The "Total Destruction of Orient Beach: Part I - Past & Present" Story

It was an ordinary day.  I recently posted a few stories telling of the destruction caused by Hurricane Irma on the island known as Sint Maartten/St. Martin.  Well, the more I heard from friends and those living on the island, the more I fear it will never be the same for Carol and myself; particularly Orient Beach on the French side of the island.  Orient Beach has long been voted one of the top 10 beaches in the world and is even known as the St. Tropez of the Caribbean; and with good reason.  The water, beach, beach bars and total atmosphere make it one of our farorite beaches. I even found a video filmed with a drone that will show you the beach and surrounding area.  I have written quite a few times of the many beach bars known as the "Five Stars of Orient" which include: Coco, Kakao, Waikiki, Bikini and Kontiki.  I recently wrote a story about the oldest beach bar on Orient Beach known as Pedros.  Well, none of those places exist anymore!!  Irma took care of that.  I'm sure the resilient people of the island will someday revive all those favorite places, but it isn't going to happen overnight.  Certainly isn't going to happen by next spring when we are scheduled to return once again.  I guess we can only hope we will enjoy the beach as much as we have in the past.  Time will tell.  Below you will see a video of Orient Beach and then photos of what it now looks like.  I can't possibly say enjoy what has become of the beach, but perhaps after our visit next year I will be able to once again post a story with the "new" Orient Beach.  It was another extraordinay day in the life of an ordinary guy.



Photos taken after Hurricane Irma struck in September.