Returned to St. Martin for the fifth year. Left Michigan in a snow storm which made our arrival eight hours later so much better. Stayed ten days this trip. Five nights in our timeshare at the Flamingo and five nights at Club Orient. Our goal for next year is two full weeks ! Since our time at the Flamingo was a trade we ended up in one of the new buildings on the hill. Beautiful studio but too far from the water and facilities. But it didn't bother us too much as it was only a place to sleep and keep our stuff since we day tripped to other beaches every day. Our stay at Club Orient was wonderful as usual. Something about walking twenty yards out your front door to the beach without worrying if you forgot anything (oops !, my suit !) makes it special.<br><br>Rented a car from Leslie Bruce for the first time. I like that Airport pick-up and drop off service. And his rates were the cheapest I found. I would recommend him to anyone.<br><br>Did the C/O thing at Cupecoy, Baie Rouge and Orient Beach. Enough sand everywhere so sand gravity was not reduced. Volleyball was in full swing at Orient everyday that we were there.<br><br>Shopped at Marigot, P-Burg, Grand Case and Maho. Wife bought a Danish designer watch for her birthday and a couple of island dresses. I picked up a native carved mask (that's what she claimed anyway) to hang in my office. And of course the usual T-shirts and four liters of medicinal alcohol to carry us through to the next trip.<br><br> Seemed to be more wind and rain than in past years. Got rained out of SSBB one night. And the wind drove us off of Orient Beach one day and into town. Visited the Dolphin and Casino Royal a couple of evenings.<br><br> Of course every visit is not complete without the extraordinary culinary experiences. Ate at Hot Tomatoes, Mary's Boon, the Greenhouse, Tastevin in Grand Case. Bikini Beach, KonTiki, Papaqayo's and Ric's. Met Patty at Le Perroquet for the first time. (great lady!) Dined at BLDG in Marigot Marina. Great food everywhere. Breakfast was Pasteries almost every morning from one bakery or another. Can't believe I didn't gain a pound !<br><br> Last impressions : Resturants, beaches and stores seemed less crowded than in past years. (But no apparent reduction in traffic in P-Burg or Marigot) Sand seems to be making its way back on the beaches we visted. And I saw a Road Paver in the Quarter d'Orleans ! And it was working ! There is hope !<br><br> Another wonderful trip. Already dreaming of next year.<br><br> <br><br>