TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Trip Report Days 1, 2, and 3

Please forgive any typos in my report. I'm using my tablet, and the word processing software on it is horrible! Being the grammar nazi that I am, it pains me to post a report with errors, but I figured any report is better than none at all.

Our trip began with a 4 a.m. wake up although I was actually up at 3. After a short hop from New Bern to Charlotte, we met Todd and MJ on the way to our gate and stopped for celebratory libations. The flight to the island was smooth, and we arrived on time, picked up our rental from Myra at AAA, and arrived at La Vista Beach around an hour after landing. After that first "Aaah" moment, assisted by a vodka club thanks to Jeannie at Shop and Drop, we unpacked, showered, and headed down the hill for our traditional first evening at Buccaneer Beach Bar. On the way, we had another shower, this one unplanned, and arrived slightly drenched. After a drink and catching up with Bill, Elaine, and Linda Parker, the Benners and the Langstons went to The Palms for dinner. We were greeted like the royalty we are, and enjoyed a wonderful meal. Two of us had Greg's drunken ribs, one had the whole snapper, and one had shrimp curry. I had recommended The Palms to the young lady sitting next to me on the flight, and was delighted to see the family arrive. Her daughter had won the trip on Wheel of Fortune!

Sunday was a Dreams day, and it didn't disappoint. I know many don't like the beach there, but we think it's just fine, and the comfort, food, and service can't be beat. Bruno was there, and he has big plans to smooth the slope of the beach and make things even better there.

Lunch was fabulous, as usual. MJ had the sushi special, Todd the French burger, David the Explosive Pizza, and I had the duck. All were enjoyed with a lovely Bordeaux, and the live music of Amin and Delfine (I think that's the singer's name).

Sunday evening David and I stayed in, and I made a pasta meal using my leftover ribs from The Palms.

Monday David and I spent the day at Kakao. While enjoying a bloody Mary and conversation with GP, we were surprised by Brad (Wofan) and Lora, who had picked up Ann (AnnandSteve) along the way. Just as we were heading back to our chairs, Jimmy and Luda Wolf (Jimmy has a ttol name, but I can't recall it now), so we chatted with them for a while.

Lunch was an endive, pear, and blue cheese salad, with a pizza especiale, and a bottle of Sancerre. It gets no better! A short rain shower while we were eating did nothing to dampen our spirits.

We had planned to have dinner at Taco Macho, but finding it closed we decided on Bar Code. Since we had issued an online invitation to join us, a bit of scrambling ensued to make sure the new venue was known. In the end, we totalled nine people, added to the seven that were already there and two more who arrived a bit later. The impromptu gathering caused a bit of a headache for the restaurant staff, but they took it in stride. The group included Bill and Elaine, Ann and Steve, Linda Parker, Jeannie Gee, Linda Lehmann and her friend Donna, Karen O'day, Becky Capeloto, my high school friend Chad Gore and his wife Suzanne, their son James, Todd and MJ, and David and myself. And of course, flat Annie. Since Annie Sullivan isn't with us on the island in person this year, I made a cutout of her face, and we've been bringing her along on our adventures. It's been fun, and Annie has enjoyed seeing the photos from home

I had said I probably wouldn't go to Bar Code, as their menu seemed to be mostly burgers. It is, but they also have specials, and the moussaka I had last night was excellent. David wasn't very hungry so he just had some nachos. I'm not sure what everyone else had, as one group had finished eating before we arrived, and our group split up when we got too big for one table.

Thanks for the details Georgia. We heard about Bar Code too late into our trip so didn't have time to go. I love moussaka so will try to make time for it on a future trip.

I also dislike using my iPhone to create and upload reports but it's more than functional and a bit easier than using my Netbook. As you say even with some typos it's better than no report at all.

I saw "flat" Annie on FB. Hoping all is well with her.

Looking forward to your reports. Have fun.

The moussaka was a special, so don't count on it being available.

Thanks for the update and report. Bar Code is on my list for the next trip.

Great first few, Georgia, and you know how much we all enjoy them. Excited to learn Bruno has plans to improve his Beach - his food is so good but those who want to combine it with a great beach day often end up a little let down.

And re Barcode - we've only been there a few times but have always enjoyed whatever we've eaten and we just love the casual atmosphere.

Again, TY for sharing..... <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 for posting the report! Looking forward to hearing about the rest of the trip!

Thanks for sharing your first 3 days with us. We have had some lovely fish dishes at Bar Code in the past so I know they serve much more than burgers. It is a sports bar atmosphere at times so I guess burgers would be popular there. The salads were great as well.

We were all pleased with our meals, so will definitely be back. So many choices on the Dutch side now!

Thanks for the report.

Thanks for the report Georgia. Nice to meet you finally.

Once again, I'm so sorry we missed you.
I almost made it right before the airport, but was stopped by our property manager and was there for a while talking.
The last three days were a little off for me.

We went to Bar Code at the beginning of our vacation. I had a fish dinner --Mahi-Mahi and Rit had a shrimp special that was delicious.
I liked the peaceful atmosphere there.

Keep the reports coming..... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Another great report!

Would you be kind enough to tell us where Bar Code is? I'm sure someone has included it in a report, but I haven't seen that email. Thanks. Enjoy! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

It is in the Cupecoy area but off the main road. If you know where Fig used to be located, it is back and off of that road.

Bar Code is close to the medical school and the Summit Resort in the Cupecoy area.

Coming from Maho, turn right immediately in front of Rainbow. Bar Code is on the left, very soon after you turn.

Thanks. We will try to find it. We've gone past that road lots of times; now we'll make a right turn coming from Maho. Hope to see some of you there! Enjoy! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />

Here's a link to a map: https://goo.gl/maps/t9CkQbCFkwD2

It's on our list of new places to try since we are staying in Cupecoy this time. Also on our list is Escape in the old Fig location and Rendezvous Lounge in Porto Cupecoy.

Georgia, hope you meet you this trip. Will you be joining us for the Passaat sail on Tuesday?

Dustin

I'm not sure if we're going to make that or not. Tuesday has become a busy day, lol.

Norm, it was nice to finally meet you too! In all these years, our dates have never coincided until now.

Terry, sorry we couldn't make it work.