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Favorite St. Maarten Memory

Posted By: CaribLee

Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/09/2021 06:42 PM

What is your favorite memory/experience from a past St. Maarten trip? And what makes it so special and/or memorable? Thought it would be interesting to hear the different stories.
Posted By: RickandJulie

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/09/2021 07:36 PM

Our first trip to Orient Beach. We were nervous but excited. The first time we "dropped our drawers" it was sooooo exhilarating.
Posted By: Biturbo

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/09/2021 09:06 PM

I was about to say the same thing. Now we both hate feel of a soggy suit clinging to us. And, of course, the restaurants.
Posted By: SammyM

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/09/2021 10:13 PM

Goodness, there are so many to choose from! But, one that I will always remember that still stands out goes back pre-Irma (2015 or so). Caught a taxi from Holland House to the Butterfly Farm (La Ferme des Papillons) on the french side. We did not rent a car this particular trip for whatever reason. Had a wonderful learning experience surrounded by stunning colors as the butterflies fluttered around us with one little fellow landing on my shoulder. The guide told me he was attracted to the color of my shirt (almost a fluorescent salmon) and that if he stayed attached to me that signified 'good luck'. As it turned out, this little guy hung with me for the rest of our tour (about 20 minutes or so) before taking off trying to find a lady butterfly, I suppose. The tour guide just laughed and told me that was longest he had ever seen a butterfly stay with a person in all the time he worked there. When our visit was over, we then walked to Le Galion beach for some relaxation and met some exceptionally nice people there who I told about my butterfly experience. They encouraged me to 'go to the casino' that night while the 'good fortune' was hot and we obliged that evening after we returned to the dutch side. Never did $100 disappear so fast as it did that evening as my slots play did not record a single positive spin! Just laughed it off and told my wife maybe that was the wrong butterfly that landed on me! But, when the Butterfly Farm got flattened by Hurricane Irma a few years later I felt terrible, and to this day I really miss that place and hope someday it will return.
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/09/2021 10:23 PM

CaribLee--Wow, really hard to come up with one. So, I will cheat and come up with two. First, December 31, 1999, standing on Club Orient beach, watching fireworks. Seeing in the Millenium, at my favorite place on earth.

Second, totally different thing. Some may consider this one weird, but The best meal I ever ate--at Dreams
Posted By: greenfields

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/10/2021 12:22 AM

Like many others here, too many great memories to count, over the years.

Here are just a few.....

Hanging for the day at Scavengers on Dawn Beach (before the Westin ruined it!), snorkeling and body surfing all day long, Marla's fantastic grilled grouper for lunch, lots of cold Heinekens and good laughs with Tyson at the bar, a grand total of 7 or 8 people on the beach all day. My idea of what a Caribbean beach and Caribbean Beach Bar should be.

Rented 50" sailing cat for the day from Private Yacht Charters in Oyster Pond. Breakfast for all at Busbies first, then sail around the island, passing Sunset just as the KLM 747 was landing over our heads, lunch at Friars Bay Cafe, snorkeling at Creole Rock, and off of Anse Marcel, plus at Tintamarre surrounded by 30+ sea turtles, dinner at Canoa on the dock upon return. A day with family and very good friends that I will never forget.

Third, and I'm with Carol on this one, a day at Dreams, where all family members - aged 5 to 65 - proclaimed this to be the best lunch we had ever had. That's saying something in SXM, and with tastes that ranged from pizza to fois gras!

All great memories. The only sad part is that many of my very best memories involve places that are no longer there (tears!). The people are though, and that's what counts the most.

Cheers
Posted By: BobNLiz

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/10/2021 01:13 AM

Like others there are many. My fav

We had a 2 week trip that spanned the last week in August and the first in September.... not really knowing at the time that September was the very slow season and many places closed. We often ate 2 or 3 times during a trip at Talk of The Town in Grand Case.... So we arrive on August 29 and settled in for a great meal... I don't remember names like others but we had a particular server. As we were preparing to pay our bill we told him we would be back once more next week before we left and he said "Oh no sorry... We shut down the entire month of September".. BUT he says on August 31 (stating whatever of the day of the week it was) I want ya'll to come back as my guest. The owners clean out all of the food by serving for free to all of the locals; the beer will be free; there will be a band.

Sooo we show up and were among maybe 10 "tourists" i.e. not locals out of maybe 200-300 people... It spilled over to the street and we danced and ate and drank the night away

Great memory

Liz
Posted By: DAS

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/10/2021 10:01 AM

As above...our first experience at the Club Orient beach in 1989. Since then, we have met some of our best, and most genuine, friends in the world at Club Orient.
Posted By: sugarae

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/10/2021 01:12 PM

St. Paddy's day parties at Baywatch !
Posted By: SXMBND

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/10/2021 03:18 PM

Originally Posted by greenfields
Like many others here, too many great memories to count, over the years.

