Have not posted here for a long time, but just thought I would give a fairly small trip report. We left TPA on Nov. 12 and returned on Nov. 26. We left TPA for SXM thru SJU and returned the same. Everything went fine with no problems. Customs was a breeze as we were about first off the plane and in line. Luggage took forever though. Alain Arnell's crew at AAA were busy so we did not see him this trip but Myra David took care of us as usual. No problems with our Toyota Corrolla.

We were there 2 weeks so had plenty of time to enjoy our trip. The 1st week we stayed at The Royal Palm and the second at The Towers At Mullet Bay. Both nice places but we did not really care for the beach at the Royal Palm. The Towers, as far as the facility goes is a nicer place in our opinion, but it does lack the beachfront access. I will say that the Royal Palm has a much better Tuesday Welcoming Party than The Towers. The Towers food was terrible and this was the first time we have had a problem there. The Towers units we kept cleaned than the Royal Palm.

Casinos:

We always went to the Dolphin and loved it there. As everyone knows they are now closed and plan to open soon in the Theater Building (Bottom Floor) in Simpson Bay and the theaters will operate upstairs. The Old Dolphin location will now be another Atlantis Casino to also open sometime soon. We generally went to the Hollywood and the Atlantis World Casino's and had a pretty good time at both and did win some. Friends of ours hit a Penguin penny machine playing 9 lines and max bet and won $756.00.

Dining:

We only dine on the Dutch side and I know we miss some fine places on the French side, but here goes our experiences on the Dutch side. We have been there many times so we know where we like to go and sometimes venture off to a new place to test.

Our first night was to Peg Leg Pub as is our normal first stop. Food was excellent as usual. Shawn was himself and wonderful as almost always. But the second time we went we noticed a charge on the bottom of the bill. It was calculated at 3%. So of course we asked Shawn and he really didn't want to say, but what we found out was that Jack had decided rather than to raise prices on the menu, he would slip in a 3% charge on the bill. On a 26.00 filet he would have to charge 26.75. Now who would question that? I just think this is a mistake on Jack's part to show a 3% fee. Jack, add the charge to the menu item and eliminate the 3% fee! I know what Shawn thinks and me thinks the same way as do all our friends. Then when we went back late in the second week, actually on Thanksgiving day, they were pretty busy so we sat at the bar rather than wait for a table. No problem there but we never had Shawn come by to say Hi or even aknowledge us and when we left he was right next to us and never said a thing. Sorry Shawn but don't loose focus.

The best dining night was at Temptation. What a great place. You'll spend $100.00 and up for 2 with salad, main course and desert, but you won't find a place with better food. Thank You Deepti. I would go broke if I went as much as you. So for all of you going soo. Just Go! Call for reservations. We sat inside in the dining room. My wife had the Filet $37.00 and I had the Salmon, $29.00 and we shared the Pear Salad. WOW! Desert was a Brownie type of dish with Peanut Ice Cream. YUMMM!

We also went to The Warf but WE DON"T recommend it. They are trying to charge an additional 15% plus your tip on top of the Menu price. They won't make it if that continues, but it's a nice place.

We were at the Paradise Casino and went to the Bar area to watch football on the 14th. They said that when the new shopping center next door opens that they MAY be moving there. It is part of Pineapple Peat's.

Z Best @ Simpson Bay was great as usual.

Atlantico Cafe is also good.

Turtle Pier was really good on the chicken and ribs all you can eat deal. Breakfast is good also.

Chesterfields is always a good choice for Breakfast.

Sunset Beach Bar has expanded and was much more efficent. Keep up the good work!

Cherie's was really good and we all had a nice time there.

Turkey day was at The Towers in our unit at noon with several friends invited. Had Turkey brought from home with all the usual fixin's.

Had a breakfast at La Crosantterie in the Marina in Marigot and at Sunset Cafe in Grand Case. Both are good but La Crosantterie is the best in our opinion.


Also liked the Kissing Fish Bar and Restaurant for breakfast. Thanks to Cloe and Thierry.

Roads and construction:

Lots going on. One thing interesting is the new walkway from the end of the runway at Maho into Maho and the new roundabout there, They were still finishing it when we left. Also from the west end of the airport road back about a half mile is now planted with new triple Christmas Tree Palms on both sides of the newley paved roads in that area. Also new road paving from the Sandy Ground area into the drawbridge area. The Front Street Project in Philipsburg is nearing completion and looks wonderful as well as the Boardwalk. Lots of construction going on all over the place. The Cliffs and Rainbow Projects in Cupecoy are underway. Aquamarina is now looking good with most windows in place from my binoculars view. And the airport construction is well underway.

The Summit is finishing up their redo of the pool deck area and railing. Looks Nice!

Shopping:

Only shopping we did was with Deepti at DK Gems for the wife and bought a set of diamond earrings and for me a new watch from Majesty Jewelers as I have bought there many times before and we never have had a problem with either of them. When your in DK, ask Deepti's brothers about bets on the NFL games. They are Good!

Liquer:

Best price for Tangurey is at Splash at the North end of Front Street. 1 Ltr for 7.95 cash price, and for cigarettes also at Splash. We bought for friends. Winston Lights were 4 cartons per case at $32.00 a case.


I guess that's about it. Had a nice two weeks. But we think we need to get away from SXM for awhile. It's nice but we are getting tired of it and it's time to move on somewhere else but we will return. Next trip may be off to Hawaii next spring. Later Cruise