May 23-May 29

This was our shortest and quickest trip ever. Also, the most expensive airfare ever. Thankfully the trip down we could use miles, and only had to pay for the return. Down on American from BWI, and back on Delta (with two in-pet fares).

Getting up at 3:00 a.m. makes for one long travel day. We did arrive on island by 2:45. Met Lesley for the car, hugs all around…and stories. Then hit Maho Market (we have such a routine there! Eggs, creamer, turkey bacon, cheeses, baguette, buy 2 get 1 free wines, water….OUT!) We bring our own ground coffee so we were set for the next morning.

Check in at Beach Side Villas. They have done so much work! We were only the second people to stay in repaired Villa #4. New manager Michelle showed us to our room…she also works at Dinghy Dock (and turned 55 last week!) Happy Birthday Michelle.



After dropping bags off in the room, quickly unpacking, hanging clothes, popping wine in fridge, it was off to Driftwood for a DRINK! We usually are at the Towers and hit the pool and bar there, so this was our alternative “ahh, we’ve arrived” moment. Went pretty well! Had not really planned on eating there, but after 2 (3?) rum punches we ordered pizza. It was actually very good. So hungry and tired that there are no pictures of the aforementioned pizza….lol. Left to hit the room and our pool as there was no way in H.E.Doubletoothpicks I was going to the bathroom in that porta-potty at Driftwood!



First morning decided not to cook and went to Zee Best in Simpson Bay. Deeeeelicious as ever. Hugs and smiles and welcomes again. Caught up with my Birthday Twin, had our Fizz drinks….champagne and passion fruit. My Twin bought me a round.



We had decided that this first day would be, as many have done, driving around the island. Taking the low-lands route we headed for Orient. Signs of slow progress, but thankful people. Strange to see the places we watched videos of and have seen so many pictures of since September 2017. The building that burned, remembering the story of using pool water to fight the fire. The restaurants that are gone, where we have SO MANY wonderful memories, and one of our beautiful cats came from.

Walked down to Perch Lite, past Chez Leandra’s and Sun Clubber…all attempting to serve what they can, usually via a generator humming in the background. Ran into Luis the swimsuit guy. He told his story of finding his shop all the way over by the Butterfly Farm, the 30 foot waves, being told to evacuate. He has put his kids in private school as their school is not repaired and has no roof. He is selling hand painted scarves/wraps to make money. I was more than happy to buy one.

Perch Lite:


Sun Clubber:


Chez


Our beloved Kakao






As has been said, no car was left unscathed. Most have duct tape, plexiglass windows or windshields, and what we began to call Saran Wrap Cars.



To be continued……..

Hey, thanks so much for the report! Made it a new thread. Looking forward to the rest of the story!

Great report and awesome photos.
Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for the report

Great report and pictures. Thanks!

Great report. Looking forward to your Pinel pictures and dialogue. Maybe the "Mermaids" that delayed the boat. LOL

Thanks for the report and pictures.

Enjoyed your report. Looking forward to the next part. (Take your time).LOL

Thanks for sharing. Great photos.

Great report! Pictures look fantastic! Wish we were still there, but back to the real world!

Thanks for the report! We love Beachside Villas and Driftwood is our go to place. Only difference is we use Jeannie to stock up breakfast foods and drinks so we can settle in to luxury the first day without having to shop. Love that girl! Our day also begins at 3am so it is great to not have to make an extra stop! Already looking forward to next April. Haven't met Michelle but glad that they have someone on site to help guests with issues.

Thanks for the first installment; I look forward to the rest. Much progress has been made on Orient since we were there just last month.

Hey Georgia...you may have posted right as I posted the second installment...

PreK, yes we have used Jeannie in the past especially if it was a two week trip. But 6 nights was so fast and I knew exactly what I needed and wanted. Was in/out in 10 minutes. Besides, I love local stores.

Fabila..hope you see this

Hi Beach Kitten, thank you so much for the great report(s)...!

We hope to head back down to SXM next summer...or maybe in the spring...

Bill and Linda

Bill, you really should! Everything you love about the place is still there. Trust.

Very nice pictures. I haven't spent much time on Orient yet (and actually may not) so your photos are especially interesting. I am glad Luis can put his kids in private school.

Linda, Luis was also saying that in addition to the school he had to pay for 300 euro for the food during the day at school? I dunno.

Surprised that as many people love Orient, and have in the past mentioned getting suits from Luis...you are the first to mention him.

I knew who he was, and we've spoken in the past...but never had a suit by him.