The ironman of travel Yoshimasa Ikeuchi

Dutch territory

Prologue

Epilogue

Start shooting

Large set of cameramen

Caribbean fishing diary

Backfire

Longed-for Maho Beach

St. Martin

Harumi has been accessing the "Island Tour of the Earth" site online, and has been making friends since then. As if to meet a lover I haven't seen yet. Euro, US dollar, and guilder can be used on the Island. The appreciation of the yen since last year is a great deal no matter where you exchange money. Thank you for the strong yen for travelers.

Juliana International Airport on Maho Beach

French territory to the north and Dutch territory to the south across the central border of the Island, immediately in front is Anguilla (British territory). What a luxurious Island.

This trip had a hard time booking and scheduling the hotel. Not handled by travel agencies. The area to St. Martin does not know any air flights from Japan. Contact AA (American Airlines), which operates daily from Miami, and everything is resolved.

The front building is Sonesta Maho Beach Resort

Taken from a hotel room

May 8 NHK special Dane DO picture aired

Incredible landing landscape, St. Martin

The yellow building is Sonesta Maho Beach Resort

There are two purposes this time. Shooting a jumbo jet overhead at Maho Beach and meeting "Sharp Harumi" in Dallas. Maho Beach is a shooting of "surprised scenery" found on the net. Harumi Sharp is the daughter of Takeichi Sasaki, her father, who I met when visiting Japanese Islands 10 years ago.

33 countries are crowded in the Caribbean Sea

Princess Juliana Airport on Maho Beach

Prologue

I am very wondering if the "Sonesta Maho Beach Resort" I booked online is near the beach. I got off at Princess Juliana International Airport at night with excitement.

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Click here for a powerful landing scene

Longed-for Maho Beach

"Come " It's like fishing with a big fish. The aircraft with the lights on is gradually approaching. The video camera I bought to shoot this plane. I can't capture the subject as I want. Besides, it's a pity that I can't record a good image because my feet are bad on the sandy beach. Still, only the power is perfect. The scenery of landing over 20 to 30 meters above the head is one of the few images in the world.

At that time, a small plane approached the beach. Landing past overhead, but lacking in power. People gather on the beach. What time will the jumbo arrive? The arrival time is written on the surfboard leaning against the sandy beach. Ring the bell at the BAR when a large aircraft flies. "Come", run to the center of the beach and have a chance to shoot.

Maho Beach is a 3-minute walk from the hotel. Great location. The runway was right in front of me, and when I checked the site in the early morning, I walked step by step on the sandy beach with the excitement of coming to this Island. I'm excited like a boy. I also found the beachside "Sunset BAR" in the word-of-mouth information.

Sunset BAR is crowded every day

Maho beach

Full of sunset BAR

Kotetsu's best shot

I'm really excited about the Air France jumbo jet

Video camera to shoot for the first time

Landing of a small aircraft

Kotetsu (wife) who is crazy about shooting forgotten luggage

Before I knew it, I was surprised at the black tanned face! Kotetsu also forgot about my camera bag at this time and went to the center of the beach. I understand that I want to take a moving picture, but I can't take a picture with two couples. One person has to keep watch over the luggage.

There are still few people on the beach. Even in such an early morning, the same people who can't wait like me are playing with the rogue waves. There is no information in the guidebook such as shooting an airplane. Everything is in the internet age. The world has changed. It feels like the earth has become smaller because it is too convenient.　

A jumbo jet arriving in the evening sky

View from Sunset Bar

Arrival timetable on the surfboard

Maho Beach in the early morning has few people

3 minutes, walk from the hotel to Maho Beach

Large aircraft arrive more and more

Dutch Maho Beach

Be careful as it will be blown away by the blast at the time of takeoff

Jumbo jet taking off at Princess Juliana Airport

French side

Me waiting at sunset bar

Start shooting

Writer / British cameraman

View from Maho Beach

Large cruise ship moored in French territory

French side, French side, French side

Maho beach

American Airlines

Air France

There are many beautiful beaches, but I can't help but worry about the next arrival flight. There is a port where a large cruiser (3000 seat) is anchored, but I am not interested in cruising at all. Even if you take care of your wheelchair, you will probably plan yourself and travel to somewhere in the world. The wind is strong today and the sand on the beach soars. Looking back, I returned to the hotel early.

French side, French side, French side

Stay for a week on a solo trip from England. By chance, a cameraman next to two rooms in the same hotel. Room service tableware is always available outside the room. I can't understand this feeling. No large aircraft arrived in the morning. I drove around the Island, but there is no better place to go than an airplane.

A wonderful drama makes you sweat. Caribbean Sea, big waves, roaring roar. Performers come from all over the world. The stage is the blue sea. This alone was worth coming to this Island. If I thought that no one would come just for this shoot, I would call a friend. There was a person who was better than me.

A high-pitched metallic sound is approaching. "Come" Ready to shoot. Kotetsu! I'll ask for a luggage guard. Switch on. Start shooting video. Great answer with a wide-angle lens. The roaring sound is deafening and pleasant. Land on the runway after passing overhead. A momentary drama, 10 seconds in the meantime.

