This is part II of our 21st trip to SXM.<br><br>Weather:<br>The weather was typical for late summer, short spells of rain followed by sun. On three days in August, the wind stopped. The ocean looked like a lake with absolutely no waves. There was virtually nothing coming over the reef. The bugs came out in all their glory and the non-air-conditioned part of our chalet was extremely hot. We have never seen anything like that before.<br><br>Driving: <br>Many people are concerned about the unusual speeds and driving patterns on SXM. For example, one must wait to pass until there is on-coming traffic. One must never make eye contact. One must always drive around speed bumps, even if it means driving up onto the sidewalk over even someone’s porch. If driving a suicycle, one must be even more aggressive, drive on the white line between vehicles and doing wheelies at the same time. I am sad to report that two locals were able to pass me. Once I was passed while I was stuck behind a slow moving vehicle at a speed bump and the car behind me was able to pass me by driving half up on the sidewalk – so that really shouldn’t count. Fortunately as soon as he was 20 feet ahead of me, he stopped for a chat with a friend and I was able to get back in front of him. The other incident was more serious; I was driving through Orleans at 60 MPH when a T-bird passed me so fast that I thought I was stopped. Seriously, driving skills are not appreciated in SXM and there were numerous accidents during our stay. In one situation a 12-year-old boy driving a suicycle, hit a bus head on while trying to pass a car. His leg was severed in the collision and he died a few days later. What a waste of a young life. Minimum age for suicycles is 16. This kid was only 12.<br><br>Crime: <br>The Dolphin Casino had an armed robbery during our visit. Perhaps they have discovered the only way to beat the house. We always find it so strange that the newspaper mentions no names just the initials of the perps. Also interesting are the charges filed such as “ mistreating a person with a machete.” I don’t want to be mistreated with a machete! Punishment can be a “severe lecture” from the police. Police solve about 11% of the crimes. Some statistics for the first 6 months are: 1341 total crimes of which 149 were solved. Of the total crimes,924 thefts, 86 violent robberies, 14 hold-ups, 4 kidnappings, 73 abuse with a weapon, 10 attempted murders, 1 murder plus a lot of drug related crimes, property damage, and domestic crimes. We personally saw two jewelry store windows that had been broken out by vandals.<br><br>Grocery stores.<br>The old Food Center in Cole Bay will be opening soon as a Ram’s store. I could not get definitive information on the store at the Bush Road roundabout, but rumor has it an American company may end up operating it. Ram’s has a considerably small selection of foods than the Food Center had in its heydays, but they are much better than in former times. They carry Pepsi and Pepsi Twist, but no Diet Pepsi. In fact the only Diet Pepsi to be found is at what used to be called the “7-Alive” market. I say, “used to be called” as the signs have been taken down. A 24 pack of cans there is USD 9.25. The former & Alive is on Airport Blvd, near the airport. AFOO grocery had the only 1-liter Pepsi (not Diet) bottles on the island.<br><br>The Zoo<br>We visited the Zoo on this trip and have some observations. The Zoo is small, but it is evident that the new owner is making an effort to improve the conditions for the animals. Recently they have acquired the birds from the old Parrot Jungle near Sapphire Beach Club. There are two walk-through aviaries and a relatively large petting zoo. While there is still much to do in the way of modernization, we were pleased with the progress. Regrettably, we were the only visitors on they day we went. I would encourage all TTOL readers to support the zoo by going at least once during your visit. Your ticket allows you to return any number of times during your visit. <br><br>The Butterfly Farm:<br>Don’t miss the butterfly farm. Again your ticket allows unlimited visits during your stay. Every day is different as the species change a bit. For those interested in increasing the number of butterflies in your garden, they are more than willing to explain the need of the butterflies.<br><br>Tiko-Tiko<br>This cruise to the island of Tintamarre is operated by Captain Phillipe from Dolphin Watersports at Club O. The cruise takes about 45 minutes to reach Tintamarre . You are free to explore the island and visit the site of the old airport or you may snorkel or just sunbath on the island. The crew cooks up lunch aboard the Tiko-Tiko and serves at about noon. Meals are your choice of rib eye steak, chicken or fish. After lunch you can partake of the famous Tintamarre mud (or clay) in sort of a club mud experience. The crew collect clay from the cliffs and mix it with seawater. You then spread it on your skin and let it dry. You then scrub it off with seawater. Supposedly it makes your skin look better. It made mine slick, but I don’t think I look any better! Current cost is $85 pp including the mud. You need not be a guest of Club O to participate. It leaves the beach at Club O about 9:30 AM and returns about 5:00 PM. Reservations are required. There is a minimum of 6 passengers and a maximum of 12 passengers. On our particular cruise there were a total of 7 passengers including CanadianChick from TTOL and two of her friends. <br>