How does time fly when you are doing basically nothing? I tried to keep track of details for a trip report, and thought of many witty things to write as I lay on the beach drinking rum punches. But alas, once back at work and sober I find it hard to be witty. Therefore my “trip report” shall be brief recollections, observations and reflections… interspersed with pictures.

Saturday arrival - Lesley met us with our rental car and a phone from Sharon. Hit the Maho Market for initial provisions (while hubby stayed with luggage and car)… Checked in at the Towers, and we were
in the pool with our first rum punches by 3:30. ..all of this in less than an hour after landing. After more than twenty years, we have this SXM thing down!

Sunday - breakfast in room. Grande Marché for groceries before the church crowd hits and they closed at 2:00. Got the last rotisserie chicken.
Head to Grand Case for a late lunch at Calmos Café.



This is truly a waterfront table, no?



Love the casualness of this place, with toes-in-sand dining. A beautiful French family of 4 arrived, kicked off their shoes, and headed into the water. Gotta love the beach life. I felt this picture captured the feeling.






Monday - head to Orient and plop ourselves at Kakao. Karl took care of us with chairs, and we went up to the restaurant for lunch.









Swam and drank and napped. At one point I awoke to this sight..lol





You see it all on Orient. Oh, and the hot kite surfing dentist that is featured in this seasons Destinations magazine was there….sure wish I’d gotten a good picture of him.

On the drive back home I stopped and bought beautiful red tomatoes from a lady with a table by the side of the street on the outskirts of Marigot.

My ship came in!



Wednesday - Philipsburg to drop off jewelry for repairs, lunch at Barefoot.

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Thursday - Dreams for the day and lunch. Well groomed beach, lovely facilities. But I cannot say it’s my favorite water or beach or view.

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Would love to hike in here. Met the photographer Caroline Ross, and she is leading a guided hike around Christmas. Wish I was back for that!

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Friday - Coconut Reef boat/snorkeling trip all day. They have taken over the old Garfield boat. Left from La Sucrierre. Visited Creole Rock, had chocolate croissants by Grand Case, Anse Marcel (iguanas), Tintamarre (sea turtles!), Pinel.

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((I dedicate this to Pat. She'll know why! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />))