Well, I guess that I have procrastinated long enough about getting this trip report done so here it is. I will just try to hit the highlights and can find no other way that works better than a day to day, blow by blow account.

The pre-trip evening, Monday, went well. We got to the Amerisuites – Elmhurst hotel at 9:30 p.m. and found a parking place for our van for the 11 nights that it would be there. Great room, a mini suite. The shuttle to the airport required reservations and they even had a second van available for overloads.

We got to the airport in plenty of time and literally breezed thru security at ORD. The first leg of the trip went like clockwork and we even got into San Juan a few minutes early. Our luggage had been checked thru to SKB so no worries there. As we walked to the gate for the flight to SKB, I became apprehensive and found out when we arrived that it was for good reason. No crew!!!!!!! The bulk of the crew was nearly 30 minutes late for the scheduled boarding and the plane was delayed another 30 minutes while waiting for a pilot. Upon boarding the plane, I still felt that something was wrong. Sure enough, we sat on the tarmac for 90 minutes for some unknown reason. The flight, after finally taking off, was uneventful.

Arriving at SKB, we did the immigration and customs thing. Passports sure make this easier, I’m glad we got them several years ago. We picked up the luggage and got in a taxi for the Ocean Terrace Inn. The restaurant, thankfully, had not yet closed and we were able to have dinner. Upon finally going to our room, we found that we were in the same building that we stayed in on our first trip and had a great view of the grounds, Basseterre, and the bay. We were just a few steps from the “Fantasy Pool” with the swim-up bar and grill.

Wednesday began rather slowly. Around 11 a.m. we finally had rested enough to make the 1st trek to town and decided to walk. We had a good lunch at Bambu’s and got room refreshments and supplies from Smoke & Booze and Ram’s. Not wanting to carry the supplies back to OTI, we took a cab from town for $5 US. Not much else happened other than a very relaxing afternoon around the pool and a good dinner from Fisherman’s Wharf.

Thursday was a “hang out” day and we didn’t leave the pool area all day. We felt as if the whole place was our private retreat. Lots of body battery recharging and a little humor in watching and feeding the little lizards who occupy the pool area. Dinner was at Circus Grille and was exceptional. A very friendly waitress and the owner conversed with us at length and really capped the day.

Friday was the day for us to get a car for the rest of our stay. I really did not want to go with TDC/Thrifty as our experience with them was mixed, but they do have cars at the hotel and all arrangements including the driver’s license can be taken care of at the hotel desk. I should have followed my intuition. First, they didn’t have the small car that I asked for and couldn’t even get one from the fleet in town. $30 per day became $45 for a little bit bigger car. The car was delivered and lo & behold, the air conditioning didn’t work. Back to the desk and refuse to accept the car. 2 hours later, a working vehicle with air finally arrived. Our plans for lunch at Turtle Beach went by the wayside as I had spent 4+ hours getting a serviceable car. Lunch at the pool grill was quite good although a bit late. We decided to can the rest of the day and just hang out for the evening West Indian Buffet and the Coronets Steel Orchestra at the hotel. What a great experience. The food was marvelous and the Coronets were awesome. While not a strictly “traditional” pan group, they sure are good musicians and exceptionally entertaining. Lots of dancing and fun on the patio!!!!!!!!!!!!

On Saturday we tried to go to Romney manor and the Batique. Our plan was to go in the early afternoon and then end the day with dinner at SpratNet. We should have called ahead as the Manor was closed. I assume that it was due to the holiday weekend. We ended up with a very late lunch at the Ballyhoo and a light dinner at the pool grill. We met a couple from the Kansas City area on their first visit to the island and shared some of our experiences.

On Sunday, we checked out of OTI and into Frigate Bay Resort. We got a bigger room that I expected and had a view of the golf course, the pool, restaurant, and the whole Frigate Bay area. Upon checking out the pool, we met a nice lady from St. Martin who was on holiday with her 2 children. She was not the first person we met from another island during our stay. It appears that the residents of the other Caribbean islands also vacation on SKB. That alone is a very strong statement in favor of this set of islands. Dinner that evening was at the Marriott’s Italian restaurant. We were also able to reintroduce ourselves to Anthony at the Cigar Bar. He had helped to make our last year’s trip a success and is always great fun to see. A little gambling in the casino and then off to bed.

On Monday, after a great breakfast at the hotel restaurant, I noticed a bit of water around the toilet and reported it to the front desk. They got someone on the problem right away but were unable to completely fix the problem that day so we had to move to another room. More pool time and drinks/dinner at the Marriott followed by a bit of gambling. A pattern is beginning????????????

Tuesday dawned with rain. Breakfast at the hotel followed by room time. We got brave enough to venture out as the rain subsided and headed for Turtle Beach. Still sprinkling, we went for short walks on the beach separated by retreats to dry space in the restaurant. The weather finally cleared and a troop of monkeys came by to amuse us along with the resident pet pig. Back to the pool and a wonderful dinner at Marshall’s followed by drinks at the Marriott. We had the pleasant experience of meeting a couple from North Carolina and Zack Brinley from Brinley’s rum who was giving out samples of their products at the Cigar Bar. The Coffee flavored rum and the Vanilla are very pleasant when ice cold.

Wednesday was a slow starter. Island time was finally settling in. Breakfast at Grumpy’s and a visit to the shop next door. Beautiful collectibles!!!! Big prices but some very good values on china, glass, and other artwork. Shopping in town for a couple of souvenirs for our cat sitter. Back to the hotel for pool time and lunch. Good Pizza!!! Dinner at the Marriott followed by more gambling. My wife even played table Blackjack!!

Thursday was another slow start followed by a trip to the Batique and gardens at Romney Manor. A couple of hours wandering thru the gardens with some great pictures. We concluded the day with a drive the rest of the way around the island with a stop at The Golden Lemon for a cold drink. Very Classy!!!!!!!!! It is just a bit too expensive for us. Back to the hotel for a dip in the pool followed by a second trip to Marshall’s. I could go there every night. Great food and exceptional value/atmosphere. Service and quality is definitely the key to their success.

Our last day started early with packing and checkout followed by breakfast at Bambu’s. A little last minute duty free shopping for liquor at Smoke & Booze and off to the airport. The TDC car rental person was not in at the airport office so I just dropped off the keys and we were on our way home. We met an incredible man from NYSU-Plattsburgh, Professor J.W. Wiley, Director of the Center for Diversity, Pluralism and Inclusion. He was on a recruiting trip for the university and is a delightful conversationalist. I hope he had great success on this trip. No problems on the leg to SJU or with customs/immigration. Flights on time to home. All in all a sad day as we had to leave a place that has entranced us. Each trip becomes longer and we make more friends who always make our lives richer.