Here are just a few.....

Hanging for the day at Scavengers on Dawn Beach (before the Westin ruined it!), snorkeling and body surfing all day long, Marla's fantastic grilled grouper for lunch, lots of cold Heinekens and good laughs with Tyson at the bar, a grand total of 7 or 8 people on the beach all day. My idea of what a Caribbean beach and Caribbean Beach Bar should be.

Rented 50" sailing cat for the day from Private Yacht Charters in Oyster Pond. Breakfast for all at Busbies first, then sail around the island, passing Sunset just as the KLM 747 was landing over our heads, lunch at Friars Bay Cafe, snorkeling at Creole Rock, and off of Anse Marcel, plus at Tintamarre surrounded by 30+ sea turtles, dinner at Canoa on the dock upon return. A day with family and very good friends that I will never forget.

Third, and I'm with Carol on this one, a day at Dreams, where all family members - aged 5 to 65 - proclaimed this to be the best lunch we had ever had. That's saying something in SXM, and with tastes that ranged from pizza to fois gras!

All great memories. The only sad part is that many of my very best memories involve places that are no longer there (tears!). The people are though, and that's what counts the most.

Cheers


X'2 for Scavengers.........sealed the deal for a 25 + year affair.......
Posted By: irina

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/10/2021 03:27 PM

The day we got our keys to SBYC apartment. Voting day on Dutch Side (Theo's first race). We went to French side to buy booze and food to celebrate.
Posted By: biglar

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/11/2021 02:44 AM

(1) Going to watch the Eagles play the Patriots in the Super Bowl at what at the time was a Restaurant in Orient Village. Today I believe it is either a dance studio or maybe smalll grocery store. They sat us on one side of the stage wit all the other Eagles fans and the Patriot fans sat on the other side. The Eagles lost, but we had the best time!
(2) Or first ever trip to Pinel. Must have been 20 years ago now, but riding in that over-crowded ferry was a real treat. We walked to the top of the hill and then down to the other side to explore a bit more. Great time and the small store was interesting as were the many iguanas.
(3) Trip to Anguilla on the ferry, renting a car and driving to the beach and making a visit to Bankie Banks bar and meeting him. Happened to be the day after Jimmy Buffet sang at the place. Bankie signed a photo I had of hi which I sill have.
(4) Visiting the Fort in Marigot and then getting to meet Sir Roland Richardson.
(5) Our first time at Club O.
(6) Day I found out I had shingles on my leg and went to a doctor in Philipsburg who had no idea what it was. My wife suggested shingles, since she had already had it, and after using his computer...agreed with her. He said it was too late to treat it and I should just have to wait until it went away.
(7) Hey....I could go on and on. Every trip brings something new that we add as some of our favorite memories. Type in "https://lifewithldub.blogspot.com" on your computer and then type in the white box, top left, "Saint Martin" and or "SXM". You'll find many stories about our favorite vacation spot.
Posted By: Colour1

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/11/2021 09:03 AM

I'm going to throw one out that's a little different. We all remember Dennis McBriarty and his dear wife Michelle!!! One year, Dennis comes up with this great Halloween costume party Idea. We all go as retire decrepit bikers!! Louise and I had been to SXM for more than a few times since 02! So at this point, we knew our way around, and a 7 night vacation wasn't going to wet anyone's whistle. SO We booked 7 nights at the then Cap Caribe's. Then 1 night for the party at the then Summit hotel and another 7 nights at Mary's Boone!! Yes we booked THREE places for one vacation!! Yeah, we're a lil crazy!! On some other thread I will tell you about the party!! God bless Dennis and Michelle!!
Posted By: Phyllis

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/11/2021 02:12 PM

In Marigot there use to be a British pub that had trivia nights. We had so much fun, and met people that we wound up spending time with throughout our trip.
Also, King Beau Beau and his Beau-bettes could always be counted on for a wonderful show and some fun give-aways.
I guess what helps make these special is that they are no longer available, and we look back wistfully ... and, of course, always open to new and wonderful memories going forward!
Posted By: pat

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/11/2021 02:34 PM

Could the ‘pub’ referred to above be David’s? If so, believe it or not, they used to serve possibly the best onion soup au gratin. It still stands out in my mind.

Another great memory for my family was the original Zee Best Sidewalk cafe in Marigot and the spiel the host would use to suck you in. Back then they would bring a basket of pastries to accommodate the size of the group and offer more if needed. It was so much fun to sit on the sidewalk across from the cemetery and watch the world pass by.

And lastly, among all our incredible memories of almost fifty years of annual trips to Sint Maarten were, were the many meals we enjoyed at ANTOINES on Front Street, both under the Captain and his wife right up through the ownership of Jean Pierre who currently owns The French Touch on Old Street.

