Sunset Beach Bar Trouble
For many years the Sunset Beach Bar at the beginning of the airport runway has been St. Maarten's most famous bar. Recently sold to a foreign investor for - so the rumor goes - 2 million Dollars - the bar is not a happy place anymore.

Today's newspaper printed a long letter to the editor by a frustrated former patron, who listed several serious insensitivities by the new owner: dancing children have been kicked out of the bar, guests have been cursed at by the owner, staff is frustrated and unfriendly because of surveillance cameras watching their every move. Another problem seems to be a discount card for locals, who only pay a buck per drink, while non-priviledged guests have to put up with prices about 30% higher than last season. I was puzzled today to find out that the local scene is really upset about the situation and wishes the good old times back.

Let's see how bad it is: I will go there Thursday (seeing Steve and Jane for their body painting extravaganza) and report honestly here.

- posted by Jan @ 6:15 AM