It's Easter Sunday and we're here in our favorite place on earth. Trouble is, no kidlets and kidlet-in-laws and not a Grandkidlet to be found either. So many Easters we spent as a family here - seems strange to be just the two of us.

We flew in yesterday on JB out of JFK and lucky us - snagged MINT seats at an incredibly inexpensive price after up-grading from our original tickets. Awesome service, great seats and a perfect flight. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> The fruit in our fruit salad actually tasted like lush juicy strawberries and blueberries and the orange and grapefruit slices were incredibly sweet and juicy. Small portions but more than enough and the FAs kept offering us more........I think it was the best flight we've taken on any flight anywhere though I have to admit, we're not exactly what you'd call world travelers. But anyway, how can anything go wrong when one starts their day by drinking orange blossoms at 7 AM!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

Our arrival started off well even though we had a forty minute late start out of JFK, and we actually arrived less than five minutes late into SXM. And to make it even better, we were the first two people off the plane and we were the only plane in immigration so we flew through. As so many have said, the automatic readers are in place but still bagged and not in use. They look impressive so we'll see. Someday. Had a very nice young woman whisk us through the process and off to the luggage carousel we went. Surprisingly, those MINT seat baggage tix really do work and our luggage was among the first batch off the plane.

And then the arrival went down hill rapidly - the skies opened up and the rains came down, seemingly by the bucketful. So much so that at one point we could barely see the kiosk in the airport parking lot from the covered sidewalk waiting area. Lesley was right on time but he had a slew of people awaiting his trusty chariots and we weren't in a huge hurry since we were hoping the rains would end. That didn't happen, and in the time it took us to get into the car we were soaked right through to the skin. Consequently we arrived at the Towers looking like a couple of tired and nearly drowned rats........but we arrived. And without the thrills experienced by those on the AA flight behind us - a very good thing!

Easter Sunday morning - awoke to a lovely sunrise and the sweet sound of the birds chirping in the trees all around us. It's a lazy day so far - coffee and pastry on the balcony while enjoying the sights and sounds.

They've put us in what I consider to be one of the premier units here and that's even over a few of the penthouse units but I gave up our two bedroom in the trade. But the good news is - we're in this unit for the two weeks straight and since we aren't expecting guests this trip we really didn't need a whole extra bedroom and bath just to have a spot to store our luggage.

And so our trip begins and as always, decisions which seem so hard to make: Pool? or Beach? And if beach - WHICH beach? Dinner? In or out? And if out - out WHERE? It's a tough call having to make all these major decisions but we'll struggle with it and in the end .......... it will all be good, I'm sure!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

Yes, I'm sure it will be all good! Looking forward to hearing all about it!

Thanks for the update. Glad you are there and look forward to your reports.

I am right there with you Pat (in spirit). How I wish I were there. Have a great vacation, keep us all posted so we can spend every day with you, again in spirit! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

We arrive on Tuesday!! Can't wait to have to deal with all those "difficult" decisions about beaches, restaurants, etc. Whoo Hoo...... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" />

Enjoy every minute. I love making those tough decisions too- somebody's got to do it!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" /> It'll be fun spending quality time with each other. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" />

Looks like a bad weather system is in the forecast. Hope it doesn't happen. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />
https://www.facebook.com/onlyonsxm/posts/1345184112222374

Thanks, Scuba, but a bit too late though I appreciate the heads-up. Check out my latest post. But you know what? It is what it is and there are certainly worse things in life...... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Have a great time!

TY - I know we will. At our exalted ages we learned to make lemonade, lemon meringue pie and to squeeze the lemons on sweet warm lobsters a long, long time ago! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Great attitude Pat. Of course any day, any weather in SXM is better than a day in CT.

I picture you as all smiles, enjoy your adventure! We have to wait long eight months for those passing showers.

So looking forward to your mini-reports! Have a fabulous time, as I know you will.

I have to disagree this once....it is absolutely a gorgeous day in Connecticut!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Enjoy your vacation Pat and Happy Easter.

Enjoy Pat, it's been 1 week since I've been back and already counting the days to the next trip. As Terry said, you missed a beautiful day in CT, but I'd give it up to be where you are right now. My sister sends her regards. Enjoy!!!

I wasn't trying to say anything negative about SXM--just that if you take the one day and compare--Ct. was outstanding!! The problem is you can't be back and forth for the good and the not so good. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />
I would not give up SXM because of some bad weather.

Pat will always make lemonade out of lemons!!!

But she'd much rather squeeze them onto lobsters.... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Have a fabulous holiday Pat! Rain or no rain....St Maarten is where we all want to be.