So many wonderful memories…….I could go on and on but I’ll spare you all! 😊😊
Posted By: The_Lurker

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/11/2021 02:42 PM

Originally Posted by Colour1
I'm going to throw one out that's a little different. We all remember Dennis McBriarty and his dear wife Michelle!!! One year, Dennis comes up with this great Halloween costume party Idea. We all go as retire decrepit bikers!! Louise and I had been to SXM for more than a few times since 02! So at this point, we knew our way around, and a 7 night vacation wasn't going to wet anyone's whistle. SO We booked 7 nights at the then Cap Caribe's. Then 1 night for the party at the then Summit hotel and another 7 nights at Mary's Boone!! Yes we booked THREE places for one vacation!! Yeah, we're a lil crazy!! On some other thread I will tell you about the party!! God bless Dennis and Michelle!!


I remember sitting on our deck at the Summit, when you bikers walked by to the bar.
I don't remember seeing other bikers, around here, wearing similar pants!! LOL
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/11/2021 03:02 PM

Terri-- rofl Somehow, I get that visual!! grin
Posted By: NeilRooney

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/11/2021 03:04 PM

Yes, David's Pub. David &Tess Tyzack and Peter Hudson.
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/11/2021 03:05 PM

pat--No, please do go on!! Looking forward to hearing more of people's favorite moments!! toast
Posted By: kim

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/11/2021 04:44 PM

Hmm she should tell the story of the “bug” in my sisters French onion soup! Or security catching my sis sneaking into the condo in mullet hahaha. Or eating at Antiones during the carnival parade!!
Posted By: Skeeko

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/11/2021 04:51 PM

Wasn't our first time being CO but my wife took to it like a fish to water. We sailed to other islands but were happy to return to Orient Beach and yes, you do meet the nicest people there.
Posted By: violetta

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/11/2021 06:07 PM

Our very favorite would be our first trip to the island. May, 1985...stayed at Mullet Bay Resort. Rented a car and toured the whole island. The charm of Marigot and Grand Case. Discovered Orient with a baguette and some Laughing Cow cheese. It was undeveloped at that time and very beautiful. Some hustle bustle on Front Street. Ate at the Rusty Pelican..the future location of the Greenhouse. But the most memorable part was the day we were leaving...sitting at the outdoor bar, drinking a Pina Colada and realizing We couldn’t wait to come back! We had been to a number of lovely places..Maui, Kauai and Oahu had been favorites.
The next time we returned we brought our sons and bought pre construction timeshare at Royal Islander Club which we still own. We have never missed a year on the island since. Subsequently bought a condo at Simpson Bay Yacht Club. After 10 years, we sold that and bought a condo at Rainbow Beach Club which we still own. We spent 7 months of the covid lockdown there..a truly wonderful 7 months! Actually, one of our sons and his family are there enjoying it with his family this week.
Long story short...sipping that Pina Colada at Mullet.. and knowing we were hooked...seems like yesterday!
Posted By: pat

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/11/2021 06:17 PM

Probably in the early to mid eighties:

We were enjoying what we had hoped to be a romantic dinner, just the two of us, at Antoines. Out of nowhere we started to feel the floor vibrating beneath our feet. No noise, just a vibration that got stronger and stronger. I’d not even finished one glass of wine so I knew it wasn’t that making the earth move under my feet.

We were about to ask what was going on when we started to hear music in the distance. Lots of music. As we sat there eating, it got louder. As it came closer and got louder yet, the waiter finally came by and told us we were lucky because by the time we finished our meal they'd probably be just about out front and we could see the pre-carnival parade up close and personal from the sidewalk.

We had never heard of the “pre-Carnival” parade and would never have ventured into town that night had we known about it. Not exactly the romantic dinner we had planned on but interesting, for sure. But at the same time, a unique island experience.

The parade finally made its way down Front Street to our general location. I think every large truck on the island was tricked out with bands, singers, dancers and speakers running off generators attached was in that parade - and OMG! They were blaring their speakers at the highest volume level, I’m sure. And I’m equally certain that half the island population had come out to enjoy and be a part of the event.

The followers were dancing down the street with the parade behind, in front of and along side the trucks, shaking their bodies to the pulsating tempo of the music of their particular truck. We’d never before seen anything like it, nor have we since. I won’t go into detail about the dancing but it was certainly a sight to see.
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/11/2021 06:36 PM

Pat--nice story.
Posted By: SURICK

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/11/2021 07:50 PM

We were on island a few years back when Wilhelm and Maxima came to the island. We stay on Front St. in Philipsburg so it was quite easy for us to head down the street to watch the Royals tour the island. Their first stop was at the Oranje School in which the kids there were wonderful. After that they walked down Front St. to the Methodist Church. I was there with our Dutch friend who was decked out with orange flowers in her blonde hair and the King walked directly across the street and spoke Dutch to us (actually her, lol). I was in awe that I was a mere two feet from the King with no security smothering him and he was so down to earth. It was such an incredible thing to bear witness too. It was one of those "only in St. Maarten "moments for sure.
Posted By: greenfields

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/11/2021 08:56 PM

A few other recollections - most of them things that made me chuckle, versus destinations/experiences per se.

