This was one of the BEST trips we've had in a long time. There were no schedules, no plans just chillin'! The weather was great and the reunion with friends, AWESOME! We had a few snafus but they happened at the end of our vacation. Things happen that are beyond our control so we must go with the flow. For beginners........

OUR FLIGHTS:
Flight to SXM was easy and without flaw.....which should have made me suspicious about our return.
Upon our return we arrived @ Juliana (which BTW is awesome!) and went thru the check in process in a breeze. Security was backed up, but that's to be expected.
Arrival in SJU was anything but a breeze, except for customs and immigration. That was a cinch. However the TSA security process was the slowest we'd ever encountered. They checked almost all bags that went thru xrays which caused quite a back up. People were getting very annoyed because many had close connections PLUS NO AIR CONDITIONING in the security area!! Hot, hot, hot!! I really was feeling faint.
I don't know what the problem was but it sure ticked off a lot of people.
Next.....went to our gate to learn that our 6:30pm departure was moved to 8:45pm. When we asked what the problem was we were told that the plane from Baltimore was delayed. So we went to the nearby restaurant for a sandwich. Service was slow but expected because of the delayed flight. Little did we realize that nearly all the flights were delayed, so they were mobbed! A short while later Paul Marcotte (PaulMarion) came in the restaurant and showed me his food voucher, so off I marched to get one for us, too. When I got to the counter there was a change in our departure time. It was now moved up to 9:52pm. I enquired as to the reason for the delay and was told that the plane in Antigua that was to pick us up was delayed but they were on the tarmac and ready for departure and when they arrived it would be cleaned quickly and we'd departure shortly thereafter. Well, considering this was 5:30pm and the flight from Antigua takes 45 minutes, I was beginning to get suspicious that this was a [censored] and bull story. But, we must give them the benefit of the doubt. I inquired about food vouchers and was told that none were being issued. I explained that I had seen some and amazingly the ticket agent got on the telephone and voila! food vouchers appeared. Moral of the story.....you don't get unless you ask!!
Back to the restaurant and still no orders taken, so we were learning a quick lesson in patience. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/impatient.gif" alt="" />
After dinner, we again inquired as to the status of our flight. We were told that a plane from Chicago would be arriving shortly to pick us up. I asked what had happened to the flight from Antigua. Was told that there was a problem so they had to deplane, but not to worry because the Chicago flight would be arriving shortly and as soon as the crew arrived from
Fort Lauderdale we would be leaving. Fort Lauderdale?
Geesh....this was getting better and better. We inquired why the crew was coming from FLL and was told that all the crew in SJU was over their legal limit and they had to get crew from another area. Right! Meanwhile, no change was being announced.....that is unless you asked. When we inquired, we were told that the flight was going to leave SJU at 11:59pm. What happened to 'shortly'? We asked to be put up in a hotel and was told that there weren't any hotel rooms because of the long weekend. However, there were some people who saw that this delay could have become more lengthy and they called hotels and got rooms. I then asked for a hotel listing, made a few calls and sure enough, plenty of availability.
Gee.....who would believe that the airlines would LIE?
Hubby didn't want to spend the night in SJU so we didn't make a rez. We had Kitty's alone in the house because our house sitter had to leave earlier that day, so we were anxious to get home asap. It just wasn't going to be that simple. Finally, at 10pm a flight from Antigua arrive. (What happened to the Chicago flight? Bermuda triangle?!?) Ironically, some friends of ours were on that flight and connecting in SJU. We asked them about what we were told about their flight being aborted because of mechanical and they laughed telling us that no such thing happened. The flight they were on was a scheduled flight and while slightly delayed left close to departure time. In fact, they commented on how empty their flight was. Hmmmmm.....I smell a rat. Do you think they wanted to consolidate a flight all along?? American Airlines agents lied to us from the beginning? Nah!! They wouldn't do that.....would they?? At 11pm a crew arrived from FLL complete with 'attitude'. When some people applauded them for arriving one of them said they were p.o.'d because they were on their way to the hotel in FLL when they got the call that they had to come to SJU. And he said, "we're not happy at all!" How sensitive. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif" alt="" />
FINALLY, we boarded for Boston @ 12:30 am, SJU time.
A very long and frustrating wait. We arrived in Boston @ 4am very tired and frustrated.
FYI....if you're ever stuck in SJU be aware that the restaurants and shops (food included) close @ 8pm! AA gets 10 <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif" alt="" />

AIRPORT:
Positive.....<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />
The new airport is beautiful! Bright & air conditioned! YIPPEE! Lots of shops, a food court and salon/spa and the larger Plantation Cafe. After clearing immigration and security upstairs (which was backed up) there are more shops, liquor stores, and a Rum Jumbie bar. It really is quite nice.
Negative..... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumbsdown.gif" alt="" />
The parking lot is a long walk to the terminal. Also, why are the taxi's close to the terminal and drop off much further away? It seems it should be reversed, dragging so much luggage so far away. Not too much thought went into this. Also, this large airport could be in any major metropolis, not a Caribbean island. It does lack charm. MHO.

