Left DCA at 6:15 a.m. on October 3, arrived in Miami for our connection and actually arrived 15 minutes early in SXM. Three planes arrived at the same time. This is longest it has ever taken to get through immigration. We had one piece of checked luggage it must have been the last piece coming off the plane. There were a total of eight of us. We were met by Michael of Unity driven to the lot and we were off within 15 minutes. Half of us went shopping at the Grand Marche while the others checked in. We stayed at the Margot Villa which is owned by Bruno of Le Cottage. The villa was very nice with a hot tub. After getting settled and a couple of Caribs <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" /> we eat dinner at Geraldine’s (sp) in Grand Case. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" /> I had Conch Chowder which was one of the best I have ever had. The others had shrimp or ribs, which appeared to be good as I did not hear any complaints.

Sunday went to Orient Bay and spent the day at Le Strings. Ray and John were glad to see us. We had lunch at Orange Fever. My wife had a warm goat cheese salad. She said the salad was Grand Case restaurant quality. I had the four cheese pizza it was also very good. Went to dinner that night at Yvette’s, I had the curry goat which was excellent. My wife had the conch which was not as good as the day before. The ox tail was very good along with the shrimp. The only complaint was a limited dessert menu. They only had a coconut pie. Went to the Westin casino later, it was dead one blackjack table and the roulette table was open. There were only 10 players in the whole casino, more employees then players.

Monday went to Baie Rouge, which is becoming our favorite beach, if only they had more comfortable beach chairs. The water is calm and the snorkeling is great. As I was standing at Gus’ Beach Bar there was a small earthquake. The radio station which was playing stop the music and advised it was a small quake. They went back to the music and nothing else was said. That evening we eat at Daniel’s by the Sea at Dawn Beach. This was my least favorite dinner. I would rate the food a “C”, we were given a great table right on the beach. The waiter did his job well, might give the restaurant a second chance.

Tuesday spent the day at Le Strings, went to the Blue Martini in Grand Case for dinner. The food was very good, the duck was excellent and the desserts are big enough for 3-4 people. A little on the expensive side but worth the expense.

Wednesday another great day on Orient Beach at Le Strings. Went to a tapas restaurant on the waterfront in Grand Case next to the Rib Shack, cannot remember the name. They had a happy hour special 5-7 the tapas were $5.00 each. No complaints from anyone and we will return.

On Thursday we were losing two people they had a late flight. We went to Karakters in Simpson Bay for the day. We had a great time there, food and service was great. The chairs are free as long as you order something. My wife went shell hunting and found several. The water had a little undertow but nothing like Ocean City Md. Karakters have a shower which we used to change. Took our friends to the airport, and then I took my wife to DK Gems to see Deepti. I got my wife a nice upgrade on a ring we bought a couple of years ago. While at DK the other part of our party took a car and went to Pic Paradise (sp). While there someone popped the trunk. To there surprise nothing was in there. But the trunk would not close. Had to take the car back to Unity the next day and they fixed it within ten minutes. That evening we ate at the Green House in Philipsburg. I cannot remember what we eat that night. We have eaten here every time we have gone to St. Martin and will return again. I enjoy the happy hour specials and the cold drinks.

On Friday we drove to Guana Bay. The beach was deserted, the beach bar was closed. The beach has some rocks along with a sandy area. There were waves at this beach good for body surfing. We went to lunch at Pineapple Pete’s and decided to go to Friars Bay. The water was very calm at Friars Bay. My wife and I went to Dinghy Docks that night at Oyster Pond, our first time there; I had the tuna steak for $14.00. This was the biggest tuna steak I have ever had and it was cooked perfect. My wife had the special of the night a strip steak; she said it was very good.

Saturday our last full day in St. Martin, went to Le Strings and Ray was making repairs so he was closed for the day. Andy of Baywatch was just leaving. I had seen Andy earlier in the week and he is hoping to be up and running in his new place by the 21st. We spent the day at Orange Fever good food and cold drinks. All of us went back to Dinghy Docks for dinner. All the food was great, what a way to end a vacation.

Sunday was uneventful took our time packing. Returned our cell phone to Sharon, turned our cars into Unity and got the ride to the airport. Watch some of the football games at the airport bar. Our flight was on time, was dreading going through Customs in Miami, but to our surprise the only problem was the long walk. It tool less then 30 minutes to get through Customs and Immigrations. American Airlines baggage is right outside the exit door. Our bags were taken and put on the right plane. We arrive back at DCA at 12:20 a.m..