First, as I noticed that Neil R. popped into this thread for a moment, the 101 occasions I spent hanging with interesting folks at the ORIGINAL Sunset, as created and operated by Neil, and way before it turned into Coney Island. A very cool place then. I don't go near it now.

Now, a few things that made me chuckle, and/or shake my head.....

My first experience as a customer at Scotia Bank in P'burg. 2nd in line, lots of staff, and it took me well over an hour to complete one simple transaction. And this after being introduced to the Head Teller by the Branch Manager. One-and-done for me with in-person banking in SXM.

On a similar note, the series of little signs along Sucker Garden, coming out of P'Burb, that sequentially asked simple questions: "Tired of Standing in Line?"; "Are you Tired of Wasting Time?", "Does it Take Hours to Pay Your Bills?" etc., etc. These signs always got my attention. The only problem was that there was never a sign with the answer of what to do about it! Just questions, I guess.

The sign on the gate on the path going to Cliffhangers that read " No Rightaway".

The septic pumping trucks signed with the slogan "We Pump What Our Competition Talks"

The speed bump at the start of the paved section on the "road" from Tamarind/ Dawn Beach Estates to Oyster Pond. The speed bump was placed immediately after 500 yards or so of "road" that looked like it had hosted a major tank battle.

The convenience store in P'Burg branded and signed "24/7", with a small sign just under it stating "Closed Wednesdays".

The little shop on Back Street that sold only two things....electric guitars, and electric fans. I always thought this was brilliant, as, as far as I know, nobody had ever before thought of this highly targeted business concept. It may well now be franchised around the globe. I don't know.

The time after Lenny when they finally got around to turning Sucker Garden Road back into an actual road. There was a crew working on the twisty/turny section of the road going up the hill, with only a very slim single "lane" to pass through. They dutifully had two flagmen on the road, one at about where the Rainbow is, the other at the top of the hill where the carwash is now. The only problem was that these two guys could not see each other, so they each waved cars through at the same time. I got through just before the predicable total gridlock developed.

And, many, many other examples. If I lived there, all of this would drive me nuts, but as a visitor, it just adds to the special island character.

Cheers
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/11/2021 09:24 PM

Surick--great story!!
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/11/2021 09:25 PM

Greenfields--thanks so much for posting!
Posted By: greenfields

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/11/2021 11:28 PM

Thanks Carol. And thanks for running this site, a great place for all to share information and favourite memories.

This is a "don't get me started" topic for me!

Just a few other random memories....

One of the first times I played golf at Mullett, with a couple of good buddies, and the course pro/Manager (who is a great guy, doing the very best he can with the $122 budget he is given to work with!). I hit my drive on the first hole, but had no idea where it went. Felt good in my hands, but my vision sucks, so I asked my playing mates where it went. Answer from the Pro was "in the rough, right in the middle of the fairway". OK, so ya gotta be a golfer to get this one.

Back in the day, when Lady C was one happening place, and a lot of fun, aided greatly by Brian (now owner of the SM Yacht Club), who was the hardest-working, friendliest and most efficient bartender ever on that island. We always got our drinks quickly from Brian, no matter how crazy the place was. Made even more amazing by the fact that Brian, at the time, appeared to be 12 years old. He is much older now......he looks 21 or so now.

No idea what the deal is now, but in the early days of the Isle de Sol mega-yacht marina, you had to pass through a guard gate, and tell them the purpose of your visit to get in there. A couple of my good island friends made a game of seeing how ludicrous an answer they could give, and still be let in. A couple of my favourites were "just dropping off a few cases of Anthrax", and "just going in to harvest fresh body organs". They were let in every time. Makes me very comfortable about the idea of keeping my mega yachet there, once I become a billionaire.

One new years eve, my daughters and I and a couple of island buddies went up to Orient to watch the fireworks show and ring in the New Year. There was some kind of special deal going on at Waikiki (I think?), for $150 or something like that, for your food and drinks for the night. One of our buddies was in there, but it was crazy packed, couldn't get a drink, yada-yada, so he told us to save our money. We did, and just hung at the little bar down by Bikini, which was open for the night. The fireworks were great, and were sent up by French firefighters from a raft anchored out in the bay. Very good idea, since there have been more than a couple of tragic outcomes involving fireworks in SXM over the years. Anyway, a great fireworks show. However, at 1:30 a.m. or so, we noticed a strange glow, getting bigger and brighter, out in the bay. It was the firefighters raft!, which eventually provided just about as bright a light display as the fireworks did, as it burned away to nothing. So much for safety!

And, on and on......
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/11/2021 11:42 PM

greenfields---Definitely get the golf joke!! Yup, Brian is seriously 'the man' and can't believe how young he was when he first arrived in SXM. Great story about Isle de Sol! We had always been intimidated by the guard there. Guess we shouldn't have been!!!!!!!!!
Posted By: pat

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/12/2021 12:05 AM

Greenfields,

Your golfing story made me chuckle.

For the first 18 or so ears we visited SXM we stayed at Mullet Bay Resort in a two bedroom suite just across the Hillside road from, I think, the second tee.

Being an early riser back in the day, I would make a pot of coffee and take it out on the porch along with whatever book I was reading, to catch the early morning rays and to feed the yellow birds their morning sugar fix.

It was almost funny to hear the golfers frustration as they teed off. You would hear the thwack sound of club hitting the ball and then the swishing sound as the ball flew through the leaves and finally, too many times, the aggravated utterances of the golfer saying, “$hit!!” as the golf ball hit any one of the trees there.
Posted By: greenfields

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/12/2021 12:25 AM

Hi Pat.

Yep, second hole, short par 4, but trees all down the left, out-of-bounds right, and I have found both, on many occasions. So sorry to have been one of the golfers who ruined your peace and tranquility with your early bird friends! "$hit" might be one of the tamer utterances to spill from my mouth on several occasions.

Also, so sorry to learn about what happened with The Towers. I never stayed there, but it always appeared to be the sole remaining beacon of what Mullet once was, and could again be. Sadly, not it my lifetime, it would appear. Very sorry about how this has affected you and friends.
Posted By: pat

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/12/2021 01:01 AM

That’s the spot alright! And honest, what I said I heard was really the worse I ever heard so no worries at what you might have said. 🙂🙂

Yes, the Towers situation really stinks but I’m lucky in that we got in preconstruction and were able to use all our four weeks for almost thirty years. We had an awesome unit with an incredible view of much of the island from our 7th floor location. If you never experienced the original Mullet Bay Resort it’s hard to portray what a great place it was and explain it to others. We miss the Towers but we moved on to Beachside Villas, another incredible place to call home for our annual visits. My heart aches for others who lost their Towers units and particularly those who might owe money on them.
Posted By: pat

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/12/2021 01:11 AM

Dare I post these last two memories? Oh, what the heck.

Hopefully no one will be offended by my words or reactions and everyone will remember these were the thoughts and experiences of a somewhat sheltered female from a very small town in the early eighties and you need to remember I was fairly young and had led a somewhat sheltered life in the realm of worldly experiences on the occasion of both .

Cupecoy - we finally decided we were going to spend a day there, John, having swam over from Mullet with our girls the previous year, had been there already and assured his hesitant wife it would be an experience.

Well, it was, for sure!

We parked and started down what was only a path to the beach back then and as we got to the last boulder before stepping onto the sand, I encountered the largest hairy and bare backside I’d ever seen. It, the behind that is, was bending over trying to step back into his street clothes. I was so shocked I did a full u-turn on the rock-like step and actually crashed into John in my anxiousness to leave. No way he could convince me to give it another go. So much for Cupecoy.

Orient Beach - our second visit, the premier visit being in 1973 or ‘74 - what an incredible time to be there and see OB in all its glory, but the first visit with others in a timeframe when it was being rapidly developed. I’m thinking ‘85, we were on island with my Sister and BIL who really wanted to see and experience Orient in all its splendor. We got there and were showing them the where and how of Orient. We were sitting on the brink of a good sized sand cliff chatting and I was having a cigarette. Yes - I smoked back in the day…….

We could see a guy jogging down the beach dressed in the altogether but he was at least wearing a baseball cap. Don’t you know, he stopped in the sand directly below and in front of us, took off his cap and pulled out his cigarettes but had apparently lost his matches along the way. So don’t you know, he climbed up the sand cliff and asks me for a light.

I guess I need not say what part of his anatomy was waving at me. I was mortified and to this day my BIL loves to remind me of my naïveté back then. To that point in my life, nudity was not part of my public being and he loved the reaction he used to get from me when he brought it up.