February 4th Jumbo Air France. Next is American Air 737. I feel the difference in power that even small aircraft do not look at even if they fly. The sound of a bell announcing the arrival of a jumbo plane. It seems that an Air France jumbo jet has arrived. I still can't see it in the video.

Princess Juliana International Airport on St. Martin is famous for taking off and landing flights. Cruising people are also coming. There are many beautiful beaches, but those who choose a place with a specific purpose can enjoy it. "Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino" on the beach side.

Maho beach

Maho Beach in the absence of waves

Backfire

Photographer fleeing to a sandstorm

A child who challenges a sandstorm

The tall building in front is the accommodation Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino

From the hotel room

Hotel pool

Dutch-French border

I've learned a little about how to shoot the video I'm using for the first time, lens equipment, etc. It's also a problem that the arrival time of the plane changes every day. There is a little time until the next flight, so let's relax in the room. It's tiring to run around the beach without entering the sea. The weight that hangs on the neck of the camera equipment is not perfect. Is it the limit of physical strength?

The hotel I finally found is in the best location. I can't even go to the casino I loved. Blue sea, clear sky, powerful jet plane. This Island has Dutch territory and French territory, and the two cultures are fused. In front of it, there are 30 Islands in the Caribbean Sea, Anguilla, England. Among them, this Island is particularly unique.

The laid-back people on the beach ran away to scatter the cubs of the clouds. All baggage is strong enough to be blown into the sea. Its power is blown away by children. After that, the dust that danced, I also ran away with my camera. I noticed that the hat disappeared from my head.

Visitors gather one after another when the aircraft is visible on the runway during the takeoff of American Airlines (AA) 737. People who don't know anything are just enjoying themselves on the beach. The blast and dust erupting from the engine along with the roaring sound will be blown away if you don't hold it in the fuse. The image being shot will be shaken by a big shake.

Maho Beach slideshow

Blast and dust soar during takeoff

There is one Japanese woman in the foreigner group. When I talk to her, she is definitely Japanese. She works on a large cruise ship (3000-seater). Only one Japanese out of the 1200 crew. Worked for a British cruise company. Worked for 6 months and took 2 months off. Free time until the departure at 4 o'clock in the evening. She doesn't know when she will return to Japan.　

Maho Beach is a large line of photographers every day

Children are also crazy about airplanes

Yacht cruisers come from all over the world

Haiti, Toronto, Cuba, Kotetsu, Manager of bar

Me who aims at an airplane every day

Caribbean butterfly

Kotetsu waiting for an airplane, crowded beach

Large set of cameramen

It seems that the number of young people who are active overseas is increasing year by year. It seems that the language barrier can be overcome immediately. People from various countries talk to me when I take pictures. Digital cameras have become widespread and most of them are made in Japan. Often it doesn't make sense, but it does work.

Three young Japanese people came to Maho Beach. The first Japanese to meet on this Island. After all it is very good to be able to speak in Japanese. Young people working in Cuba, Haiti and Toronto (Canada) are positive thinkers.

If you do such a thing, you will miss a photo opportunity. Drama for only 10 seconds. Run around the beach like a boy to take the best shot today.

At elementary school (but she hates photography)

If you play on a rogue wave beach, it will look like this

The sunset bar is a free drink for topless women

The incredible landing landscape will eventually turn into pleasure

Large procession of cameramen

A large procession of cameramen waiting for jumbo jet

Kids playing on Maho Beach

The estimated time of arrival of the jumbo aircraft is finally approaching. Photographers gathering on the beach. In the digital age, you can easily take pictures, but there are many troubles. I have questions from here and there.

Unfortunately, they seem to be leaving for Miami today. If I met one day earlier. The three rushed to the center of the beach. They were fascinated by the powerful sight, packed their luggage until departure, and when they came again, their eyes were shining. Young people have good sensibilities.

"Sam", pallor of the face, Only Kotetsu can understand the feeling that seems to be very difficult. A signal to hit the left rod. Assistant Simon skillfully raises the rod. The fisherman is "Stephen". He is struggling to wind the reel with a strong pull.

"Roy", a captain that handles mahi mahi

Sam Stephen Kotetsu, Me, Sam's Wife Judy

Me, Stephen Batro (19) Grandfather Sam (71)

Caribbean fishing diary

I went to the casino on the other side, but the $ 100 bill was sucked into the hands of the roulette dealer in the meantime. The world is not so good. I am very satisfied with just having a treat of the finest mahi mahi tonight. I am delighted with the fresh taste that remains on my tongue forever.

The ride was a grandfather and grandson from New York, and me and Kotetsu. His grandson Stephen Batro (19) seems to be new to fishing. Did he take medicine because his grandfather Sam (71) is vulnerable to ships. Listen constantly. Recently, Kotetsu's physical condition is in good condition. I have never seen seasickness.

The reserved pickup is at 7:30 am. Heading for fuel refueling after departure. The setup is still bad. "I wish I could do it the day before." Captain "Roy" who doesn't care about such a thing goes to the cockpit. 　

