We scheduled our short trip through cheapcaribbean.com back in June because we were missing the island so much from our trip in March/April. The package we originally booked was supoposed to be a direct flight from PHL to SXM but it had been changed for connecting flights through Charlotte for both routes. We were apprehensive since we had never been through Charlotte but were relieved with so many positive reports on this board about their easy accommodations. Also, we read many good reports here about the Summit Resort Hotel and were not disappointed.

Upon arrival, our plane was one of three that landed about the same time (Air France being one of them). We were able to make it through immigrations before our luggage arrived. Within the hour of landing, we had claimed our luggage and were met by Marius of St. Louis Car Rental where he had our MAROON Sentra waiting for us. A quick trip to the Summit and we were on our way to enjoy and relax. We made a short trip for some supplies and then some afternoon refreshments at the "Kissing Fish" bar at the Summit where we met Chloe & Thierry (enjoyable folks). We then had an early dinner at Banana's for our first meal on the island.

Breakfast was normally at the Kissing Fish but we did have breakfast one morning in Marigot at Le Croissanterie (Fabulous french toast). Usually we skipped lunch but did have burgers at the Oasis (Ocean Club) and the Sunset Beach Bar on our last day. Dinners included stops at Banana's, Captain Oliver's, Boathouse, Citrus and Hot Tomatoes. I won't elaborate on the menu selections because all the meals were fantastic. This was our first dinners at Citrus and Hot Tomatoes and they were all that we expected.

Saturday was our obligatory shopping day in Phillipsburg. Stopped in to see Deepti and Jeff for a small purchase of a bracelet for Tracy. Deepti is just as charming as her picture in her profile. We had met her and Jeff in March during one of the TTOL get togethers at Hot Tomatoes and had looked forward to seeing her again. While there, Tracy picked out a ring she'll want when we go back in March.

Since weather was not too cooperative, we were only able to visit Le Gallion and Orient beaches. We tried to go to Pinel but since the weather was bad, the ferries weren't running that day (Monday). Traffic was just as bad as when we're there in March. All in all, our short stay was close to what we expected; enjoyment of the tropical breezes, the people and the entire atmosphere of the island. A little bad weather did not dampen our stay. This trip made our wait for our timeshare week in March, a little more bearable. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

First in line at the US Air terminal has its advantages. Bags were not searched and everything went smoothly including customs in Charlotte which was basically a non-event when compared to customs in Philly. It's almost worth the extra flight time to go through Charlotte, rather than the hassle of the direct flight and customs in Philly. All flights were on time and no waiting for an open terminal!

Only 132 more days and we'll be back! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" />

Dave & Tracy