Trip Report, March 9—23, 02<br>Got up at 4:30, left house at 5:00. Oldest son drove Sue, Robert , Alex and I to Newark Airport(EWR) for our 8:45 Continental flight to SXM. Arrived and were in check-in line by 5:30. Few travelers in front and were checked-in and through security to the gate at 6:05. Got coffee and a muffin and waited. Once on the plane the Captain announced there was a problem with one of the radios so we would be delayed. We took off 30-40 minutes late (on SXM time already). Nice flight. We got cold cereal, milk, banana, and muffin.<br>Landed SXM only about 10 minutes late. Plane parked far off so we rode the busses to the terminal(not as bad as I thought). Picked up the white Toyota Corolla and were off to The Belair. Checked-in, changed, and in the Sea by 2:05.<br><br>Now I we on SXM time! Sand gravity is starting to be felt!<br>Stayed on the beach till HAPPY HOUR at 4:00. Showered and changed for dinner at The Boardwalk Café. Back to the rooms to sit on the balcony and early to bed.<br><br>Sunday breakfast at Boardwalk Café then off to Cost-U-Less to stock up. Quick snack for lunch and back on the beach. Happy Hour at 4:00, Shower, change and off to Chesterfields for dinner. Back to balcony for after dinner drinks and to bed.<br><br>Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. etc. All about the same. Substitute list of restaurants for Chesterfields and Tuesday Happy Hours at Bananas and THE TTOL PARTY at The Hideaway on Monday, March 11th<br>Restaurants;<br>La Main a la Pate---Good Bistro food, almost anything you could want<br>Don Camillo---------Nice place, good food<br>Boat House-----------Good simple food<br>Le Galion-------------Like La Main above also asked if I wanted charge in euros or $<br>Mark’s Place---------Old favorite, had wonderful curry goat<br>Bananas---------------Nice friendly place with good food, Real fried clams<br>Chesterfields----------Has been a favorite for years<br>Peg Leg Pub--------- Neil’s new place, fun, good<br>The Hideaway-------Our new favorite, great food, nice location<br>Boardwalk Café-----Our hotel place OK.Nice Bartenders!<br><br>THE SAND GRAVITY on Little Bay Beach (beach was nicer than in years) was VERY strong this year. I found it a great effort to drive the mile or so up to Rams to pickup added supplies. Made one trip to Dolphin Casino to leave a small donation. Other than driving out to eat and back to the Airport. We stayed put on the beach.<br><br>What we did see of the island, it looked cleaner than in years, and quite green. Had no problems with crime.<br><br>On Sat. 3/23 got to airport 9:40 or so for our 1:40something flight. Had our checked bags searched and checked in, there were 8 or so in front. It took 35 minutes + - Paid departure tax had my last smoke or two and thru immigration and security. Scanners were more <br>Sensitive than past years and they looked more closely at the screens as the carry-ons were scanned. Then sit around and wait.Just before going out to the bus, they hand checked carry-ons. Bus to plane and home 20 minutes early.<br><br>Wonderful, restful vacation<br>