Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you TTOLer's! I can't begin to express my appreciation for helping make our vacation complete from all the information we've gathered from this forum. I have to admit, that I have enjoyed reading comments from individuals such as Bobcat, Augie, Carol Hill, Alan B, Contessa and of course Carl Stone. You guys were the best!
I began reading TTOL last November inpreparartion for our return trip to SXM March 13-20. After becoming disenchanted with OrientBeach.com (mainly because of the lack of civility it displayed at times), I came across TTOL. It became an automatic favourite (Cdn spelling folks!) Your advice, tips, reviews helped us put together a travel guide with all the must see and do items. As we quickly discovered, one week is not enough time to even make a dent in this must do list. I am very envious of those of you who can go for 2-3 weeks.
I did have the opportunity to meet two TTOLer's while there. Clem from Rhode Island and Legolas (Joe & Terry) from Wisconsin. Clem shared with me that he and his wife have been married for forty years. WOW!!!....although I'm sure they must have married at age 13...way too young looking. Legolas and his wife were a real fun couple...went to Boo Boo Jam's (TTOL recommendation) with them Friday night. Boo Boo's is a definite winner in our eyes...good ribs, dancing and a right friendly place. We had gone Sunday night also.
We flew from Detroit to Charlotte via US AIR. We were met by Triple A (TTOL recommendation) at the airport. I realize you mentioned going off property to sign rental papers, but I wasn't expecting to pull into someone's backyard! Myra David was great with us though...put us into a new Corolla and off we went trying to follow Bobcat's directions to Oyster Pond. We failed to negotiate the second turnabout and went left instead of right... heading to St. Peters. Being a "smart male", I pulled into a gas station for a fill up and directions. WOW!!! $1.21 a litre... and we Canadians complain about 79.5 a litre. We did find our way to Les Balcons in Oyster Pond and instantly knew this was better than the Great Bay Resort where we stayed last year. That night we went to Il Nettuno. A good meal, but European portions which was o.k. for us but probably not for the "hungryman" eaters. Dessert was white chocolate mousse which was unbelievably delicious. Overall, a tad expensive at $129 for dinner.
The rest of the week was spent attempting to take in TTOL recommendations....and yes we would agree with many of them....Andy's mussels and margarita chicken wings from Baywatch were outstanding....Sunset Beach Bar's burgers are fantastic, as is the great atmosphere....Ms B's on Dawn Beach have probably the best ribs...however, the 2 chairs, umbrella and rum punches for $10 deal that we were told about brought a look of puzzlement when we asked...SXMNorms recommendation for Barefoot Terrace for breakfast was an excellent suggestion...Lee's for dinner was really good (grilled Mahi Mahi)....of course everyone was right on the mark describing Deepti at D.K Gems (she is a gem)...we had gone in there looking for a gold chain and voila added a pink sapphire ring (either my wife has that amazing powers over me or I'm a weak and spineless husband)....went to Harmony Night in Grand Case and grabbed a bite to eat at Talk of the Town...shuttle service is good, loads of people walking around...had dinner with new friends Roger & Alesha from New Mexico at Le Piccolo's one night....excellent food and entertaining waiter.
Overall, a great week. I can see why St. Martin has earned the title the "Friendly Island." To those of you who suggested Ma Doudou rum I am eternally grateful. It's a favourite. I know you'll find this hard to believe but I do miss SXM driving. It didn't take long to realize how discourteous and aggresive drivers are back home.

Susan & Rick <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />