Our flights were one way down on Delta, and one way back on American. We had to prove the return flights when checking in for our Delta flight at DCA. They requested the confirmation code to verify we were coming back, so thank goodness it was all in the iPhone. Flew DCA to JFK where they required gate checking carry-on luggage. Hubby gave his up, I did not. Delta proceeded to break his carry-on and we have submitted a damage claim for that. Flight from JFK into SXM was probably the earliest we've ever arrived. Landed by 12:25pm, Lesley met us with the rental car, went to Royal Palm to buy a SIM card from Sharon's store, stocked up on a few groceries (while one of us stayed with the car and luggage), then we were in our room at the Towers by 1:30! Rum punches and hellos at the pool for my "ahhhhh, I'm here" moment. Early dinner at Pizza Pasta (always my first), early to bed....waking up at Zero-Dark-Thirty and gate running at JFK really takes it out of you.

We didn't plan to eat out as much as usual during this two week trip, though we still did a fair share. I cooked in the condo a lot (which I enjoy!), and shopped at many of the grocery stores. I prefer the French side stores like Simply (sauces, frozen ratatouille!) and Super U (hint: shop the "edges"...produce, meat, wine, cheeses). Grand Marche was good for random "American" ingredients I needed like buttermilk or cottage cheese. Maho Market was perfect for grabbing water, creamer, a baguette, or a forgotten bottle of wine.

Though we stay on the Dutch side, somehow during this trip we spent most of our days on the French side. We did manage a shopping day in Philipsburg, a sailing day in Simpson Bay from KimSha, and a day at Karakter. We did not experience (or see any) gendarme traffic stop issues leaving Orient, even though we were there 7 or 8 days, and left the beach at 4:30 or 5:00. Both Sunday's were spent at Kakao, and it was lovely to be among the French families enjoying themselves. "Joie de Vivre"
One of those days we enjoyed front row beach chairs next to a pair of off duty gendarmes and their dates/wives. Coming home one day we did experience a traffic back-up at one of the rotaries near Marigot, but it appeared they were looking for someone, and it was not a major inconvenience....certainly nothing compared to Beltway rush hour traffic!

We stopped at Rainbow in Grand Case for a TiPunch (only $3!) on the first Sunday to watch the sunset coming 'home' from Orient. Perhaps because of full moon tides they had no beach! One row of chairs is all there was room for on that day. Later the next week we spent a day at Rainbow, and the beach was back.
Thank goodness!

While eating at Kakao, "there arose such a clatter"....the metal bands on the coconut trees didn't keep this determined dude from making his way up, and he was huge!



In Simpson Bay near Jimbos and Zee Best, there is a new restaurant "Connie's" with a Canadian chef. She will be serving up home style sandwiches and home made soups, along with poutine.



Super U had affordable pumpkins and I couldn't resist buying one to carve and light for the balcony. We had to explain to the staff why Americans do this, and what we do with the innards.



Made the hike up to Ft. Louis. The 360° views are spectacular. It was a Sunday, and we could hear a marching band down in Marigot clear as a bell. Memorable experience.









After the climb up to the fort, it was time to be fed. Definitely earned my Beef Wellington and bottle of wine.





Karakter has new chairs, pads, and umbrellas! These had definitely been needed. We spent a day here, and also came back another morning for breakfast. Their Portuguese Karakter (3 egg omelette, basically Spanish) was very good, but huge. Leftovers went home with us.


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The Captain Hodge Wharf in Philipburg has a sign in memory of Officer Benjamin. There was definitely increased security and patrols. Bike officers were wearing bullet proof vests. We had lunch on the boardwalk at Barefoot Cafe and observed that they would take water breaks from the heat, and then head back out on patrol.

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Thanks for the report.

I had an issue with luggage damage and Delta earlier this year. Surprisingly, they were very accommodating and took care of the situation better than I expected. When you expect nothing and they are more than fair it is a pleasant surprise.

