Posted By: dolfer
Home again! - 10/01/2018 02:43 PM
Just returned from two weeks on the island. A trip report is forthcoming but meanwhile just some random thoughts…
I truly enjoy driving on the island. Now I’m sure that some of you are saying ‘Whaaaaaat?’ Here’s why. I’ve driven in countries all over the world including some of the largest cities. The Island drivers are aggressive but predictable. Once you learn that, and are comfortable with driving somewhat aggressively yourself, you will realize that the predictability is the key. If you need to pull into traffic, look for an opening and DO IT. No slow and easy, pull out and go. They will stop long enough to let you out and on your way. Give them one little tap of the horn to say thank you and go. (Of course you should also be courteous and let other people out too.) Oh, and try to ignore the motorcycles, by the time you react, they’re gone.
From what I saw of the truck drivers they have to be some of the best anywhere. Between narrow roads and narrower alleys they have one very tough job. And I love how many of the truck drivers have little signature beeps to say hi to fellow truckers.
You find yourself stopped behind a few cars and you realize that some old friends are saying hi window-to-window. I get a kick out of that because that’s what happens in small towns.
The people of SXM, at least the ones that I have met, are truly friendly and some of the hardest working and most resilient people that I have ever had the privilege to meet. When you’re there, make a point of asking them for their stories (most are ready to do so) and be prepared to be amazed and humbled.
The island looks great which is especially apparent after you hear some of the Irma stories. Yes, there are still many problems: unemployment, inadequate housing, storm damage removal, and THE DUMP, just to name a few. But everywhere we went, including the French side, we saw people cleaning, painting, repairing roads and cleaning and trimming road sides. They have a lot more work to do but major progress has been made already.
And my last thought (for now), if you love the island, GO BACK!
I truly enjoy driving on the island. Now I’m sure that some of you are saying ‘Whaaaaaat?’ Here’s why. I’ve driven in countries all over the world including some of the largest cities. The Island drivers are aggressive but predictable. Once you learn that, and are comfortable with driving somewhat aggressively yourself, you will realize that the predictability is the key. If you need to pull into traffic, look for an opening and DO IT. No slow and easy, pull out and go. They will stop long enough to let you out and on your way. Give them one little tap of the horn to say thank you and go. (Of course you should also be courteous and let other people out too.) Oh, and try to ignore the motorcycles, by the time you react, they’re gone.
From what I saw of the truck drivers they have to be some of the best anywhere. Between narrow roads and narrower alleys they have one very tough job. And I love how many of the truck drivers have little signature beeps to say hi to fellow truckers.
You find yourself stopped behind a few cars and you realize that some old friends are saying hi window-to-window. I get a kick out of that because that’s what happens in small towns.
The people of SXM, at least the ones that I have met, are truly friendly and some of the hardest working and most resilient people that I have ever had the privilege to meet. When you’re there, make a point of asking them for their stories (most are ready to do so) and be prepared to be amazed and humbled.
The island looks great which is especially apparent after you hear some of the Irma stories. Yes, there are still many problems: unemployment, inadequate housing, storm damage removal, and THE DUMP, just to name a few. But everywhere we went, including the French side, we saw people cleaning, painting, repairing roads and cleaning and trimming road sides. They have a lot more work to do but major progress has been made already.
And my last thought (for now), if you love the island, GO BACK!
