Our long awaited trip back to SXM has now come and gone. This trip was especially worth the wait and turned out to be our best restful two weeks needed
vacation. Elderly family members care on my side has placed a stressful amount of pressure on the family. Just two weeks before leaving my wife received
a call from France telling her that her brother Remy passed away from complications of cancer. Remy had been fighting cancer for the last eight years.
He and Nicole made it to SXM last October and also a three week stay with us in July-August this Summer. He will be missed.
With preparations made, we left PHL for Miami Wednesday, the 14th on AA. No problem or lines leaving Phila, ticket kiosk processing went fast. Traveling
lighter each year. Made it with 3 carry-on type suitcases, checked two. Changed planes after 2 hour layover and arrival at Princess Juliana Airport was fast
and smooth, no lines there either. Walking, customs and luggage took all of 20 minutes. Love traveling in the middle of the week. Haven't run into much
congestion when traveling then versus weekend trips. Airport was virtually empty, no pressure, no lines. ACE/Panoramic personnel met us and took us
quickly to our car. Telephone from Sharon of SXM was waiting for us loaded with time. Off to Grand Case Beach Club, stopping at Le Grand Marche at Cole
Bay and The Match in the Howell Center in Marigot for a few first night staples, wine, cheese, baguette, Grand'Mere coffee and colored candles. We use our
our first bottle of wine as a candle holder and change colors thru the stay. Arrival was, as expected by Steve Wright and the staff at Grand Case. Smiling faces,
room ready, pretty view, complimentary bottle of wine and great weather. Reunion with the staff members all our visiting friends made for a great time.
Great to see Au Lait, the coconut retreiver resident dog and friend to all who visit and stay at Grand Case Beach Club. All you need is a piece of baguette,
some Brie and you have a friend for life.
After our first day of arrival excitement, we settled in to almost the "Sand Gravity" thing immediately. We had planned to get around, but each day we
found it harder to explore the island. The must needed time away from life that we wanted had started to take over.
Our anniversary group, who return each year to complete our vacation, had arrived and continued to arrived over the next few days. Unknown to us,
Debby and Joel (Pony600) had staked out a spot at Karacter's near the airport and greeted our flight as it touched down. TTOL watchers Lisa and Steve from
Washington State arrived Sunday followed by Carl and Shirley (Cruzer) from San Francisco, with GCBC returning guests Trudy and Joe from San Clemente
and TTOL returnees Don and Jeanette (Alaskan) from Alaska get the prize for longest distance travel award. Glad we could share our anniversaries together.
First day activities was to visit Sarafina's in Marigot for pastries, sandwiches and baguette, something we did every other day and to stock up on necessities
at Match in the Howell Center outside of Marigot. Great selection of wine, cheeses, pate, jambon and everyday requirements. That done, we turned our
attention to hitting the water with a Carib, glass of wine or whatever was appropriate to jump start the vacation with friends. Sand, sun and fun, number 1.
Sunset parties occurred every evening in front of our room. Open to everyone who wandered by, great conversations, stories, laughs, fun, picture taking,
and of course, enjoying our favorite beverages watching the sun go down. Then it's off to dinner of choice, LOLO's, any of Grand Case's gourmet restaurants,
local establishments or just enjoying a quiet meal in the room.
We made two trips to P-Burg, visiting Rima's, Gulmohar's Liquor store, Queen's Liquor store, a few shops, DK Gems for a look see, and our must go to place,
the Hot Dog stand just past the Casino steps at the corner. Other shopping visits were to the Scenic Overlook and Souvenir Shops on the hill above Orient
Bay and Le Galion Beach and various stores In Marigot. Visited Busco Spices in Grand Case next to Spiga. Awesome supply of spices, sauces, jams, and
West-Indian products. They ship to the states. Like I said, not much interest this time inspecting the island as before. Darn that sand gravity !
As to not make this report too long, there will be a part two following with a restaurant review and conclusion.