So, we're here! After booking about 9 months ago, today we finally landed on the shores of St Barts.
We stayed last night at a hotel in Toronto near the airport, and this morning got on the plane. The flight was fairly uneventful and we landed right on time around 4pm in St Maarten. Getting through immigration was a breeze (they only asked one question). Our taxi we had booked ahead was a no-show, but we quickly got another taxi and headed off towards Oyster Pond for the Voyager ferry. We only drove a few minutes and got caught in stop and go traffic. We were worried we might not make it to the ferry, but in the end we had lots of time. The taxi drive was almost an hour, but that still left us with over an hour before the ferry would leave.
We had a quick snack at a little bar at the docks, called the Dinghy Dock Bar, and then we walked down the dock just as the ferry was pulling in. The ferry ride was about as bad as people had stated. At first the bouncing around was kind of fun, but it didn't take long for us to feel really nauseated. About 2/3rds of the way there, my wife couldn't take it anymore and ended up losing the snack we had just had, plus the orange juice they served us on the boat. The staff on the ferry were very nice and helpful, and helped us go outside to the back of the ferry, where it did feel a bit better, for the last few minutes of the ride.
We docked at Gustavia, and, again immigration was a breeze - they didn't even talk to us; they just stamped our passport and waved us through. Jean-Philippe and the car rental agent met us right when we got off. I was originally going to drive, but I was still feeling quite sick from the ferry ride, and my wife, now with a more emptied, settled stomach, felt ok to drive. Driving ended up being quite the adventure right away, with the narrow streets and steep hills, especially at night - we still haven't even seen the island in the daytime yet.
We arrived at Salines Garden, and wow, what a lovely place! There is only currently one other couple staying here right now, so Jean-Philippe upgraded us to a room with a kitchenette for free! He asked us if we wanted any recommendations for supper, but we told him we already planned on going to Andy's Hideaway for the first supper.
So after getting a bit settled in, we headed out to Andy's Hideaway. It actually is hidden away a bit, and at night was a bit tricky to find, but this island is pretty small and it didn't take too much effort. We had a campagnarde pizza and the green salad to share, and they were both delicious, and we had plenty to take home for leftovers. He gave us shots of vanilla rum to cap things off (our first taste of it - yummy!)
After our meal, we decided to take a little walk to St Jean beach, and by then, it's already getting late, and we had a very long tiring day, so we made our way back to our little cottage, where we are right now.
A long, adventurous day, and we're looking forward to the next week on this wonderful little island!
We stayed last night at a hotel in Toronto near the airport, and this morning got on the plane. The flight was fairly uneventful and we landed right on time around 4pm in St Maarten. Getting through immigration was a breeze (they only asked one question). Our taxi we had booked ahead was a no-show, but we quickly got another taxi and headed off towards Oyster Pond for the Voyager ferry. We only drove a few minutes and got caught in stop and go traffic. We were worried we might not make it to the ferry, but in the end we had lots of time. The taxi drive was almost an hour, but that still left us with over an hour before the ferry would leave.
We had a quick snack at a little bar at the docks, called the Dinghy Dock Bar, and then we walked down the dock just as the ferry was pulling in. The ferry ride was about as bad as people had stated. At first the bouncing around was kind of fun, but it didn't take long for us to feel really nauseated. About 2/3rds of the way there, my wife couldn't take it anymore and ended up losing the snack we had just had, plus the orange juice they served us on the boat. The staff on the ferry were very nice and helpful, and helped us go outside to the back of the ferry, where it did feel a bit better, for the last few minutes of the ride.
We docked at Gustavia, and, again immigration was a breeze - they didn't even talk to us; they just stamped our passport and waved us through. Jean-Philippe and the car rental agent met us right when we got off. I was originally going to drive, but I was still feeling quite sick from the ferry ride, and my wife, now with a more emptied, settled stomach, felt ok to drive. Driving ended up being quite the adventure right away, with the narrow streets and steep hills, especially at night - we still haven't even seen the island in the daytime yet.
We arrived at Salines Garden, and wow, what a lovely place! There is only currently one other couple staying here right now, so Jean-Philippe upgraded us to a room with a kitchenette for free! He asked us if we wanted any recommendations for supper, but we told him we already planned on going to Andy's Hideaway for the first supper.
So after getting a bit settled in, we headed out to Andy's Hideaway. It actually is hidden away a bit, and at night was a bit tricky to find, but this island is pretty small and it didn't take too much effort. We had a campagnarde pizza and the green salad to share, and they were both delicious, and we had plenty to take home for leftovers. He gave us shots of vanilla rum to cap things off (our first taste of it - yummy!)
After our meal, we decided to take a little walk to St Jean beach, and by then, it's already getting late, and we had a very long tiring day, so we made our way back to our little cottage, where we are right now.
A long, adventurous day, and we're looking forward to the next week on this wonderful little island!