Good Morning All <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/typing.gif" alt="" />

Several weeks ago we had the opportunity to take an unscheduled trip to SXM. It was only 5 days but what the heck, at least we missed 2 snow storms <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Airlines:
Flew on Americian from BDL to SXM through SJU with absolutely no problems other than the fact that we had to pay pretty much top dollar due to the short notice.

Car rental:
We used AAA for the first time and everything went fine. We were a little nervous since we had no confirmation, but they were at the airport to pick us up with no problems, mon. We had a 2004 Toyota with only 1,000 KM. Again, no problems, mon, would use Alain again.

Lodging:
We stayed at the Royal Islander on this trip and found the facility to be very nice. Unfortunately we're spoiled since we have stayed at Green Cay Villas for the past 3 trips and we missed the extra space and privacy, but we were on the island. We however did not like the fact that every time we turned around someone was trying to sell us something (Boat trips, excursions, & of course timeshares). It took 2 days of being hounded every time we went into the lobby until we got short wih the people and told them to just leave us alone.

Being used to the French side there was a little too much hustle & bustle for my taste. We tended to gravitate to the French side all week.

Food:
Uncle Harry's Found this little place on the first night. Good seafood on the dock and Yes, the dock was moving. First night & we made it an early night. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Calmos Cafe: Over the past couple of years this has become one of our favorites. What's better than French wine, French music, good food, all while dangling your toes in the sand. It doesn't get better than that! Had tuna steaks that were excellent along with a beautiful sunset. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Repaire Du Pirate: This is also one of our favorites. We had a beef rib (Fred Flinstone cut) for 2 that was out of this world. Of course fine French wine (notice the pattern). After dinner the 4 of us shared 2 pots of "MORT" <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Hairy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Hairy.gif" alt="" /> It was funny watching my wife hold a discussion with Marcel after all that "MORT". They held a 15 minute conversation with Marcel not knowing much English and Gail not knowing much French. Overall it was a great night. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Bamboo Bernies: We didn't feel like driving on our last night and we needed cheap so we walked to Bamboo Bernies for a few drinks and appetizers. This was the nice part about being at the R.I. - you could survive quite well only having to walk. Since it was Ladies Night we had 4 gin & tonics, 4 mudslides and appetizers (coconut shrimp was great) for about $30. It was cheap and fun way to spend the night. Afterward we donated a little to the Dolphin Casino. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Beaches:

Orient Beach: Spent a day at Orient with a great breakfast at Baywatch (delicious bloody marys), <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> then moved to some chairs near "The Perch". Very nice day. Picked up ribs at "Talk of the Town" on the way back to the R.I.

Pinel: We almost turned around when we saw all the cruise ship buses (5 ships in that day) but we rolled the dice and took the ferry anyway, we figured $5 bucks, what the heck, we could always come right back without too much loss. After walking to the beach on the other side of the island we found only 1 other couple so we basically had the beach to ourselves. We had an excellent day and it was worth the gamble. There had to be a couple of hundred people at the dock and no one ventured across the island <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />.

Baie Rouge: Spent another great day at Baie Rouge. Lots of sun and good burgers.

Overall it was a great trip and we can't wait for Green Cay for 12 days in June. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />Steve & Gail <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />