Not Your Ordinary Day on The Beach!

Several years ago I sat on the beach, minding my own business.  Something I readily admit I rarely do.  Book in my hand, surf at my side, and a perfect front row chair to watch the world pass by in perfect bliss on Orient Beach.

I had drifted off to sleep, letting the surf and sand gravity have its way with me.  I was nudged softly out of my slumber by the timid giggling voices of several young ladies moving about in close proximity to my chair.  I woke from my daydream to see a photographer and his handmaid setting up lights, reflectors, and slave lighting literally 5′ from my chair.

Normally, photographers setting up around me is enough

Miss Caraibes Hibiscus

to make me break out in beads of a cold self-incriminating sweat.  But no, to my satisfaction, I discovered that they were not setting up to photograph moi.  And, to my complete and utter delight, I discovered that I now had the envious spot of front row seat for the annual Miss Caraibes Hibiscus photo shoot!  Guys were starting to line up to take turns at my chaise.

As 20 – 25 bathing suit clad beauties pranced around our umbrella, I glanced aside, through the periphery of my sunglasses, to find my adorable bride, still soundly asleep.  Not wanting to interrupt her of her quiet time, and more importantly not wanting to be caught in the act, I quietly sorted through our belongings looking for my camera.  Danggit!  Back at the room, of all the stupid amateur moves.

Lining up for a turn in the spotlight

So I raced, with all fervor, post haste back to the room, and returning, I found the shoot still well in stride.  I also discovered that nearly every male within the entirety of Orient Baie also had their cameras at the ready and were now squarely blocking the view from my chair:(  I swear, some people really need to take some beach etiquette lessons.  But alas I did get enough of an opportunity, that I could ultimately produce adequate evidence to go with my story of a fantastic Day At The Beach.

The Big Finale

Founded in 1990, this international beauty contest for all Caribbean countries is held annually on St. Martin.  For a list of all the past Title Holders see Complete List.  You can also follow the organization on Facebook at Miss Caraibes Hibiscus.

So take our word of advice, never allow yourself to fall into a deep sleep while dozing in the sands, you just might miss something.  And most importantly, never head to the beach without your camera.  Again, you might miss something!

Live the Life,
JVbytheSea

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A New Perspective on a St. Maarten Legend

Recently we published a story on artist and dear friend Ruby Bute.  This legend of the islands is so full of character, that it truly cannot be told in a single writing.  As a writer, poet, artist, and storyteller, to write the complete and authoritative biography of Ruby would be a daunting task.

Our story sought to introduce the general public to the

Artist Ruby Bute at work

artist and her vast talent in painting and sketching.  We chose to learn about her introduction into the world of creative arts.  Recently however we were contacted by a writer from Gadling who was writing from a different perspective.  Gadling is a compilation blog from writers at The Huffington Post.

The writer, Elizabeth Seward, was working on a blog post on St. Maarten’s Ruby Bute, and wanted use of some of our pictorial records of Ruby.  We were happy to oblige, and even more interested to see this writer’s perspective on our friend.  Check out the Gadling story Ruby Bute: A Caribbean Legend, and get another perspective on Ruby Bute.

Elizabeth Seward's Gadling blog posting

Live the Life,
JVbytheSea

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Packing Tip #1, Don’t -Buy Local Instead

We’re really not the sophisticated expert packing kind.  None of those fancy folding devices for us.  In actuality we’re more about stuffing it all in, and then getting on with the exploring part of our trips.  But we have done two weeks in France and Italy with just carry on, so perhaps we have a little more expertise than we are willing to admit to.

So as a true team player, we’re going to share with you, our real insider #1 Packing Tip.  This is our favorite mantra, that we just can’t stress enough.  And that is…… Don’t Pack It, Buy It Instead!  Simply put, we prefer to travel light and footloose.  So instead of packing it, we adopt the motto to travel where you will, and buy when we get there.

It may be just a t-shirt, perhaps a new pair of board shorts, or as in the case of my lovely associate, a nice dress of envious French fashion, always makes for great souvenirs.  I’ll often stop in the boutique of a nice Beach Bar and pick out a compelling T.  Here are a few of our recent additions as an example.

Sunset Dining at Calmos Cafe, St. Martin

 

One of our favorite stops on St. Martin is the small Calmos Cafe in Grand Case.  We love dining beachfront with our feet in the sand and watching the spectacular Caribbean sunset.  And what’s not to love about the carefree attitude and motto “C’est la Vie!”

 

A Favorite Breakfast Stop, Mr. Busby's, St. Maarten

We always love breakfasts when we travel.  It is truly a time when the locals guard is down and you get a short glimpse behind the veil.  From small coffee shops in Italy to a seaside breakfast in the islands, I love to watch the day awaken with the locals.  Here’s a shirt that reminds me of one of my favorite breakfasts in St. Maarten.  I love to relax with St. Bart’s in the horizon.

