Canoa - A favorite, especially the Canoa Appetizer. Here's their Blacken Mahi Mahi.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483327813/in/photostream/and their Chicken Skew -
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483328423/in/photostream/BZH Creperie – Following dinner at Canoa, we needed a little special dessert. BZH was the solution.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483326285/in/photostream Betty tried the Honey/Almond,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484420060/in/photostream/ I had the hot chocolate,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484420526/in/photostream/ So tempting, I almost forgot the picture.Both crepes were 7E.
Happy Hours, Things, and Stuff -
Our first week of this trip was kind of peaceful(lazy). As mentioned, we had breakfast one day with Jeannie, and lunch one day with Board member, Dina.
We bought groceries at Grand Marche in Cole Bay.
St Maarten Yacht Club(SMYC) (4) – First visit had Coconut Shrimp, $11. with a beer and coke. No service charge. It was a Sunday afternoon and we saw a nice group of boats come through the bridge.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484474686/in/photostream http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484474044/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483380029/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484472944/in/photostream/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483378983/in/photostream/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484471770/in/photostream/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483377811/in/photostream/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484470574/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484469968/in/photostream/Some already moored.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484468534/in/photostream/The bridge had gone down and we were starting to walk to our car when the bridge gates came down again and the bridge went up.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484467888/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483373961/in/photostream/The Limitless was coming in. SO impressive to stand there and watch his baby.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483373337/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483372741/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484465408/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483371585/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483370913/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484463752/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483369881/in/photostream/One visit we went to the outgoing. Only one noteworthy.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484453538/in/photostreamOn another visit we went on Friday for both in and out going. A good show.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483357055/in/photostreamhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483356497/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483355927/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483355325/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483354785/in/photostream/While we waited for the incoming we enjoyed SMYC'sPizza bread
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483353155/in/photostream/Here's a menu of Happy Hour snacks and their specials, which you could easily make a meal from.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483353645/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484447994/in/photostream/We were rewarded for waiting with this beauty.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483352559/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484445780/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484445274/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483351003/in/photostream/We also took brother Bob to an in and outgoing show.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483319899/in/photostreamhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484412434/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483318585/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483318015/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483317515/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484410274/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484409258/in/photostream/In between openings we had a few bites. Their grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484400310/in/photostream/and their Loaded Potatoes
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484399768/in/photostream/ Bob had the Jerk Chicken Wrap
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484399294/in/photostream/ Here's the incoming that evening.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483315467/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483314855/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483314333/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483313857/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484406680/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484406082/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484405540/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484404960/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483311217/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483310685/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484403126/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483309521/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484402066/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484401534/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484400868/in/photostream/It was an impressive afternoon of boats.
We watched the Super Bowl or at least the first half at
Maggi's Sports Bar, right next to Dinghy Dock. Here's Maggi at Maggi's.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484438378/in/photostream/ For Superbowl, they had a bowl of 8 dry-rubbed ribs for $6. and a plate of 10 chicken wings for $5. Presidents beer were $1. There were other deals too.
We met Bruce and Susan, Dave and Britt on Orient at
Orange Fever. Here's some of them trying fresh coconut milk and listening to the coconut man.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483345339/in/photostream/http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483345921/in/photostream/We attended Contessa's Party at the Dream Bar. Here's Bruce and Susan trying the Dream Bar's version of a BBC.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484426974/in/photostream/We stopped by
Bernadine's store in Paradise View and made a donation for her kitties and dogs.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483330043/in/photostream/Here's one of her cats sleeping with his tongue out.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484422878/in/photostream/ The view from her place is wonderful.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483329047/in/photostream/ We attended
Harmony Night. That day the forecast was for rain and winds, so before we got there they had cancelled the official Night. Most vendors were still open, just no bands or floats.
We visited the
Marigot Market several times. A jewelry artist, Tessa Urbanowicz, had created a blue enameled pendant which we had bought a couple years ago.
http://s216.beta.photobucket.com/us...lry/IMGP0698.jpg.html?sort=3&o=2 We were hoping that she could create a set of earrings to match the pendant. On the third try, we made contact and agreed on what could be made. She'll work on it this year and we'll pick it up in November probably.
