How lucky was I..... My trip started with a 6 a.m. flight out of ORD in a blizzard, arriving in SXM to spend 24 hours with the one and only (and now world famous) Jamie & Danny Brady, one week in solitary confinement at the compound to get some much needed work done, one exhausting and fun week with the Regatta Rowdies, and a few days to unwind before arriving back at ORD on a delayed flight @ 2:45 a.m.

Had a fabulous 24 hours with the Brady's. It was wonderful to see them again after 2 (?) years. They are so fun and we just crack each other up. Just wish we had more time together. But, not sure if we could take much more of each other! LOL We joined Barbara, her husband, and some of their friends for a nice lolos dinner at Harmony Nights.
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The Brady's and I parked at the airport (uh, they actually have you park in the street) and took a very insane and scary shuttle ride going the wrong way at full speed into town. There was no shuttle back to the airport at the end of the night. huh. Much to Danny's protests we took a long, dark walk back to the car without getting mugged. (I'm sure our insane laughter scared away any thugs) The 24 hours was also filled with Danny trying to murder me with a knife and a car, kimono dragons, and an almost break-in committed by us. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

[color:"red"]PEOPLE[/color]
great to see the Regatta group once again. Over the years people have come and gone, with fewer of the regulars there over the past few years. But, this year we had a pretty large contingent. KevinNYC[/b], my friends [b]Julie & Phil, The Regatta Chicks (Gretchen - with Julie and Laura, Sheila, Sue & Leslie), Team Git R Done (JD, Jill, Charlie, Wendell & Gina), Cheryl & Ted. And, we had the pleasure of seeing many more of the usual suspects including Barbara, Mary Beth & Don, Patty (sungoddess) & JohnMichael. And, I met a TON of new people this time around. OMG, I actually met both Pat and Bruce on the same evening! Wow, the stars must have been aligned that night. And, I also had the pleasure of meeting many others including: DetroitDon and his posse, Clem & Paulette, Maureen & Larry (kish), Ray (caribdugan), LittleDeb, Elizabeth (missjohn) and many others I apologize for leaving out. I wish I could have spent more time talking to you all!

Oh, and how could I forget�. Carol and Eric were there too! It was nice to see them again. We had the pleasure of having nightcaps in their penthouse one evening, which I really enjoyed.

I know people love going during whatever time they go to SXM. But, I have to say the people that are in SXM at this time are THE BEST! It�s such a eclectic and fun group! Whoo-hoo! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />


[color:"green"]REGATTA[/color]

Tango Spectator Cruise

We have been on the spectator cruise for several years. I think the combination of a different boat this year, wind conditions, a good captain, and a great group of people made this the best one yet. We got very close to the boats and saw some spectacular sailing. Conditions were a bit rough to start, but seemed to calm down enough for it to be very enjoyable. Big thanks to Bea for helping us coordinate our TTOL group. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

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Sunday Kim Sha party

Yes, I agree, the parties just don�t get me as much as they did in the past. I don�t know Gretchen, maybe it was those sailors the first year that got us so pumped. The crowds were huge, but it seems to be filled more with local SXMers and less sailors as in the past. And, those crazy boys always seemed to get everyone pumped up and having a good time. But, it still was nice to see all those people and listen to a little Shaggy (even though we didn�t realize he was on).

We all ran into Brian Le Blanc (for those that remember, a former TTOLer that followed his dream and moved to SXM) this night. He�s such a nice guy and it was great to see him still doing so well!.

We decided against the post party at Tijuana Yacht Club and headed to Red Piano instead. When we eventually left there to walk back to Royal Palm we were amazed and how much garbage was on Kim Sha. But, the take down teams were already working hard cleaning up. Looks like they were doing a good job�. But I�m sure the beach was a bit shaky the next day. Tijuana Yacht Club was PACKED and still rockin� when we walked by sometime around 3 a.m.?

[color:"blue"]TTOL parties[/color]
La Vista
Unfortunately due to a late plane arrival we were a little late arriving at the party so we missed some of the daylight introductions with many of the unfamiliar faces we saw in the crowd. However, once we did arrive we jumped right in and had a great time. it was a beautiful setting and it looked like a great turnout.

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SSBB
I was very pleased in how this worked out for the post regatta TTOL party. Sheiler did a great job keeping things well organized handing out the nametags to the at least 80+ people that turned out! Wow, what a great turnout! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> I think our group took over almost the entire place. There was lots to keep everyone entertained - the planes, the crab races, the karaoke, the conversation. Couldn't agree more with Gretchen, sure wish I had more time to talk to many of the people with which I only had brief conversations. So sorry I didn't have the opportunity to chat longer with some of you!