A great Part 1. I am especially taken with the second photo from Ft. Louis - postcard perfect! Looking forward to more parts!

Nice ..LARGE PHOTO'S ..

Nice pictures....your full shot from Louis.....I see my old home.....kate <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/canada.gif" alt="" />

Very nice, Leona and I am so very glad you decided to write one. It makes me almost feel like I'm there with you. Can't wait for part two.

Very nice report! Thanks for sharing....

Thanks for the report. What restaurant did you have the Beef Wellington?

Hi Louise, the Wellington was at Kakao on a Sunday. That's the day they "step it up" a bit.

Enjoyed reading your report and seeing wonderful pics. Thanks.

Thanks for the pictures and the report! Those chairs at Karakter look so much more comfortable! Enjoy the rest of your stay!

Your photography is fantastic! The only problem with your report is that my wife and I aren't there with you. So sad!!

Nice report and pictures. Thanks for sharing. I heard Connie's Cookhouse was good.

Beautiful photos!

We saw another picture of Officer Benjamin on the police station walking from the parking lot. We heard so many good things about him---very sad.

We tried to go to Connie's but it was closed. Heard they had good soup. Next time

Enjoy the rest of your trip!

Terry -- our friends went to Crave and said they had the best chicken noodle soup ever. Soup isn't something I "crave" on the island (no pun intended)but they said it was great.

thanks for the report and great pics

Thank you.

Yes, very sad. In speaking with people in Philipsburg it seems everyone knew him, and everyone had nothing but good things to say.

One of the stores we were in still had a broken display case from where people off the street had rushed in and run to the back in a crush of bodies to escape the gunfire. Unbelievable.

We also bought some local made crafts from the ladies at the Island Art shop located next to Antoine's on Front Street. Such fun!

Louise....re: craving soup....it wouldn't normally be my choice either, but I did have a few days of feeling under the weather, and all I wanted was comfort food without having to make it myself! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

Leona - same with our friends so soup was what comforted them that night

Louise & Kitten--that was my reasoning also.
We even brought some Lipton Extra Noodle Soup (in box)with us to SXM. I now call it my sick soup--Ha!

No alcohol --not too many dinners out---but a beautiful time on the beach and being on our favorite island. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

We met so many nice people in the water--- <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

BeachKitten wrote
"We also bought some local made crafts from the ladies at the Island Art shop located next to Antoine's on Front Street. Such fun!"

It's on our list to check out this winter, what sort of crafts do they have

Thanks
JB

I purchased a round box made from shells, with a lid that has more shells on top. She had various sizes, and also made purses (cute clutches!) and hair barrettes. Next year I really want a clutch. It could rival a Judith Leiber.

Article from Herald:
http://www.thedailyherald.info/index.php...s&Itemid=54

Video shows the LuLu dolls and a shot of what the front of the store looks like from the street:
http://sxmdaily.com/2015/10/24/dolls-made-in-st-maarten-lulus-dolls/

Local crafts located at 121 A Front Street

The purses sound interesting!
Do you remember the price range?

I purchased a purse there last summer for around $60, as I recall. But it was bigger than a clutch. I ultimately decided I didn't really want it and gave it to my housekeeper at Divi, who was thrilled.

Jazzgal, was the purse one with hard sides?

As for the box I purchased, when the lid is on the box it is approximately 2-1/2" x 5"


This picture doesn't really do it justice, as it has multi golden tones.

Beautiful pictures and memories I'm sure. Thank you so much for sharing - but - now I'm jealous!!!!

Beach Kitten - The sides were made of shells affixed to, if I remember, cloth. I had concerns about how to keep it clean, which is one of the reasons I unloaded it.

I don't remember seeing any of the boxes. The one you are showing is beautiful!

Thanks for the report. The photos are lovely, but the one of the vase of flowers on the table is killer.

Nice pics, hope you got a chance to check out the Sxm Airshow on the Boardwalk over the weekend.