Well guys and girls, it was our first trip to SXM and it won't be our last. Our trip, in a nutshell from a southern gal, was jus' fine. We ended up being with two other couples from AL (one we knew and one we didn't until we arrived) that just happened to be going the same time we were.
We arrived on Sat. 9/11 with our luggage and the only problem we encountered that day was getting to Triple A car rental and getting our room at Pelican. Alain had overbooked and there were at 10 people waiting for cars, so we had to wait, in the rain, at the airport terminal, while he shuttled people (four at a time) to the location (across from Hot Tomatoes btw Airport and Pelican). So, after about 40 min. we finally got our car (a economy, Suzuki Vitara which was in good shape and actually had more room than the Rav4's and was cheaper) and were on our way to Pelican.
As stated again, this was our first time there (and in SXM). The Pelican is nice, big resort (with Hollywood Casino, several restaurants, mini grocery, gift shop , and multiple pools and private beach), but we had to wait (again) in a line of people to check in. It was about 3pm and this must be prime time for check in there because it was CROWDED. After about another 20 min. (the people at registration were very efficient and got people thru rather quickly) we checked into our room.
The room in our building(C16 B, I believe) was very nice and spacious. It is one of the larger condos I have stayed in travelling. We had a full kitchen with all the utensils and appliances, a very large living room with sofa sleeper and a bedroom in the back (with a code activated safe in the closet). We had two tv's (although the only time we watched, was to check on Ivan to see where it was heading, because we live in AL
).
After dinner at Ric's that nite (ok place, but they didn't cater to our AL/OL Miss ESPN request after we ate and drank for two hours and was told by the owner, we would be able to watch it) . We then went to Hot Tomatoes to see the game and have some great Conch Fritters with our friends.
The next day we headed to Orient Beach (great beach with many beach bars and activities) and did as the SXM'rs do and had a ball all day hanging out and freestyling.
. Monday we spent shopping in P'burg. We purchased a very nice DNKY watch at TimeSquare for half price and a liquor (best prices other than Ram's, I believe) and more jewelry. P'burg is in the middle of renovating and updating their streets (it looks like it will be very nice when completed). It was great to be able to walk on the street without concern for cars.
That nite we were supposed to do the PubCrawl and went to Turtle Pier where we met Neil, who had just gotten back from Las Vegas(don't worry folks, there is still tons of cash left in Vegas). Unfortunately, there were only four of us who were booked to go, so instead of taking us out, we spent the nite chatting with Neil and drinking. A great time was had by all! Neil is a class act and great guy! We really enjoyed the time spent with him. We ended up eating at Uncle Harry's per Neil's recommendation and had the best Caribbean grilled lobster I have ever experienced. My husband and I shared a 3.5 lb monster! It was a great meal.... Uncle Harry's is a small place at the end of a boat yard btw Airport and Simpson Bay, but well worth it!
We spent Tues. am flying to Saba. That was an experience in itself. The only airline that flies to Saba is a two prop commuter plane run by WinAir. I am sure it is the biggest plane that can land on the island because the runway (see pics) is only 1200 ft long with actual landing of 1000 ft. Pretty hairy in good weather(my husband, who flies, said the pilots almost stalled the engines to land), but we made it there safe and sound. It started out fairly sunny but as we got to Saba became more cloudy. We travelled there to scuba, and I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys this activity, that Saba is well worth the trip for that and MORE. We had two great dives with Seasaba and our dive master Steve and his cohort, Guy. We dove Third Encounter (one of the pinnacles) and saw an assortment of fish, including two sharks!! ( I was not afraid :)). On the second dive, we dove 50/50 (which was a series of fingers deep in the ocean formed by lava flows from the extinct volcano that made the island). I was amazed at the sealife and the beauty of the coral we experienced.
By the time we finished that dive, Jeanne was closing in, and we had rougher seas and headed to shore. At the dock/pier the waves were even rougher and we barely docked with water swelling over the pier into the boat. What an experience!
We found out later that Saba Deep had another boat out attempting another dive (not too bright on their part for the safety of their guests) and they had to moor on the other side of the island, swim to shore and hike back to one of the villages. To get a picture of this (again go the photos) you have to understand that Saba is a ROCK, jutting out of the Caribbean Sea. You are climbing to get to anything and the roads there are a serious of switchbacks with retaining walls. The road into the villages weren't built til the 50's and before that, everything was carried into the villages by foor or donkey.
Anyhoo, we ended up trying to get an early flight out because of the storm. We went to pay for our dive at SeaSaba and Lynn (coowner) called WinAir to see if we could get on the earlier flight. We were told we could, so our Taxi Driver (Garvis, a gem of a guy was probably responsible for getting us off the island) took us to Tropics Cafe (excellent grilled grouper) before our flight left . Garvis ate lunch with us and then took us to the airport. The weather was getting even worse by this time and I have NEVER seen waves as big crashing up on the rocks below the airport or wind that strong. Needless to say, after waiting with Garvis for awhile, the airport employees informed us that they had canceled the remaining flights out. So, we went back to the Cottage Club(nice hotel, cluster of cottages at Winwardside that sit on a hill) where our friends were staying (they had planned on making a nite dive...NOT HAPPENING!! :))and got a room(all the rooms have kitchens with living areas) right across from theirs. The owners gave us each a complimentary bottle of French wine which was a nice touch. I am not sure if this is because we were stranded and the weather was atrocious or if it common practice, but we appreciated it, nonetheless.
