This was our 16th trip to St. Martin and 5th stay at Club Orient. If there seems to be some repetitiveness in this report, we spend much of our time returning to places on the island we know or stick with the “tried and true”. Although we love St. Martin for itself, the best part is to meet up with old friends and make new ones.

Saturday
Flight from Toronto
Our flight was on WestJet from Toronto at 7 a.m., which means we had to leave home around 3 (who’s going to sleep anyway) to make sure we have time to park the car and to check in before 5. We use the long term GTAA parking which was great this year as we did not have to wait for a shuttle bus because the LINK train (monorail) was up and running. We parked the car and walked over to the Viscount Station an got on the train which dropped us at Terminal 3, went down the escalator and behold we were right in front of the WestJet check-in. I love this, no more humping luggage onto a bus after a 20 minute wait, unloading luggage and then tipping a driver for doing practically nothing!

WestJet has to be the best airline ever! Comfortable seats, very friendly flight crew, but above all else LEG ROOM! Uneventful flight...the best kind.

New Airport
We were totally impressed with the new airport but kind of missed the charm of the old one, and of course the blast of warm air that always meets us when the plane door open. However, the jetway was quick and efficient and after short walk we were at immigration. This is great, but there is only one wicket open and the line is long! There was another one open but it was for St. Martin residents only...after 16 trips to the island you would thing we deserved some sort of preference! However, soon another wicket opened and the passport stamping began and the lines moved very quickly.

Car Rental
We found our way outside (not familiar with the airport) and our rep from AAA Car Rental was waiting for us holding a sign with various names (we have been dealing with AAA for about 10 years now). We were the first ones so we were whisked away immediately by a charming young lady. On the way to the AAA yard I was bemoaning the fact that Alain Arnell used to meet us personally and we would do the paper work on the hood of the car. The young lady explained that she is Alain’s daughter and that now everything is computerized! At the lot we went over the paper work with Myra and then inspected the car (the one we were driven from the airport in). I like a car that is already damaged. I protested the fact that there were not enough dents as per my original requests, but there were plenty of scrapes on all four corners of the fenders...I took the car. We were on the Airport Road and on our way to Club O within 45 minutes of landing!

However, a speed record was not to be, as once we rounded the Cole Bay Hill we were caught behind one of those flat bed Daihaitsu trucks with a load of sand on it. On the hills I dare not follow it too close because if the load shifted we would be covered with sand before we wanted to be! The truck moved painstakingly slow but did eventually turn off around Belle Pleine. We could pick up speed again but once we turned onto the road that leads to Galion we slowed to a crawl...the road was as bad as ever! The terrible condition of the road has been described many times...and all without exaggeration!

Club O
We checked in at Club O and also received notes from friends Jim and Carmen and Larry and Leah. Our Mini-Suite was 160, right on the path to the beach, perfect! We dumped our stuff in the room and “herladyship” unpacked while I went to Orientique to get an emergency supply of Carib. My tongue soaked up the first two and we set off to the beach to find Jim and Carmen who were waiting with our chairs already tagged. After handshakes and hugs we set off for the Perch to grab something to eat. We missed happy hour, but so what, we were here! While munching on hot dogs and drinking more Carib, Larry and Leah came in. After more hugs and handshakes we were given leis by Leah as a form of welcome!

Leah informed us there was a special party at Baywatch that night and that everyone was invited. After grabbing some water and beach time we went back to the room to clean up and then headed to Baywatch. The place was full but we managed to find a spot at the back. We were greeted with hugs and kisses from Cheryl and Andy took our order. We expected slow service but that was not to be, Andy had extra staff on that night and everyone was hustling! I ordered the mussels named after Andy and “herladyship” ordered chicken parm. The mussels were even better than I remember...it is bad when you are tempted to lick the container! During dinner Cheryl came around with Carib hats and necklaces. I took a quick count and there were approximately 100 people there at any one time.

We have now been awake for almost 36 hours and our lights are starting to go out. On the way out of Baywatch there were half a dozen ageless ladies on the beach doing the Electric Slide in front of a bonfire! We now know we are in Never Never Land! Back at the room we completely faded, YES! We made it to 9 p.m.!

Sunday
Went to Baywatch for our kickoff breakfast. After breakfast we went to Grand Marche in Philipsburg to get our supplies for the week. OK, maybe a case of Carib would not last a week (-; Great store and our new favourite. Stopped at the GESS station in Orleans but it was closed and did not seek out another station, this would come to haunt me later in the day. Back at Club O we had breakfast leftovers with Jim and Carmen for lunch and then headed to the beach where we met up with old friends (ok a couple of years) Jessie and Janon and Clarissa. Beach and water (mostly water) time. Headed to the Talk of the Town Too lolos in Grand Case with Jim and Carmen where we met up with Jessie and Janon and Clarissa who introduced us to new friends Steve and Pat.

