I guarantee that this report will:

Not be anywhere near as entertaining as King of All Trip Reports JonJoslin‘s blog (cue Bette Midler - “did you ever know that you’re my hero….”)

Not have pictures of food - unless you consider Presidente or BBC’s to be one of the major food groups.

Leave you humming an annoying song as you try to fall asleep tonight.

Have you saying, “Oh my God, that’s HUGE!”. Don’t go there… all of you… don’t go there….

Have a picture of at least one sailboat.

Have “bite me” at least once. (Jon proved you need at least one)

Probably bore you to death…. Love torture? Ok. Ready? GO!

This year’s Heineken Regatta for me was a bit different due to the fact that we were missing some of our usual motley crew. There were some representatives from Git ‘R Done, Team NYC, and The Regatta Chicks. However, no team was sporting a full lineup. And, while we are always trying to recruit new players, nothing is quite the same as the starting line-ups. Those that made it down came at different dates. So, I was fortunate to see many people, but it was all in shifts. Can’t wait until next year when everyone (you hear me!) will be there over the same dates! (Regatta 2008 >>>> March 6-9)

KevinNYC made a last minute decision to come down which made it fun for me b/c I got to earn some babysitting money for my trip! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Devil.gif" alt="" /> The best part about him coming down was surprising Barbara. After surprising some people at the SSBB party we had to make sure no one outted him on the board before we had a chance to see her. Barbara and I had planned to meet for drinks at Pasanggrahan one afternoon. I walked in talking on the phone to Kevin. Barbara got on the phone and gave him a hard time about how nice the weather was, blah, blah, blah, and told him to get on the next plane down. She then said goodbye, laughed, and commented that she thought it was funny that she gave him a hard time. Then, tap, tap, on her shoulder. There stands Kevin saying, “was that fast enough for you?” Yeah, Barbara was right, you could have heard her scream all down the boardwalk. It was awesome! Oh how we laughed!


[color:"green"]REGATTA weekend -[/color]

Fortunately, the wind gods were in a good mood this year and the sailors had plenty of wind to sail. Thus the spectator boat was a bit more exciting this year as we were able to see the boats doing some competitive racing. The ABN Amro “Black Betty” (Oh Black Betty, bam-ba-lam, whoa Black Betty)
-which won the Volvo Open race '05-'06 Volvo open race 05-06 ( Volvo video ) - was pretty impressive, leaving all others in her wake. Seeing her sail by our bay with not another boat in site proved that! BTW, Elvis may have left the building.... but, he's sailing



others:





This year’s final night party was better than last year due to the fact that Damien and Stephan Marley preformed. They performed a few of dad’s famous songs, which was great! Unfortunately, they were scheduled to go on an hour later than the final act normally does, at 11 p.m. However, they, uh, um, were delayed….. (huh, by what, I wonder?….) And did not go on until almost midnight, ending the show after 1 a.m.

The Halsey's traditional Regatta After Party was good. However, due to the late start with the Marley bros, it seemed some people were already done for the night before the party began. Therefore, it wasn’t as crowded as last year, but fun nonetheless. Iguana Soup John played some great classic rock for those still partying until the early hours of Monday. Halsey’s once again donated a portion of the party profits to Team Golden Dog. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Had to drag ourselves out of there at 3 a.m. to make it to The Red Piano before they closed at 4 a.m. (huh, or were they actually already closed at 3 a.m. that night? ). Had quite the eclectic motley crew there at that hour….. And it was great! Of course, JD and Jill were present (after all, they had a waiting drink here almost every night - non?) For those of you who haven’t been ( or not lately) Colin (formerly of Lady C) and Jason (of SSBB) are now running The Red Piano. It’s a great piano, karaoke, d.j., large screen t.v., sing-long, bar. They are both working their butts off…. And it’s paying off, it’s a great place. Oh, and Gretchen, bite me. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Devil.gif" alt="" />

Can’t believe we were even thinking about BLISS after leaving there, but the one brain cell left that was still working was wise enough to guide us home.

