Sunday April 27:<br>Sunday morning we wanted to experience Cupecoy for the first time. Walked out into the beach area… there was one vendor to the left (selling umbrellas, and chicken and ribs). The water was coming up very high on the beach, making it appear very difficult to head over to the left side near the caves… All in all the beach appeared very crowded, perhaps because it was Sunday. We decided to stake an umbrella in an area over by the far right side. We walked up to the caves later on… The cliff boys were in full effect . The water is VERY rough and made it very difficult to enjoy the water. Not to mention we spotted quite a few big fish coming up very close to the beach. We packed up and headed into Marigot to grab some lunch at Bar de le Mar… We had a Croque Madame and a Croque Monsieur and a couple of glasses of wine. Then back to our room for a nap. We drove down to Grand Case and strolled into Calmo’s Café for Red Snapper and Creole Chicken. This is an excellent place to dine, that’s inexpensive, good food, and a great ambiance~ being outdoors on the beach. <br><br>We had been talking with locals throughout the day, trying to find out what was going on – for Sunday night… Kontiki was the general consensus. Around 8pm, we drove down to Orient bay… got a couple of drinks at the bar, mingled a bit… we were not into the music at all… In fact, the DJ wasn’t appearing to mix at all. <br>We had enough of that… Decided to leave and stroll the beach, then went back up to our room… We ended up getting to watch the sun rise. <br><br>Monday April 28:<br>After napping for a bit, we strolled down to Orient Beach where we basked in the sun with Dick & Bev, Paul Z & Deb, and met Don & Lorrie (Lorrie, you’re much easier to recognize on the beach at Orient ). <br><br>Baywatch was closed (frown)… so we walked the beach down to LaPlaya… had a turkey club and a burger, which were ok… but NOTHING like anything you’d get at Baywatch… Enjoyed our walk back to Orient Beach. We let the sand gravity set in on this trip, far more than we allowed on any of the previous trips. <br><br>That evening we had reservations at L’ Auberge Gourmande. We thought this place had such romantic character and found the food and service to be exceptional. They started us out with 2 champagne cocktails… we ordered Shrimp and scallops (a habitual choice this trip, if you haven’t noticed –[img]/images/icons2/grin.gif[/img])…and a lamb dish… A absolutely wonderful restaurant that we will continue to visit on future trips to the island. [img]/images/icons2/thumbsup.gif[/img][img]/images/icons2/thumbsup.gif[/img][img]/images/icons2/thumbsup.gif[/img][img]/images/icons2/thumbsup.gif[/img] During our dinner, we were prompted from Alex Photo (a photographer on the island) for pictures… Of course, we couldn’t resist [img]/images/icons2/grin.gif[/img] so he took the pic’s and we planned to visit his shop before the end of our trip… which we were told he’s located down the road in Grand Case. Unfortunately, we never made it to his shop… oh well, maybe next year.<br><br>After dinner, we drove to the Dutch side to try our luck at the Dolphin Casino (bad move)… Zach played black jack, and won a few rounds… but nothing big – so we opted for some of the slots. Lost about $100. This was our second time losing to the Casino (opted to save our $$$ next time and spend it on bottles of wine and champagne with friends [img]/images/icons2/grin.gif[/img][img]/images/icons2/cheers.gif[/img]).<br><br>We needed to dance off our dismay of losing… Renee recalled seeing a flyer for Cohibar on Monday night’s in Sandy Ground. We found it no problem… Went inside and didn’t want to leave. This place was jamming!!! Primarily locals inside, in fact we may have been the only 2 that spoke English (at least as a first language)… the music was great, the people were incredibly friendly – so we met a lot of locals. Before we knew it people were dancing on tables and sofa’s [img]/images/icons2/groovin.gif[/img][img]/images/icons2/groovin.gif[/img]. This was our absolute favorite club!!! If you like good dance music, in a local environment… then this is the place to go. <br><br>Tuesday April 29:<br>Tuesday morning came too fast.. yet another beautiful day… so we couldn’t pass up giving into sand gravity on Orient Beach. We met up with the usual suspects, (Dick & Bev, Don & Lorrie, Paul Z & Deb) parked ourselves under an umbrella and let the sun and sand seduce us once again [img]/images/icons2/umbrella.gif[/img][img]/images/icons2/love.gif[/img][img]/images/icons2/umbrella.gif[/img].