Arrived Sat 9/26 late afternoon. Got car, went to villa to drop off luggage, out to grocery store. Shower, then dinner at Greenhouse (in Philipsburg). Hardly anyone there...never been here this time of year and it is definitely quiet.

We are staying on Beacon Hill Road and drive by SSBB a few times a day. Never seen it like that with no beach whatsoever...too bad. Between no beach, the construction going on and "low season" never seen it with so few people there. I think on Sunday night we drove by around 9PM and they were already closed. We have not stopped there yet to watch planes arrive.

Sunday was first beach day. Drove over to Orient to Kakao where we like to go. Went onto the beach and there was seaweed on the sand and in the water. We had heard about the seaweed so we weren't surprised, but we hoped it wouldn't be too bad. With the seaweed in the water we decided not to stay. You can walk over/around it on the beach but we don't want to swim through/in it. So we went to Mullet and no seaweed at all. Beach not as big, really only 2 rows of chairs. Good beach day.

Monday went shopping in Philipsburg. Only 1 ship in that day so not too crowded.

Tuesday another beach day. Went to the Butterfly Farm first and that was nice. Had never been...we have my mom & sister-in-law with us this trip and they wanted to go. After that drove over to Friar's. The first beach bar (Kali's??) was closed. Went to Friar's Bay Beach Bar. No seaweed there....another good beach day.

Today going to Marigot and Fort St. Louis.

We already have tickets for the Lambada sunset cruise for Thurs. night.

Weather has been great. Just a few rain drops on Sunday while at Mullet. It's ironic that during hurricane season we are in the Caribbean & having great weather, while back home (near Boston) they are getting a bunch or rain and there is a potential hurricane on the way.

Sounds like a great beginning to the trip. Have you eaten anywhere great yet?

Sounds like a good beginning to your trip. We are staying in the Beacon Hill area so interested in finding out about the construction you are speaking of? Can you provide details? Thank you.

Louise--I think he's talking about the construction at Sunset.

Thanks Carol, guess we'll see it first hand in less than 29 and a wake up. Something like that. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />

I was wondering what your countdown clock said! Looking forward to hearing a report from 'home'! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" />

We are not big foodies, and don't really eat much on the French side. So can't say we've had any "great" meals. But no bad ones either. Besides Greenhouse, we've gone to Pineapple Pete's, Daniel's by the Sea, Pizza Pasta (takeout pizza & salad) and tonight was Mark's Place. Still love Mark's...all you can eat ribs for $23.50, seafood lasagna $14, love the scalloped potatoes, and Guavaberry Coolata for $5. Today in Marigot had lunch at Cafe de Paris and the salad with shrimp was very good.
Yes,the construction is at SSBB. Still haven't been over there so not sure exactly what is going on. On way back from Mark's at about 9:15 tonight they were already closed.
Can't comment on the construction at Orient because we didn't stay the day we tried going.

Sounds likes you're having good time. Kali's did you a favor by being closed, that place is terrible. Continue the fun, I'm jealous.

May I ask where you stay in Beacon Hill? Have you ever stayed or seen Villa Faja Lobe? Just looking for more info as far as getting in/out of the ocean there? I was told just to look for sandy areas that do exist, or walk to Maho 5 mins....but, I do prefer to just walk out in front of my villa and get in/out, etc. Thank you!