Island is not busy…

[yyuliya]

Hello, we just came back from island. We have been surprised that island is not busy at all… We have seen big differences even comparing to February 2024 ( year ago it was way busier) a lot of businesses have been closed since that time… felt like not hot season… which is good coz you can get anywhere you want without traffic and available parking.

 

[Max1030]

Hello, we just came back from island. We have been surprised that island is not busy at all… We have seen big differences even comparing to February 2024 ( year ago it was way busier) a lot of businesses have been closed since that time… felt like not hot season… which is good coz you can get anywhere you want without traffic and available parking.

This has been our observation as well. It is contradicting the recent island news reports of record breaking tourist numbers.

 

[cassidain]

interesting

 

[marybeth]

Our experience has been different. Arrived yesterday to lots of traffic around St. Jean. Maybe the Saturday turnover crowd, but it was very busy. Long line and no seats at Eden to Go. Last night we had to park near Segaco for dinner at Eddy’s. Petite Colombe, Choisy, and Bouchon lots full, as well as the one at Saline this AM.
i am expecting it to be busy this week due to the Presidents Day holiday.

 

[cec1]

Our experience has been different. Arrived yesterday to lots of traffic around St. Jean. Maybe the Saturday turnover crowd, but it was very busy. Long line and no seats at Eden to Go. Last night we had to park near Segaco for dinner at Eddy’s. Petite Colombe, Choisy, and Bouchon lots full, as well as the one at Saline this AM.
i am expecting it to be busy this week due to the Presidents Day holiday.

In spending the month of January on SBH, it was my experience that the island was very crowded . . . maybe depending on when / where one goes. (One tip . . . avoid the Super U on Saturday morning unless you want to see everyone you’ve ever met on SBH — it’s THE grocery shopping time of “locals,” with social klatches of men & women in every aisle (very reminiscent of the old “Coconut Telegraph” days).)

 

[cassidain]

it’s THE grocery shopping time of “locals,” with social klatches of men & women in every aisle (very reminiscent of the old “Coconut Telegraph” days).)

mon nouveau mot du jour ! merci bien, monsieur

 

[Max1030]

On island now and depending on location and hour of day it definitely influences how busy it appears.
Compared to last year it does not seem as congested.
Reservations still possible and parking when needed. So all is well in Paradise.

 

[le_reve]

In spending the month of January on SBH, it was my experience that the island was very crowded . . . maybe depending on when / where one goes. (One tip . . . avoid the Super U on Saturday morning unless you want to see everyone you’ve ever met on SBH — it’s THE grocery shopping time of “locals,” with social klatches of men & women in every aisle (very reminiscent of the old “Coconut Telegraph” days).)

I hate going on Saturdays, and avoid it all costs! I love to go on the random weekday around 2pm, no one there and even parking in the front is usually available!

 

[cec1]

I hate going on Saturdays, and avoid it all costs! I love to go on the random weekday around 2pm, no one there and even parking in the front is usually available!

Great tip! Those spots in front are rarely available!

 

[davesmom]

mon nouveau mot du jour ! merci bien, monsieur

Cass, you are probably too young to remember “coffee klatches”!

 

[noel]

Our experience has been different. Arrived yesterday to lots of traffic around St. Jean. Maybe the Saturday turnover crowd, but it was very busy. Long line and no seats at Eden to Go. Last night we had to park near Segaco for dinner at Eddy’s. Petite Colombe, Choisy, and Bouchon lots full, as well as the one at Saline this AM.
i am expecting it to be busy this week due to the Presidents Day holiday.

We usually have luck finding a place back behind the Anglican Church.

 

[cec1]

Sounds about right—January is a busy time on SBH, especially during the high season. And you’re absolutely right about Super U on Saturday mornings, it turns into quite the social hub where everyone seems to catch up while doing their weekly shopping!

I actually like the Saturday morning scene at Super U . . . I don’t know a lot of the shoppers, but it brings a smile to my face to see the socialization that occurs. Young & old exchanging gossip, condolences, congratulations, & family stories. Definitely a time for catching up in the local world — far from global crises. For me, one of the Satutday morning highlights of shopping at the Super U is the meat counter. One of the butchers is about as proficient in English as I am in French — which is to say, limited — yet, we amusingly enjoy the banter that always leads me to nice choices.

 

[cec1]

I actually like the Saturday morning scene at Super U . . . I don’t know a lot of the shoppers, but it brings a smile to my face to see the socialization that occurs. Young & old exchanging gossip, condolences, congratulations, & family stories. Definitely a time for catching up in the local world — far from global crises. For me, one of the Satutday morning highlights of shopping at the Super U is the meat counter. One of the butchers is about as proficient in English as I am in French — which is to say, limited — yet, we amusingly enjoy the banter that always leads me to nice choices.

. . . and BTW, the island continues to be very busy! It’s interesting because though “busy” is subjective, in the many years that I’ve been visiting SBH, I cannot remember as many visitors & traffic at any time, outside of the “festive” period. Escaping Winter weather in France & the US? A lot of visitors from Brazil, as well. For the most part, it’s a very positive ambiance.

 

[jamiem4]

. . . and BTW, the island continues to be very busy! It’s interesting because though “busy” is subjective, in the many years that I’ve been visiting SBH, I cannot remember as many visitors & traffic at any time, outside of the “festive” period. Escaping Winter weather in France & the US? A lot of visitors from Brazil, as well. For the most part, it’s a very positive ambiance.

I agree! It is busier than usual at this time. I used to judge the traffic and parking by how many loops I had to make around Gustavia. As many of you heard me complain about my Defender (photo attached) over the years (don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love my Defender, but I feel like it is cannibalized for parts when I bring it in for a slight repair.)… then it goes back again for another item… rinse, and repeat)… I am forced to drive it now with this parking fiasco in March because then I can park at Hughes and avoid the desperate search for the elusive spot. If I use our other truck (the new reliable Jeep), the parking behind the church and closer to Beef Bar sometimes has something you can squeeze into or practice parallel parking. There always seems to be parking by the hospital too. I mentioned parallel parking, probably way too much, because I grew up in Brooklyn and New York City, where we had alternate side of the street parking. It was always my job to move the family car. Back then in the 70s, my parents were not too concerned with me having a drivers license since at 4 AM. I was only moving the car across the street! The good old days!

 

[amyb]

I agree! It is busier than usual at this time. I used to judge the traffic and parking by how many loops I had to make around Gustavia. As many of you heard me complain about my Defender (photo attached) over the years (don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love my Defender, but I feel like it is cannibalized for parts when I bring it in for a slight repair.)… then it goes back again for another item… rinse, and repeat)… I am forced to drive it now with this parking fiasco in March because then I can park at Hughes and avoid the desperate search for the elusive spot. If I use our other truck (the new reliable Jeep), the parking behind the church and closer to Beef Bar sometimes has something you can squeeze into or practice parallel parking. There always seems to be parking by the hospital too. I mentioned parallel parking, probably way too much, because I grew up in Brooklyn and New York City, where we had alternate side of the street parking. It was always my job to move the family car. Back then in the 70s, my parents were not too concerned with me having a drivers license since at 4 AM. I was only moving the car across the street! The good old days! View attachment 72592

I get it, the parking and moving the car for street cleaning and trash pick up. Both Phil and I Brooklyn born!