For the past couple years we have spent an afternoon with good friends, Paul and Carol at their home, and pool. We call it the
JAPEC International Chinese Swim Club. We always pick up chinese food from their favorite place,
Happy Island, in Cole Bay, next to the Burger King. My friend , Mei,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484415440/in/photostream/ tends the counter. Here
with her new helper,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483321577/in/photostream/. We get the sweet /sour chicken,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484414314/in/photostream/ . This is $10. and comes with way more rice than you can eat.
My brother got the eggs rolls.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484413780/in/photostream/ You know Betty and I love desserts. Because this was such a “lazy “ trip, we only made
the Carousel twice this trip. My flavor choices were Bailey's with chocolate bits one trip and Crème Brulee the other trip. Betty had the Snickers flavor one trip Can't remember the other.
SXM Lovers Get Together – This party has been growing each year. This year, even with 25 no-shows, we had 104 people attend. Anyone who loves SXM is invited. People came from the four SXM Travel Boards I post on, and well as residents/business people of SXM, as well as owners from OBBR.
Philippe and the Captain Olivers staff put out an impressive spread of snacks and appetizers.http://s216.beta.photobucket.com/user/sxmnorm/media/SXM%20Lovers%20Get%20Together%20Feb4%202013/IMGP1153_zpsf8dad4a2.jpg.html?sort=3&o=33
http://s216.beta.photobucket.com/user/sx...sort=3&o=32 The last couple years we held this event at the Iguana Bar which is located at the far end of Captain Oliver's restaurant. It has a great view and usually nice breeze. This year was no exception.
http://s216.beta.photobucket.com/user/sx...sort=3&o=34 Here's a link to the people pictures.
http://s216.beta.photobucket.com/user/sx...fromLegacy=true Thanks to all who attended.
I visited the
SXM History Museum in Phillipsburg.
http://museumsintmaarten.org/ While talking to the lady at the desk, I was telling her about the Boy Scouts in St Louis who are interviewing and videoing veterans about their war experiences. I memtioned, that I thought it would be a great idea if SXM students would do a similar thing with older residents of SXM. She said that , if fact, the Museum is in the process of doing just that, and are also looking to interview and tape long time visitors to SXM for their stories and the changes they've seen.
Art In The Park – We are lucky that the weeks we visit SXM fall when they have the annual Art In The Park event.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483302239/in/photostream/ Always enjoy the variety of art and crafts. We left around $100. at various booths.
As already posted, we did a Happy Hour at the new
Boca Marina.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483395389/in/photostream/ This is the old Uncle Harry's. We only sampled their Chicken Wings,
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483396441/in/photostream/ . The main menu was being changed the next day with a new Italian Chef. Here's the bar menu.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484386586/in/photostream/ Drinks are ½ price during HH from 3-6pm.
We visited the
Princess, Atlantis, Tropicana, and
Dunes Casinos. We probably prefer the Atlantis and Princess. The Dunes was good as a place to watch for my brother's plane to land. Tried the Tropicana just because we hadn't been there in five or six years. Still not a favorite.
The Causeway across the Lagoon is making good progress. When it'll be finished brings a six month variety of ansers.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483299767/in/photostream/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484427524/in/photostream/Indigo Development on Cole Bay Hill just below the Bethal stand. Has life and making progress finally.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483301235/in/photostream/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484394826/in/photostream/ La Bamba - reopened and we were able toenjoy the Category 5 band , at least once on this trip. Food service was not available though.
If you're looking for a beautiful, sandy, and long beach, check out
Simpson Bay beach here, looking towards Karacters and the airport.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483302713/in/photostream/ Always lots of yachts to see.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484396410/in/photostream/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8483304275/in/photostream/ Not real crowded.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484396878/in/photostream/ Just a few pics of Simpson Bay.http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484429920/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484428080/in/photostream/ A final look at Oyster Bay's pool after an afternoon shower cleared the deck and the staff made it ready for tomorrow.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484456280/in/photostream/And a pretty clear view of St Barts from OBBR.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/11945697@N05/8484456862/in/photostream/ It was another great trip. A little lazier than some. Thanks to all who have posted info and pics and contributed to our enjoyment of St Maarten/St Martin. Hope this report is helpful to some in return.
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