Out of Philly on a USAIR plane with only 30 passengers! OMG we had leg room. Got into SXM on time and thru customs very quickly. Found Mickey from Tropical-Tropicana and our car and were quickly on our way to Summit Resort. Settled in and jumped in the pool. Met friends for dinner that night and got up early the next morning to enjoy the Sunrise over Simpson Lagoon. Had wonderful breakfasts each morning with Chloe & Thierry at Kissing Fish. I love my yogurt and fruit and Steve must have his bacon and eggs. Yes., Chloe, I did find Dannon fruit on the bottom at home! Will bring it with me next trip!

Stayed at Summit for 4 days, then moved over to the Pelican Marina for the next 2 weeks. We still returned to Kissing Fish for breakfast – where else can you have a swim, great company and a singing chef in beautiful tropical surroundings? One of our best days was the Sunday it poured rain – went to Kissing Fish – had breakfast, met our friends and stayed all day by the pool , playing Trivial Pursuit and cards while generally vegging out. The rain turned the island from brown to green over the 2 day period. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

Beaches and snorkeling: Great Bay – in town for breakfast at the Barefoot Terrace (right at Wathley Pier – great prices, good service), shopping, then stayed for an in town beach day. Lots to watch on land – no snorkeling.
Orient – must stop at Baywatch for Andy’s Mussels and share the latest bon mots with Adrian, Ross, Cheryl and Andy. The beach is really back!!! At least 6 rows of chairs in front of Baywatch – so much better than no rows, or possibly 1. Snorkeling still great off the rocks in front of Pedro’s.
Pelican – stayed close to home several days while under the weather. Snorkeling off the rocks on right, behind Marco’s, proved to be good this year. Noticed a group kayaking over from the Lagoon to Pelican, then over the beach to snorkel . There is a large buoy just off the rocky point, it seems to mark the reef there. Lots of fish and a fairly easy swim in and out from the shore. On the Simpson Bay side, the fish were ever interested in little fishy nibbles – no bites, just curious fish. Annoying after awhile, but great for teaching kids about fish!
Mullet Bay – always wonderful, except when the surf is up! Snorkeling here was good on the left side facing the water. Saw three small squid here.
Creole Rock, - fabulous, saw sea turtles and the come back of staghorn coral. Tons of fish, morays hiding out and the ever present Sgt Majors in schools. Glad to see the return of the coral in this protected area.

Events: Sailing on Random Wind is a requirement for a GREAT vacation. This year was no different. Great group of folks, nice wind and plenty of food. This year’s trip was highlighted by the super crew Andre and Helen and their ability to smile whilst explaining the day’s challenge (on the return trip, within sight of our final destination, the transmission decided to get funky): Random Wind is a sailing yacht, we shall sail into port – it will, however, take slightly longer than expected to return to port. What a great sail – of course I am the sailor so I was smiling from ear to ear. Great job Andre and Helen!!!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />
TTOL Party on the 25th – saw lots of happy people crowding ‘round the BBB as hubby took me to the Dr. for what turned out to be Bronchitis. Sorry I missed the party, but Dr’s orders were – take theses meds and go to bed. No Sandy I really wasn’t afraid you would take Steve off to Tahiti.
God bless the Simpson Bay Medical Clinic folks, friendly and much quicker than in the US – no appointment needed! Just go – first come, first serve.
Harmony Nights in Grand Case. Tuesday nights, we went the second Tuesday we were on island. Great food, activities, bands. Parking was a challenge, but we followed the other cars and parked free by the airport- then walked thru town. What a fun evening. Dinner at L’Alabama – food fabulous, our friend thought the staff was a bit stuffy. Very hot, needed more air breezing thru. If you speak any French- try it, the response is always more positive IMHO. The Lobster Bisque was amazing as was the three cheese pasta. Everything was yummy.
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Restaurants: L’Alabama (see above)
Halsey’s ( if you like sushi fresh ahi – try the Asian Tuna here – none better on the island. Also try the soup de jour – Brandied Lobster Bisque was superb.
Jimbo’s – always a beautiful setting. Good food, hamburgers are great.
Peg Leg’s Pub – our favorite for steaks. Hello Shawn, Linda and Jack
The Wharf – good food and lively entertainment. Get into the swing and enjoy, all inhibitions should be left at the door, just remember this is a family place!
Le Piccolo – at Zee Best in Simpson Bay Yacht Club, what fabulous plates. All appetizers – plan of having at least two And save room for dessert. The Zee Best almond croissants are still my favorites.
Market at Cupecoy – Citrus Café? Has yummy prepared salads and small luncheon items. Also croissants and individual desserts too yummy to enumerate.
Temptation – is all it is cracked up to be. Superb food, wonderfully presented. Taste treats abound – savour your food here. Pricey, but we are worth it. Romantic setting, under the tent, with flowing water (rain? Or the waterfall or both?)
Le Charolais – Maho We have followed Karin where ever she goes. Known for their beef, I have enjoyed their fish specials as well. Good food and a great place to watch the street dancers from the Casino every night except Monday, at 9 pm.
Kissing Fish – breakfasts are yummy, great coffee. No lunch – dinners are informal. Thierry’s barbequed ribs are fabulous, as is the Mahi Mahi. Check in to see what each evening will have, depending on who is at Summit for the time – anything from lobsters to ribs may be the fare. This is so like “home”. Hey Thierry what’s for dinner? Oh a little of this and a little of that!

We did not want to leave, but had to return to reality on the 29th. Checked in early, then returned to the airport around 3 for the 4:00 USAIR flt to Philly. Well, it was DELAYED. Finally left around 6:15, got home late, but fortunately we did not have any connections to make, not so for many others. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" />

We are happy to fly direct and carry on. No luggage problems, meet our driver and go home to our restless kitties.

When can we go again????? Had a relaxing vacation, <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/snore.gif" alt="" />much sand gravity, great visiting with friends, minimal shopping this trip. Sorry to have blabbed on so long. If you haven’t gone yet, I envy your stay, if you are returning – enjoy. What a super island.
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Ann and Steve

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Ann & Steve