Christmas in St. Maarten and St. Martin

 

Sandy & Sandy
The people here are sure nice...and some of the best are named Sandy.
This fellow's daughter has a bar/restaurant she named after me and her dad.
Ok...just her dad.

After we anchored in St. Maartin's Simpson Bay Lagoon, we spent time on shore in both the Dutch and French sides. The 1st day, we visited a chandlery (a marine parts store) on the Dutch side. I was like a kid in a candy store! There were sooo many things we could've picked up and the prices were good (as far as Caribbean prices go.) Jim and Connie decided on a new dinghy, since there other one was getting tired. Karen and I walked over to a dive shop and picked up new shorty wet suits and other gear with Xmas $ from her mom and dad. (We'll model them for you in a future blog) Karen looks hot in hers...she said I look like a sexy walrus. Thanks mom and dad.

Some folks get a little "wound up" when coming through the bridge
and we all get to enjoy it! These guys must've had too much Patron!

Some views of Marigot, St. Martin (French side.) On Christmas eve, Karen, Jim, Connie and I walked around Marigot. According to Jim and Connie, since they were here last (about 5 years ago) the town is nicer with many improvements and a facelift to a lot of the storefronts. We stopped in for a nice drink at small corner bar, then had a nice dinner at one of the marina-side restaurants. MMM good! The girls and Jim still rave about their great salads. I told them they were full of lettuce. 

Connie and Jim Priebe, sunset in Marigot, St. Martin



Yes, I still make pies. My piemaking abilities are a
tribute to my mother...everyone thanks you, Mom!

On Christmas morning, Connie and Karen made some fixins' for our evening meal and I made an apple/pear pie. Jim kept us all in libations. That evening, Ann and Bob Todd (anchored next to us on s/v Jule III) joined our merry crew for dinner. Yes, everyone...we had a traditional-style meal: turkey/stuffing, mashed potatoes/gravy, broccoli/rice casserole and deviled eggs...and pie.


Karen sure is enjoying the view of Simpson Bay Lagoon,
St. Maartin (Dutch side) from s/v Plane to Sea,
Jim and Connie's record-setting Jenneau 50' sailboat



We hope you all had a wonderful, peaceful Christmas and will enjoy a prosperous 2011