WEATHER:
AWESOME....AWESOME...AWESOME!! Only one day with some shower activity but by 10am it was sunny, again!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" />
And a little breeze one day, but no biggy!! Just kept the heat off.

BEACH CONDITIONS:
We're Orient people so don't know about the other beaches but Orient was cleaned every morning and had lots of sand. Pedro's had more beach than I'd seen in years. We lost some beach on our last day but not a major problem. LOTS of cruise people, not that there's anything wrong with them.....EXCEPT when they stand and stare at the nudists!! And why is it that it's mostly the SJU cruise? If it's a taboo for whatever reason to be naked don't you think it would be also a taboo to stare??

TRAFFIC:
We weren't very affected because we never went over to the Dutch side except for our arrival and departure. It was a breeze arriving and going thru Simpson Bay towards Cole Bay. I think the roundabout helped tremendously. Now if something could be done about the traffic in Marigot!!! Now that will NEVER be resolved. However, upon our departing we checked our luggage early (11am) and wanted to have lunch somewhere on Simpson Bay. The traffic was horribly backed up due to the bridge being opened. Many cars were turning around in frustration. We wanted to have lunch at Skipjacks so we stuck it out. Wanted to stop in to see Anne Meevis but couldn't get out of the car because of where we were stuck.....then didn't want to chance being stuck again! Sorry, Anne!

CONSTRUCTION:
Holy bejezzus....what the heck!! It's beginning to look like Miami beach in the Cupecoy area. The new Cupecoy Yacht Club marina looks great. Amazing what $$$$ can do....they even moved the roadway!! But, way too much construction, too soon!!

GROCERIES:
Upon arrival we stopped @ Food Center in Cole Bay. Poor selection and prices $$$. Didn't remember it being that pricey. Only picked up essentials cost $70+. A few days later went to Grand Marche near Cost U Less. Again, poor selection and $$$. Picked up some necessities = $150.00. No booze! But, it was also a good thing because it forced us to dine at Mark's place....see restaurants.
2 days later I learned of the NEW Grande Marche next to Port d'Plaisance. FANTASTIC!! I only wish I'd known of it earlier. I thought the prices were much better than the other grocery stores, PLUS, the selections and supplies were excellent. There's a variety of selections from American, French, Dutch and other international choices. I schlepped some favorite cereal, Cascadian Farms, only to find it there! Along with Kashi products. Lots of great selections. I will be back!!!


BREAKFASTS: Casa Contessa...3 Yums!

LUNCH:
BAYWATCH....
Had Shrimp Margarita...mussels....mussels....shrimp margarita...etc..etc. Sounds like a broken record but I love them!! We had Andy cook up a little linguine to have with the mussels because the sauce is so fantastic and licking the plate wasn't an option!! It was WONDERFUL!! Oh, one day I had the Garlic Shrimp Caesar which was great!! But, then the mussels called out to me and I acquiesced.
Also had our last lunch @ Skipjack. Had a nice Caesar salad and Beer-batter shrimp. Wish I didn't find so many brown pieces of lettuce....but the shrimp were great! Hubby had the Crab & Lobster salad which he enjoyed. The setting is great....watching all the activity in the lagoon. I remember back in the day when all you'd see driving by was a dump site. Lots of positive changes!

DINNERS...In order of dining......= Yums
TAP FIVE for light a supper. I had the Chicken Schwarma which was fantastic. Hubby had a salami and cheese sandwich which he said was fresh and delicious.
Our friends shared a pizza which was great! A nice light way to begin our dining journey which wasn't going to be so light! Oh, well...welcome to SXM! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> 2 Yums!

AU GRAIN D'SEL for a fantastic vegetarian pizza which I shared with my friend, Paulette. Her husband, Clem, thought the pizzas were going to be small so he ordered one just for himself and was amazed at the size of the pizzas!! Each could easily feed 4 hungry people. He brought his to the beach the next day for sharing. My husband had the Taglietelli Bolognese which he said was the best he's ever had. Fresh pasta, too. Tom & Jo also got a pizza which they thoroughly enjoyed. Also, don't miss the hot oil!! 3 Yums!

