TRANSPORTATION FROM PVD
In spite of a 6:00 AM flight out of Providence, the trip down was one of the most pleasant in our 12 years of staying on the island. Checking into US Air and clearing Security at that hour of the day was a breeze even though, for the 3rd time, TSA found small scissors the wife had “lost” in her carry on. We have learned that TSA stands for “Take Scissors Away”. Were able to have a nice breakfast in Philadelphia but the flight to SXM was only 1/3rd full – a bad sign. Although we sat on the tarmac for 40 minutes in PHL, we arrived on time at 2:00 PM. Customs and luggage retrieval in SXM were quick
The ever dependable Leslie Bruce of Kenny’s Car Rental was waiting with a brand new Nissan. We stopped for groceries and were in our room at The Summit by 3:00 PM.

EATS/DRINKS
We ate breakfast ever day either in the room or at The Kissing Fish where food and companionship great, and prices are reasonable.

Lunches we eaten at Baywatch (great); Ric's, Turtle Pier, Kissing Fish, and Kangaroo Court (all very good); Sunset Beach Bar (o.k.); and in the room (poor).

Dinners were spent at Uncle Harry's (great); Laguna, Turtle Pier, Peg Legs, Lees, Bananas, and Kissing Fish - all very good; and Phill Joe's (o.k.).

Cocktails were enjoyed at most of these same places, plus Bikini Beach Bar, the Simpson Bay Yacht Club, and at two great TTOL parties, one at The Greenhouse and another at Buccaneer Beach Bar. Our thanks to those involved in putting on two fun times.

CHILLING OUT
We are not big beach people, but did manage to get a lot of sun sitting by the pool at The Summit. We found ourselves spending a lot more time on the Dutch side this visit. Two days were washed out by all day rains, but those who were there realize the rains were direly needed. Everything was brown.
Met a lot of old friends. Carl Wagner, former owner of Don Carlos tried to sell us a place in Arbor Estates for a small fortune. James (Jay) Rae, a retired Boston fireman whose son is flying helicopters in Iraq with one of our sons. Peter Lincoln, whose dad worked with me, and his wife Marge. They run the Duck Boat Tours. Al and Rose Wathey, owners of the Turtle Pier, with whom we had an very nice dinner at Laguna. Steve Ramessas, the friendly bartender at Lees. Chris, Martin, Shawn, Abraham and of course Jack and Linda at Peg Legs. Gerry, Girard, Liz, Kai, Barbara and Tamarra at Ric's. The wonderful people at Turtle Pier - Augustina, Magdalena, Michelle, Jose, Mike and the others. Cheryl, ANdy, Adrian and Ross at Baywatch. Laura at the bar and Lolina in the Boutique at Bikini. And last, but not least, Deepti and her brother Jeff - this one really cost me Jeff!!

RETURN TRIP
Turned in our check baggage and paid our $30 Departure Tax in the morning. Checked out of the hotel and moved on to SSBB, then to the airport at 2:00 where Leslie was right on time as always. Apologized again for making him come out and jump start the car one night when I left the lights on.
Then the vacation was over - crowded Departure Lounge, plane left very late, checking back in through Security at PHL was a mess even though Dot was escorted in a wheelchair. Plane left over an hour late. The message is clear - don't ever expect to get through PHL on time on any night.

We return in November to stay at Mary's Boon.

Bob (&Dot)