It's been quite a shock to the system after experiencing 80º temperatures to come home to 30º here in Bucks Co., PA. The white stuff that's still on the ground since Monday, does not compare to the white sands on the beaches we visited last week. While daydreaming last week's events, it seems like an appropriate time to post this report.<br><br>Saturday, 3/29<br>Left home (Newtown) at 6:00 AM to pick-up sister & brother-in-law and on our way to the Philly airport. Airport experience was a non-event and our direct non-stop flight arrived in SXM on time. St. Louis Car Rental, represented by Rocky was there to meet us with our white Mazda. After a quick check-in at the Ocean Club, we were ready to begin our week in paradise. We spent some time on Cupecoy beach before we picked up a few essentials to carry us through the week. A relaxing dinner was spent at Bananas where the food and service was just as good as last year. <br><br>Sunday, 3/30<br>We had an early morning at Orient Beach near Bikini Beach Bar. Spent most of the day enjoying sand gravity and a few Caribs on the beach. After the beach time, we stopped at the small boutique shops on the hill overlooking Orient Bay before we returned home to change for dinner at the Boathouse. We were a little apprehensive about returning to the Boathouse after hearing some negative reports about one of our favorite places, but were not disappointed as the food and service was still pretty good. The hostess and other waitstaff kept coming to our table to ask how everything was, so apparently, they do pay attention to TTOL comments.<br><br>Monday, 3/31<br>We walked up to the Citrus Market for crouissants and found this place to be an exceptional find. After breakfast, we went to Mullet Bay for our daily beach intake. We did some snorkeling by the rocks since the water was semi-calm and saw a few fish and plenty of shells and coral. Had lunch at the beach bar where they make the best hamburgers. Since there was only one cruise ship in port, we went to Philipsburg for the obligatory afternoon of shopping. Decided to drive to Dawn Beach to check it out for another day. Since we were already in the Oyster Bay area, we decided to dine at Captain Oliver's. We've never been there but had heard so many good comments about it on TTOL, we decided to give it a try. Again, we were not disappointed. The Fisherman's Platter was excellent. Driving back to the Cupecoy area at night proved to be quite a challenge. <br><br>Tuesday, 4/1<br>We started our day with a stop to Friar's Bay to check out the beach, however, we opted to go to Pinel instead. The beach had returned by the North side by the beach restaurant, which had been totally gone last year. Did some more snorkeling but didn't see much. On the way back home, we stopped at Talk of the Town for some Coconut Ice Cream and Caribs. Checked out Grand Case beach. Later that evening, Tracy and I attended the TTOL party at Hot Tomatoes where we met the famous Dicky, accompanied by Frank, and found Dicky to be one of the most personable characters we have ever met on the island. His coconut drinks were very popular with the group and he warned us to limit ourselves. We met Dave and Darlene, and Dave and Diane. I guess the Dave's were well represented. We also met Deepti and found that everything that's been said about this charming girl is true. She's quite a sweetheart!<br><br>Wednesday, 4/2<br>Stopped at Zee Best for breakfast and enjoyed their crouissants, then off to Loterie Farms. We attempted the hike but gave up about half way. We spent the rest of the day at Le Gallion Beach (Coconut Grove) and found why they call it the "Baby Beach", because the water was very calm and warm. We did some more snorkeling, but again, not much to see. Had hamburgers for lunch at their beach bar which were pretty good. Wednesday night is Lobster night at Turtle Pier and was very crowded. The lobsters were good but the service was slow due to understaffing. <br><br>Thursday, 4/3<br>We had morning showers with continued overcast skies, so we decided to stay close in case of rain, so we returned to Mullet beach. Water was much rougher than Monday, and on and off showers eventually chased us off the beach. Spent the rest of the afternoon at the Ocean Club until we took off on the sunset cruise aboard the Lagoon Princess. Unfortunately, the rains were not finished for the day and even though the boat has cover, we still got pretty damp. Once the rains subsided, we were able to complete the cruise without the benefit of a "sunset". After the cruise, we visited Mary's Boon for more of Dicky's coconut drinks and had an excellent duck dinner. I can understand why Dicky sponsors the TTOL parties to generate more interest in Mary's Boon. This place has to be one of the most undiscovered charms of the island. The resort itself is quaint and very "homey". The beach and views are fantastic. We were invited back for more coconut drinks on Saturday before we left, but unfortunately, never made it. Sorry, Dicky!<br><br>Friday, 4/4<br>It's hard to believe our vacation is almost over. Our snorkeling trip to Prickly Pear aboard the Bluebeard was a lot of fun and was a great way to end the week. Snorkeling was pretty good and the ribs served at their beach bar were delicious. After our return, we decided to try one more new restaurant heard about on TTOL. Dinner at Le Peroquet proved to be another great find. I had the Seafood Crepe special followed by a Creme Brulee. Service and food were excellent and the only disappointment I had was our inability to meet Patty who was not working that night.<br><br>Saturday, 4/5<br>Our final day in Paradise. After packing and checking out of our unit, we went to the airport to check our luggage. Being 4th in line and maybe a bit of luck, our suitcases were not inspected. After paying our departure tax, we returned to the Ocean Club to have lunch at the Oasis Restaurant. Regretably, it was time to leave and was driven to the airport by Alaine. Flight to Philly arrived early only to spend 45 mins. on the tarmac waiting for an available terminal. Customs and Immigrations were a breeze and then a long drive home to face reality.<br><br>As I've mentioned before and have read many times on TTOL, one week is never long enough, and would love to find a way to return later this year, rather than waiting until next March.