Flew from Seattle to New Orleans for a couple of days then on to SXM on American. Immigration took forever.

Rental car guy never came thru so rented from Empress and had no problems.

Stayed at LaVista for our two weeks as that is our timeshare. Stay was great and service was wonderful.

Weather was hot with one tropical storm loaded with rain which the Island needed badly. A few other short showers a few times.

Found a new favorite beach, Friar's Bay. Road is terrible but so worth it. So quiet, no waves and no shelf. Loungers were $6 if you ate at the restaurant, $20 otherwise. Very quiet and the restaurant is lovely with great food. Cash only.

Had an evening cruise on the Passaat and on the way back as we were parallel with airport a large plane went right over the top of us. Thrilling.

We're not foodies so we ate at Chestefield's (great), Pineapple Pete's (OK), Toppers (OK), Thai restaurant at Stars Casino (great but over priced), Friar's Bay Beach Café (outstanding and great ambience) Karacter's (food great, deck is new and larger, lounge chairs all new with 4 inch foam pads), Dedos (sp) at Mullett (just OK) and LaVista for lunch and breakfast (great and well priced).

We had a great two weeks and didn't want to leave.

What car rental place let you down?

Thanks so much for the report!!! Any pictures??

Thanks for the report. Glad you liked the Passaat as it's one of my most favorite island activities.

SEA to SXM a tough trip. You gotta do at least 4 weeks to compensate.
Trust you had a great time. Did you see yourself leaving just as you arrived?

I've been doing the trip for over 20 years. For the last 3 we have flown directly to New Orleans and play for about 3 days then onto Miami and SXM. We do the same on the return. It's a long journey but so worth it.

Leslie with Kennys

Leslie did not show? Did you ever hear why? He has always been extremely wonderful and reliable. That is so unlike him. He has always been at the airport waiting for us...even when our flight had been delayed.

I'm glad you found Anse des Pères (Friar's) - one of my favorites for years. But, the chairs are free if you eat there (which you would be foolish not to). If you want a cushion, it costs something like $3 - or at least that was always the case up until this past July. Has it changed?

It appeared that the Café put a lot of money in the place very recently. They had a charge of $6 for two chairs and an umbrella if you bought food or drink from them. I didn't see any chairs without the plush pads. If not $20.