First morning in SXM and it was time to trade countries. Said our goodbyes to Christian and mentioned we were in search of croissants. He recommended a bakery within walking distance of sol e luna. It was a pleasant little shop, typical of the bakeries on the French side, with good pastries and acceptable expresso and cappuccino. We drove leisurely to La Vista (by way of the back roads of Orient Beach, one road I don’t really think was a road) and checked in with the usual greeting of “welcome home”. Took an immediate walk to the PeliDeli and got the essential groceries (Wine and ETNA coconut ice cream). We then started for Grande Marche. After 20 minutes and still within walking distance of La Vista we pulled into Le Sucrierre, got a small pizza and salad, ate at the waterfront and drove home. Hung out at the pool the rest of the afternoon. We officially toasted the end of our diets at sunset with our PeliDeli purchases and made ready for our annual Pilgrimage to Claude’s Mini. Because of rain we had to eat inside but as many of you know that’s still outside with a giant tree in the middle of the restaurant. Being Saturday it was all you can eat and I never feel cheated. Claude was as sullen as ever. If she ever smiles, I think her face will crack. But the buffet still reigns supreme for pure gluttony. After stuffing my face with lobsters (the rest is all secondary to me), singing “move the line” and tasting all the desserts, we headed home for the night.

Next morning it was a stroll to Zee Best for the almond French toast. Then to Grande Marche for food shopping (Pistachio and Café Etna). We decided to pass on dinner and had hor d’oerves instead. Wine, meats, cheeses, olives, Etna while waving good-bye to the cruise ships. It’s great to be in Paradise. On to the movies. We used to particularly love going to the old movie theater (now the Dolphin Casino). A break in the middle of the movie to get a beer. (one year they broke in the middle of the battle for Helm’s Deep) and get rid of some beer. No more breaks or beer with the new movie theater but at $6 a person who can resist. After the movie, went to the Red Piano. First time. A couple drinks, a friendly pianoman, a couple slow dances and another romantic evening. Only complaint is that smoke gets into more than your eyes.

Next day it was off to our favorite beach, Friar’s. and our favorite beachperson, Jaboh. Chairs and umbrella $12 and if you tip You get a “God Bless America” yell. A couple free fruit rums, a good book, calm waters beautiful French women and no valid explanation as to why I should come back home. Time for lunch and that rude awakening of reality, the dreaded euro. Ribs for me, Salad for the missus and one bottle of water was $45. I knew then I would not taste those delicious ribs for the rest of my stay. Rained a good part of the day, but when you’re in the water anyway, who cares. After one rain, saw the most magnificent rainbow I have ever seen. The colors were vivid, a purple that was unreal. The rainbow stretched across the whole sky and ended at our feet. I had truly found the pot of gold. Oh! but for a camera.

Decided to go to Ric’s for hamburgers, but couldn’t find it (probably because of wine and Etna’s) so went to the ever controversial Lee’s. My wife loves the small red snapper but they were out of small and we did not want a large meal so we both got a hamburger. Gotta tell you, they were great. Large, tasty, cooked as requested, what a pleasant surprise. Add a beer and a soda and the total bill with tip was $25. Took a walk around the neighborhood and found Ric’s. It’s buried under the Goldeneye neon sign. Maybe next year. Another night (and last one) at the movies and another early romantic evening(there’s something about SXM!)

Dec. 11 and lots of rain on and off. By now, who cares. It’s off to Mullet another of my favorites. The water is calm and a lot of people are in the water. People tell us Maho is choppy and too rough to swim but Mullet is a pleasure. On the Dutch side so Ribs are still in order, especially when there’s Rosies. An order of ribs and fries and a salad is a whopping $10. The chairs are $15 on Mullet. These prices I can live with. And rosie’s ribs are the best!
That night went to a La Vista get together and met Georgia (GaKaye). Always nice to put a face to people who have aided (and sometimes abetted) your journey. Dinner was a farewell to Philippe at Tabby Khady. We had been trying to go there for over a year and were finally getting there at the end. Once we had dinner, we further bemoaned the fact it would not be repeated. Philippe was amazing, from the fish stew, to shrimp and scallops in coconut milk, fried bananas in chocolate and raspberry sauce. A perfect mix of French,Asian,African influences and an excellent host as well. Philippe had to do almost everything by himself and he still found time to talk and answer our silly questions(what does Tabby Khady mean?) Philippe, congrats on your new position at Captain Oliver and I look forward to seeing you next year. Part 3 to follow