TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Day 9 Last Full Day

Today is our last full day.

Thanks for taking the journey with us.

We had scoped out several pharmacies on the French side earlier this week to see who would be open and where they were located.  All pharmacies at least on the French side were closed so we knew we had to go tomorrow.  Pharmacie Soualiga on Rue Kennedy was the only one giving the COVID test today.  We were told hours are from 9 – 11a and bring your passport. The test is free.  We arrived at 8:25 to a line of about 20 people in front of us.  The process was very slow; one woman took your passport and a form they provided you had to fill out with name, email, home address, date of birthday.  She was the same person who administered the test and then handed it off to someone else who did the results.  The woman who did the testing was also the one who came out in 15-20 minutes to return your passport along with paper work.  She was working nonstop.  She had a tip jar with no money in it. Terrible that people wouldn’t tip her especially since the service is free at the pharmacy.

We were so relieved when our results were negative.  Even though we wore masks and dined outdoors you just never know if you are exposed.  The whole process from start to finish took 2 hours. 

We spent the rest of the day at Kontiki.  Great beach day, not much wind and the waves were manageable where I was comfortable swimming.  Lunch was in their dining area.  Ate a delicious burger with fries and David got a fried chicken, bacon wrap.  We definitely could have split one meal as we left half of each meal behind.  We split an appetizer which we weren’t all that fond of.  It was a Stracciatella with rosemary focaccia but the bread was more like toast points with dried herbs sprinkled on them.  The best thing about the dish was these small yellow pieces of cauliflower that had the most delectable flavor.  I think they were pickled.

A pretty young woman was modeling several outfits which were really pretty and looked wonderful on her.  She modeled them throughout the dining area and onto the beach in front of Kontiki.  She told us we could purchase the clothes from a store in Orient Village. 

Departed the beach around 4 pm and heading to Yacht club.  We met a couple who owns at the Royal Palm and said the place was full. 

Sandbar for dinner, sushi lover’s platter was enough for the two of us.  Finished with a cappuccino soft serve ice cream.  We had the pleasure of listening to What The Funk .  Awesome foursome performed 2 years at Buc’s Halloween party.  Found out they play at the Red Piano. 

Heading home tomorrow

Safe travels home today Louise. Will be thinking of you. Thank you for all the pictures and daily reports.

We missed you and Billy. Buona Pasqua

thanks for the beautiful pictures and all the reports. Safe travels home!

I have enjoyed your trip completely and wish your travels home to be easy and uneventful.

Thanks for all the reports and pictures!

We have enjoyed it so much..

Buona Pasque!!!

Have a pleasant flight!!!

Thank you all check in was easy at 11a. Make sure you download and print form to return to US. It’s on the EHAS site. They take the form so can’t give you exact name but it cuts down on checking in. If everyone had form we would have been through JB check in even quicker

OK, thanks. Makes sense to print out everything, to make things easier.

We did not have the form before arriving at airport. All it is is Print your name, sign your name and check box that you have proof you tested negative. Took less than 30 seconds to be on our way. Very easy, and don't fret if you don't have it on arrival. They have plenty.

I disagree there were many large families which definitely slowed the process even though there was minimal info to fill out.

You have a great camera. Is that a real camera or a phone?

It’s an iPhone 11.

I have a Nikkon 3400 but after not capturing great photos every time I wanted something full proof. I have lots of cameras, Pentex, Minolta lenses but don’t want to travel with the extra weight nor worry about lugging around.

Thank you for liking my photos

Louise - what is the return to US form??? When we flew home in March we were on Delta. We just showed them our negative test and we were on our way.

That's all you need till you get to immigration back home.

You do need to fill out an attestation form. They have them at the resorts and at the airport. Here is the form:

Link