I’ve come a long way since then……🤭🤭

Dare I post these memories?
Posted By: Kennys

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/12/2021 01:17 AM

Well my Dear , I never look lol .
Posted By: pat

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/12/2021 01:29 AM

It wasn’t a matter of looking or not looking. I almost crashed into the bent over behind which was part of my personal embarrassment. 🤭🤭
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/12/2021 01:49 AM

Lovin' it!!! grin Thanks for posting!
Posted By: Todd

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/12/2021 02:14 AM

My favorite times are always when we get to spend time with our island friends but two stories that are a key to us to keep coming back to meet island friends. Our first trip we read up a bit and one of the places that was suggested we go to was Pedro's and they had a band playing, they were due for a break but the rain started and so they kept playing. We weren't as quick to leave our lounge chairs as others so there were no more seats left but a waiter named Buff found two chairs and found us space under an eve until a spot opened up. When a table did open up he held it for us and moved us over and bought us a couple beers. The band kept playing and playing as the rain kept coming and coming. We felt very welcome.

Our second story would be that on that first trip we went to a touristy store at the far end of front street and bought a decorative plate and two other items, well the plate broke on the way home. We did not go back for about 21 months but when we did we went back to the store and the person at the store stated that she remembered us and of course we were thinking no way with all those cruise ship people each day that she would remember us and it was a line, but she then told us the three things we purchased 21 months prior to that. What we learned after many trips is that being remembered is not as uncommon as one would think.

We love the beaches, the food, the weather but the love affair began because of the people and that is the real reason we keep going back.
Cheers,
Todd
Posted By: pat

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/12/2021 02:56 AM

And as Todd and others have said, the people and how we met, some of the best memories of all and all of them great peeps.

I often read people commenting as to how they meet the nicest people on OrientBeach. I would suggest we have met them all over the island - in the shops, in restaurants, in bars, at parties and gatherings and on the various beaches and even here on line.

We have been so very well blessed in all our travels to have met some of the nicest people in the world and all on St. Martin island. Barbara and Dee, Sharon, Elaine, Bill, Shurma, Manu, Jean Pierre, Ronalee and JD, James, Irma, Shirley, Max, Todd, MJ, GAKaye and David, Carol, Jeannie, Mo, Terry and Rit, Michele and Terry, Smarthie, Lesley, Irina and this is just a small part of my list, not to mention all those people we’ve met on line but haven’t really spent much time with on island - Mike, Joyce, Leona, Andre, Teri, Elizabeth, Linda, Pat and Bill, Louise and David and the list goes on and on and on. So many others whose names will keep me thinking all night and feeling bad about those I’ve missed.

And people ask why we love SXM?! 😊😊

Edited to add:

I should probably delete this as I know there are others I’ve forgotten and I may still hit delete………
Posted By: Colour1

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/12/2021 11:51 AM

That was a great night!!! Summit was a cute hotel!! We had not found BSV, so you were cheating on BSV???LOL!!!
Posted By: Colour1

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/12/2021 11:54 AM

There was so many people there, the pizza was amazing!! I don't remember if I saw you guys were there??? I have to find pictures from that party! Dennis was great at organizing those TTOL parties!!
Posted By: Cincinnati_Kid

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/12/2021 04:26 PM

My favorite memories are the TTOL parties, where we met wonderful people who contribute to this website...
Posted By: Kathleen

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/12/2021 04:41 PM

We were eating dinner on the balcony at La Vie en Rose and the Carnival Parade was coming. In advance of the huge flat bed trucks with the booming bass, another flat bed truck came along the street and picked up the cars along the street that were blocking the parade route. We would have loved to see the look on the "illegal" parkers faces when they went to find their cars! We were treated to a front row seat from the balcony of parade in all of it's glory. And I got a rose when we left. I really miss that restaurant!
Posted By: actionone

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/12/2021 07:28 PM

Proposing to my wife in the gazebo of the Sonesta Maho in 2008
Posted By: islandgem

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/12/2021 10:16 PM

WE met at one of those TTOL parties. We loved hosting them and always had large crowds in attendance. I remember your story of your trip to St. Barts which you revealed to me at one of those parties. You said you would never take the boat there again!
Posted By: mahokid

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/12/2021 11:22 PM

We also have enjoyed the last night before closing for the season.
Talk of the still has the party but I don't think the drinks are free anymore.
The locals especially the kids sure come out of the woodwork for this party.
It sure is fun to meet the locals and such a great mix of people.

While SXM has provided so many great memories ours is a bit different.
By the grace of God we were able to escape the island the day of Irma.
So many things lined up and we were able to secure 2 seats on one of the last flights out that were completely unavailable for the entire week.
First was the car that blocked the sidewalk and forced us to pass through the lobby of La Terasse where I noticed a sign declaring a flight change
Next our hotel employee who questioned why my wife was on the phone so long and crying (she couldn't get through to the airline) and then provided a direct international number where she got through.
Lastly the airline service who at first denied a flight change because we were more than 7 days out and then changed her mind once she knew a category five was going to hit the island.
Apparently 2 girls who did not speak good English never confirmed their seats and the airline opened up the seats. They were in front of us at the airport that day crying and didn't understand why they lost their seats
My wife would have been in a state of shock if we stayed and is claustrophobic and not sure she could have stayed in a bathroom for the time of the storm.
We had been to the airport for 5 straight days trying to get a flight to anywhere with 50 people in line at all times
Posted By: pat

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/12/2021 11:33 PM

Mahokid,

Yours is one heck of a memory!