[color:"purple"]3/2[/color] Sunset Beach Bar [color:"purple"]TTOL party[/color] - HUGE kudos to Denis (BIGDENX) for organizing such a spectacular party!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> Seeing full page SSBB ads in the Daily Herald with the TTOL logo on them was pretty cool. In addition, the plasma screen at the circle just outside SSBB had the TTOL logo rotating amongst other SSBB info that night.
Can‘t say Denis did not promote the festivities!<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />

Due to the fact that I was purposely trying not to check my email during my trip, I was COMPLETELY unaware that Denis had contacted me to pick up the ball for the party when he and Michele had to quickly leave the island earlier in the week. Thankfully, JD did get a message from him on Thursday after not hearing back from me. JD contacted me and we quickly proceeded to finish up whatever was left (not too much considering all of Denis’ hard work!) to do. I have to say that Ed and the rest of the staff at SSBB could not have been more accommodating to us. They were extremely helpful! Thanks guys! Ed was especially helpful - and turns out to be the omnipresent person we ended up seeing EVERYWHERE at all times of the day, night, and late night for the rest of the trip! Nice guy.

I guesstimate that there were about 70 or so people at the party. And, with all of Denis’ hard work almost everybody left with a prize!

Big thanks to JD and Jill who did a fantastic job with welcoming committee/nametags. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" /> Also, great job JD on the microphone and prize patrol. Kevin and I tried to meet some of those that seemed to be a little reluctant to mingle and socialize. We met a couple of self admitted TTOL lurkers who we forced to talk to us! Imagine that, they were all very friendly and actually had tongues. Hey, we know who you people are now - and we WILL find you again! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Sincere apologies to anyone who was a bit under whelmed that night. I can guarantee you that if Big Den was there he would have been entertaining each and everyone of you! We sure missed you Den!!! Thanks so much for ALL your hard work!!!

FYI - for any of you that has had a foo me once, foo me twice experience at SSBB I urge you to give them another try. (yeah, I said that!) We were at SSBB on several occasions besides the TTOL party and each time the service was good, and the atmosphere great. They seem a bit more organized and are trying to promote the place for ALL people. They now even advertise a kids fishing area with free poles/gear and free grilling for anything caught.


[color:"brown"]FOOD[/color]

We are not foodies - and stick to casual fare. Pretty much stuck with the usual stops for us, They are close by, they have delicious food, and great (and different) ambiance at each place.

Halsey's - Had what has turned into our traditional Thursday night Regatta dinner. As usual, John (JohnMichael), Ryan, & Jessica Halsey made our night here wonderful. I just love the laid back, friendly, casual feel of this place. Combine that with some fantastic food and all is good! Thanks guys for taking such good care of us!

Pineapple Pete's - this place is a no brainer. They have 5 star service, with a casual flare and delicious food. There were MANY large tables at the time we were there (Regatta Sunday night no less) and the service was impeccable and friendly.

Pizza Galley - always just works into the evening mix a night or two. Can’t go wrong. Some great ‘za with some good wine in a great location.

La Gondola - last minute decision, and, as usual, yummy. We sat outside - thankfully under an awning ,as there was intermittent downpours during the dinner.

Daniel's by the Sea - Basically Da Lavio’s takes over Mr.Busby’s at night. We had the luxury of sitting at the VIP table (yeah, it helps when you are dining with SXM Royalty - LOL) right alongside the beach. Enjoyed a lovely meal here with a great mix of my friends (old SXM friends, new SXM friends, and some TTOL). Per usual with our group, we closed down the place and practically had to be dragged out of there!

Hidden Forest @ Loterie Farm -
Kevin and I decided that we were feeling a little adventurous one night and decided on a night trip to Hidden Forest for dinner. Having never been there, what better way to check it out than on a dark night! We prepared ourselves with mace, machetes, and a bic lighter. Ok, well, maybe not - but at least we had the lighter. Once you leave the road up to Pic Paradis, you head down a road (?) that makes you feel like you are driving into the depths of hell (a one lane steep road into the jungle with no lights around) Is that the road or a deep dry creek bed? Ah, two for one - it‘s both! Ah, but, then you see some lights ahead/above. The restaurant is way up in a tree house type building.... very stunning. You walk up a steep plank/walkway into the absolutely gorgeous and tranquil lounge area... and then onto the dining area. Beautiful with the trees above/below all lit up.... fantastic breeze.... great food. Yeah, yeah, you have heard people telling you here how great it is and you still don’t go. Do yourself a favor, go. It’s pretty cool. Not sure if the daytime is more impressive or less. However, if you are a bit of a risk taker - go for the night ride! And, don’t blame me if something bad happens and you were not prepared with a machete! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

Khush Tapas Bar - Cupecoy (formerly Citrus). Stopped here with friends for a late evening drink/food. I didn't eat anything, but my friends enjoyed their tapas. When we left the place was packed with the young and trendy.