<br>Hit Baywatch [img]/images/icons2/oink.gif[/img] for those PHENOMENAL mussels [img]/images/icons2/grin.gif[/img]… we just can’t get enough.<br><br>We headed back to Alizea earlier than usual… as we wanted to rest up a bit before the party at Hot Tomatoes. There was a great turnout at Hot Tomatoes. We made our way over to say hello to Dicky & Frank. We finally got to taste one of Dicky’s delicious, coconut drinks… which by the way, were even better than we anticipated. [img]/images/icons2/cheers.gif[/img] Thank you, Dicky!!! [img]/images/icons2/cheers.gif[/img][img]/images/icons2/kiss.gif[/img] (and thanks to everyone that assisted in making it possible for us all to have the complimentary cocktails –[img]/images/icons2/smile.gif[/img]). <br><br>We met Sandy & Bill (hey- we finally figured out why you kept calling Zach – Jack)[img]/images/icons2/rofl.gif[/img][img]/images/icons2/grin.gif[/img]… Wendell [img]/images/icons2/cheers.gif[/img] (although we always saw him with an EMPTY Heineken) [img]/images/icons2/laugh.gif[/img] why was that???[img]/images/icons2/rofl.gif[/img][img]/images/icons2/grin.gif[/img]… Kevin NYC and Jamie… and many other’s, whose names we can’t recall at the moment. <br><br>We got to take a mini cruise on Celine and met Neil (Capt)… It was beautiful to see the island lit up at night, from the water… the ride was smooth and relaxing, one we would definitely plan on taking again. On board the Celine, we met JD (rural carrier) (it was a pleasure [img]/images/icons2/smile.gif[/img]… wish we could have met your wife as well). Following the cruise, we went inside to sit for dinner… We played musical chairs for a bit[img]/images/icons2/laugh.gif[/img], then finally landed ourselves with the rest of the gang from the party. We ordered a pizza, and a salad to start. The salad and pizza was very good… but it was the steak that stole the show …at least in our eyes, or mouths…Absolutely perfect!!!….[img]/images/icons2/devil.gif[/img] thanks for letting us share a taste [img]/images/icons2/grin.gif[/img]…<br>We left Hot Tomatoes and hung with Dicky and Frank on the beach…and enjoyed endless, intellectual conversation. [img]/images/icons2/grin.gif[/img]… Oh, and Dicky…..Zach is STILL trying to find a piece of sand!!! [img]/images/icons2/rofl.gif[/img]rofl][img]/images/icons2/rofl.gif[/img] <br>We met a couple of locals nearby that had a fire which was actually more of circle of glowing embers at this point… but it smelled wonderful… We found out that they had used grape tree, and a little charcoal, surrounded by coconuts… <br>For some reason, we just don’t think it would be quite the same trying that blend up this way. <br><br>Wednesday April 30:<br>This was our last full day on the island. We hadn’t found any time to do any shopping, during the previous days. So, we took the opportunity to skip the beach and hit the Marigot Market to stock up on some rhum. There is a vendor here who makes the best rhum for the lowest prices… at least with our experience. So, we taste tested at least 6 or 7 (who’s counting)… Zach had enough, because he nearly toppled over putting it in his bag [img]/images/icons2/laugh.gif[/img][img]/images/icons2/laugh.gif[/img]<br>We picked up some cinnamon and saffron threads (which are half the price of what you’d pay in the states)… and had lunch on the waterfront at The Hot Spot.<br>It was fantastic! There were at least a half dozen little lolo’s on the waterfront… I’m sure they are all delicious. We shared one plate of curried chicken and 2 Presidente’s. Perfect for the both of us, cost about $12. We will definitely be going back to sample from the other’s. We ran into Dick & Bev for the last time…this trip [img]/images/icons2/grin.gif[/img]. Parting is such sweet sorrow…… [img]/images/icons2/sad.gif[/img]….