MARK'S PLACE was wonderful! Hubby wanted to try the ribs which he'd heard so much about. He said they were the best he's ever had. They had the 'all you can eat' for $14.50 but he didn't want that much food so just had the reg. order @ $9.50 and the serving was HUGE!! The plate consisted of a large portion of scalloped potatoes plus a veggie and small salad. He also had a Caesar salad which was fantastic. They make their own dressings! Another plus!! I had the Snapper Menieure with toasted almonds which was excellent. That order also came with scalloped potatoes and a small salad. More than ample portions.
I had 2 glasses of wine and Hubby 2 diet Pepsi's for a total of $38.00!! A real bargain!! 3 Yums!

B.......BLUES-CREPERIE:
This is a new restaurant on French Cul d'Sac and I just can't remember the name. The sign is blue. I understand that the cuisine is in the style of Brittany. Well, it really wasn't memorable at all. It came highly recommended and it may have been an off night but no one could find anything on the menu that sounded appealing so everyone had dessert crepes!! I had the shrimp crepes because I didn't want dessert! It was unanimous that this isn't a 'must visit' restaurant. Could have been an off night. I didn't want to insult the people who recommended it to me so enthusiastically, because these things happen. I'd be interested in hearing if anyone else has been there. However, I did enjoy the cider in tea cups. A different touch. 1/2 Yum!

BISTROT CARAIBES: What can I say?? FANTASTIQUE!!!
I had the Goat cheese in puff pastry w/duck for an appetizer which is out of this world!! And for dinner, I had the Chicken roll stuffed over risotto. Actually, I wasn't eating it, Janet (JimJanet) was. She said to have it for her, so I did! What a sacrifice!<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" /> Hubby had Sea scallops, caesar salad and of course, the Creme Brulee which is his favorite!
There were 12 of us and each had a memorable dinner!!
Of course, Thibault and Amaury are the consummate hosts which only adds to the dining experience!! 4 Yums!

OUR DINNER PAHTY: Andy & Cheryl were our honored guests!! I made pasta w/chicken meatballs and sausage, chicken cutlets, green beans aglio olio, Paulette made a wonderful antipasto salad, Andy made his infamous Ricotta cheesecake and Arlene brought her famous Chocolate Cheesecake. Some other friends brought some tapenades that they purchased @ Harmony night which are made locally. One was a walnut/mushroom, a red pepper pesto and an artichoke.
Awesome!! I'd recommend buying some to bring home.
Andy entertained us with stories. He also seemed to be enjoying my food. ( Geesh....it was like bringing coals to Newcastle!! ) A good time was had by all!! 4 Yums!

DON CAMILLO was AWESOME!! I love the little bruschetta and mini pizza appetizers which are complimentary. Also the red pepper pesto. I had the homemade Taglietelli w/shrimp & mushroom in a delicate pink sauce. It was beyond my expectations!! Hubby had the rack of lamb which he adored. It had a honey-glaze. He was in Heaven. Others in our group had Alaskan butter-fish and sauteed sea bass. One of my friends had the pasta w/salmon for an appetizer which I tasted and while it wouldn't have been my choice, originally, I will order it in the future.
At the end of the evening the small macaroon cookies are just perfect! The entire dining experience was memorable. Good food.....good friends. 4 Yums!

HIDDEN FOREST CAFE @ LOTERIE FARM:
AWESOME! The setting is out of this world. I've read about this place but wouldn't visit due to the crime reports but was coerced;-) by Tom & Jo and so glad that I went!! It is fantastic. Like dining in a tree house!! The menu was quite varied and I wanted to try a bit of everything but had to make a choice(s). I had the Chicken Sate w/peanut sauce and what a choice!! 4 skewers of the most tender chicken I've ever eaten. And the sauce......OMG.....fantastic!! Hubby chose the Crab cakes w/creole pepper sauce. The Crab cakes were great but the sauce!! Oy! Hot...hot..hot!! Next time he'll opt to not have the sauce. But they were delish! For my entree I had Grilled Duck w/balsamic reduction. The duck was so tender that I didn't need a knife. AWESOME!! Each dinner had sweet mashed potato, a timbale of basmati rice and several slices of melon. Hubby had the Pork tenderloin w/tamarind/mango reduction and he was speechless (for a change)! This has to be one of the best hidden secrets on SXM.....well, not a secret but well hidden!
I'd highly recommend trying this fantastic restaurant. If you're concerned about the crime, take a taxi. I noticed a few people had done this. It's worth the trip!! 4+ Yums!!

