Wow!!! What a trip! One week was definitely not enough time. When you read this report you will immediately be able to tell that we enjoy the beach during the day and going out at night. My husband has a blues program on Island 92 that airs Sunday and Thursday evenings at 7:00 pm so music is a big part of our lives.

We departed Denver on Friday and arrived in Philadelphia at 12:35 am. Our flight to St. Martin was Saturday morning at 7:35 am. So…silly us...we decided that was not enough time to get a hotel room and thought we could catch some shut-eye in the airport. WRONG!!!

The flights were uneventful and the long lines at customs were expected so no big surprise there. We rented our car from Hertz (no problems, great service). We stayed at Mary’s Boon which was a nice place to stay but now we know of several other places on the beach in Simpson Bay to stay that cost a lot less than Mary’s.

So…when we arrived in St. Martin we were exhausted but managed to get somewhat of a second wind taking in the beautiful scenery, sunshine and beautiful water! Driving was a shock and of course we got an unscheduled tour of the neighborhood around Simpson Bay before finding Mary’s Boon. We could see it from Airport Blvd and struggled to get there! After checking in our first excursion was to the grocery for necessities like Heineken and Diet Coke! Priorities you know. After relaxing awhile on the beach we ventured down to Karacter for some substance other than liquid and had a very pleasant dinner before retiring at 7:00 pm. (I told you we were exhausted!).

Sunday we relaxed on the beach and met up with ERB from Island 92 for drinks and dinner at Skip Jacks. After a delicious meal and great drinks (thanks to Steve the bartender!) we headed over to the Red Piano for music and more libations. Jay and Miz Chel were a great duo that were very entertaining. The Red Piano was very busy for a Sunday night and we met a lot of fun people while singing along with Jay and Miz Chel.

Monday we decided to drive around the island and see the sights. We had a delicious breakkast at Zee Best (oh my…the pastries!) The trip didn’t take us long for two reasons: 1. Couldn’t find parking in Marigot 2. Missed the turn into Grand Case. TOURIST!! AMATUER!! That evening we had dinner and margaritas at the Tijuana Yacht Club and bingo for booze with Soc from Island 92. Then back to the Red Piano to see Franco and Max. In my opinion these two are a “must see”. We met several people and had a great time!

I must include a quick comment about driving on St. Martin. It didn’t take us long to figure out that one short honk indicated the person was going to let you into the traffic flow and two short honks mean “Thanks”. One long honk means you did something wrong or are driving too slow!
Traffic is as bad as everyone says but if you are patient and go with the flow it’s not a big deal. Parking on the other hand can be a real challenge.

Tuesday we went on snorkeling trip to Tintamarre, Pinel and some other small island that I can’t remember the name of with Captain Alan and his lovely wife Coleen. We had a great trip (the water was smooth that day) and the snorkeling was great. Alan is a great guide and we enjoyed ourselves very much. I would highly recommend Captain Alan for this trip that leaves from Oyster Bay. After snorkeling we headed over to Jimbo’s for a late lunch which was a great place on the lagoon with a swimming pool in the center and a swim up bar. I highly recommend the Mahi Mahi Burger! That evening we went to Pineapple Pete’s for the Lobster Thermidor (YUMMM!!) and great music provided by House of Blues. This group was great with a full band including horns. It was a great time and Pete’s was very busy.

Wednesday was a shopping day in Phillipsburg. We were in and out of several shops and brought home some great bargains. Example: Cartons of Marlboro Lights for $10.00 a carton! That evening I stayed in because the late nights were taking a toll on this not so old woman. My husband did bring me back some pizza from Pizza Galley which was just okay (in my opinion). He and ERB ate at Pizza Galley then found more music and a pub behind Pizza Galley (I think it was called Lady C).

Thursday the rain started late morning or early afternoon and continued for a couple of hours before the sun made it’s return. Went to Ric’s Café for lunch where we had some excellent barbecue ribs. Later that day we headed back to Pineapple Pete’s for more Lobster Thermidor and then on to Maho to Soprano’s for another Piano Bar experience. Dana was on the piano and the bartender Maurice sang several songs. A great time was had by all.

Friday was a beach day. The “sand gravity” set in and we enjoyed every moment of sun we could soak in. That evening we went back to Tijuana Yacht Club for dinner and more music with Franco and Max with a full band including Ronnie Santana on base. This place was very crowded and we had a very good time.

Saturday we had to pack and head for home. We checked in at the airport and ERB took us over to the Sunset Beach Bar to watch the planes come in before we left the island.

All in all it was a wonderful week and we had a great time. We never felt unsafe and as you can tell we were out every night until at least midnight. Now we know why people love this island and my final note is: ONE WEEK WAS NOT LONG ENOUGH!