Started off with an uneventful direct flight from Chicago to SXM. We landed 20 minutes early but sat on the taxi way waiting for an open gate. Immigration was a breeze and we got our bags.

Waiting for us was 'Prince' from Prince Rent a car and we along with the family traveling with us was off to our places in Orient Village. We rented a three bedroom villa, Matisse 4, and our friends had a 2 bedroom condo in the Caribean princess. We landed at 1:30 and were all unload by 4 PM. Headed into the village and got a few pizza's to get us through to dinner.

My wife and I are traveling with our 3 girls, 13 and 11 year old twins. Our friends have there 13 year old daughter and 11 year old son. Two of our girls like to eat and the other 3 are a little bit of a challenge.

Saturday night, we went into Grand case and went to Il-Nettuno. Even though it is a french island, we really love Italian food and the variety is far greater than the french restaurants. Started off dinner with the tomato soup, wife really loved it along with salads and fried mozzarella. The complimentary bruschetta really was also good. At the table we had Linguini with Spicy sausage, Veal Piccata, Veal Saltimbuco, Veal Ravioli and Gnochi. Everything was really good and the sauces were fantastic. Even our pickiest dinner liked the Gnochi. At the end of the meal, Matteo came and sang with the kids 3-4 songs. A wonderful start to the week.

Sunday headed out to the beach, La Playa, and had a good time. The service on the beach was OK and the kids had a great time. All week it was on the windy side but it felt really good and no one said they were cold. The kids got a bit burnt and then headed to the pool for a little bit.

Sunday night, we went back into Grand Case and got stuck behind a bus that couldn't get through the road. We then found out that Bistro Caribes, L'Escape, Auberage Gourmande and L'Tastiven had all been booked for private parties and would not have opening until 9:30. Ended up at L'California. Service was really slow but the food was good and they took 1:1 for cash. They take a picture of you during dinner and give you a copy with your bill.

Monday, back to the beach at Waikiki. Food was good, prices were 40% higher than Bikini but the services was good. Kids ended up with a boogy board and had a great time in the water. Monday night we went into Marigot and ate at La Belle Epogue. Dinner was very good. We had the veal chop, Rack of Lamb, Filet, Pizza's and the kids and the adults enjoyed a beautiful dinner on the waterfront. Biggest problem was someone smoking a cigar and it blowing right into the kids faces.

Tuesday it was time to get out of the sun and we went into Phillipsburg. Traffic going to town was no problem but leaving about 3:30 was crowded until you got away from the salt pond. That night, we went into orient village and ate at 'Safari' Dinner started with the baked Camberne cheese which could have been a meal in itself. This was followed up by a total taste of the menu and everything that we had was very good.

Wednesday was back to the beach and then to La Gondola for dinner. The food was marvelous as usual but service was EXTREMELY slow. From the time we sat down to get drinks all the way through dessert it took a long time. It was almost 90 minutes from the time they cleared the dinner dishes until we finished dessert and got our check after asking twice.

Thursday, a bunch of the group went Snuba'ing in Phillipsburg and had a great experience. I stayed back at the beach with the one holdout. For dinner, we went to Bistro Caribes. Dinner was great. We had the frog legs, escargot, Ribeye(Just OK), veal and fish. They were all great except as noted. Dessert was a bunch of Molten chocolate cakes.

Friday we spent at Bikini beach and Valery took great care of us. Best beach food of the bunch. Kids went on the trampoline and para-sailing. A Great time was had by all.

Friday night we went back to Il Nettuno. Dinner was great as usual.

Saturday we had an uneventful but long flight back to Chicago.

In regard to crime, we made sure that our storm shutters were locked all the time and picked up a security door stop for the front door. They have security throughout the Orient village and stop and check each car as you enter Orient village from the main road. A few of the security crews were writing down your plates and where you were going. In Grand Case, we parked in the central lot there which is well lit and worth the $6.

We are major animal lovers and saw about 5-6 regular beach dogs on the beach. All were friendly and didn't look in that bad of shape. We bought dog biscuits at the store so they all ate really well. The kids loved the dogs.

Great trip...can't wait to book again after hurricane season.

Mbrott <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />