TravelTalkOnline Forums Trip Reports (Read Only) SXM Trip Reports and Photos SXM--We're Back Too 2/3-2/10

Reality is when the pilot says it’s 12 in MKE and you’re dressed for 80’s. Our trip to paradise is over all too soon. <br><br>Flew US Air from MKE-CLT-SXM. Left the gates on time, only to sit on the runways to wait our turn for take off. Return trip home went the same way.<br><br>Thanks to all for the great suggestions to go carry-on luggage only. Dave was a “Doubting Thomas” in the beginning, but a convert by the time we left. Had the 2 carry-ons and a backpack and added a beach bag on the way home. Went through immigration in record time (didn’t see gorilla lady-whew), and were met by the rep.for Unity. Shuttled over to the new place and Michael had the car (yes, a white Corolla) ready and waiting. Started off at SSBB for strawberry coladas and watched Air France take off. Keep missing the landings, and this year was no different.<br><br>Stayed at L’Hoste, like last year. Guess there’s advantages to being the last to check in. We were on the waiting list for-and then surprised by being given the third floor room. Great view. They’ve also added kitchenettes now to all the rooms. The staff are very accommodating. Unfortunately, we got in too late to hit the beach.<br><br>Started off the islands gastronomical treats at the Bikini Beach Bar. Great stir frys. Drinks were pretty good too. Met up with fellow TTOLers on Sunday night for a bit of revelry – Contessa, Glitter Goddess, Jane, Bob & Noreen (christened Twink & Wink), Ethel, Jerry, Lauren and Nathan. Continued on, minus Ethel and Jerry at L’Ptit for pizza. Beware of little gray haired man, who obviously was not on island time/mood yet. He chastised us for having way too much fun. Not that we let it bother us any, so we continued on at Contessa’s villa after a fantastic pizza.<br><br>Spent the next day on the beach with Contessa and her “gang”. Learned new ways to “fish”(saving of the bread & feeding them) and also get that beach “glitzed” look. What a hoot. Finished the day with an absolutely wonderful meal with everyone at Bistrot Caraibes. Contessa- thank you so much for welcoming us with open arms into your group. We had a blast, and hope to continue to meet for many years to come. You are a pricless gem!<br><br>The rest of the week was spent resting up on the beach, except for the daily walks to see Twink and Wink, and the wear off the previous nights meals in preparation for future meals. Ate at L’Alabama, Sebastianos, Le Pressoir, and lastly, with Twink & Wink at L’Hibiscus. All are great places to eat, but Bistrot and L’Alabama are still our favs. Breakfasts were at Zee Best, Michael’s Place in Grand Case, or Le Madras at L’Hoste. Lunch’s on the beach at La Playa, or of the liquid variety. Drank more wine in a week than we do all year. It was so nice not to wake up with “wine headaches” like I do at home.<br><br>Did do one “touristy” thing, and visited the Butterfly Farm. Neat place, and would do it again. Do go early in the a.m. (they open at 9). The butterflies are very active then. Also did a bit of exploring afterwards. Wanted to check out Oyster Pond and Dawn Beach. The corolla did fine missing most of the potholes, but Dave’s sense of adventure was taxed. He wanted the map. And it was safely back in the room. Not that we were lost, he just wanted to see where abouts we were. (Guess he thought I was going to take him shopping). I kept telling him where to turn, and low and behold, we were right back where we started.<br><br>Went to SSBB a couple of times. Called home so the kids could see us on the web cam. They got a kick out of that. Missed Neil each time, so couldn’t say hello.<br> <br>Did go shopping on Friday. Only 1 ship in and Front St. looked almost like a ghost town. Got a couple of early Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, B-day and Christmas gifts from Dave[img]/images/icons/love.gif[/img], along with goodies for the kids, and Mom for babysitting. (Thank God for Grandparents, without whom these trips wouldn’t happen). Marigot’s open market is a fun place to nose around in.<br><br>All in all, a wonderful week that was over way too soon.[img]/images/icons/sad.gif[/img] Met so many great folks from all over, along with the TTOLers and are looking forward to a repeat adventure next year – as long as we have the ability to get away. <br><br>Talk to you all later!! <br><br><br><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by Administrator on 2/14/01 02:17 PM.</EM></FONT></P>