Greetings…<br><br>We’re back… Shoveling snow after another wonderful trip to St. Martin…. Our 15th… We’ll be returning next year… It was great!!!<br><br>American Airlines treated us to great flights and the best pretzels and cokes… but as we were on Frequent Flyer tickets, we’re not complaining, as all went well en route…<br><br>We were thoroughly screened and searched at every check point, but the people were polite and quick… We certainly did not mind… <br><br>Orient Bay Hotel remains perfect for us… We had their largest multi-level villa, poolside, with a front porch and side gazebo overlooking Orient Bay… We’ll stay their again next year… A great value for the money… Their staff is so nice, so accommodating… We love them…<br><br>Our car rental from Marius was fine, but he does not meet you and the airport when you are returning the car as so many others do… If he did, we would certainly use him again…<br><br>Contessa’s party was great fun… Wonderful food, nice people, good music… I hope to be invited again… She and Sword are the best… <br><br>Jackie and Malcolm’s wedding was to die for… In a villa overlooking Orient Beach… Lots of flowers, great local food (catered by Marius), great bands and dancing…. And the most interesting people, with lots of ‘fashion statements’… We loved it, and of course, they are such a nice couple… We wish them the best!<br><br>The French army treated us to maneuvers on Orient Beach one morning… a helicopter, soldiers lowered and raised to the floating platforms… Umbrellas blowing over… A very unexpected experience… Perhaps they are preparing for something…<br><br>One of the best things about traveling to Orient Beach at about the same time each year, is meeting and greeting the folks that are often there at the same time… It sure was nice to see everyone…<br><br>As we often do, we stayed on the French side…. Time ran out for experimenting on the Dutch side as many of you had recommended, but we just were unable to do so… We have done the Dutch side in past years, but in doing so, developed a strong preference for the French side…<br><br>The best Martini’s… Jungle Café, at the end of the walk at Marina Royale, Marigot…<br><br>The best Martini, runner up… L’Amandier Plage in Gran Case<br><br>The best pizza… La Belle Epoque, in Marigot…<br><br>The best dessert… L’Auberge Gourmande in Gran Case…<br><br>The best dinner… Le Pressoir in Gran Case…<br><br>The best dinner, runner up… Tropicana in Marigot <br><br>The best lunch… Papagayo’s at Club Orient…<br><br>The best breakfast… Pastries from Orientique with Gevalia Coffee on our porch at Orient Bay Hotel…<br><br>The best beach… Orient Beach….<br><br>The best time to return… NOW!<br><br>Joe and Tony<br><br>