believe that you're referring to Bread-and-Butter in Oyster Pond. Looks like it closes at 7:30. And it's a VERY small shop. This is what the inside looks like. 2. Regarding pepper spray, I can't help. Maybe Ace Hardware (?). 3. I don't know what a "LR chair" is. For my visit next month, I'm renting the "beach package" (chairs, cooler, and umbrella) with my rental car. Maybe Ace Hardware sells folding chairs as well. I dunno... Anybody else have suggestions?
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Re: First Visit....Suggestions welcome
[Re: TechieTechie]
#294772
01/29/2023 01:13 PM
01/29/2023 01:13 PM
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 47 Midwest
TechieTechie
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 47
Midwest
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Bill, thank you for that picture of Bread and Butter. Think they'll have enough to get me thru the first 24 hours (and I've confirmed they are open until 7p Sunday). Thanks for the reminder to check to see if my rental provides beach chairs. For the porch, I'm thinking something along the lines of a true patio loungerErb, thank you for the links. Super U was on my list (French groceries for a week, heaven). Thank you for the link to Bacchus...was not on the list.
Last edited by TechieTechie; 01/29/2023 01:21 PM.
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Re: First Visit....Suggestions welcome
[Re: TechieTechie]
#294774
01/29/2023 02:28 PM
01/29/2023 02:28 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,246 CT
pony600
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,246
CT
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I highly recommend Shop-n-Drop for food delivery. Jeannie is the best. Since you are a foodie, Grand Case would be your best bet. Lots of great restaurants with exceptional food. In no particular order, we love Bistrot Caraibes, La Villa, L'Auberge Gourmand, Le Bistronome, Les Oliveries, Le Cottage. Also, a hidden gem in Mont Vernon area is Le Taitu.
![[Linked Image]](https://www.tickerfactory.com/ezt/d/4;10732;130/st/20221107/e/Our+Vacation/dt/0/k/8ef2/event.png) If life hands you a lemon, just squeeze it on a lobster!
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Re: First Visit....Suggestions welcome
[Re: TechieTechie]
#294775
01/29/2023 03:00 PM
01/29/2023 03:00 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 80,402 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 80,402
Central Florida!
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Techie--Definitely check out Shop and Drop.
Regarding pepper spray, I wouldn't have the faintest clue, but ask Jeannie at Shop N Drop, as I'm sure she would know where to get it.
Regarding the chair==check with your landlord. I figure there may well be a chair there. if not, check with Bob aka Craig, at Pack Light (google it)
Enjoy!!!
Carol Hill
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Re: First Visit....Suggestions welcome
[Re: TechieTechie]
#294776
01/29/2023 03:08 PM
01/29/2023 03:08 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 757 Chicago area & St-Martin
ChiTownHarry
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 757
Chicago area & St-Martin
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On the French side in Oyster Pond, try l'Oasis and BZH Creperie. Also Mama's Pizza. On the Dutch side of Oyster Pond, try Big Fish. BZH has great food in addition to a nice selection of Galettes.
Last edited by ChiTownHarry; 01/29/2023 03:10 PM.
--ChiTownHarry
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Re: First Visit....Suggestions welcome
[Re: TechieTechie]
#294779
01/29/2023 04:28 PM
01/29/2023 04:28 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,403 United States of America
bdeeley
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,403
United States of America
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Aerosol spray, pepperspray or teargas is not permitted Having pepper spray or a spray can of teargas at home or on the public road, is not permitted. This object resorts under the Firearm Regulation 1930, namely a "Weapon intended for spreading toxic, asphyxiating or inhibitive gases". In article 1 of the Firearm Regulation such weapons are equated with firearms. The maximum prison sentence, which can be imposed, is four years.
In the past a change of the Firearm Regulation was proposed in the sense that possessing pepper spray under certain conditions would no longer be punishable. The proposal (up to date) has not been achieved.
** From the Public Prosecution Service
SXMSMISADB&POSMF L13SDD&ESAD
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Re: First Visit....Suggestions welcome
[Re: TechieTechie]
#294808
01/30/2023 08:37 AM
01/30/2023 08:37 AM
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,779 Westchester /NYC
Colour1
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,779
Westchester /NYC
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You have wheels you said. For a fun afternoon for a couple of hours tour of the West side of the island with snorkeling ( optional) is the Rhino Safari riders! I've done it six times. Every time I see something different in the marina's and up the coast line from Marigot to Creole rock. Where you have the option to snorkel the reefs below. It's super pretty down there! These are part jetski and part pontoon boat. They ride really smooth with no pressure on the knees or back ( I have a bad back) . Your guild will show you all the sightseeing places along the way! It's a BLAST!!!! The dock is located behind Pineapple Pete's restaurant on Welfare road with parking in front! Contact Leo Lotfi Boub for times and availabilities. Best days to go out are the days with the least amount of cruisers and no ships!! Have FUN!!! https://www.rhinotours.com/
Last edited by Colour1; 01/30/2023 08:39 AM.
Sand Gravity, got to love it!
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Re: First Visit....Suggestions welcome
[Re: Colour1]
#294849
01/30/2023 03:08 PM
01/30/2023 03:08 PM
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,625 Portland, OR
jazzgal
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,625
Portland, OR
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They ride really smooth with no pressure on the knees or back ( I have a bad back) . This is good to hear. I had a trip booked in November and cancelled because some folks suggested it might hurt my back. Perhaps I will rebook in June.
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Re: First Visit....Suggestions welcome
[Re: jazzgal]
#294868
01/30/2023 07:26 PM
01/30/2023 07:26 PM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 17,479 Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 17,479
Auburn, WA
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They ride really smooth with no pressure on the knees or back ( I have a bad back) . This is good to hear. I had a trip booked in November and cancelled because some folks suggested it might hurt my back. Perhaps I will rebook in June. It's all going to depend on the water conditions. Be careful.
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