Beyond Fruition

Sint Maarten was definitely needed.

After feeling burnt out at work and spread thin by all the accomplishments I’d put on myself – ones I didn’t feel like I was meeting – I needed to take a break. Thankfully, my friend wanted to celebrate her birthday in beautiful Sint Maarten this year, so I was able to not only take a well-needed break, but also celebrate the life of a dear friend.

Overall, the trip was great from start to finish. I will say I’m so glad we stayed on the Dutch side of the island. We went to the French side to catch the ferry to Anguilla, and I got scammed by a street vendor while my friend got yelled at by a taxi driver who was also price gouging. Definitely not the best moment of the trip, but that was just one small portion of the overall experience, and I really did enjoy our day trip to Anguilla – so I guess you could say it was all worth it in the end.

My favorite food spot was Simple Tingz in Philipsburg. I got the goat curry, and it was so good. I also tried Johnny Cakes for the first time and absolutely fell in love with them – so delicious! I don’t eat pork, but we went to Captain Rib Shack, and my friend said the ribs were just mid and nothing spectacular, even though they’re advertised as “orgasmic.” I got the oxtail stew instead, and it was so delicious – I really enjoyed that meal. I also loved the tuna carpaccio at Skip Jack’s, along with the snapper. As for Jax, the appetizers were the best part of the meal for me, with the beef carpaccio being my favorite. I also enjoyed the food at Savi Beach Club and was so glad I got the poke bowl – it was quite large for the price.

I think five days and four nights was the perfect amount of time. We didn’t get a chance to go to St. Barts, but a lot of the locals recommended against it and said it was expensive for no reason. I can’t really give my personal opinion on that since I didn’t see it with my own eyes, but I’ll trust the many people who told me it was overpriced.

This trip reminded me that taking time with a friend – or even with yourself – to step away from the chaotic day-to-day isn’t a luxury. It’s a privilege that not everyone gets to enjoy, and I’m so blessed to be able to add another location to my travel list.

Another location down. So many more to go.