Well, our first full day was totally fantastic, save for the Italian.

As already reported, we started off with our normal walk on Orient Beach. The beach was the narrowest I have ever seen it, but one fellow doing some raking told me that it has been different weekly depending on swell. Quite a lot of change among the bigger establishments, some of that may have simply been because of repairs after storm damage.

The Village was a little different, the simple grocery I remember is gone, replaced with a more modern looking "gourmet foods" shop. I don't really know the plaza well enough to have noticed any change.

We managed to get our guys out of bed long before noon, even in this one-hour-earlier time zone. We stuffed them full of tasty pastries from the little bakery place in the village, forced them to grease themselves up with sunscreen, and we all oozed into the Jeep. I have mentioned the Jeep. I cannot imagine ever going back to a microscopic Hyundai again.

First stop was Lotterie Farm, the greasy fellas wanted to try the big zipline. We got there a little late for the first run, so they paid for and reserved the noon tour. We all bundled back into the Jeep, and my older guy drove us all to Friar's beach. Matthew, now at the wheel of the Jeep, was a little alarmed once he actually had to pay attention to the driving. It made me see the madness of the driving style with new eyes. The poor guy gripped the wheel like it was the last thing he would ever do, even though the trip on the busy road was only a minute or two.

I had never been to Friars before in all my visits, but thought I should go based on the chitchat here, and its proximity to Lotterie and the boys’ outing. It was not very busy today, this could be because of the impressive swell coming in, and the rather brisk winds. We settled in close to the first beach bar, whatever it’s called, and settled in for a nice afternoon. We did some snoozing in the sun while we waited for the boys; I forgot just how pleasing the sand gravity can be, and the fact that there is no need to do much but stare out at the sea to be amused.

It rained like the world was going to end for about a half hour.

The boys showed up after a near three-hour absence. They were both pretty tuckered out after their zipline experience. They had a great time, but it’s not an outing for the unfit. Kim and I had done it several years ago and knew what they were talking about. It was great to see them return having had a good time. Interesting how life changes; it’s not that long ago that sending them off in a jeep to drive up a mountain to go on an adventure was unthinkable. Having said that, it seems like only about seven weeks ago that we had infant children, and now they’re both taller than me.

When the boys returned we had a nice lunch on the beach at Friars. I had a grilled fresh “Vieille Femme” (Old woman) fish that was really great, but cost the better part of a mortgage payment. I have to remind myself that this isn’t a place where you count every dime you spend or you’ll go insane.

While Kim focused on more napping and trotting out her rusty French, me and the boys had a great time swimming and playing in the waves. This never gets old, the sea is a great plaything. Some of the breakers were big enough that you might not want to take them on if you weren’t a good swimmer. All three of us being of adequate skill and similar level of stupidity, we paid no attention to the peril and had a really great time.

The beach bar closed around 4.30 per usual, and we made our way back to the villa, by way of the “SuperMark” that I couldn’t remember the name of yesterday. Had to load in a few more supplies. Finally got back to the villa to crash hard after a day of sun and wind and swimming and, admittedly, Rum Punches.

Two hours later I awoke refreshed and ready for dinner. We decided to go a little simpler and cheaper, and wen to the pizza truck that’s near the roundabout between Grand Case and Orient. Really nice fellas there, an impressive, sort of legit menu of pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven IN A TRUCK! It was my turn to impress with my highschool French, and wowed them with such phrases as “le couteau est sure la table” and “ou est la bibliotheque?”

We carried the pizzas back to the villa and they were great. Like, way better than anything we have had takeaway at home in years. At around $10 each – we had three – young guys – they were a steal in SXM, or at that price and quality, at home in Toronto.

Tonight’s an early night. I’ve been working really hard for the last number of months, and between that and a day of sun and fun, I am baked.

AS I said at the top, a great first full day, can’t wait to see what happens tomorrow. It’s fun to have no plans.

Thanks, Ritchard!!! Waiting with bated breath for the rest of your story!

Day two sounds wonderful.

Sounds like you lunched at Friars Bay Beach Cafe - one of our absolute favorites and I fully get your 'mortgage payment' comment. Definitely not an everyday lunch spot.

I read with great interest your enjoyment of the water at Friars and I will only say again, even though you sound very much aware already, those waves and swells can be killers.

Your reports and island enthusiasm is making me wish our miserable New England winter would fly even faster. Too many days still until it's our turn.

I hope you're able to continue sharing. Rest assured, we're all enjoying your words and your trip.

Very good report, have not done the zip lining in SXM, but did in Costa Rica and that was fun. I have also been to the pizza truck you mention and my only problem was that the olives on the pizza were whole, with the pit still in them. After peeling off the olives because of that flaw, it was very very good. That could have been a one time fluke, too.

Sounds good so far, glad your boys are having fun. I'm tired just reading about your busy day. I'm also admittedly jealous. Yes, very, very jealous. It's 11’ here in Knoxville, TN, going down to -4 tonight. I keep telling myself that I live in the South, but it sure doesn't feel like it tonight. Brrr!

Eagerly looking forward to your next segment!

Sounds like a good day. Thanks for the report.

Question of the day:

Does anybody know of a brand of coffee to buy here on the French side that tastes more like the coffee I am accustomed to? I dig the whole immerse yourself in the local culture business, but the type of coffee I bought - and seem to remember is the style here - tastes just nasty.

While I was disappointed to see the first MacDonalds in Marigot the other day, I'd not turn down a shot at a Starbucks visit.

Thanks for a fun start.

We enjoy a freshly brewed cup of Douewe Egbert (sp?) to start our mornings. Not sure of its origins but thinking Dutch - and I could very well be mistaken on that - but DE is widely available on the island but I have no idea how it compares to Starbucks ....... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

I enjoy your enthusiastic style of writing....!

Thanks for taking the time...

If you're not real familiar with Orient Village area, you may want to try Le Piment for your evening meal one night. They have a fantastic selection, but some things may be pricey.

Not an everyday drink spot either. This is where I was charged $6 for a can of Diet Coke 4 years ago. My SO had to go to the bathroom before hiking to Happy Bay and I ordered a drink while waiting for her.

Douewe Egbert coffee is Dutch, and we enjoy it as well. But, you can actually buy Starbucks ground coffee in the supermarkets on the Dutch side of the island.

Sounds like you are off to a great start. The Petite Casino in Orient village sells good quality ground coffee. I am not sure what the brand is but they are in foil bags with a cardboard bottom. There are several varieties: Columbian, Jamaican, Guatemalan etc. We tried a few and enjoyed them all.

THAT'S THE ONE REASON I BRING MINE FROM HOME. I'M SO OBSESSED WITH GOOD, FRESH COFFEE BOTH AMERICAN AND ITALIAN. I HAVE IF FRESHLY GROUND...JUST SAYIN..

LINA