Martin

Jenny,<BR><BR>I don't understand you post. Traffic, like any other place can be avoided once you know how.<BR><BR>Why should first-timers avoid the island; because of traffic? I don't understand.<BR><BR>What is the Orient Beach persuasion? Is it a color, a hair style??? I guess only all of the losers know for sure. <BR><BR>Oh wait, judging from your post, you won't be there. Well I guess thtere's always an exception to the rule.

Jenny

Maybe the traffic can be avoided, "once you know how." But exactly how many neophyte tourists will know how? First timers should stay away from St M not only because they don't know how to avoid the vacation wasting traffic, but because they don't know how to avoid the street crime, aggressive panhandlers, stray animals, abandoned "cars," and overpriced (and overrated) restaurants. <BR><BR>Perhaps you didn't read the humerous posts generated by "Susan," or perhaps your reading comprehension is lacking, to be kind. Otherwise you would understand my reference to the "Orient Beach persuasion:" Nudists who refer to people who wear swimsuits as 'textiles' and trumpet St Martin's virtues like a Board of Tourism. <BR><BR>And thanks for the supreme vote of confidence, Marty. I've been to the island twice, and I felt like a loser for wasting my precious time and money. But I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Bonne chance, you need it.

joyce

Just a comment, not just about St. Martin but anywhere. I seems a lot of you find the people Rude. I have been all over and usually do not find Rudeness. Perhaps it is your own Attitude, Negativity and Rudeness rubbing off.<BR>If you look for the beauty and goodness anywhere on this Planet, you will find it. If you look for the ugly and hostile, you will find that also.<BR>Celebrate the differences that each culture brings to the table. If you do not wish to experience different culturess and ways of life, by all means, stay home so you will not be so unhappy

Martin

Jenny;<BR><BR>Oh I read Susan's post OK. had a good chuckle with that as well.<BR><BR>"Nudists who refer to people who wear swimsuits as 'textiles' and trumpet St Martin's virtues like a Board of Tourism." <BR><BR>As opposed to those who wear swimsuits and talk about the naked people and bash the island with no specifics. <BR><BR>"I've been to the island twice, and I felt like a loser for wasting my precious time and money."<BR><BR>Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice.....<BR><BR>Are you and Susan so upset because of the naked people, or was it because the textiles didn't stare at you?<BR><BR>

Sherri

I have a question? I am going back to SXM for the 2nd time. 1st time I stayed a LaSammana, was a bit pricey. This time I am thinking about Le Merididien L Habitation, anyone who has stayed thre have any comments?

Leslie

Please evrybody, don't be so harsh. I am not from St. Martin, however, please remember that paradise is not perfect, whether it be Hawaii, St. Maarten, St. Thomas or any other island for that matter. These islands, like any other place on earth, have problems. Just because we use them as vacation spots doesn't mean they are going to be perfect. When you travel to NYC, etc, you know you should be smart. Every place has it's dangerous areas. Unfortunately, islands are small, therefore the good, the bad, the ugly AND the beautiful are in much closer proximity to one another. DO NOT BE FOOLED - Every island in the Caribbean has it's share of problems (except for St. Barth's, but then it's really $$$$) Druggies on the beach are a sign of the times. Crime has risen all over the Caribbean. Even though it may feel like it to the vacationer, time does not actually stop in the islands. There are corrupt governments, corrupt officials, drug dealers, drop outs, high unemployment rates, welfare, etc, JUST LIKE HERE ON THE MAINLAND. Some islands deal with their problems better than others, true, but they are just places where people live and work and struggle. For those of you who can afford St. Barth's, you should go. ($10 for a bottle of evian!) Their police station closes at 6pm. That's a good sign. For the rest of us who have to take regular Caribbean vacations, pick a different island each time you go. Experience, the culture, the music, the food, the people, the beaches and the sun, but be smart!