Trip Report 2/28 to 3/12

This was our 7th trip to SXM in 8 years. We flew Continental out of EWR for the first time because last year our direct US Air flight from Philly was change to a stop in Charlotte about 2 weeks before we left. Liked the time Continental arrived in SXM too. Met Mickey and we where off to Orient Beach. Our oldest son’s family was down a few days before us and younger son came a few days after. This was our grandson’s first trip. We all stayed in the same complex. This year we stayed in RDLP #33 very Spartan but all that we needed. This trip we where a week or two later than we usually go but it was nice to see a lot of the same people we see year after year where still there.

Food
Hit a lot of the restaurants in Orient Beach this time. Only really had one bad meal it was at the Rib Shack Lolo in Grand Case. Service was indifferent and very slow even for De Island. The food was not good also. Couple of firsts this trip; JohnnyB under the tree was good. Astrolab was one of the best meals we ever had on the island. Gave a new Marine flag and tee shirt to Andy @ Baywatch. Our two boys are Marines one still serving. Both boys loved hanging out with Andy and a few of the other Marines there. The clam’s casino where the best I had in years.

Activities
Mostly on the beach @ LaPlaya. But the kids scheduled a few other things. We did a day sail on a 32’ single hull. From Margiot to Creole rock back to Friars Bay for lunch and then a sail across to Anguilla. Back to Bay Rouge for a swim before tacking back up to Margiot. First time any of us sailed we had a great time taking turns setting sails, steering, and just lounging around. Plenty of wind that day and we had her going about 10 knots in 4’ seas. You would have thought we where going 60mph.
Another day my younger son and girl friend went to do the zip lines at Lotterie Farms. The wife and I did the hike which was a pretty good workout. Both where a lot of fun and a nice change from the beach. Just a word of caution. Check out if there are any cruise ship groups coming. Our kids just completed their zip line course when in came a bus with about 50 people. The zip lines where backed up for a couple of hours. Had a very nice lunch in the new bar lounge. TTOL party @ SSBB was fun. Hello again to mocha & lovesthebeaches and thanks to JD for filling in for big den

Observations
It is great to be remembered when we went back to our favorite places. A warm hello and two kisses go a long way with us. The kids had a great time partying with the French locals who work on Orient. Some where friends from before and a few new ones. We did the babysitting while they where out to all hours.lol

Traffic is horrible! One day it was backed up from the Grand Case Airport road all the way to Friars Bay took 45 minutes to travel those 2 miles. The Dutch side was just about gridlock around Cole Bay all day long. It took 2 hours to get from the roundabout in Philipsburg to Kim Shaw Beach on the night of the Marley brothers concert.

Crime! Did see a little more Police presence than years before but why 5 or 6 guys all ride together is beyond me. I don’t want to start a big thing here because it has been beaten to death before. But! It hit home with us when people we know (residents) are victims. That along with some of the other things that just happened. The most disturbing thing is the complete lack of confidence in the local police force. It has to make you pause and wonder if maybe you are putting yourself at risk. Some of the old standby advice is no longer relevant. Such as being in a group or only going to areas with a lot of tourist etc.

We will be back again next year but the island is loosing some of the very special things that we fell in love with.

I almost forgot! I wanted to hate the new airport but it is a big improvement. The departure area is so much bigger& better than before.

BTW To the frustrated teachers who feel they must correct me for the misspelled words. Please forgive me I can’t help it if I am stupid.