As always, put on a pot of coffee. This will be lonnnng!
I'd like to preface this report by saying that my boyfriend and I broke up 2 weeks before touch down. His timing could not have been worse (is it EVER good in these situations??), and it was kinda weird at times not having him there. I'm
VERY thankful that I have many good vacation friends who kept me occupied and laughing the entire time. Love you all <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Kiss.gif" alt="" /> Needless to say, I had to cancel his ticket. He's entitled to a voucher, but he'll have to pry it out of my cold, dead hands first <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />
On with the show!
Flights: I normally fly American, but I caught a fare on United out of Boston via Dulles for $472 late one night and I went for it. Had a few regrets once I got to Logan - the terminal was out of control. Poor signage, no agents filtering through the crowd telling people where they need to be. Total chaos. They have 3 flights leaving at exactly 6am and it showed. They finally started hustling us along at 5:35 and I boarded at 5:58 as they were doing the final call. Phew! Flight was uneventful all the way through to SXM and we landed a bit early.
The trip home was a complete debacle. I'm glad the new terminal will be up and running by next March! We were dangerously packed in at Juliana (and flying out on a Sat. was definitely a big mistake on my part!) If there was a fire, see ya later. We got on the plane and waited...and waited...We had to take on a dozen pax from the Chicago flight and they had to make sure there was room for them. I guess their original flight was "overweight" and they took them off to make sure they could get over the mountain <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> Oddly enough, their bags were on their original flight - makes no sense. We got them loaded on and then had to wait for clearance from ATC. We took off 90 minutes late. We were concerned about our connections to say the least! Customs was dead empty when we got there and we waited about 20 minutes for our bags. A woman on the flight got a cell phone alert from Orbitz saying that our flight to Boston was delayed until 10:10 (originally 9:44pm). It was about 9:55 once we got through Customs. We hopped on the shuttle bus and it pulled up next to our plane YAY!! The woman seated next to me said that they were holding it til we all got on - seems there were 22 of us heading to Boston.
One super cool thing about United is that you can listen to air traffic communications on your headphones. It was pretty neato horning in as the pilots talked to each other about upcoming chop and ATC handing each plane off to the next center. For this reason alone, I'd fly them again. I'm easily amused <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />
Accomodations: I split them up this year due to difficulty renting a week 9 above ground at Royal Islander (don't like those 1st floor units). Stayed at Ocean Club for week 1 and my beloved RI for week 2. Loved Ocean Club! Very cozy and quiet. It was a treat having BobD and Bette two units down with their friends Dan and Deb in between us. Fun folks! We ate at The Oasis Grill the first night and had the pleasure of meeting Bert and Jill. GREAT food and we talked to Jill for quite awhile. We thoroughly enjoyed our time there. My unit at OC (17R) was really cute with plenty of room/huge balcony. Having no oven was kind of a bummer as I like to cook in a few times per week, but I made due with the toaster oven. I must admit that I nearly passed out when I saw the spiral staircase I had to climb with my bags totally alone <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> I liked the pool area alot and spent one day lazing on a community raft. Just perfect!
RI was it's usual spectacular self. Spotless, friendly and efficient staff! I rented unit 5205 and had an awesome view. My family stays there at that time, as well as the many friends we've made over the years - such a huge lift to see everyone again and get caught up. Mary was her fun self in the lobby bar - we get SUCH a kick out of her. Nice lady. The pool water was in sad shape this year - the only drag. I guess they're having filter problems of some sort and were waiting for a part. Murky! It wasn't green or disgusting, just not crystal clear as it always is. Believe me, we all went in for a quick cool off when we needed it <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" /> The RI beach actually had a decent amount of real estate this March (haven't seen it like that in forever!), so we spent a few days in the sand. The surf is waaaay too rough for me there, so I just sit and watch it roll in. I've never been bothered by the wee hours music from Bliss, etc. and that held true again this year. Once I hit the pillow, I'm out cold.
Also, there was a litter of 3 ADORABLE kittens with Mama cat in a crevice down at the bottom of the stairs to the pool/laundry area. It was actually a good spot for them as it was wide/deep enough for them to stay shaded in the afternoon hours. We were all on "kitty watch" and they were VERY well fed by many of us. My sister would call up to the room in the morning and say "They're out! Hurry!!" They'd come out for a photo op then and in early evening - we'd all stand there ooohing and ahhhing. It was neat for those of us missing our cats back home. Loved it!
Beaches: We were super lazy this year and only hit Mullet locally. It's our fave anyway and close by. Only had one day where the surf was Hawaii 5-0 style, but it was a blast watching the surfers. On days like that, I always take my Packlight chair down to the waters edge to cool off. I end up with 10 lbs. of sand in my drawers, but whatever - it works for me <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" /> The last few times I went, there were barely any waves - it was fantastic. The fish were swimming in close too! By the way, it looked cleaner to me this year. No garbage laying around like in the past. We could have lucked out with where we sat every day (way over by the reef), but I took it as a good sign. We went to Pinel early on, but we picked a cruise ship day, unfortunately. Totally jammed and not as quiet as I like. My Dad and his girlfriend had never been there, so it was a treat. "Captain Whistle" crammed us in that boat so tightly, my Dad said "We're gonna hear about this on the news....Tragedy in 6 feet of water." <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Rofl.gif" alt="" />
Food: We don't eat out too much and usually grab stuff on the run/cook in. We ate at Pizza Galley 3 or 4 times and it was great as always. I had my birthday dinner at Pineapple Pete's and it was a repeat of last year - flawless. I got the 24 oz. Prime Rib and had two other meals out of my leftovers! My sister also got the PR, my Dad had the Seafood Gratinee and Irene has the Lobstah Thermidore. We loved every bite. Great service and a fun setting. We also had a nice dinner at Le Bistro Nu in Marigot. Man, what a cool little place. They had a huge list of specials on the board that included Kangaroo Steak and Rabbit Stew. No thanks <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" /> We had no misfires here either. I had the NY Strip w/shallots, others had the Filet with mushrooms, Red Snapper in a lobster cream sauce, Tuna Steak, and Lamb Stew with white beans. I had French Onion Soup to start and everyone else had salads (tom/mozz, avocado, or octopus). We really loved it here and will be back. The RI gang raved about Bajatzu in Maho. Looks like they have a winner there. Also heard good reports about Bananas, Paris Bistro, Skipjacks, Moulin Fou (sp) and Antoine's (everyone's fave at RI). Tortuga Bar at the RI pool was also very good from what I hear. They do a few weekly specialty dinners in addition to breakfast/lunch and I heard nothing but good things from the guests.
Carousing: As many of you know, we have a pretty big TTOL gang for Regatta time, and well, just plain old nightly drinking. I had my vaca girlies with me - Leslie, Gretchen and my sister Susan of course! As luck would have it, Gretchen's friend Michelle and her husband Shaun were there on a belated honeymoon - they were great to hang with and really enjoyed SXM. Team NYC/The Big Apple Circus LOL - Jamie, Danny and Kevin - were in FINE form, Team Git Ir Done - JD, Charlie, Jill and Wendell - were alot of fun and it's always great to see them. The lovely Andrea had her friends Phil and Julie with her, and we had a great time getting to know Kevin - aka "the other TTOL Kevin." GREAT to see Marybeth and Don and Cheryl and Ted again too! We hit the Regatta Finale in style. Good Lord - one drink token = one Heineken. I uh...used up all of mine <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> We had plenty of room to hang out and it was thankfully a cool night. We ended up at Halsey's for an after party and things were kinda hazy. I remember we were all wearing glow stick ropes like crowns, though LOL We went to Lady C 4 or 5x and it was fun as always! We also went on the Lady C lagoon cruise again this year and it was fantastic (they charge $10 p/p - it was free last March). They have a keyboard player/singer now and they had everyone going. Good idea! A nice, relaxing few hours on the lagoon.
TTOL Parties: We had two - 3/6 and 3/13. The first was at SMYC and a good time was had by all! So great seeing all of our old March buddies again and catching up on our news. Neil put on a good show for us once again - thank you! I spent most of my time talking to Kelly and Jim (kelann). They live in Rhode Island and speak my language - we could understand each others accents after all <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" /> Many of us headed to Pizza Galley for the traditional post-party nosh. After a zillion beers, I know I needed it. Our party on 3/13 was at Lady C for Happy Hour. Super good time! I got to know alot of board members I hadn't met yet - a true pleasure <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cool.gif" alt="" /> and it was fun to see old friends once again like Shelby and her vaca gang. I love our big happy TTOL Family! Mike (the Lady C's captain) put out Spicy Meatballs for us (nice surprise) and they sure made us want to drink more to cool the fire :laugh He said he was very happy with the turnout and a bunch of stayed on well past Happy Hour. Colin (former Lady C barkeep) also attended the party and what a treat to see him again. He has a few irons in the fire career-wise and we certainly wish him well. One of the nicest guys EVER.
Misc: Rented chairs and an umbrella from Craig at Packlight for the 3rd year in a row. Prompt as always and a great guy to deal with. I decided to turn my stuff back in the day before I left so it was one less thing I had to do Sat. morning. I called him on Thursday for a Friday afternoon give-back and it was no problem at all. I met him in Maho and he was on his way. I'll be sure to contact him next Jan. to make our arrangements once again.
I got a weeks internet time at The Sapphire while I was at Ocean Club. $35 for unlimited use. Fast connections and I never had to wait for a terminal. Their room is downstairs from the lobby in the convenience store.
We bought all groceries at Food Express in Maho. Found the prices to be good and they had everything I needed. You can get your ticket validated at the register for one hour of free parking in the garage when you're done shopping.
I rented a car for my first week from Flamingo near the airport. Got a brand new Corolla - which made me nervous! Great little car with plenty of pick up.
I had posted while I was there about car towing in front of Royal Palm. Sharon posted the scoop about that being a turn off lane for RP. Thank you! We've always parked there with no problem, and now I know <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> I saw car towing near Atlantis Casino as well. GOD that's an awful place to negotiate through! Saw alot of police presence in the Simpson Bay/Maho area. There were always cop cars going back and forth. Felt good to see that.
Traffic was bad through Simpson Bay depending on when you go. Avoid 4-7pm if possible. Stop and go as always, but we never sweated it. We'll get there eventually.
Finally brought some Banana Vanilla Ma Dou Dou home! Can't wait to break it out as soon as my bad boyfriend situation calms down <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Rofl.gif" alt="" /> And as I mentioned in Marybeth's report, we fell hopelessly in love with Etna Coconut ice cream! So good and so so so bad!
My friend Kim didn't come down this year like the last few, but surprised me by sending a LOVELY floral arrangement to Royal Islander for my birthday. She lives in Phoenix and man oh man, what a process it was to get them to me! Such a nice, thoughtful gesture from a good friend. It really made my year so far <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" />
In summation, I had a really good time with friends and family and look forward to my March '07 trip!! Onwards and upwards!