Cars stop, dancers dancing on the road

Caribbean dance next to the hotel

Grilled mahi mahi and baked potatoes

Assistant Simon

Stephen who seems to be satisfied with the 15 kg class prey caught. After that, there is no hit. Even my assistant, Simon, fell asleep. We spend a leisurely time in the pleasant Caribbean breeze.

The caught mahi mahi is a big fish weighing 15 kg.

Kotetsu with a margin in touring.

A harbor full of super luxury boats.

Near the hotel

Stephen

Next to the hotel, in the middle of Caribbean dance. Immediately after getting out of the car, enter the audience circle. I am fascinated by rhythmic dances and outstanding style dancers. There seems to be something good tonight.　

Today's champion Stephen is happy. Even more happy is his grandparents. I'm the same age and I'm in an age when I can understand the feeling of having grandchildren. He tells me to treat me for his grandson today. Impressed again. After the meal, I would like to thank you again for sending me to the hotel by Sam's rental car.

Young Stephen is angry because he has been waiting for a long time. It's been a long time since Mexico to eat with 5 people. Traveling companions who already have a meal on the day they meet for the first time. The real pleasure of traveling is happening. Travel stories, fishing, environmental issues, grandchildren's stories and so on.

After the rod is delivered, we promise a fresh mahi mahi dinner at the restaurant "Turtlo Pier" at the dock. Ten minutes before the appointment, he met him and his wife, Judy. "Grilled mahi mahi and baked potato" sauce is creole sauce and butter.

Finally, I could see the fish. Blue and gold "Mahi-mahi". Sam finally captures the brave figure of his grandson in the camera. After that, he vomits twice and three times without letting go of the bucket.

The toe rolling seemed to be proceeding smoothly, but the wind was strong and the shaking began to increase. When I was expecting a hit in the back seat, there was a person who thrust his face into the bucket with speed.

Eddie was born in Malaysia, David was born in Taiwan, All Asian faces look alike. Chinese people who speak the same language are living by helping each other without any inconvenience. Eddie's acquaintance's Chinese flower restaurant is in a corner of the city and is hard to find unless you're a regular.

Sharp Harumi's family

Epilogue

Recommended restaurants on St. Martin
Maho Beach SUSHI BANBOO.

Flower Restrant from Philips Berg. Good taste and reasonable price. Full service. (Bus Rood 66B tel 0059-542-9351).

A maniac from Spain confirms takeoff and landing with binoculars on his neck. His notebook is full of timetables. It is wonderful that all the airports here are on-time. I was surprised to hear that maniacs will stay only on this Island for 16 days. "Surprised scenery" that everyone is surprised at.

Chinese cabbage

It's raining down from the morning, so I'm ready to go home leisurely at the hotel. Eddie (Chinese) will pick you up for the promised lunch. chef of the sushi bar "BANBOO" that has become familiar to the face. I came to the neighboring town of Phillips berg.　

Bonito

Back row David owner Eddie Chris, Front row owner's child, me, Kotetsu

Sushi BAR BANBOO

Caribbean butterfly

The Sharp Harumi family who enjoyed delicious Chinese food in Dallas. It's almost a miracle to meet the daughter of Takeichi Sasaki, who took care of Chichijima, a Japanese Island tour 10 years ago. "Cheers" for life encounters.

Kotetsu's one word

　Even if you are not an airplane enthusiast, you can see an airplane up close with a powerful image. This unique Island is not well known in the world yet, but it was a wonderful Island that will attract more tourists in the future.

　　　　　Traveling Iron Man Yoshimasa Ikeuchi

Many videos have inspired me a lot. The long-awaited shooting of the jumbo machine is also OK. A small Island in the Caribbean Sea where Dutch and French territories live together. Although it is an Island of everlasting summer, it is very cool in the morning and evening and it is very easy to spend. For the last dinner, I went to a sushi bar.

Flower restaurant

Indian curry

Thanks to Eddie, who I met on the Island. Thank you. The connection I met on a trip I met suddenly is close to a miracle. To the Island to see the plane? Some people think it's a strange hobby, but once you taste the real thrill, you'll want to point the camera when you hear the explosion.

Steamed fish (Good freshness and chewy feeling) Adductor muscles and broccoli. Each dish has a different seasoning, and I haven't seen a delicious Chinese dish for the first time in a while.

Steamed fish

Stewed in a clay pot with chicken bones. (The chewy texture of the local chicken and the taste of the shiitake mushrooms are wonderful) Crispy feeling like a mix of Chinese cabbage. Kotetsu is pleased with the light salty taste after a long absence.

Stewed in a clay pot with chicken bones

Shrimp fried in Sichuan style garlic

Something is taken care of by us as travelers. Chinese friends. Thank you. Surrounding a table with many people is rare in a foreign country. The first dish brought to the table. Stir-fried Szechuan-style garlic with shrimp. Say delicious.

Sushi chef Eddy

Honey and sesame for mango dessert

Twin sisters I met on the Island

Adductor muscles and broccoli