Just returned today from another great trip to SXM. Several comments/opinions to share: <br><br>- A great restaurant choice is Le Bistro Nu, which is down a narrow alley right across from the sports stadium in Marigot. Doesn't look like much from the outside during the day, but it is very charming at night, great food, and reportedly the owners of other restaurants in Marigot like to go to this place.<br><br>- Le Piccalo restaurant has gone to an "appetizers only" menu. This gives diners a chance to try several of past year's favorites.<br><br>- The Residence de la Plage apartments right next to L'Hoste at Orient Beach are very nice. Not all the conveniences of staying at a hotel, but worth sacrificing for the lower price.<br><br>- Weather was not the best this past week...very windy and a lot of rain. Didn't spoil the enjoyment of being on the island, but heard a lot of folks indicating it was the worst weather they had experienced for week 5 in many years.<br><br>- Tourism is down sharply on the island. Popular restaurants don't seem to be hurting, like Mario's Bistro, but many businesses are.<br><br>- Crime continues to be in the headlines. A local business was held up and 5 cars were vandalized and one stolen last week. We didn't feel uncomfortable at any time but were told that immigrants are coming to the island, in some cases illegally, can't find work or have been layed off due to the slow local economy, and in desperation are turning to crime.<br><br>- Despite the above, this is still our favorite caribbean island.<br><br><br><br>
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