For those of you who want a REAL trip report you should just skip this. It is more like a blog of Meddie and my day in SXM yesterday.

We have been living on Anguilla now for several months. My two 18 year old boys with two friends just completed 10 days with us.

We went to Blowing Point in Anguilla at 7:00am to catch the 7:30am ferry to Marigot. The boys had an AE 10:14 flight from SXM to SJU and then on to other connections. The ferry terminal was packed by the time 7:20am came around. As usual everyone went into the "secured" area before the Security official showed up. So when they showed up we all had to go back out and come in again so we might be "scanned". Without starting another topic I have to say that this procedure is a real farce. Needless to say the 7:30am ferry departed many minutes late.

The ride to Marigot was uneventful. A bit rough for some. Upon arrival in Marigot we flagged down Norris of
Twin Car rental. Our group from RUMZA has been using these guys a bunch for car rentals lately. Norris gave us our usual brand new van and then told us it would be $60 for the day. GULP.....It was $40 just last week. Ah...must be Christmas...

We then left Marigot heading towards Sandy Ground, Maho, towards the airport. Did this just in time to be caught in the long line of cars waiting for the bridge at Sandy Ground. About 10 minutes later we continued on to the airport.

The boys stood in line for awhile at AA and eventually were ticketed and ready to go. We said our goodbyes. Man that was hard. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" /> It didn't bother me when I said goodbuy a few months ago, but I have to say this was difficult for both Meddie and I.

We then left the terminal, hopped in our car and went to the little french pastry shop across from Hot Tomatoes. We never miss a chance to eat breakfast there. Just love the place. Wish I was better with names, cause I can't remember what it is called. We have probably been there 30 times, and still don't remember the name. Oh well.....Had our usual quiche, chocolate pastry and this time had two eggs with ham. Total charge was less than $10. Always a bargain. Noticed that they now have a full lunch and dinner menu. Oh boy can't wait to go back.

After breakfast we continued on to Phillipsburg. Meddie wanted a new digital camera for christmas. Quickly found a parking spot on Pond Filll road and walked over to Front street.

It is truly amazing to me the transformation that the waterfront and front street has gone through in the past year or so. IMHO it is a wonderfull change to Phillipsburg. We walked the complete length of Front Street for the first time in 4 years. Very enjoyable. Yes there were crowds from the 4 cruise ships, but oh so much better than it used to be.

I purchased a nice shirt and pants at the Manhattan Store. The owner had my pants shortened in just two hours. And even gave me a good discount.

Continued on up the street to Bouchlands (sp). Spent quite some time picking out Meddies camera. Ended up with the Nikon 5700 digital. Not the most expensive, but much better than most. I have always prefered Nikon. I also purchased a new tripod. Now I can get really good pictures of all the kewl ships that anchor off our verandah in Anguilla.

Stopped in to say hi to Deepte at DK Gems. This was our first time in the her store. And as expected she was gracious and professional. We do have our loyalty to our friend Neil at Gold Creations though in Maho, so made no purchases. Maybe someday but not this day.

We headed back to our van and then went over the hill on the new road back to Simpson Bay and Maho. Stopped in at Hot Tomatoes for lunch. Meddie and I split the Piggy Pie and I ordered a bowl of Conch Chowder. The Chowder was great, but I must say that our Chef John at Rumza makes the best Conch Chowder found anyplace.

I commented on the progress they have made on the docks in the lagoon at Palapa. I think its Palapa isn't it? They all are being equipped with the "loaders" for lifting the boats out of the water. Will be very nice for those that need to moor in the lagoon.

After lunch continued on to Maho. Said hi to Neil at Gold Creations. Purchased a new dry snorkle at Scuba Fun and continued on to Marigot to turn in the car and catch the ferry back to Blowing Point.

When we arrived at the ferry terminal we found out that we were on the third 5:30pm ferry. What??? What chaos! Basically everyone on Anguilla shops on SXM for their christmas givings. I was aware of this, but did not expect the chaos at the terminal. I could spend an hour with the detail of this chaos, but I won't bore you anymore than I have already. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> Finally we left on the ferry at about 6:30pm. Arrived at Blowing Point, paid our 25% duty, and continued back to our home above Sandy Ground.

Meddie and I were awoke by the phone at just past midnight. It was Alex, one of my boys. They were in Dallas. He informed me that the flight from SXM at 10:14am was cancelled. AA put them on a later flight to San Juan. Then on to Dallas. Of course they missed all there further connections to Portland. So they were put up in a motel and continued on to Portland this morning via Denver. I felt so bad that we hadn't stayed at the airport to see the flight leave. But we had NEVER had a problem with that 10:15am flight. Oh...well....the airlines....

Just another day in paradise....during Christmas...