Team Goldendog, From Island 92 Radio

Some of our additions remind us of a really great story.  Like this one from Island 92 Radio in St. Maarten.  Arriving on island I opened my bag to see that the TSA had inspected my bag, and obviously forgot to place my shirts back inside.  With nothing but the shirt on my back we stopped to say hello to our friend Soc at Island 92.  Hearing my sad tale he dug into the closet of refugees and gave me a few promotional tees.  After two weeks of dragging the TSA through the mud while on island, I returned home to find my shirts still hanging in my closet!  We had a good laugh, and I got a few free tees in the process.

Looking like the Staff, Kakao Beach Bar, St. Martin

My personal favorite however happens to be the story of a waiter at Hawksbill Beach Resort in Antigua.  I complimented him one evening on this awesome shirt in the brilliant Caribbean colors.  The next evening as were seated for dinner, a small packet was delivered table-side.  In it was a nice new shirt!

I no longer have that shirt, but this one from Kakao Beach Bar in St. Martin is a close substitute.  Whenever I don it I feel compelled to take orders and bus tables!

So there you have it, my No. 1 tip for packing.  So remember, as you laying all your clothing out in preparation for your next big trip, toss half of it back and Buy Local!  Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna go look for that shirt from Antigua.  “Honey, where’s the shirt that waiter gave me…”  This can’t end good!

Live the Life,
JVbytheSea

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Petanque, The Perfect Beach Sport

Recently, while on the island of Antigua we were joined for the day by friends who had recently set anchor in the bay with their well-traveled sailing yacht.  Sitting on beautiful Pigeon Beach, we felt a passing urge to be somewhat more active, but only slightly more so.  Stuart asked if I wanted to play a game the French frequently use to while away the hours, called Petangue.  Well truthfully it was I who first asked, but it makes for a far better story, and sounds far less foolish on my part, to say that Stuart challenged me.

Now admittedly, the French game of Petanque, is something I know very little about, actually nothing.  But I do have a great deal of the traditional American competitive spirit within, and my blind spot for personal shortcomings aides considerably in my willing spirit.  So with virtually no knowledge of the game, no conceivable talent that may translate well, and literally no practice whatsoever, I proudly accepted the challenge.

Petangue is the French version of the more commonly known Italian Bocce, or the British Bolles. The nice thing about Petangue is that it can easily be played while holding your favorite drink or refreshment of the day, something that readily got my attention under the hot tropical sun.  The game is played by tossing a small ball, called a coushette, approximately 15-20 feet to a soft, directionless landing.  You then take a larger croquette sized ball and attempt to get your ball to land closer to the coushette than your opponent’s ball.  Four balls are used per competitor, and there you have the basics.  A single point is awarded for each ball you get closer than your opponent.

The Rookie

I’m not really sure if all the slanderous comments and jibing were requisite, or if these were just voluntary assaults on my character, tossed about purely for my pleasure, but it did seem to add to the general good times and fun in the sand.

Stuart Proudfoot putting me to shame. (Artist Helen Mussell in the background)

After just a few ventings at an offending overhanging branch that had frequently set it’s sights on my ball, I actually made good progress. Fifteen points are required to win a game, and best 3 out of 5 games wins the match. As you may guess, Stuart handily won the match, and while my 2-3 showing wasn’t the stellar report I was hoping for, the effort wasn’t the most embarrassing thing I’ve done in my life either. Perhaps more on that will come in a later post!  In the final analysis we highly recommend this as a quiet, fun beach-time activity with friends. Nothing like killing time limin in the islands!

Live the Life,
JVbytheSea

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Photo Essay -St. Martin

For the last 13 years we have come to discover, nay fall in love with, a variety of the beautiful islands of the Caribbean.  Some offer a wealth of pristine beaches, others feature more dining and casino options, and yet all seem to have a wealth of abundant sunshine and tropical weather.  But, some things just seem to fit like Cinderella’s slipper.

For us, we continue to find we are drawn to the variety that St. Maarten/St. Martin has to offer.  After fifteen (15) visits, we now feel like we are slipping into a routine as soon as we disembark.  From a variety of nightlife options, to it’s wealth of gastronomic offerings, to its gorgeous beaches and landscapes, its 37 square miles has a great balance of what you seek in a vacation getaway.  Follow along as we offer a photographic glimpse at The Friendly Island!

The Marigot Market is a weekly hub of activity.

The Old Courthouse is a favorite photo-op among Philipsburg shoppers.

Watching the incoming air traffic at Princess Juliana, and yes they really do come in this close! Courtesy Wayfaring Travel Guide www.wayfaring.info

Cul De Sac is the home to the infamous Ma Doudou 'factory'.

Orient Beach, one of the world's most famous beaches.

Caribbean color and climate abound!

St. Maarten serves as a perfect Home Base for day trips to Anguilla, Antigua, Saba, St. Bart’s, St. Kitts and beyond!

Our favorite island hideaway, Happy Bay. Aptly named we think!

While that is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg, we hope we have whetted your whistle.  The dual nation island of St. Maarten/St. Martin is a diverse and inviting island.  Feel free to comment or to drop us a line with any questions about this little gem.  We love talking about our 2nd home!

Live the Life,
JVbytheSea

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