The "One, Lucky SXM Norm" Story

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas

It was an ordinary day.  Standing high above the harbor in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, watching Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas sail off into the sunset.  It was a very hazy evening and my camera was struggling to take the photo that I wanted, but my results were acceptable.  

Hazy view of the harbor and town of Philipsburg

Carol and I went to visit with Norm and Betty, friends that we have gotten to know during the past few years because of our mutual membership on TravelTalk- Online, an online travel forum.  Norm is known as SXM Norm while my online name is BigLar which is what my brother refers to me as on many occasions.  Norm and Betty, who live in St. Louis, had won a free week for the villa on the hill known as VistaRoyale, which is aptly named.  

Looking toward the water from the  living room

Norm is a member of a online site developed by Jeff Berger called Everything St. Maarten who had run a contest for members giving away the free week on St. Maarten.  Another couple had won the free week, but the husband had become ill so the wife notified Jeff who then awarded the prize to Norm and Betty.  Than, the wife decided to go to the island with a girl friend and notified Norm, but Norm told her he already made all other reservations and couldn't change them.  The place is fantastic with views to kill for.  

The pool area at VistaRoyale

The drive up to the villa is rather frightening, especially on a dark evening.  We spent some time on the rear patio watching the town of Philipsburg as well as the ship leave the harbor, then retreated into the villa for a tour and a drink.  As the sun was about to set we headed back down the hill to Chesterfiled's Restaurant for a great evening meal together.  Fun evening with great friends whom we try to connect with yearly on our vacations to Sint Maarten/St. Martin.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.