I’m glad the travel Gods lined up in your favor and that Angel riding on your shoulder took good care of you but I have to tell you, I’ll take my memories/realities over yours any day.
Posted By: BlueGreenWater

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/12/2021 11:34 PM

Our first trip was 16 days for Christmas, 1989. We were young,, had Pan Am miles to burn, and looked for the most exotic place we could get to with those miles. SXM it was. We stayed in one of five rooms behind the (long mourned) restaurant, Hevea in Grand Case. Fodors had described it as perfect for "self-sufficient, art- loving types. The room was very rudimentary with no meals included, and no laundry. You could send out items to be laundered, it was $5 per tee shirt. We became expert at washing stuff out in the sink.

We had each brought a big bath sheet for the beach. They were big and cozy. Everyday we went to a different beach. Every day it rained for 30 seconds and soaked our towels, which we then tried to dry out by draping them over bushes. Repeat again the next day. We really couldn't afford to keep having them laundered.

One day we stopped by a tourist kiosk in Philipsburg and asked them what to do for one nice "fling." They suggested going on a boat trip to Anguilla on a gorgeous boat, The Gandalf. She was a beauty with a black concrete hull and terra cotta sails. She only took 12 couples. Cost was $75 per person if we listened to a timeshare presentation for Pelican Resort. No one ever worked harder for a timeshare sale. We spent the whole day there debating the pros and cons, and finally signed on the dotted line--a deluxe studio in January for $12K.

The Gandulf trip was fabulous. We laid out our soggy towels on the deck and they dried in no time. Had a blast, talking about how we would get to come back to that beautiful place every year. On the way back from Anguilla, wrapped in our cozy towels, a big wave came over the side and soaked us and our cozy towels.

The Gandalf sunk in Simpson Bay during hurricane Luis.

We finally bought cheap beach towels in Philipsburg which were so thin the dried in short order.

We never missed a year in SXM until Hurricane Irma.
Posted By: Bobben

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/13/2021 12:39 PM

First time in SXM was 1989 and then almost every year thereafter until 4 years ago. Stayed at the Summit many times and enjoyed the annual group at Cupecoy Beach and Club O. Sundays at Surf Club South in Gran Case was a must. First time at Orient there was nothing but Pedros and could walk the entire beach in the buff. Also loved the pina coladas at the Caravanseri at sunset and the restaurant upstairs at the old airport - especially the seafood lasagna. I could go on and on but the memories are some of the best of my life at age 74.
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/13/2021 01:17 PM

Yes, for sure, the restaurant upstairs at the old airport was da BOMB! I have less fond memories of hauling carry-on bags up those stairs! And I loved that little snack bar outside where you could get a drink and that last dose of sunshine before getting on the plane to head to the cold North!
Posted By: davew

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/13/2021 01:27 PM

Many wonderful moments but dinner at L'estaminet was always special.
Posted By: Cincinnati_Kid

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/14/2021 12:13 PM

Elizabeth, Oh yes, that memory is my worst ! The boat trip from hell ! Never again ! If I ever go the St. Barts again, I will fly !
Posted By: Bobben

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/14/2021 12:21 PM

Try a speed boat trip to Saba. 75% of the passengers had to use the barf bags provided when you got on board.
Posted By: pat

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/14/2021 12:25 PM

Cincinnati_Kid,

Our first few trips to STB were probably thirty years ago and were made in the sail cat day trips that used to go back and forth. We always found the trip to STB rough but the trip back was usually lovely. The last cat we went over on was the Swaliga - a larger cat than most we had done to that time. And then we flew for the first time and decided it was the best and only way to go.

One suggestion for you, should you ever decide to go to SABA - fly! Even on the power boat it makes the trip to St. Barts look calm. I don’t personally have problems with either of these sails but everyone else in our family did. And the plane approaches and landings in both places are truly worth a memory all their own.
Posted By: Tammy

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/16/2021 09:25 AM

I have not been to the island for a few years now, life has gotten in the way; ailing parents, in laws, Irma and covid.
I exist on my memories. When I think of our time spent on the island it feeds my soul, days of pure bliss.

Last month I was diagnosed with cancer and my prognosis is devastating. For little over a year and a half now I have been feeling unwell; constipation, headaches, night sweats, generally unwell. Last month when I went back to my doctor complaining of having lost ten pounds in less than two months and feeling faint after one flight of stairs it caused alarm which led to a diagnosis. Till then I had passed all blood work on my various checkups. (I also started to forget short term stuff but my doctor believed that I was suffering from debilitating anxiety because of stress of deterioration in my parents health.)

