We have tried numerous attempts at <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/typing.gif" alt="" /> a Trip Report, however each time we have ended up with too many pages <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/impatient.gif" alt="" /> therefore we will do a little introduction, some restaurant info and a conclusion.

Introduction <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />
After hearing of all of the travel woes <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif" alt="" /> that are experienced by most people visiting St. Martin, we are happy that our flights originate here on our island, Barbados.

We can take an Island hopping trip on LIAT or Caribbean Star that would involve three-four landings and arrive 3.5 hours later but we opted for the 60-75 minute (if all goes well) direct BWIA (Better Walk If Able) flight. This flight is scheduled to depart Barbados at 8:30 am and land in St. Martin at 9:45 am on Monday, Wednesday or Saturdays only.

On getting to SXM, there were no lines at the airport and we exited the arrivals area within fifteen minutes. Michael from Unity Car Rental met us and took us directly to his office (5 minutes away), this is the first time using his company but it will most definitely not be the last as his service was excellent and quick, thank you TTOL for this advise <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/thanks.gif" alt="" />

We were surprised that we were able to remember the route to Club O, and driving over the last hill and seeing Orient again was a true adrenalin rush <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" />. The checked-in at reception was smooth and fun and as our room was available (10:30 am) we decided to drop our bags and off to Philipsburg for some shopping.

Shop on day number #1 and not have to worry about it again… <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/breakingnews.gif" alt="" />. joke we shopped twice more on this trip, difficult to carry everything in two havasacs; we definitely noticed an increase in prices in general this year.

My bribe <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Blush.gif" alt="" /> to get my wife back to St. Martin (she did not enjoy our last visit as much as I did) was a new set of engagement and wedding rings, this was a reward for taking care of me for the past 24 years, for those that don’t know me this is an incredible task.

We went looking for Deepti at DK Gems, unfortunately she was off island, however her brother Jeff took care of us <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />. After about 20 minutes of totally confusing him, we found exactly what we were looking for, nothing beats seeing total satisfaction on your spouses face. After a few glasses of champagne at DK Gems and a couple bottles of wine back in the mini-suite <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />, we were ready to start the vacation, little did we realize that this would be the vacation of a life time.

Pineapple Pete: - the wife had the lobster, which she totally enjoyed, and I the glutton <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Oink.gif" alt="" /> tried the 14 oz steak, which was only mediocre, this was so big it almost turned me into a vegetarian, for desert we had the cheesecake that was delightful.

Peg Leg: - (Farewell party for some) “The Governor of Good Times & Orient Beach” arranged a grand farewell at Peg Leg. Though our group only numbered sixteen we took the place by storm, our invasion was spearheaded by GI Joe who demonstrated his PR skills and soon had some of our members joining the floor show which included a demonstration of “De Dollar Wine” All comments about the meals from around the table were positive and the staff headed by Sean was excellent in their service and friendliness – a must while there

The Boathouse: - We returned here because of the great dinner we had there on our last visit to SXM. Their Hurricane Shrimp (a favorite of ours) was very spicy and hot, for us perfect but for most beware, the service was again second to none.

Baywatch: - started all of our days here, with the exception of Mondays (as they are closed), an early morning walk, a stop at Baywatch to say hi to our friends Andy, Adrian & Randy (unfortunately we missed Cheryl this time) some breakfast and FREE coffee, sweet, there is no other place like here, you either love or hate it, every type of food that we have tried (almost everything on the menu) either at breakfast or lunch has been super.

Tap Five & California: - Excellent pizzas, need we say more.

The Perch: - Thank you Willy for the great concoctions especially at happy hour <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />.

Conclusion
Before this trip my wife was very apprehensive about returning to SXM, however she now has confiscated my credit cards and has already started saving towards next year.

There is nowhere in the world that we would rather be instead of Club Orient next June, not only because of their great resort (shame about the restaurant) but also because we will have the opportunity to see the wonderful friends that we met on this trip. It is because of these friends that this was the best vacation that we ever had. We would like to thank you guys for teaching us how to consistently get the first drinks at happy hour, a secret that we are not able to share and for demonstration the art in “Textile Fishing”.

To the members of our group (you know who you are) we miss and love you guys…see you soon….just a long weekend right??? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />