Well here goes and will try to make it as brief as possible...which is very hard for me to do.

Flights: Took AA and on the way down everything went fine...however on the way back everthing that could go wrong did. Have you seen the movie Planes, Trains, and Automobiles with John Candy...welcome to our world this weekend. From delays, to outright lies, nasty service folks in SJU, then postponed flights to missed connections to roach motel to finally home 38 hours after leaving SXM...enough said of the bad stuff...I wish I had non stops from where I live but just not possible and I had one stop flights booked until they changed the schedule at the last minute. Felt like it took two mules, a yak and a camel to get home! It was ALMOST commical by the end...almost. Oh well the price of time in paradise...On to the good stuff.

Accomodations: Stayed at the Flamingo and everything was great. No complaints. We were in a villa for 2 weeks and love having the washer and dryer right in the unit so I can pack less. Stayed in a studio the rest of the time. Resort looked good and interested in seeing what the new owners do. Supposedly new beds, pool and beach furniture are on order and more upgrades to come...we'll see.

Food: We were super casual this trip so no fancy restaurants to report on. Went to the Boathouse 3 times and the food was great every time. I love the grilled Grouper in Garlic Butter sauce. To me the best grouper of all I had this trip.Tappers was very good as well. I especially like the stuffed Mahi Mahi. Pineapple Petes I finally tried the Lobster Therm and it was excellent I see why people love it. I am not a huge lobster fan but this was great. Uncle Harrys This was a first for us and it was good. I preferred other spots but would go again. Tutta Pasta Always very good and didn't disappoint this year either. Tijuana Y. C. Had nice menu and large portions. Try the prickly pear margarita. uuummmm...tasty. Jimbos Was not that impressed and probably would opt for elsewhere. Great setting but our food was very so so. Maybe an off night? Also had great Pizza and bar food at Pizza Galleyand Bucanneerson several occasions. We ate down in P'burg breakfast at Barefoot Cafe that was a good value and nice setting. For breakfast we love the bakery La Sucriere(I'm sure I butchered the spelling) They do have the infamous raspberry croissants that some were looking for. Very tasty...Also the new bakery by the Flamingo was good as well as closeby.

Beaches Stayed close to home most of the time but did do Orient a few times so we could see our buddy Corrina for a Rum Runner at Bikini and I always enjoy going to Pinel a few times as well especially if it is really windy...which it was most of the time we were there.

Weather Was VERY windy and we had a lot of rain in 19 days. Must say there were several evenings it was chilly as well. We are normally there over Regatta Weeks. 8-10...so don't know if this is the norm. Didn't slow us down too much, but would prefer it warmer.

Car Rented from AAA, Alain Arnell Service was great as usual. Had a dead battery and he was out and fixed it in about 15 minutes. Happened again on the morning I left to come home Think there was a short in the Dome light. (Should have been an omen as to how bad the trip back would be) and he was there in short order to pick me up. Always good service. Thanks Alain!

Misc Hung out at Bucanneer a lot and just want to say I think the new owners are very nice and working hard to make it better all the time. They had a great Super Bowl party set up and lots of great ideas in the making. Give it a try if you haven't as would love to see it continue to grow. All the usual suspects are behind the bar so a good time was had on each visit. SSBBWent a couple of times mostly when waiting for a plane or to see some local friends I hadn't seen in awhile, but sure miss it from the old days. Nuwina was there but all the other bartenders are gone. Henry is now downtown at Bamboo Bernies on the boardwalk and the other besides Heidi are off island. Lcoation is still the best but prices are still high and the bathrooms are becoming snagglier...Bucanneer is far better IMHO Mosquitoes Weren't as bad as I feared with all the rain. I did buy a spray for the room as after maid visits they are always worse and also used the deep woods off at night. Did well...the Daily Herald reported Dengue cases at all time high since Nov mostly on the French side and the radio stations talked about it a lot. Would recommend taking the precautions. The island looked great and traffic wasn't bad at all. Overall another fantastic trip and didn't want to come home. To all our friends (new and old) always good to see you and look forward to our next visit. Unfortuneatly that won't be until next Feb. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />