After our cruise to the BVI, we sadly left our beautiful catamaran and our new friends. Happily, however, we get to spend the rest of our vacation on the island of St. Martin.
St. Martin is an island of two nations, Dutch and French. 
When we were here 25 years ago we stayed on the Dutch side, focusing on the biggest town of Philipsburg. This time we’ll be based on the French side in a studio apartment overlooking Orient Bay.
Lauren had three more days with us before she had to return to the USA, so we wanted to see as much of the island before she had to leave.
First we filled up on groceries at a big supermarket on the Dutch side. Once settled into our new place we headed to the famed Maho Beach to watch the planes land at St. Martin’s airport. 
Maho is a small beach at the end of the runway and you can see and feel the aircraft up close upon approach and takeoff.
There are two cool bars on either side of the swath of sand and we experienced both.
On our second full day on the island we headed back to Philipsburg for some shopping. 
It was pretty warm, so after a few hours we needed a nap. Once we were refreshed we headed across the island to the village of Grand Case. 
Grand Case faces west and offers up spectacular sunsets every night. 
It’s also the gastronomic capital of St. Martin and is known for the lolos–the local BBQ restaurants located along the water. 
For $10 you get a huge plate of ribs (or chicken, snapper, steak, or pork) along with an assortment of yummy sides. $2 beers make them even more attractive . Lauren has become a fan of rosé. 
Just as we were heading to dinner we ran into Nancy and Richard, our sailing friends from Sweden. 
Together we enjoyed a great meal and conversation.
Lauren is on her way home now. Here’s a photo of her in the waiting area at the St. Martin airport. Yes, she’s outside. Hurricane Irma did a number on the old airport, so the facilities are improvised. 
We’ll miss having the little girl with us here on the island. She was a fun and easy traveling companion.
The rest of our week was spent sailing to iconic places like Cane Garden Bay, Anegada, and past Virgin-everything’s Richard Branson’s Necker Island. 
We had plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and rum drinking.
The food on our ship is incredible and our chef, Sandrine, has a knack for making everything beautiful while also tasty. 
Known as the place where the “painkiller” was invented, the relaxed beach bar is a must-stop for those sailing the BVI. 
Marnie and Steve Travel 