SOL E LUNA:
I haven't been here in a long time because I've had some good and not so good meals but this time it was great! It was Valentine's Day and it was beautifully decorated. I had the Lobster Bisque for an appetizer and Cioppino which was a special. Both were quite good. Hubby had Jumbo Shrimp flamb�ed with old rum with black risotto and spinach in a basil and saffron sauce. Excellent! The evening was quite wonderful having dined with 2 dear friends, who helped make it even more special! 3 1/2 Yums food....5* friends!

Can't complain about the meals we had, almost every one was perfect!

PEOPLE:

The biggest thrill is re-uniting each year with our dear friends, Harris (sirrah) & Arlene, Cinde & Dave
(cinde_dave), CLEM & Paulette, Andy (indyandy) & Susan (maggiemay)!! And this year some newbies in the group, Florindo & Rose. They were a terrific addition and greatly enhanced our vacation. Lots of laughs and good memories.
I love arriving on the beach and having the security guards greet us with a "Welcome back"....the beach boys coming over with similar greetings & kisses.
I saw Jimbo who is always respectful to me. He told me about Valentino's and the new pizza chef from Italy, Stephan, and the sous (?) chef from Sebastiano's joining the team. Valentino's is named after Jimbo's birth date....St. Valentine's day. How apropos. He invited us to the Grand opening on Valentine's Day but we already had plans to return home.
Jeff Berger came by a few times and sat with us. He's a soft-spoken, gentleman. Either that or he was overwhelmed by our gang!! We enjoyed you very much, Jeff. Saw SXM Norm at Baywatch one afternoon. Also, Bob1P & Maggie came over to introduce themselves. Saw 159 & Lynn....always nice to see them. Met up with Donna & Lynn (Harry) at Logan and saw them daily on the beach. Also, met 2 couples from Indianapolis who turned out the be quite delightful. Greetings to Dave & Pam and Ted & Jamie, even though you are Colts fans!!
(Anyone I may have missed, please forgive me, the sun makes me do that! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />)

ON A SAD NOTE:
Our vacation ended with a sad telephone call during dinner @ Sol e Luna w/Florindo & Rose. I want to thank them for being so kind when I started to become emotionally overwhelmed. Thank you for your kindness and sensitivity!
CLEM called to tell me that Big Tom had passed away. LeeLee didn't call me because she didn't want to ruin my vacation but called my housesitter to tell her the sad news. (That's my LeeLee). I had spoken with Big Tom a few days before our departure and he said he so wanted to join us and was going to ask the doctor if he could make the journey. The doctor told him that he couldn't go because of the risk of infection. I'm still struggling with whether he should have had his last wish. I don't know. However, his ashes will be making the journey in April when LeeLee will be having a Service on Orient Beach. I guess Big Tom is going to enjoy Orient, once again!

On another note:
When I was checking the weather back home it became evident that our trip was going to be extended. I called the AA # in SXM and had the most unenlighted agent I've spoken to in a very long time. She was relentless in repeating that they had no information re: weather alerts in the NorthEast. (Hello, can we say computer?) Finally, after a frustrating conversation with her and no postive results I called my friend, Janet (JimJanet)to ask her about the weather preditions. She responded, "stay where you are!" I told her of my frustrating conversation with the AA agent in SXM. She said she'd call the AA # in the States and call me back. 5 minutes later she called me with a change in our itinerary! She said she had spoken with an agent who was aware of the bad weather heading to the N.E. and changed our flight without a problem or change fee.
Thanks, Janet!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> Sandy Molloy, move over!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />


OVERVIEW:
The island looked cleaner than I've seen it in a long time and very lush. I noticed fewer mosquitos.....no bites for us! LOTS of Gendarme presence.
Saw a funny thing one day....8 Gendarmes were questioning 2 people on a motorcycle. EIGHT! Wouldn't they have been more effective to spread out a bit?
C'est la vie!! I also noticed that the prices are creeping up a bit more and some of the restaurants that are giving 1-1 have raised their prices. What a deal! Also, roadwork is being done in the Lowlands. They have a 'rigged up' lighting system, so approach with care. Some locals don't pay attention to lights or roadwork and speed around the work. And the workmen don't even notice!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> Gotta luv it!!

If I forgot something I'll make an addendum.....which sometimes happens.

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