Our plan is to head to the island next month and I hope to ring in the New Year. I am no longer mentally capable of caring for my ailing family. I find myself angry most days. I try to understand that God has a plan but forty years seems unfair.

My most precious memories with my husband are of our times on SXM.

We also loved Dreams for champagne lunches.

I loved sitting at Tropical Wave watching kids splash in the water while having lunch.

Swimming at Cupecoy beach at before 7:00 am ; the shock of the cold water and the privilege of being the first one walk on the sand in the morning.

I loved getting drunk on cheap champagne while jewelry shopping in Philipsburg.
I loved breakfast drinking in general.

Returning to Tacho Macho each visit to wait too long for food and vow never to return again.

Drinking at Toppers always made me sick but loved their cocktails tasted soo good but always led to me puking and promising myself never again. Something about the rum doesn't sit well like Bacardi in my stomach.

Lunch at Rainbow in Grand Case.

Happy hour at the perch.

Every minute in st maarten felt special even cheese sandwiches and coffee for breakfast overlooking the ocean.

All our dinners at Palapa.
Breakfast at the yatch club.

Day trips to Anguilla and fun on GB Express.
Lunch at Straw Hat:


All our nights hanging out in Simpson Bay/Maho area.

Annoying the table security at Tropicana Casiono by using my husband's roulette chips when mine were lost.



I can't choose a best memory.

Thanks to TTOL for being my special place ; soul food.



Posted By: pat

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/16/2021 12:14 PM

We should all read and reread your post.

I don’t know what to say beyond sending you good thoughts snd prayers along with the hope you’re able to amass lots more of those good memories on your up-coming trip.

And lastly, a personal promise to self to appreciate and be grateful for all our good fortunes.

God bless
Posted By: Todd

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/16/2021 03:46 PM

That is a tough read, and I read it three times and can only state what Pat already has. I wish the best for you and your family.
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/16/2021 04:00 PM

Todd--times 3.
Posted By: Biturbo

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/16/2021 04:44 PM

We haven't experienced all of these, but they sound like wonderful memories. Best wishes for your upcoming trip(s), and may more great memories be made.
Posted By: RM5 LI

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/16/2021 07:56 PM

That was definitely a tough read and I also agree with Pat. Positive thoughts and prayers for you. Enjoy your upcoming time on the island. God Bless!
Posted By: sugarae

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/17/2021 01:00 PM

Tammy I can truthfully say that you are in my prayers. Sugarae and I had a very special trip to the island in March of 2013. we dedicated that trip to " WE ' time. I'll ALLWAYS have my memories. God bless.
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/17/2021 01:04 PM

John--has sugarae been gone since 2013? Wow.
Posted By: sugarae

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/17/2021 01:17 PM

Yes Carol but it seems like yesterday. I've been back to the island many time and love it but it can be hard at times. I'll be back for ST. Patrick's day again in 2022.
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/17/2021 01:23 PM

Wow, time flies, John. Take care..
Posted By: sugarae

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/17/2021 01:26 PM

Thank you Carol.
Posted By: LovesSXM

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/17/2021 04:06 PM

Tammy, sorry to learn of your diagnosis/prognosis. Best wishes for your return to your happy place.

While we have enjoyed great meals all over the island and especially in Grand Case, two memorable meals in Marigot stand out. On our first visit more than twenty years ago, eating a grilled lobster dinner on the plaza outside Bar de la Mer. It was as delicious as it was inexpensive. On a rainy evening maybe ten years later, we were with Club O friends in La Vie en Rose and the only patrons in the restaurant when the power went out. They were limited in what they could prepare, but we all enjoyed the most delicious champagne sauce sea bass dinners in their candle lit dining room.

Many great memories spent at the Club O beach, but especially remember happy hour at the Perch bar. Willie introduced us to "Cadillacs", a margarita topped with Grand Marnier. Somehow it tastes best au naturale looking out at the beautiful waters of Baie Orientale.
Posted By: mort

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/17/2021 05:12 PM

Eating at the original Johnny B's Under The Tree. Local radio station announcing the obituaries as we ate!
Posted By: Tammy

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/17/2021 06:14 PM

Thank You all for prayers and kind words of support.
I had an awful night and morning.

Happy to remember everything seems to taste great in my 'birthday suit'. Loved Willie's mudslides and strawberry daiquiris and French fries from the Perch.
She once made me a '? cochon'. She called it cleaning of the little piggy - supposedly the best hang over cure.

How is the new bartender?
Posted By: islandgem

Re: Favorite St. Maarten Memory - 07/18/2021 03:33 PM

May God grant you the strength to visit and enjoy your next planned trip to SXM. My thoughts and prayers are with you on your journey.
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