I have posted this trip report on Trip Advisor but at the prompting of another SXM lover, I will try and give a brief summary of our trip.

4-30-08- Drove from Birmingham, Al. to Atlanta, where we stay in a beautiful, just refurbished LaQuinta Inns and Suites near the airport. Ate lunch at Ruby Tuesdays and spent the PM sitting by the pool, watching the planes take off and land. We had a LR, small kitchen and bedroom with large bath for $139.99 and were permitted to leave our car parked there for 10 days at no additional cost. Tossed and turned all night in anticiation of our 8:40AM flight to SXM. The motel took us to the Airport, where we checked out bags and proceeded to T terminal, the newest terminal at Atlanta Hartsfield. Our AA flight took off on time and we landed at Miami and gad 45 minutes to change planes to SXM. The flight was uneverntful and we landed at SXM at 2:20 PM. Got our luggage and looked for AAA car rentals man, who took us to pick up our car. As 5-1-08 was Labor Day in SXM took advantage of duty free stores in Miami to buy some Scotch and whiskey.

After picking up our small, bright blue car at AAA, we proceeded to pick up cell phone from Sharon and then followed our wonderful direction to Pointe Blanche, just beyaond the cruise ship terminal. We stayed at a private developoemnt called Monte Vista and the name of our villa was Le Jardin. Alan and Royce Samit own three units side by side and all are wonderful. Our unit had a huge LR, DR and kitchen, seperate bedroon and huge bath. Outside on the terrace was a large jacuzzi. The view was amazing. We were directly over the cruise ship terminal and it was so interesting watching the cruise ships come in and leave.There were little black and yellow "sugar birds" in all the trees. That night went to the Greenhouse for a happy hour and had a great dinner.

5-2-08- Left earlt to go down the hill to Sang's Supermarket and got breatfast supplies. They have a small bakery and deli and the chocolate crousaints were to die for. Then we headed out for Dawn Beach and parked at Mr. Busby's. The water was spectacular as was the snorkeling. It was not crowded and we had luch at Mr. Busby's. Had dinner at the Greenhouse for Friday night Lobster Feast. The bill was around $100.00 and the lobster was tough.

The rest is a blur. Ate at Chesterfields and dinner was fab. Went to Orient after getting lost 2 times and it rained, was not impressed. Went to Marigot market on WEdnesday and loved it. Bought red snapper and lots of spices. Cooked fish on the grill that night. Went to maho one day, layed in the sun and ate at Sunset Beach Club.
Another day drove to Grand Case beach and loved the water there. It was so warm and calm. Ate lunch at the restaurant next to the beach and lunch was great.

One day I ventured out alone and went to Rima's and Sang's market. They have the best deli at luch, serving Chinese food very cheap. Would have loved to bring back a wheel of Gouda but was afraid it would spoil.

We loved the island, hated the traffic, were not afraid, got a great tan, no misquittos, and cried on 5-10 when we headed out to the airport. Trip back was uneventful. Did not get to Atlanta until midnight and to our motel until 1:30AM. Drove back to B'ham on Sunday. Bot, was that a downer.

Here I sit counting the days until next year. I learned a lot and will feel more confident next year. Thanks to all of you for giving so much great info. It helped a lot.

Sherry