We ended up back at Sea Saba to purchase teeshirts and hats (we had only our swimsuits and coverups with us). When we got back to our room, we took well deserved and needed showers and just as we were finishing up, the power went out! So, we went to the office/lobby to inquire where the nearest grocery store was or whether the restaurants would be open. We were told that must businesses have generators on the island because of storms, so we would probably be able to get something to eat. We headed out and stopped at the Swinging Door Restaurant and found out that they were indeed open and it was traditional Tues. bbq nite. We then headed to the store, bought some juice and crackers and hung out at the room for awhile. When we ventured back out, just before dark, the winds had picked up even more, we were walking down an alley (that we renamed nohat alley because we kept losing our hats) that led to our restaurant. Swinging Door was completely without power, but the waitresses had all the candles lit on the tables and had headlamps on their heads (as if to cave spelunk) and we ate a deliscious meal of ribs by candlelight. After eating, we went back to our room and drank our wine and played a game of "pass the pig" and went to bed. We didn't sleep much because the wind was howling and there were all sorts of things banging up against the cottages the entire nite. Our friend gave us her watch to set for a wake up in the morning and we got up at 6 and got to the airport by 6:30 to catch the 7:30am flight out. The weather was better then, but still rainy. IThe 7:30 am ended up being full and we sat waiting in the airport for 5 hours until the second flight got there at 11:45. Again, Garvis was at the airport and I believe because he "knew" ( I think everyone knows everyone on the island because it is so small) the airport employess, got us on that flight.
After getting back, we explored Friar's Bay(very nice secluded beach with two beach bars/restaurants which were closed at that time) to sun and offbeach snorkel. We also hiked to Happy Bay (even more secluded and about a 20 min hike over the hill from Friar's). That nite we ate at Temptation at the Atlantis Casino. Best meal on the trip with to die for Vidalia Onion Soup and wonderful Ahi Tuna!! I would go there again and advise others to LOOK IT UP when you get there.
During the rest of our stay we made it to Marigot (loved the quaintness of the Marina and all the open air french cafes) and ate at St. Germaine's (wonderful lamb and Lobster) and La Main A La Pate (another deliscious dinner on the water with homemade spiced rum and where we found our catamaran and captain Dominique thru our gracious host John Paul) for our day sail to Anguilla on Friday.
Besides Saba (which IS the unspoiled queen IMHO and somewhere we wish to visit again when the weather cooperates. It is truly a quaint pristine, unique island with villages scatterd throughout, a rain forest and miles of hiking in addition to fantastic scubadiving. The island reminds me of Capri or Maui do to the volcanic topography and the villages purchased on cliffs.) the sail to Anguilla and Prickly Pear was the highlight of the trip! Our captain (I mentioned before) Dominique and his deckhand Christian were outstanding. We rented the catamaran for the day and left at 8am and returned at 6pm that nite. We sailed to Prickly Pear . It is a beautiful small deserted island off the coast of Anguilla with wonderful snorkeling. We saw a sea turtle on this trip...a treat. Dominique and Christian had a feast waiting for us when we returned to the boat. Typical European fare: variety of meats, cheeses, breads, fruits and red/white french wine. For dessert, Christian(who is a chef for hire in the villas on SXM) prepared us an oustanding dish of bananas flambe!
We then went to Mead's Bay on Anguilla for more snorkeling and beach cave exploring and then sailed to Bae Rouge which we enjoyed from the water.
I have to say ....this trip was a great experience overall, but the catamaran and sail to Anguilla/Prickly Pear, added the icing to the cake. We want to return to Anguilla because it is even more beautiful than SXM. You can look up Dominique in Marigot Marina. He is docked right in front of La Main A La Pate and his Cat is called FaFa Piti. It is a big cat with five sleeping cabins and two bathrooms and he does overnite trips. Too bad for us because we had to leave on Sat.
Well, that is about the extent of it. On Sat. we stopped at Lee's and had some grilled Wahoo and then off to the airport for our flight back home. Sniff. Sniff.
In closing, we will back SXM....just don't know when. We liked the overall culture, food, people and ambience that it has to offer but prefer Anguilla, Saba, St. John and the BVI's more because of the unspoiled/ pristine/ laid back surroundings.
Everywhere has their special uniqueness however, and SXM definitely has it.
Thanks to all there for making it a great vacation!
Here are the pics again at MSN Photos:
http://groups.msn.com/SXMPhotos2/tropstormjeannesxm.msnw?albumlist=2 
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