TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin DAY 11 WEDNESDAY

The day started with a short walk to see Kereen at Reveil Martin and have a mimosa. The morning was spent on the deck at the Atrium and then some time in and around the pool. Today was departure day for Cody. I dropped him at the airport around noon and he reported back that while it looked like a cluster, he was at the gate in about 35 minutes. He was on Delta to ATL. The flight arrived 40+ minutes early, it comes in from JKF but goes back to ATL. They did use a jetway bit for some reason departed 40+ minutes later than scheduled.

I did some packing since I depart today. We then went to Royal Palm to check out one of the 6th floor 3-bedroom penthouse units. For several years we (including Carol and Eric) stayed in another penthouse unit but lost that option when the owner simply let it go back to Royal Palm after Irma. The unit we saw yesterday is wholly owned by a couple we have gotten to know over years as they also wholly own a 2-bedroom penthouse unit and spend several months on the island. It is a very nice unit with a great view.

We then stopped by SMYC for a couple of drinks and to hopefully see Cody take off. As I stated, they were late but we never saw the Delta plane so we either missed it or they took off over the water. I had a pina colada at SMYC, probably the best one I have ever had. It was not your typical Island Oasis made drink but made by hand in an actual blender. It was very tasty.

I met The Whate Tales (Gary and Bernie) at Lee's for happy hour and some conversation. I also met them earlier in the day when I was at the pool as they walked by on their way to breakfast. We enjoyed some conversation and a couple of drinks. First class people and it was a pleasure meeting them. They add a lot to TTOL as well.

Dinner was at Roma. We did use the casino valet for parking. I told them we were going to dine at Roma and then visit the casino. No problem at all. Marco is off on Wed. so, I did not get to see him but did run into him at the restaurant earlier in the trip. Two of us had steak and the other two had Italian entrees along with a Caesar salad. I am not a big salad eater so I passed. I had talked with Whale Tale about the filet mignon since he had it and posted a picture. I can fix a good filet at home so I don't often order it out. In fact, other than the beef short rib at Jax, I have not had any beef this trip. I opted for the filet mignon, which came with asparagus spears, mashed potatoes and mushroom sauce for the steak. I ordered it medium rare and it came just slightly under that but was one of the best filets I have had anywhere. We enjoyed a couple of bottles of wine, shared a dessert and the limoncello shots on the house after dinner. The shots were not in a shot glass and were probably closer to two shots in a larger glass. No service charge added and excellent service.

I went across the street for a glass of wine while the others hit the casino and I believe they did pretty good.

Hopefully I have a reasonable departure experience and flight home. I will recap that when I do get home.

Thanks to those who read and commented on these daily reports.

As always, it was great to catch up with island friends and also TTOL friends. Gary and Bernie (Whale Tail) enjoyed hearing about TTOL gatherings of the past, we need to try to make them happen again in the future.

The weather was warmer than previous trips, which made the water warmer and more humid as well.

Will miss these morning updates. Almost like Bill & I were with yoi

Thank you and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

It was our pleasure meeting you a few times on this visit and hope for future encounters. Wishing you a smooth departure today and we will keep in touch.

Aloha JD, missed you this trip this time but glad you had a good time on island and thanks for all the reports! Just couldn't get the stars to align. See you on a future trip!
Todd and MJ

Thanks Todd, hope your trip is going well.

Gary and Bernie, thank you as well.

Enjoyed your Reports 👋

Thanks for all the reports. That steak at Roma surely sounds good.

Safe travels home and hopefully no drama.

Happy birthday Mort!!

Safe travels JD. I am quite sure it will be a joyful reunion when you arrive home.

Thank you and thanks to all others as well.

I am going to grab a burger somewhere here shortly and head to the airport about noon or so.

Again, thanks for your daily briefs as they were great. Safe and easy travels today and I know the ‘girls’ will all be happy to see you. And btw, I hope you made a point of seeing Max as I’m sure you did!😊😊

Thanks, and yes and yes.

Safe travels. I'm sure your fur babies will be glad to have you home.

When will we get to read great reports again....next year?

Hopefully. A burger at BBB and heading to the airport now.

Scuba, yes, anxious to see the 2 girls and the boy cat.

Safe travels home, JD. I have enjoyed your daily reports and thank you for posting them.

Thanks everyone.

In ATL now. About 20 minutes from entering the SXM airport to arriving at gate A1, with a jetway. What a shock that was.

I will post a final update sometime tomorrow, hopefully.

Safe travels on your connecting flight.

Hopefully the rest of the trip was as smooth. Must not have been any Air France or KLM in, as A1 is where they normally are.