There is so much to say about this trip. A lot has changed in Paradise in 15 years. First off, thanks to all for your tips; they worked! After arrival and getting our Jeep (I prefer these to the omnipresent white cars) we sauntered over to the sunset beach bar for a few cold ones. Got lucky enough to see the crazies on the fence going horizontal. Great live music. Want a memory? Go to its website and click on its web cam and dreammmmmmm. Then went to Bamboobernies - great ribs and check out the Reggae on Th nights. We never at at Bliss but we were told the food is great. Pricy though.. Other nights we ate at Uncle Harry's (best lobsters), Peg Leg Pub (great steaks- say Hi to Jack the owner); Turtle Pier (great conch chowda -say hi to Al the owner) and Lees on the Dutch side. Reservations a must at Harry's; BIG drinks too. All reasonably priced and have great food. La Croissanterie in Marigot on the lagoon was quiet, had fresh croissants and great slugs (escargot). The dollar seemed to be accepted everywhere; most places on the French side matched the dollar to Euro 1:1. Of the beaches, Orient was crowded - not overly so - and hoppin'. Baie Longue was deserted, quiet and mello - just for lovers. Dawn beach was pretty but we never got there early enough to see the sunrise (Hmmm, I wonder why). Maho was family oriented but we did see a few young topless ladies which were just fine. Try the BBQ grill (dogs and ribs$ 2.50 each); umbrellas and chairs at $5 each was the going rate. The Randow Wind Day Sail was our best day. Martin the owner was great and Eddie and Saskia (sp?) the crew were a lot of fun. It was well worth the $75/head ($70/head if ordered on line via chartering websites). Martin does private sunset cruises also - check these out - also well worth it. The Heineken cat met us on Baie Longue and tossed over a few heine's and we mooned them in return - all in good fun.
We did not try to do too much on this trip , which was wise, and we had a great relaxing time away from the grind. So, we gambled only once. I am probably the only person that can lose at roulette in the "even money" bets. The only thing we wish we had less of were 1) the timeshare solicitations and 2) the mid afternoon traffic jams. But, thats progress I guess. Now, I'll go back to the SSBB webcam thank you. Meanwhile, I will miss Caribs by the 1/2 dozen, sun, food, sand, the water, the topless goddesses, driving under the influence and peace.
.
