Following another wonderful 17 day stay at Beachside Villas after more then 35 years of visiting SXM, here's a few random observations:

Traffic can be good or horrible depending which direction you're heading and the time of day.

The grouper fingers at the St. Maarten Yacht Club (SMYC) are as good as ever at $11.00 per serving (after 11:00 AM), or better yet, get them at happy hour at 3 for $20.00.

The red snapper filet sandwich and burgers at Pirates in Paradise on the boardwalk in Philipsburg are also worth a stop.

AMA jewelers on Front Street continue to be our favorite because of the friendly staff, selection and free Heineken for visiting.

Sunset Beach Bar is an absolute zoo when ships are in.

Driftwood Boat Bar at the other end of the beach has far away the best rum punches on the island and their lobster pizza is also a winner.

Ribs from the Talk of the Town lolo in Grand Case continues to abe our favorite.. Get a take out order and enjoy them again at your hotel.

The fruits and chocolate crepes at the Croissanterie (sp?) at the Marigot Marina are pure heaven.

We thank Drew and Tracy Mascarin for providing such a great facility as Beachside Villas and were pleased to meet and have as our next door neighbor for part of the trip, frequent Talkline contributor Pat & hear husband.

Reservations already made for next year, but ready to go back tomorrow!

Lou & Lucy