SXM Trip August 4th to August 13th

Travel : It always takes us a few days to make it down, and this was no exception. We left home in Eastern Quebec, for a 7 hour trip to New Brunswick on Friday August 1st, to drop off our son to the grand parents. Next leg was on Sunday August 3rd, from New Brunswick to New York, and then Monday the 4th, JFK to SXM.

On the way back, still have to go through New York to overnight, then fly back to New Brunswick to spend a few days with family and friends.

Travel was smooth, with slight delays out of JFK, and into JFK. We flew part Air Canada and part American Airlines.

New York : As we were going to be spending the day in New York on Sunday, we were met by TTOL`ers Bob and Pam, who treated us to a night on the town. First went for dinner to the Heartland Brewery http://72.167.25.128/Heartland/media/heartlandbrewery.html

What an excellant choice. First, we took 4 beer sampler trays, just to get into the vacation mood. Great dinner afterwards, then off to see Grease on Broadway. Annie was a fan, and she loved it. So did I. After we just strolled a bit, went on top of the Rockerfeller Center, then off to a pub for a few hours for some more drinks. A great evening, and can not thank Bob and Pam enough for the great night out.

Accomodations : As usual, our stay was at Club Orient. We had requested studio #19, which we received again, as we did last year. Club O has always honored our unit requests. We like the view of #19, but this year, we took chairs closer to the Perch, so for next year, will probably take a unit closer to the Perch.

Everything at Club O was perfect, and we continue to be happy about our choice to stay there. We have become friends over the years with the staff, and it makes for a great stay.

Car Rental : Another no brainer for us, as we always rent from Michael at Unity. We got a Jeep Wrangler, no issues there either.

Meals :

Monday August 4th : Sky’s the Limit. We had planned on going at La Bodega, as a friend owns it, but they were closed. So we just went next door. Each a plate for dinner and 2 drinks, total $16…!!

Tuesday August 5th : Bob and Pam arrived, and they joined us at La Bodega. We took a sampler plate of appetizers, and quite a few drinks. Great time, and I loved the atmosphere. Back to Bob and Pam`s for Ma Dou Dou…..a lot of Ma Dou Dou..!!!!

Wednesday August 6th : Again joined by Bob and Pam, we went to Simpson Bay for dinner at Pineapple Pete`s. It’s a must for us every year, as Pierre, the owner is also from Quebec. Always nice to see Pierre. Annie had a surf and turf, myself a prime rib, with a couple of bottles of wine. We then went to Sopranoes for a night cap

Thursday August 7th : John, Sue and Marissa were arriving, and it was both our wedding anniversaries. We had made advanced plans to go to the Dinghy Dock, and were joined by Bob and Pam, and Steve and Debbie. Some had the special, the rest had ribs. We left when they were shutting down the lights. Another great night, that was finished off at Bob and Pam`s unit for Ma Dou Dou

Friday August 8th to Monday August 11th : We did not venture out all weekend, and had some dinners at Papagayo`s. It is a bit more costly, but very convenient, if you don`t feel like getting dressed or going out. On Friday, James and Lynette arrived, and we joined them with friends Scott and Janet for dinner.

Saturday was prime rib dinner at Papagayo`s, and it was HUGE. I don`t think any of us actually finished our plates. It was followed by Karaoke, with Bob and John doing a great job at signing.

Carlos was on holiday, but they had Roger working the bar for a few weeks to cover during vactions, and he was great. Still there is Karine and Elfrida. Did not see Patou, and Nancy is on maternity leave

Sunday, our friend Steve had his yearly party at his unit. Great turnout, with finger food, salsas, lots of wine and drinks. We went to bed early as we had a full day on Monday.

Monday August 11th : Well, the big day had arrived. I was now 40 years old. We had made advanced plans to book the Tiko Tiko, and we had a great group. John, Sue and Marissa, Bob and Pam, James and Lynette, Steve and Debbie, and ourselves. Unfortunately, Scott went down with a stomach bug, and Janet and himself could not join us.

Just before we were about to leave, got a quick visit from Denis, Club O manager, right on the beach, to wish me a happy birthday, which was very appreciated.

But even if they were not there, Scott and Janet had organized asurprise for me, and it was well worth it. Imagine Lynette, with a blond wig, coming out from the Tiko kitchen, a la Marylin Monroe, signing happy birthday…!!! Priceless….!!! Felt like President Kennedy…!!!!!

We spent the day just hanging, having drinks, and enjoying the company. I can not thank our friends enough for the great day. No better way of turning 40…!!!! I think we behaved better than last year, as no one fell of the dinghy on the way back. But it wine and cheese, so i think we were all extra careful as we had a huge audience as we came back..!!!!!

If you have not done the Tiko Tiko yet, we will not be the only ones to strongly suggest it. Philippe does a great job, great lunch, great service, and for us, well worth the price.

Tuesday August 12 : Our last night, so we decided to try Peg Leg Pub. We had not been there in a few years, and as they had just moved, we thought it would be a good choice. As we get there, we come face to face with John, Sue and Marissa. Change tables, and we joint them for dinner. The filet mignon i has was one of the best, if not the best. Great service by Sean. We then all went to the Princess Casino for a bit…..no winners, no losers….

Lunches : All were had on Orient, at either Baywatch or Le String. Baywatch were out of ribs for most of the trip, as Cheryl could not get the ones they usually serve, and she was not comfortable serving something else. But by my last full day, they got ribs. And they were good…!!!! Cheryl teased me a bit, by just serving me 1 single rib, as she knew i had been craving them since day 1. Baywatch is probably a bit more expensive than other beach bars, but their menue, food, and the way you are received, treated and served on is #1. Adrian, Ross, Cheryl and Andy, plus the rest of the staff are #1

I also enjoyed Le String, and Ray, one of the owners was there. Always well treated, and their food is good, even with a limited menue.

Beach : We do not go to any other beach than Orient, chairs by the Perch. We were joined by John, Sue and Marissa, Bob and Pam, Steve and Debbie, and later in the trip by Harry and Kathy (ChiTownHarry), Wayne and Pam (PamWay). James and Lynette along with Scott and Janet were further down by Papagayo`s. We spent most days just relaxing, having drinks, and a few bottles of Ma Dou Dou.

Happy Hour at the Perch was great, with Willie on vacation. They were short on staff, soi it closed on Saturdays. JP and Kenny looked after the Perch.

Shopping : Did not do much shopping this trip. Annie got a piece fixed at Caribbean Gems and got a watch, cigars and booze at Gulmohar`s, which we love. We are always welcomed there like family. And also Cost U Less.

Got our necessities at the Club O boutique. Mimi is still there.

Crime : No sign of any, did not feel intimidated at any time, day or night. I will not add more to this. Similar to my April trip.

Also, there was some talk about Club O security. On most nights, we were sitting outside until late at night, having drinks, and every 30 minutes or so, security would drive by in their cart. We also saw security in the day time, as they hang mostly by the Perch. They are not « in your face » but they are there.

Overall thougths : One of, if not, the best trip we have had to the island. We were missing a few regular August travelers, Ryan and Jennifer (SoCalCpl2006) as Jennifer was expecting their first child, who is probably born by now, and also Bill and Elaine, and JoAnn and Mark

We love the island, but these trips would not be as fun without the great friendships we have made over the years with the August group. It was a great time, lots of laughs, lots of Ma Dou Dou, and great company. The group got a bigger as the trip went on, and hopfefully the missing ones will be there next year.




Marc and Annie


http://s138.photobucket.com/albums/q258/MarcG_photos/St%20Martin%202008/