My family, consisting of
daughter, her husband and two children, my husband and I, vacationed in
St. Maarten August 10 thru the 17th. Prior to arriving in St.
Maarten, I contacted 4 companies that I found on the internet, requesting
information on a “day boat trip”. Each one responded with “we can take
you – where do you want to go?” To which, I responded “we don’t
know where we want to go, as we’ve never been there. Perhaps you can put
a couple of packages together and let me know.” I also gave them such
information as “our party consists of 4 adults, 2 children ages 5 and 8,
and we all enjoy sight seeing, snorkeling, sampling different foods of the
Islands”.
Only one person
responded to my request, and that was Jack and Mere, owners of Zippity do
da. They had not only put a package together, but promised us the “day
of our life”.
I also mentioned to them that
it would be my daughters birthday – and they said they would have
something special for her.
Well, Jack and Mere picked us
up in St. Maarten at 9:30 on Wednesday, August 14th.
From that minute, for the rest
of the trip, was non-stop fun! They took us to some of the worlds most
beautiful beaches, including Shoal Beach. We snorkeled in some coves and
reefs so beautiful, you thought you were inside some National Geographic
Scene. They provided us with non-stop food and beverages on the boat,
along with a good mix of laughter and friendship. Yes, friendship! We
had never met these people before, but instantly felt like life-long
friends. Then, just about the time we were thinking of lunch, we pulled
into a reefy area near Prickly Pear, the Captain donned a mask and spear,
and jumped in. My husband and son-in-law also grabbed their masks and
jumped in to watch. Within minutes, the Captain returned with a spear
full of fish – and he showed Don and Ken where to find the Conch and told
them to grab those, too.
With a “booty” of fresh fish
and Conch, we headed into Prickly Pear where Jack, Mere and the Captain
cooked our lunch! It was awesome! Mere had also prepared salads and
baked potatoes – and had a birthday cake and Champagne for Michelle!
Indeed, it was trip we will
never forget – and will be “return customers” each and every time we
return to the Islands. We do go to the Islands at least every other year,
and may be returning sooner than that. Zippity do da is our choice!
Sincerely,
Shirley Painter