TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Arrived in Paradise!

JB BOS arrived half hour early. 3rd couple in one for immigration breezed thru out door to meet Leslie. After kiss & hug & paperwork we were on our way. Drove straight to Grand Case to have lunch at Sunset Cafe and get that feeling that comes when we drive thru Savane over the hill and the sea opens up to us.

Created like old friends even tho we're not staying there this year. Hubby had grouper and I had shrimp in a coconut curry sauce---delicious! With wine bill was $44.

Decided to drive from GC toward Orient to see if the road block was in place. Clear sailing. We could see wrecked vehicles pulled to the side of the road and some borders but nothing more. Down the middle road to P'Burg and on to Divi. Got to check in early so we decide to drive back to Grand Marche for the basics. That evening we had baguette, Edam cheese and white wine then fell into bed and slept the whole night.

This morning, after church the plan was to drive to Marigot eat then stop at Super U. Not only did we not make church but we got to Marigot in time for lunch knowing the market would soon close we decided on lunch in Marina Royal at Le Main et Le Pate. We decided on the Grouper (if hubby keeps eating it he'll soon look like one) and accra for appetizer. Again with wine. After eating went to Sarafina's for chocolate mousse.

Returned to Divi thru Cole Bay, deciding tomorrow we'd try to get to Super U. Upon arrival found one of our bathrooms flooded, toilet leaking. Management said it's because of all the rain and they send someone to fix it. Later, we heard noise. Went to the door to find a bucket and a mop. I guess they expect us to clean it ourselves. We contacted the front desk. Excuse was because it's Sunday they can't get anyone until tomorrow. I guess the good luck we've had so far just ran out!

So full from lunch (and we have more dessert from Sarafina ) think we might stay in again this evening and have some of the Roti chicken we bought or make a salad---with more wine of course.

Entertainment tonight at Divi is Barbwire Band. Maybe we'll check it out.

I'd be a bit concerned about a toilet leaking due to rain. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/sorry.gif" alt="" />

I agree. The water is at the base of the toilet & not coming from anywhere on the upper parts. It hasn't been flushed so that's not it. Hubby think they replaced the toilet and re used the ring instead of getting a new one. But then, he's not a plumber! Fortunately, we have a 2nd bathroom to use until someone shows up. If not then I'll ask for a room change.

Forgot to add to this post that in Marigot we saw the blue marked areas for parking but saw only one car with the timer unit on the dashboard. Most of the waterfront is marked blue, and some spaces internally. But we didn't see any blue marks by the mall after Anguilla ferry dock or further down towards the Yacht Club.

Supposedly, people have until the end of the month to get their units after that police will issue tickets.

Did you get a blue disk with your rental?

That's worse. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Spook.gif" alt="" />

Hopefully they will fix it in the morning.

OK I am confused; we parked in the marina in Marigot last week & noticed all the blue parking lots. I commented to my husband that this was a handicapped parking space & he said I don't think so - they're all blue. So we just parked? What's this about units & issuing tickets, etc. I guess I didn't get the memo!

as of yesterday, when we arrived to pick up our car from AAA, the blue disks have NOT been given to the rental car companies yet.

We did NOT get a disc with our rental Leslie said the actual start date will be April 1 that March is to give people time to get on board.

The idea is to limit parking time because of complaints nothing ever available. Businesses are urged to have their help park in a lot beyond the yacht club on road leading to Grand Case and they will be bussed into town.

We parked in a blue space with no problem (and no disc). Talked to a business owner and they said they though it would be just another govt screw up that instead of helping it would hurt because tourists, the spenders, will not park.

In town, especially near the police station there were lots of "white" spaces empty. But then it was on Sunday. But all the waterfront, near the marketplace was marked blue---not the handicap blue, just the lines that designated the space.

We were told all rental companies will get one disc per car and it will be their responsibility to explain it to customers. As of April 1 if you don't have a timer or your timer goes over 1:45 you will get a ticket or a tow.

Personally, I feel if a cop is patrolling to ticket then why have disc. Couldn't the tire be chalked or something? Also, wouldn't it be better use of police for crime other than parking infringement? IMO

PS the toilet is no longer a problem. Don't know what was done while we were out. Doesn't look disturbed at all. Floor dry. Hey maybe it really was all the rain?

Enjoy your trip......good food, good drinks, good times and good health. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

La Main a la Pate! Michael and I ate there several times during our trip. Pascal is a hoot! Hubby said that the mussels with curry were the best he has ever had.

I'm rather surprised that Divi would just leave the bucket and mop. And then to hear it was because no one was there???? As a Divi owner, I'd have written a letter to corporate about that. There is no way you should be required to clean that up.

At least it will have a police presence that is sorely needed in that area.

I don't know if 1:45 is enough time to enjoy a dinner and get back to the car in time especially if it's a group. I'd hate to have to be mindful about getting to the car in time as it takes some of the enjoyment out of the evening.

They say you can just move and reset the card if more time is needed. I'm not sure if they could actually tell if you just reset the clock and not moved unless they chalked the tire.

What? Move from a perfectly good parking lot & reset what? This is not going to work. Good-bye French side - good-bye Tropicana - my love!