Booked our flights in September on Delta to leave San Antonio Feb 1 at 6:10 AM and arrive 3:37 PM. A couple weeks before departure Delta cancelled the flight to ATL, and we were rebooked for Jan 31. Got to the airport at 5:00 for the 6:10 flight, around 7:30 they cancelled the flight due to no pilot. Rebooked us again for Saturday on US Air/AA. Picked up our luggage and they had broken the wheel. Offered to fix it if we sent it to Dallas - but we needed it the next day - Duh. AA flight was delayed, finally arrived at about 11:30 - they had to keep the airport open late for us. Coming back on Feb 15, take off was delayed, missed our connection, at least they payed for our hotel in ATL. Next morning, that flight was delayed for an hour and a half. Worst travel trip we have ever had.
But - we finally got there, and forgot the hassles for a while.
I can't compete with some of the great trip reports people have sent in, so will just hit a few highlights.
First week we had a first time couple join us - and they swore they will not be a one time couple. Absolutely loved it and want to go back next year. As stated earlier, we arrived late, by the time we got to Orient Village and found our condo it was after 1:00 AM Sunday. Decided to see if anything was still open. Bruno had said earlier he would have the Yellow Sub open for the Super Bowl (where the old Paris Texas was). Lo and behold, it was open when we got there, about 1:30 AM - Patrick was serving, we left around 2:30 and there were still about 20 people there. And true to his word, the Super Bowl was showing Sunday night on the big screen TV. Bruno, you made a lot of people happy!
Sunday night we had dinner at Le Table d'Antoine - as usual, great food and service. Antoine continually runs around the place, making sure everyone is happy. He is great! His sister Mano (?), and Server Alex, also make for a great experience.
As stated some time back, Bruno is turning Tap 5 into a gourmet grocery - a lot of construction every day, and when we left, the doors had been installed. Looks like he will make his mid March opening. We saw him there or at the Yellow Sub practically every day - plus we had lunch at Dreams three times, and he was there each time - he must have a twin, I don't know how he seems to be everywhere at once.
Bread & Cake has changed owners and name, it is now "Good Morning". The pastries are just as good as ever, as are their breakfasts.
The old Bikini is open again - as is the new Bikini - and they both say "Bikini". I had read many times that that old Bikini had lost the lawsuit - so who knows what is happening?
Had dinner Tuesday at the Lolo Rib Shack, think it's my favorite. Without a doubt the cheapest dinner you'll have unless you cook in. Sampled a few of the dessert items on the street and waited for the parade. Took a video last year, looks exactly the same. Wednesday had dinner at L'Esplanade - pretty good but still prefer Antoine's in the Village.
Did a day trip to Anguilla - love Cove Bay - beautiful beach, so calm and quiet, and Smokeys restaurant is great.
Naturally took the newbies to Sunset Beach Bar to watch the planes.
We stayed at Mangareva #5 (Natica). Great place for two couples, very spacious with a private pool. Just a few doors down from La Plantation.
Finally had breakfast at Zee Best - appropriately named, the St Martin omelet was great, and Katherine loved the bacon/egg/cheese crepe.
Only disappointment - we had told our friends that we had never had a bad burger on our trips. One day decided to go to Pedro's for lunch. Never again. Would rather have had a Mickey D.
Saturday, friends left in the morning, brother in law and wife came in that afternoon. They had joined us last year and also wanted a repeat. Didn't do a lot of new things that week.
Our neighbors were on a cruise and we picked them up on Thursday and gave them the tour of Orient Bay. Had a great burger at Kakao. They wanted to cancel the rest of their cruise and stay there.
We met Amy and Gary (TTOL members) and friend Jerry at KO bar on Friday.
Weather was great the whole two weeks. Rained probably half the nights, and only had one daytime shower that lasted more than five minutes - but we were at lunch so no big deal.
Forgot to mention - called Michael at Unity and told him of our late arrival. Joseph met us right on time, we got the car, and headed for Orient. Thanks Michael and Joseph.
The new causeway is great! Leave the airport and in about 10 minutes you are in Marigot.
So other than getting there and leaving, a great trip!
Gearing up for June!
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