Sorry but no photos. It's taking way too long to upload and resize so I won't be able to insert into daily reports. If Photobucket and internet speed improves you'll see photos but I'm spending a lot more time on the computer than I want too.

[color:"blue"]DAY 8[/color]

We spent Friday at the villa either in the ocean by our villa or down by the pool with our "BSV" friends. For dinner, the 8 of us dined at Bajatzu Bar & Grill located in Maho. Everyone agreed that there dinners were very good. David had NY Strip and I had the beef fillet. The Caesar salad was very tasty and by the time I rounded out 3/4 of my steak I was done. I opted for the Bearnaise sauce and steam veggies on the side. Very satisfying meal with a great group of friends.

After dinner we went to Sopranos. The lively piano player from Romania will be tickling those ivories for the next month. We danced or at least tried as one in the bunch is taking lessons so he tried to teach us several dances. I grew up doing free-style so cheek to cheek isn't something I'm comfortable with. It was fun though. They had a nice crowd.

[color:"blue"]DAY 9[/color]
On Saturday, the two of us headed up very early to Orient. We arrived before 9a to find several people dining for breakfast at La Playa and to our delight Bruno was there. We chatted, took photos and met his business partner with this venture, Thomas. The staff was very friendly and quick to serve. We stayed on the beach until noon before it started to sprinkle and decided it was a good time to eat lunch. Superb as Bruno would say. David and I split the Thai fried spring rolls. I had a Thai beef salad with soba noodles and David enjoyed the mahi-mahi "burger" with fries.

We returned to the lounge chairs to read and catch some sun. Rain started again and this time a bit harder so we returned to the restaurant for cover. Once it cleared we decided not to return to our chairs and instead went to the outside bar and had a drink. Nice free standing structure with bar stools around a square bar with a private dining area on top.

Bruno and Thomas have done a wonderful job transforming La Playa into a lovely and comfortable beach front. The colors are turquoise although the lounge cushions are still grey. He is waiting for a shipment of new turquoise chair cushions and some "beds." They have a gift shop, clean/private restrooms and a massage enclosed area. There are many outdoor tables as well as indoor.

We'll be back.

Thanks for the report on LaPlaya, Louise. I'm looking forward to visiting in a couple of weeks.

Great report!! Thank you, Louise. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

We dined at La Playa this week. Excellent food. Perhaps the best for lunch on Orient.

What does he charge for chairs and umbrella? Are they free if you eat there like at dreams?

Thanks for the report, Louise! Sorry not to see the pictures--yet!!--but looking forward to seeing them later. Thanks for the report on La Playa. Sounds like, as with everything Bruno does, he is doing it right! Can't wait to try it myself!

To my knowledge they are not free. I believe it's $20 for chairs and umbrella. He is discounting chairs for "SXM or Bust" facebook members so you may be able to negotiate a discount should you eat there and/or tell him you belong to TTOL? Sorry I couldn't give you a definitive answer.

Last year before Bruno took over LaPlaya it was 15.00 including a free drink plus you could bring your own cooler.

With the other thread just closed I wanted to make a comment to you Louise. I look so forward to your trip report and all of your photos, especially the food ones. I am a foodie and love to eat and enjoy the photos like I am there. Keep 'em coming!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />

Thank you. I've licked my wounds and will try to have a thicker skin.

At Karakter now and yesterday at LaPlaya. Trying Escape tonight in Cupecoy with friends will upload tonight or tomorrow

Sorry that happened, Louise.. Hope you have had a good couple of days.

Thanks for all of your posts and pictures. We love to see pictures of food. We remember chatting with you and David by the pool at O'Paradis several years ago. Hope the weather continues to improve for you. Say hi to Bruno from us. Pat & Peter

Will do Pat. We remember you both. Good to see you posting

Your posts and pictures are appreciated!!

I agree with you 100%. Louise's posts are greatly appreciated and I can only think of a few people like her that are willing to take time out of their actual vacation to share with us.

Thank you. I do love sharing about our trips and love to hear about other