This was our 15th trip to SXM. As we have for some of our past trips, we traveled to Newark airport from our home outside of Philadelphia. We find this to be the easiest and most economical way for a direct flight. We stayed overnight at Wyndham Garden and took the shuttle to the airport in the morning. The overnight stay included 14 days of parking.

Our flight was smooth and fast. Arrived a little early, even. Met Lesley, who had our phone from Sharon and we were on our way in no time. Always a pleasure to see Lesley. We always enjoy chatting with him and getting caught up. We dropped him off at his house before continuing on to Club Orient.

Check-in at Club O was pleasant and efficient. Nice to feel the welcome after a year away.
We stayed in a deluxe mini suite this year, #102. It was clean, freshly painted and well equipped. We enjoyed our neighbors and also a group of cats whom we indulged every day with food. Their company made us miss our two fur babies at home.

After we unpacked (ah, I mean after I unpacked) we walked down to the Orange Fever for lunch..yep, we were “home.” We shared a pepperoni pizza; had a couple of Presidentes and an iced tea. Charge was approximately $21.00..Fab pizza!

Later in the day we attended the wine and cheese party. Afterwards we stayed and had dinner. We shared an iceberg wedge with bleu cheese; hubby had ribs and I had a stuffed chicken breast (goat cheese, mushrooms) and two iced teas. Dinner was 40 euros (using $1.35).

Next morning we head out for groceries. First, we stopped at Grand Case Beach Club for breakfast. I had eggs, hubbs had pancakes, orange juice and coffee, approximtely $31...The Beach Club was one of the first places we stayed in SXM when we started coming in 1985, so it brought back memories seeing it again. We did our shopping at Le Grande Marche at the Bush Road..Spent around $200 on food, which was really good considering all we purchased. I really do enjoy cooking, so cooking for me on vacation is relaxing and fun. And, if you are staying for two weeks, it certainly saves some money We do, however, go out and usually have one “fancy-smanzy” meal.

Headed back to Club O, tagged our chairs, and got ready for two weeks of swimming, eating, drinking and snoozing . We spent relaxing times on the beach every day and a couple days after our arrival met lots of friends from last y ear. We were joined on the beach by Iain and Myra (the goddess) who are an absolutely lovely couple. Iain and Myra were staying at Club Fantastico. Iain's birthday was the 19th and Chloe invited us to join the for a little soiree to celebrate. We drove up to Club Fantastico, met Chloe and Thierry, Elaine and Bill and some other wonderful folks. They couldn't have been more welcoming! We enjoyed a tour of Club Fastastico and hope to spend some time there during next year's trip. Chloe served a lovely spread of snacks, pates, etc. We enjoyed some strong libations and then to top it off a tray full of French sweets..tres bien!

We discovered a great new place to buy wine. Called Grape Wine, located in Hope Estate, next to the roundabout. We met Francoise who helped us choose several bottles. He also carries pates and other snacks. He was delightful, gave us many samples (hiccup) and a small sample of Russian vodka to try. We also told him about TravelTalk and SOB and he joined both! Check out his store when you are there.

There were many windy beach days; and some days it was somewhat uncomfortable to be on the beach . This did subside, however. The water was like warm silk, always difficult to get out of at the end of the day!

One Sunday we had lunch at the Perch. A cheeseburger and plate of ribs does not taste the same at home..We used our “free drink” coupons and enjoyed our lunch, with a spectacular view, for around 20 euros.

For Larry's birthday we choose Tropicana in Marigot. We did have some reservations about Marigot at night, however, we had no problems. We both started with French onion soup. I have to say, it was one of the best versions I've had; it was out of this world (and maybe the next!). My husband had chicken breast stuffed with lobster in a delicious sauce. I had filet with caramelized shallots. Each plate was decorated with little mounds of deliciousness. A corn cake, spicy whipped carrots, broccoli mousse, and an eggplant and tomato bruschetta. Dessert was crème brulee for me (my favorite); Larry had profiteroles. They were a mound of fluffy puffs filled with vanilla ice cream, drizzled with chocolate, topped with whipped cream, served with a “chocolate” spoon and then in case you were low on your chocolate for that day, more hot chocolate on top. Voila. Two drinks, glass of wine, iced tea, came to $132.

Another night we made the trip to Simpson Bay to dine at Bavaria. We have been wanting to try this spot and are glad we did. We had some good German beer on tap. Started with a potato soup and a split pea soup. I had saurebraten served with mashed potatoes and red cabbage. Hubs had port schnitzel served with fried potatoes and a salad. The meals were exceptional and great if you like German cuisine. The server, owner/chef, all were very friendly. We shared a piece of Black Forest Cake and the bill was approximately $77.

We also had breakfast at Paradise View so we could visit with Bernadine and make a donation; also had breakfast at La Croissanterie in Marigot. This is an enduring little spot and always relaxing to sit with a cup of delicious coffee and watch the goings on in the harbor. I had pancakes with sausage, hubbs had a ham and cheese crepe; fresh squeezed orange juice and coffee. Approximately $27..Nice start to the morning.

Had dinner at a perennial favorite, Le Piment. Cristelle is a delight. We both had beef. I had a hangar steak with caramelized onions, and hubby had a filet topped with camembert cheese. Each accompanied by a small salad and a crock of their wonderful roasted veggies. Two drinks, two coffees, approximately $92.

Dinner our last night was at Papagayo. We had a bottle of cabernet. We both had onion soup. Larry had the coq a van (sp) and I had beef bourganoinne (sp). Both were really good and we enjoyed it, even if we had to leave the next day. We learned that our favorite waiter, Barrick (sp) retired and now lives in Morrocco. We always loved seeing him through the years and will miss him. Hope he enjoys his retirement , as sometimes we could tell his arthritis was getting the best of him.

This & That. I had lost a small diamond in my wedding ring and wanted to have it fixed. We went to Caribbean Gems and worked with Marc. He couldn't have provided better service and price. I had the small diamond replaced with a larger, square cut diamond. Then, for extra flair, we added five small round diamonds under my center diamond. It was then polished and buffed to perfection . The ring is gorgeous and I'm so happy with it.

It just so happens, when we went back to pick up the ring, two days later, I happened to come across a cute little bracelet in the case. Okay, okay, I was just going to look at it, however, Marc made another deal if we took the bracelet, along with the new ring...Well I looked at Larry and saw that “NO Cleta look.” I said I know, your're right; we're spending too much money!! Ha. That lasted about five minutes and my wonderful man says, she'll take the bracelet too. He is heaven sent this man. I told him he gets off the hook for birthday, anniversay and Xmas..pretty sweet deal I think. He still says I was pouting, but I don't recall doing that.

Went shopping at the market on Saturday. My husband always likes to buy a T-shirt everyear from Secret Spot..He choose a nice design this year. Also, when we were checking in to Club O he just happened to mention it was his birthday coming up. Well, on the day of his birthday, we returned to the roon to find a small wrapped package with happy birthday wishes on it, for Larry. The desk had given him a nice, bright, yellow Club O tee shirt, which I thought was a very nice gesture!

Larry had his annual massage at the wellness center at Club O. Emma was on vacation, so he reserved with Nathalie. He had a very relaxing and enjoyable birthday massage!

That wraps up another trip in SXM. Enjoyed as usual and cannot wait to start the process over again next year.

Good flight home, no problems...picked up our car, hit the NJ turnpike and arrived home about two hours later...

Larry & Cleta <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" />