It wasn’t a major big deal at the time but it does evoke memories of earlier trips and years gone by. The friends who were with us on that trip took their daughters over a few years later, relating the story of the gas situation to them. They rented from the same Hertz airport concern and also received a car with an empty gas tank - coincidence or planned? - we’ll never know, but when they arrived at the gas station they had the smarts to show the gas attendant the five dollar bill first. And I’m sure it helped, too, that one of their daughters spoke reasonably fluent French.

As for today and and off-island trips, basically we’ve done StB enough times that there’s no strong allure for us any longer. And If I really want an off SXM island experience I’d opt for Anguilla for beaching or Saba for the beauty of the island. Just my personal preference.