Trip Report 10/24-11/7 - Part 2

The fun and eat-fest continued....but thankfully we were staying active. Almost every morning we walked before breakfast, going over the causeway, then up the hill to the French side border monument (where it smelled heavenly....no, serious! Frangipani trees, and other flowers I wish I could name!) and then back across the causeway. In the middle of the causeway there is a heart where people are attaching locks. They write names and dates. Key to my heart? Lock on my love? Someone even wrote that they became engage on that spot.














On Tuesday of this week we arranged to meet Mirian and Pieter from the Passaat on the beach at KimSha. They have taken over the water sports of the former Coconut Reef operation, and renamed it Coconut Beach. Their booth rents stand-up paddle boards, snorkel gear, and all manner of water sport fun. We were there to try out their newly acquired laser sailboat, which they'd gotten just five days before, and they brought along a friend who is a regatta laser boat champion...who could ask for a better coach?!



(Yay, a shower too...wink, wink Pat!)








I had woken up a bit feeling a bit under the weather and with a sore throat, so I personally wanted to do nothing more than sit in a chair on the beach. While hubby sailed, I drank my Vitamin C (aka rum punch) and enjoyed the free chairs and umbrella at Buccaneer. I also indulged myself with an aloe vera foot massage from Paulette. When hubby was done capsizing (I mean sailing) we had great cheeseburgers up at the Buccaneer bar.

Dinner that evening was at Byblos. The special was kabobs of beef, chicken, and lamb served with spinach-rice and your choice of either hummus, tabouleh, or baba ganoush for only $20. It was delicious, and the conversation delightful. Jacob came out to say hello to us, and remembered us from the wine tasting with Jeannie, and also a correspondence where I had gotten one of his recipes to make last holiday season. Very fresh, delicious, authentic food.





If you are ever on island and don't feel well, Zee Best bakery on airport road has a good homemade chicken with veggie soup. The lady at the counter when we picked up some sandwiches was proud to say that she had made it. I couldn't find a single piece of chicken meat in the soup, so it must be just a chicken based broth....but it was good. Like your island mother would make.


On Thursday we ventured to Marigot once again to visit the gallery of Sir Roland Richardson. This had been planned, because if he is on island, then between 10:30 and 2:00 on a Thursday you have the opportunity to watch him creating art in the beautiful courtyard garden. He took a break from his subject and is such a joy to talk with! Oh, the discussion we had about sunflowers! While we were still in the gallery his wife Laura arrived, and we stayed even longer. She is from our area and had owned a gallery here before she met him. Such a gracious and interesting couple. Our visit was productive. Let's just say there's a certain something that is being shipped and will appear over our mantle.





The courtyard buildings date back to the 1700's and were built by the French soldiers at Ft Louis. Originally they housed the troops and horses.




A fifty-year-old Golden Chalice vine/plant in the gallery garden

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From Marigot it was on to spend the day at Rainbow Cafe in Grand Case. It was a day to avoid several ships in port, so we wished to find a less crowded location. Bingo. Private, free parking lot, and complimentary chairs if you are dining there. Jean the beach dude is a hoot. He likes his job A LOT....especially doing the rum shots with you at the end...ha ha. We had the prime rib for two, which basically translated into "side of beef". OMG! I think it was $50? Came with your choice of sides and four sauces....béarnaise, peppercorn, blue cheese, and a mushroom. Their beef is wonderful Argentine meat.
Service is excellent. The first bottle of Pinot noir we selected seemed "off" to me, first in its color, then the taste and smell. They agreed and it was taken away, dumped, and replaced with a different vintage and better bottle.

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It was a good day
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On our last full day we were determined to spend it at Kakao on Orient, despite knowing there were at least 3 ships expected in port. We were aware there would be a huge influx of bodies and activity, as they had been setting up a separate section of chairs on the beach and had helpers in the dining area adjacent to the "main" restaurant to deal with 200 more people. I'm glad they do somewhat keep the chaos of the excursion separate. We had skipped breakfast, driven to Orient, in order to get our front row with Karl....last 2 chairs! Yes! Settled in, put on our walking shoes and took off in search of breakfast. GP the bartender from Ko, Kakao's bar on the beach, suggested GoodMorning Cafe in Orient Village which is exactly where we ended up. Excellent choice.

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Very glad we had gone to the GoodMorning Cafe...the waitress wore a 'One Love' shirt which I had seen others wearing a few times but couldn't find in a store, so I asked her where she got it. She was so happy that I had asked and returned with a card and told me how to find the store. In Cul de Sac, in a green container....yes, a green shipping container....(more on that later)...

Back to the chairs at Kakao...lay around, drink, work up an appetite for lunch..

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Emperor fish stuffed with a shrimp mousse
Italian plate
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One Eyed Jack had to help finish mine, and then snooze a bit with me...

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Leaving Orient was sad. Hugs, kisses, rum. Holiday wishes, "till next year". (I'm thinking of our French friends this week.)

Driving away we knew the directions for the One Love store but went right by it. Around the rotary we went again. It was hilarious. Keystone cops. But we finally found it.

https://www.facebook.com/One-Love-Family-SXM-1647037842189493/


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This young lady is 14 weeks pregnant, misses home and the cold weather (French alps) ...if you visit, say "bonjour!"

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Thanks for sharing your vacation with us in words and pictures. I will have to find that One Love shop!

We did the walk as well, Royal Islander and back. 5 miles total. I'm Impressed, aren't you staying at the Towers? Did you start from there, or did you drive to the bridge???? The locks were pretty cool and didn't even know it was there

It's important to stay hydrated after playing on the beach



Don't forget to wear your sunglasses too!