I can’t remember what everyone had, but I was not to be denied my ribs, with rice and peas and fried banana. The bill for four people was $45. Carmen sprung for a round of that killer coconut ice cream (this is sold separately). On the way back to Club O my gas light came on...now I remember Myra saying we had a quarter tank and to bring the car back with that. We dropped Jim and Carmen off at Club O and headed out for gas. Surely the Cadisco station before Cul de Sac would be open...nope...it was Sunday. We did find the Gess Station on the outskirts of Grand Case open and I am sure we coasted in on fumes! I filled up the tank for $57. Gas was about $1.30 US per litre. “Herladyship” in her undeniable logic, stated that since we were already on the road to Marigot we may as well go to the Casino ??? Went to Paradise Casino in Simpson Bay. As we pulled into the parking lot I was guided by an attendant into a small space between two cars...there were plenty of spaces open but I was guided into a small one, upon exiting the car I tipped him $2. Before entering the casino he called me back to the car and said I had forgotten to lock it, I told him there was nothing in it anyway but he insisted I lock it as that was his job....Ok, at least someone is paying attention. She up $70 and me up $5...where’s the justice!!!

Monday
Breakfast at our unit with Jim and Carmen. I made my not so famous Orient Beach Omelette, well, it ended up more of a souffle as I forgot I was cooking for four and it was too big to flip! Headed to Philipsburg for shopping, In particular DK Gems and Deepti. “Herladyship” purchased an emerald ring about 7 years ago (not from DK) and recently lost the emerald due to a broken clasp. Upon entering DK I was asked if I would like a cold drink. No thanks, we are not staying (yeah right)! Upon inspecting the ring, we were told that it could be repaired and fitted with a new emerald for a few hundred dollars but there was no guarantee the same thing would not happen again. The logical thing to do would be to upgrade. What? Wait a minute! Out came the tray of rings. We would be given a fair price for the trade-in. “Herladyship” was hooked. I’ll take that beer now, I need an anaesthetic! Although there was sentimental value to the old ring...now there was not that much. I have to admit the ring was beautiful and elegant. “Herladyship” was smiling. The salespeople were smiling. I was nodding my head in dumbfounded agreement. More beer please. The ring would be ready for pick up on Wednesday.

In consolation, I purchased a pirate towel and pirate beer huggie to hold future anaesthetic. After a stop at Rimas for grand children gift shopping we headed back to Club O and had lunch in our unit. I made international hot dogs for lunch...American weiners, Dutch Gouda Cheese on French stick accompanied by Carib beer from Trinidad. Beach and mostly water time (and beer). The weather is great and I am really not getting much use of my lounger. Two mudslides were purchased from the Perch and I think this is when things began to deteriorate.

It was decided that a happy hour would be held at our unit that afternoon and we would wait for friends Bill and Linda to arrive at Club O. Everyone kicked in something, just one of those impromptu things. Janon brought a bottle of Rhum Jumbie and her and “Herladyship” proceeded to evacuate the contents. It was discovered that Bill and Linda were staying in Unit 157 and the door was open, this opportunity could not be allowed to slip through some devious fingers. A note on Club O stationery was placed in the room stating that the bathroom was out of order and the one in Unit 158 should be used. For those familiar with Club O, 158 is the burned-out empty shell. However, when Bill and Linda arrived they did not notice the burned out unit. The note was read...an inoperable bathrooom was unacceptable and Bill was sent to register the complaint. Linda came around the back of their unit and saw us all standing there laughing. Bill had to be rescued, but more importantly the Club O rep that was waiting on him. Greetings, laughs, handshakes and hugs all around and Bill and Linda joined the party with their friends John and Cathy.

The plan was to go to dinner at Brasseries des Iles in Grand Case where I would receive my long awaited Tagliatelle Carbonnara. However, plans change easily in St. Martin and it was decided driving was out of the question so most of us stumbled down to Papagayo. Things are becoming blurred but I did get my Carbonnara at Papagayo. There was a band playing there and they were very good, two guitar players and a singer and a lot of dancing was going on.

If anyone is concerned about the dress code or being uncomfortable at Club O they needn’t be. The dress was anything from long sleeve shirt, long pants and loafers to birthday suit. The most common attire for ladies seems to be a wrap around the waist.

Lights out!

Tuesday
Small breakfast in room due to large intake late the night before. Made my annual pilgrimage to the Ma Doudou factory, however I restrainted myself this year and only purchased 3 bottles, one of which must be consumed on the island. Baywatch for early lunch and more hugs and kisses from Cheryl. I have to have Andy’s ribs at least once per trip as they are the best I have ever had. Lolos ribs are good, but it is like comparing apples to oranges.
Water time in the afternoon and then back to the room and clean up. Bill and Linda hosted a wine and cheese party in their unit and then it was off to Brasseries des Iles in Grand Case...for the last few years one of my favourite restaurants on the island. There we 10 of us and the maitre’d was delighted as there was no one else there at the time. This restaurant is notorious for huge portions so it is wise to split orders. “Herladyship” and I split a Caesar salad (which is served on a large platter, not a salad bowl as we are accustomed to) and also shared a Pizza Orientale. A Presidente and a glass of wine. I think our bill was $33 after the conversion from Euros. They do not do 1 to 1. The ladies were also not disappointed as the young Gendarmes came in for their evening meal.

She and I then headed off to the casino as the night was still young. Went to Paradise Casino and the Dolphin, We both broke even on the slots...amazing. Back to Club O.

To be continued in Part 2...if you are still awake!

John (and Toddy "Herladyship") <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Umbrella.gif" alt="" />