Day 16

Another strange day on SXM, A bit overcast, and those winds continue to cool down the island. Since we haven't been over to Orient since Saturday, it was another day spent at Le String. Got there about 11 or so, and believe it or not, we were the only ones on the beach for a couple of hours. No one else in view for at least 100 yards in both directions. Later in the aftenoon, it picked up a little bit, but this was the quietest I have ever seen it. Ghost town. Wind was brisk, but very comfortable. There still has been ZERO humidity, which does make for a very comfortable day at the beach, without feeling you are frying. VERY relaxing, a very delicious lunch, and back to the lounger to let the ''sand gravity'' work. So relaxing, I ended up falling asleep in the chair.....for TWO HOURS. the sound of the wind, the feeling of the breeze, and that beautiful sound of the waves crashing was a great recipe for a great nap. There is a. crapload of seaweed at the shoreline, but heard that Wednesday they are sending the tractor to clean it all up, till the next wave of it comes in.

Tonight, we went to the Greenhouse, which for some unknown reason to us, we have never been to before for dinner. I was craving prime rib, so ventured over to give it a try. Of course, we got there a bit late, and the prime rib was gone. What does one do?? We both looked at the menu, and decided to do something else we usually don't do. We ordered the ''lobster''. I use the quotes, because being a bred New Englander, the ONLY lobster is a good Maine lobster. Had the ''caribean'' lobster probably about fifteen or twenty years ago, and wasn't impressed then, but tonight, I am kicking myself for losing all these years without, while being on island!!! It was very delectable, and we both enjoyed it MUCH more than we expected. For future visits, Greenhouse will now be a must. I even thanked our waiter for running out of the ''prime rib''. So, so far this vacation has seen a bunch of new restaurants we have never visited before. Sale and Pepe, Bar Code, Greenhouse, Rendevous Lounge,and Melange (not for years so new to us again, All of them have been very great experiences. Guess you can teach an old dog new tricks.

After dinner was our nightly venture over to Casino Royale, where played for quite some time tonight. Quickly went into my pocket three more times than i wanted, but then caught a decent run, and for a few minutes went from down to up, and when things looked like it was going the other way again, i walked away with ALL my money back, so felt another winning night of breaking even was a win. So far, speaking of ''winning'', i am DEAD EVEN on two and half weeks. I'll take it.

Definitely feeling the reality that the end of our vacation is in plain sight. Don't know how the time has flown by so quickly, but sure doesn't feel that we have been here as long as we have been. Really feel for those who only come for a few days to a week, because i really can't see how anyone can unwind in such a short period of time. I consider ourselves very lucky and fortunate, that we get to enjoy SXM every year, for three amazing weeks.

We did find out today, that most places for Covid testing may be closed on Good Friday this week, so are planning to get our Covid tests on Wednesday. Heard on the French side, there is a drive up at the Red Cross, and no charge for the tests. Just bring passport, get tested, and get results emailed in a few hours. Since it is on our way to Orient for us, it will be a quick stop on Wednesday to get it done, without losing the day for finding a test sight, or having to pay for it. Really am looking forward to the day that we all will NOT have to undergo these tests, walk freely without the fear of Covid, and get back to a somewhat ''normal'' life again. I do miss seeing the wait staff and cooks at the restaurants faces, the faces of the dealers in the casino, the faces of shop keepers, and vendors on the beach, the faces of ''fellow'' passengers on the planes, etc. Praying that all this craziness gets behind us all, real fast.

More to follow, i hope.

We were told to order our cut of prime rib same day. We are dropping by to order for Thursday special prime rib night Wednesday.

We depart Sunday so need antigen test Friday and heard as you did most maybe closed on Good Friday. We are going to check out Sun today and ask if they are open Friday.

Thanks for the trip report. I thought earlier you said that more tourists seemed to be coming to the island, and now it appears that Orient was empty at noon - so strange, and of course , disappointed for the beach front restaurants.

I'm with you Ed on the Maine lobster. I had Caribbean lobster a few years back and thought it was kind of tasteless. Maybe i'll have to try it again. It's probably good if it's kicked up a bit. How was yours prepared?

Fabila- If you are departing on Sunday, you can get your test on Thursday. It is 3 calendar days, not 72 hours. We got our test on Wednesday for a Saturday departure.

Ed- I believe the Red Cross hours for the antigen test are 11:30 - 2:00. They do the PCR test earlier in the day.

The Red Cross hours are 11-2pm. Quick and easy. We did it a couple weeks ago (seems like forever now!) and it was a simple process with results back via email in a little less than one hour....and FREE! Drive up, present your passport and you are in and out and back to the beach! Good luck-sounds like your trip has been great. Safe travels

Thanks for the report. We have enjoyed the Greenhouse for years, starting out at the one by the pier, YEARS ago, when we would be waiting to catch the last tender back to the ship!

I ordered it grilled, and drawn butter came on the side. Could've had thermidor if wanted. There was some stuffing on the very top of it.....It really was very delicious.

I ordered it grilled, and drawn butter came on the side. Could've had thermidor if wanted. There was some stuffing on the very top of it.....It really was very delicious.

It seems to be....but this week is Easter, and I think between the holiday, and Covid, it quieted down again. Monday though, is usually the quieter day on the beach.

The Greenhouse is one of our favorites.
It's casual dining with good food and service.

Where exactly is the Red Cross located?
I know that Medwork will give you a hard copy, if you pick it up. Of course there is a charge.

I can't wait for normal too........

Thanks, that does sound good! We had a T-bone at the Greenhouse you could just about cut with a fork.

I'm with you Ed, if you can be even after 2+ weeks at a casino you're a winner. Doing something that you enjoy for that long and come out breaking even feels like winning. We also enjoy the lobster at the Greenhouse as well as at Lee's.

Thank you Ed for all the reports. We thoroughly enjoyed them especially since we skipped our February trip. Glad you enjoyed the Greenhouse. We stay at SBR so we walk there quite often. Many people think of it as a burger, sandwich type of place and miss out on their meals. Happy hour is great too along with their bang bang shrimp.

Their prime rib is very tender and flavorful. Easy walk for us from Flamingo.

about maybe a quarter mile before the roundabout coming from Grand Case, before you hit the Super U market. It's behind some trees on the right hand side.

The Red Cross is right behind a building SMEC - we put SMEC in Google Maps and found it that way, the tents and the flags to the right are the Red Cross testing area.

Thanks for the picture. That is very helpful. Not sure we will go that route, but it's an option.