This was kind of a different trip for me, as I went down by myself, and met with some friends from Norway who were already there. So here are some notes from my trip :

Flights :

For me, getting to SXM means leaving a day before, going from home to Montreal to New York to spend the night. New York was sunny, very hot. I wanted to find a bar to watch the hockey game, and with some great suggestions from folks here, first went Brady`s, where they didn`t have it. Still had a few drinks, and the bartender suggested a bar called Fish of Fools, right across the street. Watched the game with about 20 people from Montreal, all living in New York. It was great….Next morning, flight down to SXM..

Return flight was with an unscheduled stop to San Juan, due to some mechanical issues with our plane. Arrived back in New York at 1 :15am, and only got to my hotel at 3 :30am. Had a scheduled flight at 6am to get back home, but was able to change it to later in the morning, and still get home at the same scheduled time.

SXM :
Friday April 25th

Got on the island on time, at 3pm, got picked up by Unity, and there was traffic, as soon as we got out of the airport. It was bumper to bumper. Probably took about 30 minutes to get to the Unity lot. Once there, a few seconds later, i was on my way to Orient, got there at around 6pm….

This trip, with some good comments from Contessa, i stayed at Sun Caraibes , located in Orient village, not far from the Esmeralda. I stayed in a studio called Tintamarre, which they don’t usually rent. Bathroom and shower were located outside the room, but for me, it was a non issue. Total cos twas 350 Euros for 7 nights. When i got there, was met by Henri, who showed me around, gave me the keys, and that was it.

http://www.st-martin-vacation.com/Condos-Apartments/Apt-SunCaraibes.html

Then on to Papagayo`s to meet my friends for dinner and drinks.

Saturday April 26th

Spent the day on Orient, not far from Papagayo`s. It was pretty much clouday all day. Walking to the Perch for happy hour, was stopped and got to meet lots, and I mean lots of TTOL`ers. First was the lovely Contessa and crew, which i had met the night before at Papagayo`s. Then the list goes on, Brian and family (Peconic), Micheal and Lisa (stmartinlovers), Islandgem, BillandElaine, Pam and Wayne (PamWay), Cybershark,, and many more…wish i would have wrote all the names down….!!!! Wayne was a great host and making sure i got to meet everyone when I was walking and passing him…good job Wayne..!!!

One couple that i want to mention on a seperate note is Jim and Janet, as we crossed each other a few times at Papagayo`s. Very special people, who their strenght and love for each other is just something else, in some less ideal moments. Just want to say it was a pleasure just chatting with both of you, and hopefully will see you again later this year at Club O.

Saturday April 26th....

Met Bruce...!! For me, an event on it`s own...one of the best TTOL'ers.....

Tuesday April 29th

Went on the Tiko Tiko with a friend of mine. Great group on board, and as usual, service, meal, and all over day is totally worth every penny.

Wednesday April 30th

Went to Pinel, as one of my friends had never been there. Great sunny day, go chairs and umbreall from Yellow Beach.

Thursday May 1st

Went of the Tiko Tiko for their sunset cruise. It goes for a few hours, to the back of Tintamarre, drinks and light snacks. Nice way to see a sunsest.

Other non specific days

These were all the same. Got up early, took the 3 minute drive to Club O, and spent the day on Orient. Lots of sand on Club O part, and on all of Orient. Weather from Sunday to the day I left was perfect.

The Perch : What can i say, Willie is great, and she gets that line moving, so everyone can have a chance for a second round at happy hour. On her day off, Jean Pierre is at the Perch. Not as quick, but what I like about Jean Pierre, is that all drinks are made with fresh fruits…takes longer, but tastes oh so good….and what a happy person…!!

Lunches : Baywatch and Le String…..love both of them.

Dinners : Le Pub, Pineapple Petes, and Papagayo`s. As on of my friends was physically challenged and it was difficult for him to get around, and as they were staying at Club O, mostly had dinner at Papagayo`s. Like Contessa mentionned in her report, I love Papagayo`s. Food is good, service is good, and you have to make it an evening. Nancy, Patou, Karine and Elfrida do a great job serving the tables, and Jean Pierre, Jean Pierre #2, Kenny and Carlos as manager are equally great at the bar. Just wish it would stay open later at night. Some nights, and the party just seemed to get going, they would close down.

Shopping : Gulmohars. Go there every trip, they remember me every trip. Great TTOL sponsor. No jewelery shopping this time….!!!!

TTOL Party : Now, i got some comments by not attending….!!!! Contessa was looking for me on the beach the next morning…!!! But i new i had it coming..!!! As I mentionned, i was with 3 friends, with one gentleman physically challenged. When it started to rain hard, we decided to wait for it let up a bit before going, as we would be using the beach wheelchair to go. The rain just took a few hours to let up..!! At that time, he didn`t want to go….Now you know a Canadian feels bad about missing out on a party, as I was looking forward to this for a few months….

Overall, it was a relaxing trip, after a hard cold, lots of snow winter….now, back to work and countdown has begun for our August trip. It was great meeting all of you TTOL’ers ( Thanks Wayne!!!!! lol), i know i`ve missed some names. And this april week will be on our list for next year for a trip….!!!


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