I met some really great new people here and enjoyed some really fun conversations. (Ray - you rock!) Wow, and what can I say.... after years and years and years I FINALLY met both Bruce AND Pat. And, they were absolutely fabulous! Pat was as sweet and nice as I thought she would be.
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And, Bruce was as nutty and fun as I hoped he would be! (oh, yeah, and their spouses John and Kim were equally as delightful! LOL) I now know that they both do really exist!!! And, now they know that I am not as weird as they thought - right? RIGHT?!?!? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

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[color:"purple"]FOOD[/color]

Halsey's - what has become a Regatta tradition over the last few years, part of our Regatta group met here for a Thursday dinner. And, as usual, Jessica & Ryan Halsey made the night fabulous. You just can't go wrong here (unless you had the misfortune of being seated next to our huge table on this night!). I just love this place - casual, fantastic food, and incredibly wonderful hosts! Was wonderful to also see JohnMichael and meet his lovely girlfriend, Elizabeth (missjohn) before they headed out for a dinner of their own. We had a lovely long and fun dinner here.

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Julie, Phil and I returned here another night. I was feeling horrible, but tried my hardest to eat my food. Unfortunately, I couldn't. I was so sad to let that delicious food go to waste! We did have the pleasure of meeting Atlas, the wonder dog - Ryan & Jessica's puppy. What a sweetie - now... just wait until he gains another 80 lbs! Whoa!!!!

[color:"blue"]Poulet d'Orleans[/color]
We were the only people dining here on Saturday night. Christian Romney welcomed us with his soft spoken manner. The food was absolutely delicious and the portions enormous!!!! We were stuffed but we kept eating b/c we didn't want to stop enjoying how good everything was. We had a delightful conversations with Christian, who is now 17 years old. In one breath he was such an adult - talking about his love of cooking and how he would be interning at Mario's Bistro and in the next breath he was a typical SXM teenager - he wants to buy a scooter and loves 50 Cent. I really enjoyed our evening here.... I just love the local feel of this place and the outstanding food.

Pineapple Pete's
Another easy choice. Service is friendly and impeccable and the food delicious.

Hidden Forest @ Loterie Farm
For some reason the ride over was not nearly as frightening as the first time we went there last year. However, I still can�t imagine how cruise ship buses make that trek! OMG! The setting here is just spectacular - I think possibly one of the best on SXM. Had a delicious meal here. However, have to admit I had a bit of sticker shock when the bill came. That darn $$$$.

Pizza Galley
Hit here after the La Visa party. I just LOVE the pizza here -some of us so much that they had their own pizza! But, I think we all practically ate an entire pizza as we were famished and it was so delicious! For the first time I only ate here once during a trip. Bummer.

[color:"brown"]RANDOM THOUGHTS[/color]

Red Piano
I have to admit that I always thought the Regatta chicks had an unhealthy obsession with Colin (formerly of Lady C). Come on, girls, you know it! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> LOL But, I have to admit I think I did get sucked into the vortex this trip. As one of the owners of Red Piano he is working his butt off and treats everyone of us like royalty! And, we had the pleasure of hearing Gretchen sing here a few times here! It was awesome Gretchen! video of Gretchen singing

And, we had some fun nights here with some random dancing done by some unexpected people!!!

Hey, check out kevin: <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" /><img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />

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Lady C
Only went here once this trip, but really enjoyed the evening. We had seen Max & Gianfranco at Red Piano a few nights before and really enjoyed seeing them at this great location outdoors. The crowd was fun and the music fantastic. Almost wish they wouldn�t have ended singing so early (midnight). Really love Lady C on the nights like this when it's not the cluby atmosphere. Good time!

Anguilla
We took the ferry over to Anguilla one day. This was a fabulous, laid back, beautiful day. I really enjoyed just veggin� on spectacular Shoal Bay East beach all day. Beautiful. Ran into John Michael & Elizabeth on the beach and once again on the ferry back to SXM.

Orient
We normally stick to the more laid back beaches of Mullet and Baie Rouge, but decided on one day to the busy Orient. There must have been a few ships in - and many spring breakers as the beach was PACKED.

Weather
I actually enjoyed the strong winds the first week. It kept the intense sun to a bearable level when I was doing work around the house. And, the evenings were actually almost cool. On Thursday night the winds were so strong that it almost sounded like a hurricane in the hallways of Royal Palm when we were visiting there! And, the winds made for some spectacular Regatta viewing, which was nice.

Traffic
I have to say I ran into very little problems. Of course the key is to avoid Simpson Bay at any chance of a bad time over Regatta. And, we also made some conscious decisions to head the opposite directions of some of the parties, making traveling very easy. Once again have to give a big shout out to JD for the Golden Ticket - thanks!

Butterfly Farm
Actually made it here for the first time. Saw some really amazing butterflies. Glad I went here at least once. Think I lost 4 pounds inside this sauna! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

All in all a fantastic trip. I just love seeing all the old faces and meeting so many new amazing people! You all are the best!<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

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