We arrived on Thursday at 2:15 on American. While the auto immigration process seemed to be working fine, there was nearly no line at the kiosks with customs officials, so we were directed there and got through in under 5 minutes. Unfortunately checked luggage took nearly an hour, so long Leslie with Kenny's rental sent an email asking about us. Did meet up with Leslie right outside, and off to Carrefor for some groceries and then Ace on Cole Bay road for a beach chair. Traffic was pretty bad, though when we headed back towards Marigot, traffic was stopped going in the other direction from the Ace till a few hundred yards from the first roundabout into Marigot. Have never seen traffic that heavy, and by then it was about 4 pm. We were moving okay during that stretch, but then our side came to a dead stop for about 20 minutes or so. One lane was roped off for a few hundred feet just before the last roundabout for Marigot, and that brought traffic to a standstill. Even after that, it was stop and go all the way to Grand Case.
On the positve side, the restoration of the church in Grand Case is unbelievable. The views from the condo are great, though it is a bit windy, and forecast says 20 to 24 mph for the whole week we are here. Water was fine for swimming, but felt a bit cold just sitting on the beach due to the wind. Went to Talk of the Town first night, food was good and the prices were great. Tonight we went to Ocean 82, yes it is pretty pricey but my wife had the lamb shank and said it was great, and if you get a table on the porch, the views are nice. Most of the restaurants looked full both nights, so yes, reservations seem to be a good idea. Did not see any road closure in Grand Case either Thursday night or Friday, and we were walking down the street well after 6:30, so don't know if the street closure was a temporary measure.
We never leave anything in the car, so while it slows things down, one stays in the car while the other shops. It is a lounger, and it cost $62. It has straps so it can be backpacked.
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