This was my first day at Orient Bay in a what felt like a very long time.
It was glorious! I was reminded of my first time ever in Orient Bay. This was on October 27, 1985, and yes, this is the exact time when I fell in love with St Martin.
Coming down from the plane on a Sunday afternoon after 2 days of traveling (no direct flight from Air France at this time) my first view of the Caribbean Sea, my first chicken leg and rib barbecue, my first coleslaw and that was it. I was hooked to this island and have been here ever since.
And yesterday, even in the middle of some devastating sites left by Hurrican Irma surrounding the bay, I found a way to find my joy again. Looking at these kite sails stripping the sky in a beautifully unchoreographed dance, I found, deep in my memory, what it was that these young people on their boards were feeling right there…right then… they were feeling the magic of this island and they will be the reason why St Martin will rise again, because of the love that this place can give you even when she is down .
They will survive, they will strive, they will amaze … and St Martin will be more beautiful than ever.
I am from the first generation of exiles on this island and she welcomed me with open arms and made me who I am today, tough, passionate, in short, she made me a Girl from the Rock!
Have you been to Orient Bay? Let us know about your experiences in the comments.
photos and article by Magali Aubert, Reservation Manager, SXMSIR