((Brought to you by the dogs of Orient Beach))

Thanks for another great report.

I love your writing style, so entertaining and unpretentious! And of course, the photos are beautiful. Thank you for sharing your trip!

Great pictures--
Food looks wonderful....
<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
Where is the picture of your shirt.
So many places to try and we have been going since the 80's!!

Great report and pictures! Enjoyed every bit! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
Will have to try to find the One Love spot! Wish they sold them online!

Thank you, Leona. What a pleasure to savor!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Thanks again. Like so many above, glad to learn about the shirt place. Each time I go I try (but not really that hard) to find T shirts that are both of interest, and of acceptable quality. These look like they fit the bill in both ways. Oh, and that chunk of beef...

Wonderful report and fantastic photos. Thank you for posting it!

Bill & Linda

Great report and pics. Wonderful interactions with people.
Many thanks for sharing.

Another wonderful report! When I was there in June, Pieter was telling me about his little beach venture, but I don't think he had yet taken over the Coconut Reef operation. He was just glad to have an opportunity to get their then-new puppy off the boat as he wasn't totally boat-trained yet.

I can't wait to try Rainbow again. Last time I was there, it was a rainy day and not one to be spent under those neat chairs. Rainbow was recommended to me by John of Tijon, who is good friends with Jean the beach guy.

I encountered some of those shipping carts when I was looking for I Love My Island Dog one day (I still haven't found it). Good to know about the t-shirts.

I want to meet One-Eyed Jack!

I'm loving your trip, your pictures, and your report. Thanks!

Wow, thanks so much for the report!! Such wonderful pictures!! And what an amazing hunk of beef at Rainbow!! Did you actually eat all that at one sitting??? I would have had a doggie bag to take home--for ME! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Great pictures! In the first image it looks like the heart is meant for couples to put a lock on it. Did anyone notice if there a little spot to park your car and put a lock or would you need to park further out?

Thank you for your report! We love the Good Morning Cafe and will usually pick up an omelette sandwich to go on our way to the beach. I love my One Love tank top. I made my husband stop there on the way to the airport on our way home last year!

Outstanding report and great photos! I like the way you eat!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

Where is Byblos?

LINK

thanks again-great report&pics-that was quite the prime rib-I thought he was just going to slice 2 pieces off the roast but see that you got it all-wow.

Thanks but where in Simpson bay? Link really didn't say that I could see.

Byblos is near Jimbos in the Simpson Bay Condo area not far from Scotia Bank.

Thank you.

Kim - I wish I was that dedicated on vacation. But it was your report about walking the causeway that inspired me,... I read how you did it once from Royal Islander. We usually walk the golf course and Point Pirouette, but for this trek we did park near the runway to reach the causeway.



Thank you for the kind words.
I know what you mean about places to try, and never getting to all of them. That is why we have to return, right?
I do seek to add something new to the mix each trip, so as not to get stuck in a rut. I must admit though to feeling comfortable with my favorites! Who doesn't like it when "everybody knows your name"?
As for the "One Love" shirt? I bought a cute racer-back tank dress to sleep in, so ya won't be seeing a picture of that one!



Jazzgal, their dog is an old sea salt now! You should see him in the dinghy when they're coming to shore...he rides up front with his paws over the edge, nose in the wind. So cute!

If you found the green shipping containers you were right near Ursula's Island Dog place. Near the car wash. You were so close! You will find it.

One Eyed Jack will love you! He's a chill dude. You can usually find him sacked out in one of the chairs near the kitchen. Speak French to him first (duh, lol) and you'll get his attention.




Carol, no way we finished that side of beef! I got a "Kitty Bag" and we were eating it for three days. Bought a baguette, mustard, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and had sandwiches for dinner or the beach.



I'm sure you are not allowed to park or stop on the bridge. There's a wee small space big enough for a mini-cooper or the bike that the guard in the booth takes to work. You should walk to the spot.
There's a nice area by the heart, and a bench to sit. I'm sure it is lovely at sunset.

Beerman - this wasn't even all of the food....I tried to be selective so as not to bore all of you to death. There were breakfasts, the yacht club, pizzas, curried goat, and red snapper that seemed very small this year. They didn't show well on the plate.

During one breakfast at the SMYC we did see the little munchkins competing in the Optimist race.
http://www.smyc.com/content/11th-annual-sol-st-maarten-optimist-championship

Just a great job on the report! When do you go back, so we can see some more reports??? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

For those having difficulty finding the 'One...by K' t-shirt store, or would like better directions (I think I need a promoters discount next year, lol)

OPENING HOURS Monday to Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
SUNDAY CLOSED
If you can open this link, the green shipping containers are just before the La Peninsule lighting design store.... between the rotary and the lighting store. If they are open they will have a small sign out by the road, but with traffic it gets intimidating to slow down and look for it if you aren't already sure where you are going!

https://www.google.com/maps/place/LA+PENINSULE,+ROUTE+DE+GRISELLE,+97150/@18.0965806,-63.0362807,21z/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x8c0e6ff4985ad507:0xdcacb0435a0a3142?hl=en-us

(copy the entire link to make it work....through the hl=en-us)

Thanks for the directions. Checked it out on Google maps and I guess we drove right past it yesterday. Will try again another time.

Update:

The "One...by K" T-shirt shop is in negotiations for a space in Orient Village, and may be moving around the first of December....making them much more accessible. Great news for this start up, so stay tuned!

Leona, are any of their t-shirts v-necks?

Georgia, yes they have men's and women's in v décolleté