<br><br>We had made reservations at Le Repaire du Pirate… the ambiance was intense… we loved it. You definitely need reservations, however. They have limited seating. They give you complimentary rhum punch… which was potent [img]/images/icons2/grin.gif[/img] and for dinner, we ordered The Pirates Plate, which consisted of lamb, prawns, calamari & steak …and a beef kabob (it was ALL about the calamari). <br>Following dinner we were delighted to see the ‘mort’… [img]/images/icons2/devil.gif[/img][img]/images/icons2/devil.gif[/img][img]/images/icons2/devil.gif[/img]… a very dangerous concoction…. Beware!! [img]/images/icons2/hairy.gif[/img][img]/images/icons2/cheers.gif[/img] … of course he wouldn’t let us leave… between Marcel and the table next to us, they kept refilling our shot glasses….[img]/images/icons2/hairy.gif[/img][img]/images/icons2/cheers.gif[/img]… finally we managed to escape the pirate’s grip…<br><br>Back to the car, only to realize that we had Frank’s leash [img]/images/icons2/yikes.gif[/img][img]/images/icons2/woof.gif[/img][img]/images/icons2/yikes.gif[/img]… we drove over to Hot Tomatoes to drop it off… Had more drinks with Dicky [img]/images/icons2/cheers.gif[/img] … & gave Frank one more scratch under the chin… before calling it a night and retiring back to Alizea. <br><br> <br>Thursday May 1:<br>We enjoyed our last breakfast and packed everything up. After a quick checkout at Alizea, we drove to Under the Tree for lunch before dropping off the car. Under the Tree was closed… AGAIN! It seems that every time we attempt to try this place, it’s closed… and this time due to Carnival. Oh well… next year. [img]/images/icons2/smile.gif[/img] The next stop on our list was to fill the gas tank, so we went to the Shell station in Simpson Bay. Gas is certainly a lot more expensive on the Dutch side then at the Gess station on the road into Marigot. It cost us $26.00 U.S. for a full tank at the Gess station and about $22.00 U.S. for ½ a tank at the Shell. [img]/images/icons2/yikes.gif[/img] <br><br>After filling the tank, we headed toward the Sunset Beach Bar. In all of our visits, we had never seen a jet land there. Since it was near the end of our trip, we were low on funds and went up to the bar and asked if the policy that topless women drink for free was still in effect? The bartender replied yes, and off came Renee’s top! [img]/images/icons2/laugh.gif[/img] You’ve got to love Renee for taking one for the team![img]/images/icons2/crazy.gif[/img][img]/images/icons2/rofl.gif[/img][img]/images/icons2/crazy.gif[/img] We ordered a cheeseburger and a steak sandwich and enjoyed our lunch while catching a couple of 747’s land. <br><br>Leslie Bruce met us at the airport, where we dropped off the rental car and prepared for our trip home. The flight was about 30 minutes late taking off, and we arrived in SJU with only 45 minutes to spare. This is where things really started to get interesting! The Customs line was outrageously long, and when we were claiming our luggage, it came out on the wrong conveyor belt. We finally found our bag and got in the immigration line which was a little bit better than the customs line, made it through that, resubmitted our luggage and then got in the half mile security line. We watched the minutes tick away and by the time we got to our gate, they had just closed the plane’s door. There were about 20-25 of us waving to the pilot, who definitely saw us, but due to TSA regulations, they were not going to allow us onto the plane. We ended up in San Juan for the night, and flew to Boston the next day. <br><br>Overall, we couldn’t have asked for a better trip! The weather was the best that we’ve ever seen it. We only had a few showers the entire time, and a stretch of sunny days that we couldn’t believe. There wasn’t a washout the entire time we were there. We also noticed that the island was the busiest that we’ve ever seen. However after talking with some of the local’s, even though there are many people on the island, not very many are spending much money due to the economy. It was a pleasure seeing old acquaintances and making new lifelong friends during our journey. We can’t wait to return next year![img]/images/icons2/thumbsup.gif[/img]<br><br>and no report is complete without pix.......... <br>zach_renee