Apparently, the ruse worked. Various members of Team BadAss went to other jobs or other countries. We will not know for sure until we are clear of the island. But slowly, the boat came together, the checklists shrank, the problems overcome, and the new Titi Nui presented herself in grand spendor. The new black bottom paint with the red detailing and red trampoline net gave the boat a real racing look that is very distinctive.
Did we encounter more problems? Of course. This has turned into a deriggure Cut Throat Island. Joys "freinds" performances have been less than stellar. Her monetary out flow has been like Niagra. More sabotage by the original work crew was discovered when the boat was hoisted in Simpson Bay Lagoon, and she began to sink immediately, and had to be hauled back out and repaired. Another two day delay. Another lift fee. Another overage. Another day goes by and it is discovered someone has stolen a reverse osmosis water system which was to go on the boat after being put in the water. A police report will do nothing, but we will file one anyway. Everybody here is a crook and not what they appear to be, much less what they present themselves as.....
It was all good, though, while we waited. I have never lived the resort life- pedicures, mud baths, and hot towels. I didn't get it here, either. Friggin coffee maker in the room hardly worked without spitting out a river of scalding water onto our fridge, towels, and tickets to the Saint Martin Opera. I got my scuba certification in a record three days. I crammed so much i actually missed a meal in there somewhere, and I'm still smarting about that.
Speaking of gastronomy and the proof that higher intelligence exists, I must tell you about a French restaurant that is only a quarter kilometer away from our resort that bests any restaurant on the Dutch side of this island, and puts the rest of French restaurants to the test in this hemishere.
Seriously, you would be making a major screw up if you are in the area and did not try this place.
Le Planteur. Yes. The Plantation. They had them here, and it was the French and Creole Culinary Combos that the owner took as inspiration for his mountain side venue that deserves such acclaim.
The view of the ocean in two directions is great, the interior is island chic, the pool is for the noon rush, and the hot crusty French bread, handmade by the owners own hand and recipe, is reason enough to stop by. The deck overlooks the marina in Oyster pond, the Oyster Bay resort, and the dry hills surrounding it that are home to feral pigs, horses and goats.
Try the Venison. The rack of lamb is fantastique! Do you like French Onion soup? You have never tasted it like the French make it here! Creme Broule? That mealy stuff in the states does not compare! Sacre Bleau!
The Planteur is at: Direction La Marina, Lot 37 Oyster-Pond, 97150 St. Martin (FWI)
telephone (0590)29 53 21 Mssr.Maury, proprietor
a man, a pony, the ocean, and a sign for the restaurant!