Transport: Monday evening, our driver showed up promptly at 6:30 to take us to SFO for our 9:30 departure to MIA. After a miserable 6 hour layover, we were on our way to SXM, landing around 2:30 PM, waiting for bags, getting the car, then making a stop for beer, water and cat food, and finally arriving Grand Case Beach Club aroubd 4:30. Somehow, the insane world of airfare pricing worked in our favor and we were able to purchase business class passage for about $350 more than coach for the roundtrip. Probably won't see those fares again.

Hotel: We've been coming to St. Martin annually since 2007, gradually increasing the length of our stay from 7 days to 23 days this trip, 20 at GCBC followed by 3 at Mary's Boon. GCBC is our home on these trips. We got our desired room number and proceeded to hunker down for the trip, so first step is finding our furry feline friends. We found 4 the first day and the fifth, Ginger, found us the next morning, indignantly waiting at our back door to be let in to be fed. No hello, no thank you, just pure attitude. Picasso is my wife, Shirley's, favorite, but still feral and totally untouchable. Last year she was pettable and we ended up unceremoniously dumping her in a cage and hauling her off to the vet to cease her kitten production activities, but not after Picasso extracted her pound of flesh by getting ahold of Shirley's arm, forcing a visit to the doctor and a regimen of antibiotics. Five days without drink, but Shirley was happy.

Water: The water was really rough on Tuesday because of Nicole, with waves crashing against and over the seawall along Grand Case Beach. Each day the water got calmer, and this morning(Fri) seems back to the usual Caribbean calm that makes us return. Water seems warmer than usual and at my ideal temperature, meaning it's immediately comfortable on my body. As is usual for us, I doubt we'll go to any other beach other than Petite Plage and Grand Case Beach. Sand gravity and a well stocked fridge make this the ideal daily hangout for us.

Provisioning: Wednesday was our first full day on the island, so we needed to stock up on supplies. First was a wine stop at Le Gout du Vin. Picked up some very drinkable Serame Reserve for a shade over 6 E a bottle and ordered 2 of the blue bottles of rose. Bought a few more bottles to tide us over until we make it to Sylvain's shop. Since we were in Marigot, and my Tshirts are getting shabby, I picked up another Secret Spot shirt, so, now, all my shopping goals have been met. Went to Super U for cheeses, pates, 2 KG of cat kibble, and other incidentals. Negotiating the aisles of that store reminds me of driving the streets of Marigot, i.e. unappealing. I hope they get the new store open in Simply's loction, even if it's a Super U. Yesterday, made our obligatory stop at Ma Dou Dou, so we're fully stocked.

Eats:Initially, our first island meal was at the lolos, as we'd be tired from relatively sleepless red-eye flight, and our palates not necessary capable of enjoying finer(expensive) dishes. However, since Villa Roayale opened up that's our first night go to place, and perhaps my overall favorite on a price/performance basis--well, maybe tied with Yvettes. I'd made prior arrangement to meet pony600 and her stallion, but Shirley had to beg off as she'd been battling an upset stomach since we landed in MIA. Ordered my obligatory Ti Punch, we shared orders of accras and conch tempura, and I had my standard mahi-mahi tartare. With this meal behind me, all was right with the universe and I was almost into my zen-like state, but that would take another day. As part of our exercise regimen, we walk to the bakery in town for croissants and a baguette for breakfast. We've had our usual excellent lunch at Le Taitu, which is still a bargain even though Jean raised the price by 3 Euros. Drink, plate, and coffee for 14.85 E (or $17--I use the credit card and get charged in Euros). Also tried out Zen-it for dinner, but was underwhelmed with their mussels. Rest of the meal was good, but this seems to be more a drinking establishment with food. Last night we weren't very hungry, so ate the cheese and pate we'd bought Wednesday. An early bedtime led to a 4:30 am waking, and plenty of down time to overcome the debilitating effects of sand gravity and finally produce a trip report.

No promises, but I will try to report in over that next 20 days.

Sounds like a great start, other than a 6 hr layover. Enjoy!!

Sounds like a great start! Looking forward to enjoying the rest with you!

Having done one of those West to East flights recently, I'm glad you were able to get the upgrade. It's still a long flight but the wider seats with amenities do help a little - hopefully you had those comfy sleeper seats. I'm always amazed at what those of you on the 'far side' of the US go through to enjoy the warm SXM waters but, trust me, I get it!!

Heres hoping the balance of your stay is as good as the first few days. We've only stayed at GCBC once but it was absolutely delightful and I can't think of a better home base. Enjoy and update us as you're willing and able and thank you for sharing. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Can't wait for the remaining days reports.

Thanks for the report. Agree that Ville Royale is a nice, resonable addition to GC.

I've done that "miserable" layover in MIA more than once. For me, what makes it bearable is the purchase of a day pass at the AA Admirals Club; I think it's well worth the cost. They have lovely private bathrooms where you can shower and change (they provide towels, hair dryer, etc.), free food, lots of comfy seating for reading or using electronics. It's quite refreshing after a redeye from the West Coast.

I look forward to more of your reports as you have time.

Thanks for the report!

This year we took a late morning flight out of SFO and overnighted in Atlanta before the flight to SXM instead of taking the redeye with a long layover. We felt much better the next day when we arrived on island. We'll be going through Miami in February and will be overnighting again. I guess age finally got the best of us!

We usually overnight on the way from SFO too. Jet lag is greatly reduced by doing so.