Wednesday, left Phila. on AA thru San Juan & arrived 2:10pm. Went by ferry thru Marigot and made it to Shoal Bay Villas, where we stayed 3 nights, by 4:15pm. Was suprised to see Shoal Bay rough & windy. But each day it got less & less windy & rough. SB Villas have 13 units and we had a 2nd floor suite with TV in living/kitchen area and air conditioning in bedroom. We overlooked the beach and ocean. Beautifull!!!!!! What a lovely beach. Uncrowded and quiet and laid back. No saving chairs. The only thing I complained about was not having an outlet in the bathroom. Had to set up a mirror in the kitchen, pull out the microwave cord and use that outlet. For 2 people it was roomy. The couch pulls out into a queen. During the day we opened the windows and let the breezes blow through. Great!!!! I had emailed the office to make a recommendation for a place to eat our 1st night. They had made a 7pm reservation at Zarra's and someone from the restaurant picked us up and drove us back. Dinner was very good and the chef is the owner. You can hear him sing while he cooks. What a repertoire of songs. Thursday was relax on the beach and again we asked the office for another recommndation. A cab picked us up for our dinner at The Straw Hat. The owner from New York suburbs bought about 8 years ago. Friday was cloudy so we took the island tour ($40). This happened to be the same day of the wedding on the "Today Show". So, one of our stops was at Cap Ja Louca. When we arrived the wedding reception was still going strong. Went out to the beach area where is was covered with cable line and wires all over the place. We saw the stage where Tony Bennet sang, Katie and Matt's chairs were sitting there empty. The surf boards with their names. Lots of trunks and lots more to pack up. The people staying at the hotel were not happy about the goings on since they start at 2am for an 8 am wedding. Walking back to the cab there was the bride and one of her maids of honor having a cigarette break. We also stopped at Maulihanna and Cuisenart. I liked the last the best. Anguilla makes their own rum and you can stop at the factory for a taste test and to buy. The roads are being worked on and so is the airport. Friday evening we had dinner at Blanchard's and we were happy to meet Bob and Melinda Blanchard. I bought 4 of their books callled "A trip to the beach" about how they moved and started their restaurant and their cook book. They were very nice to sign all the books and oh yes, don't forget a t-shirt. Just in cab rides alone on Friday we spent $90. If we go again, we would rent a car to get groceries for breakfast and lunch. Dinners cost us from $110 and up. If you are looking for that laid back quiest island this is it. I can't say enough for the Shoal Bay Villas personnel. The arranged everything for us. Saturday, we stayed till about 1:30 then took the ferry back to Marigot. Caught a cab and picked up our car and on to the Royal Islander "La Plage". We could park for free under La Terrese across the street. Plus shop at the grocery store their too. The place looked in great condition except the beach. Sure wish they would replenish the sand. There is very little beach area in front of RI and more beach area between RI and Sunset Beach Bar. They have added beach chair and umberellas. We ate a Pizza Pasta for dinner and got our 10% off for Royal Islander owners. Not as may shops opened but they this week on the Le Terrasse side they are opening shops called the Italian Outlet Shops. Sunday, spent our day a Mullet Beach. Nice!!!! Went to La Gondola for dinner and got to meet the young and handsome Italian owner. Plus dinner was very good. Monday we went to the butterfly farm. It killed an hour and was interesting. Lots of pretty butterflys to see. Went to Orient Beach but it was windy and crowded so back to RI. Dinner was at Saratoga, which has another handsome owner/chef and another delicious dinner. Tuesday, we went to Philipsburgh for a litttle shopping. Parking was not fun and ended up in the free parking. The prominade is a very nice addition. Still working on Front street but it should be finished in a week or 2. Tuesday evening was the TTOL party at Peg Leg. It took us 45 minutes from Maho to Peg Leg. They had a nice set up outside in the back with a pan band and horsedouvres. Jack and Linda were very nice people and met some TTOL people that were not registered but who joined in. I met Deepti and her brothers who are very good looking family. That's where I bought a chain for my Grandson. We stayed for dinner and I'm glad we did. They were right about the Fitet Mignon. It was tender and delicious and would go back again. Shawn took a few minutes to talk and he says "Everyone have a healty happy holiday so you can come back an visit me." Wednesday, back to Mullet for the day and dinner at Turtle Pier for "lobster night". It was delicious!!! Thursday, we went to Marigot and looked around and bought a few things. Our last night and dinner we spent at Marios. Another delicious meal. Friday, we packed and dropped off our bags at AA and went to Mullet Bay for one last swim. The weather couldn't have been better, 85 during the day and 75 in the evening with low humidity. Fantastic. Our flight from SXM to Miami to PHL was fine. First time we tried that route. This was our 12th year on SXM and we still enjoy the island.
PS - Hi to Wannabewarm (Maura). What can I say, "great minds think a like". We met Maura in person on Shoal Bay, Blanchard's, Mullet Bay, Phillipsbugh (trying to find a space) and TTOL party at Peg Leg. Small world!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Cool.gif" alt="" />
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