[color:"#666666"]Misc[/color]

One afternoon I walked back inside after sitting on the beach - only to find an intruder inside. He was hiding under my bed - where the dog and I kept him at bay until I could get help getting him out. his mug shot and video The bugger was HUGE! It scared the crap out of me when I initially saw him (I saw the huge tail whoosh under the bed and had to crawl on the floor with a broomstick to pick up the bedskirt to find out what exactly was under there!) Yeah, yeah, I know, they are vegetarian. Yeah, whatever, I don’t want him under my bed!!! I actually, was quite impressed with how calm I was with him inside. I even went to the store for some needed items while he "rested" under the bed. Nice that Barbara tells me the next day that they bite and run fast. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> Great, would’ve love to have known that when I was prodding it with a broomstick!!! Oh, and she said the zoo would have come to get him. Huh, the zoo wasn’t the first thing on my mind when I came across him! Iguana Soup anyone?


Barbara’s Duke is adorable. His ears point straight up to a “V” when he greets you!

For those who have been around TTOL a few years you may remember Brian LeBlanc who several years ago came here to gather opinions/advice on moving to SXM. Well, we ran into him at the Halsey’s after hours party. I had never met the guy, but somehow recognized him from his old avatar (geez, I have to get a life!). Super, super, nice guy. He’s only 24 and lovin’ life down in SXM. He was at Banana’s until that crap went down last year. He’s now bartending over at Lady C. If anyone is over there stop by and say hi. For those of you who never just picked up and changed your life, maybe you can live vicariously through him! (Brian & JD)


Parking around Salt Pond road is being improved with actual paved parking areas along the roadside. In addition, two roundabouts (one by the Police station/University and the other just down the road at the end of the Salt Pond) are just about complete.

I saw several groups of men cleaning up garbage/brush along side the road on Cay Bay Hill. I saw them in several other areas as well. They were working hard and things were looking nicer.

Elections are coming up (next month) and you can’t help but know this. Political advertising is on about every nick and cranny. Nothin’ like seeing a 10 foot picture of Theo around every corner.

Traffic wasn’t all that bad. I ended up timing things rather good and avoided most jams. If heading to Pburg I was on my way by 8:30 and had no problem getting over the hill. The only really bad traffic I hit was with Sheila (she413) and Sue one night on our way to meet up with Marybeth & Don and Deb & Karen at Lady C for drinks. We stopped dead at the airport and did not move for almost ½ hour. Eventually, we slowly moved - taking us about 1 hour to Lady C. We could not for the life of us figure out what was up. This was post-Regatta, so there should have been no reason. We were so anxious sitting in the car that we decided that we had to call Pizza Galley and have them tell the rest of our party we were stuck. However, we did not have the number. So, after brainstorming for a bit… ah-hah….. Barbara is on speed dial on the cell! She gave us the number and we were able to make the call. Yeah! After this we decided that Barbara’s new name is 411Babs - after all, she is always providing the most unusual SXM info for everyone! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Rofl.gif" alt="" /> Thanks Babs!

We did find out later that the delay was due to the Cay Bay fire backing up traffic for several hours. MaryBeth told us that people were stopping and getting out of their cars in the middle of the road and just watching the fire. Of course, we were saddened to hear that our traffic nightmare was due to this terrible fire. It made our short time stuck seem like no big deal in comparison to what those people were going through.

Another BIG thanks to JD for once again procuring a golden ticket for me. Trust me, Kevin and I chanted, “I’ve got a golden ticket…” each time we drove through the gate!

photo slideshow

Photo thumbnails

Still awake? Well…just in case some of you have already been able to erase that tune out of your head… (Spiderbait - who knew? LOL)

Oh, black betty (bam-ba-lam)
Whoa, black betty (bam-ba-lam)
She really gets me high (bam-ba-lam)
You know that's no lie (bam-ba-lam)

Sweet dreams! And…… You’re welcome! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />