This was our eight time in SXM. We usually stay in Simpson Bay\Maho Bay areas and head to Orient every day, The new system they have there is pretty good (parking,chairs and umbrella for $20) and we had no complaints. However, what I noticed about this trip is that it was HARDER! I actually had to work to get where I was going (traffic was horrendous). I always felt safe, and even saw a cop or two.

Our flight was non-eventful and we were in our St. Louis rental car fifteen minutes after exiting the plane (carry-on only). We went to spend the first two nights at La Flamboyant. We felt that they were a little flippant. BUT, it apparently is was sping break in France and some of these rioting kids were not ready to act like adults.

I also saw a great many more kids on the island from other places. We have alsways considered the island OUR PLAYGROUND! Not theirs. For the first time in eight years there were nothing but toddlers and elementary kids running around. We don't hate kids, but ours are in college and we are enjoying the adult time.

Orient Beach - we stayed at the Club-O side and had a great time. The happy hour is the best.

Ate at Andy and Cheryl's twice, both with rave results.

Other restaurants:

Pizza Pasta - Excellent

Mario's - too much money - lamb was a little gamey, wife LOVED the Tuna dish she had.

Pineapple Pete's twice - EVERYTHING looked great (anything we has was awesome.

Went to Orient Village - Left after no one would help us after 25 minutes. BooBoo Jams did not seem as friendly either.

After we left the La Flamboyant (2 days no a\c and no extra rooms), we went to our timeshare at Oyster Bay. Again, kids all over the place. But it wasn't that that bugged us, it was the ride there at night that petrified us. Coming from Orient at night, you are on the road that laterals the coast - no street lights, mediocre gaurdrails. Very spooky...

The road from Philipsburg is no better. So we checked out of there and went to Sonesta Maho for thr remainder (until Monday). It is here we came more into out routine of Orient at day, other places at night, all on the Dutch side except for our trips to the Marina, which my wife loves.

All in all, an educational trip that we have to plan for a lower season, stay on the dutch side for the full time, go to orient during the day - and try to nap mid-day so you have some energy to stay up past midnight... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/snore.gif" alt="" />