Got to Logan at 4:15 AM for our 7:00 AM depature. Lines were long but made our boarding time with ease.<br><br>Took the bus in SXM to the terminal. I really don't know why the plane parked so far from the entry. No other planes were parked there nor were after we arrived. Guess they just had to use the new apron and bus.<br><br>Hertz ($189/week) went smooth as did our check-in and entire stay at Royal Palm.<br><br>After unpacking went to Food Center in Cole Bay to stock-up. WOW! Shelves were empty. What was there was of questionable quality and unknown brands. We had to go to RAM's on Sunday to really fill our needs. RAM's was stocked as well as home and in some instances better. <br><br>Off to Cheri's and Casino's. Same show at Cheri's with the band in "waiter-like" uniforms out of an old Cheech and Chong movie. Decent crowd which obviously had not seen this show before. Even a line to get in to eat. Forgot where we ate that night but had fun meeting friends right away.<br><br>Superbowl Sunday started at PLP but because of so few Patriots went to Rick's at half time. Rick's was full of crazy Pats fans. It was the greatest start of vacation you could ask for. Had a Pat's 7-1 straight bet with Lou at Atlantis. It's was a very nice day.<br><br>Two for Tuesday at Greenhouse was sparce until 11:00. Met Mr. SXM while wandering around the crowd. <br><br>Cupecoy had a large beach until Wednesday afternoon about 3 when the rollers came in and litterally removed everyone from the beach by 4:30. The next 3 days were spent at Orient where we finally met the Hills. Great time at OB. Sevice at Papagayo's was quicker than we ever remember and the food at lunch was excellent. The beach at orient seemed back to normal to us with minor erosion in the middle section.<br><br>The Packer / Patriot Beach Party was held on Sunday beach or not at Cupecoy. Luckily the beach finally returned at Cupecoy on Sunday for the remainder of our stay. The party was attended by just about everyone on Cupecoy (60 people). Free pina Colada's, grilled sausages from Green Bay (Terry & Kathy) and Houston (Gary & Sue) along with ribs and a special punch %#**&##!!!!!! from Mr. SXM (Jack Rinaldi) and shrimp scampi from Boston. It took 2 beach chairs to lay the food on for the buffet. They event ended with Lemon Drops from Cincy (Paul & Diane). Everyone was happy - happy as 30 - 40 of us waved and then "corus line turn & mooned" the close to beach passing sail boat.<br><br>Some got rubbery legs and had to be assisted off of the beach. <br><br>Spadaro was claiming that the Maho was only 30% occupied and requested an envoy be sent to Holland for relief. Right. The new condo is going up fast across form RI, the shops were empty or closed at Maho.<br><br>Which leads me to wonder how some people shoot themselves in the foot in SXM, ie., Mullet Bay controversy extended for 18 months, removing parking in front of Maho stores, buses at the aorport, shuting off the power in high season, and the road construction in Sipmson Bay during high season.<br><br>Lot's of Police presence and no crime was noticed. One purse snatching and the thieves were caught without incident. Everyone locals and tourists seem to be aware of strange actions as well as pitching-in in preventing or stoping crimes in process. Maybe as a result of 9-11. Never felt safer in 18 years there.<br><br>Dolphin slots were paying off, no luck at Atlantis or Royal.<br><br>Craps was more fun at Dolphin although Royal was alright to me.<br><br>The buffet at Port de Plaisance still one of the best deals at $10 a head. Lead dishes were neatly trimed lamb chops, shrimp/scallop/mahi Alfredo, crab legs and cocktail shrimp. Really good.<br><br>New finds.<br><br>Best was Bliss (at Caravanseri), on their deck, middle, just under the deck roof, with fantastic soft French background music and the most romantic view of outer Maho Bay with a sliver moon shimering on the water.<br><br>Notice the Rasta Head rock formation emerging from the sea 100 feet in front of the deck.<br><br>Opended with 4 very large, fresh, opened King Crab Legs ($10) and 6 very large, in shell, Cocktail Shrimp ($10). <br>Next was 2 grilled Lobster Tails ($33.50) and a Rack of Lamb (28.00).<br>No room for a finale.<br>Total with drinks, wine,and tip $150<br>Rating 10.<br><br><br>A very close second best was Citrus (just before the Saphire). This newly opened gem has an extremely well appointed interior with exquisite artwork. Amazing Ladies Room which rivals the best appointments ever experienced, even at top spas.<br><br>Starting with Seared Tuna and Seared Sea Scallops.<br>Main included 10 oz. Buckhead Tenderloin and Veal Chop.<br>Spectacular Hot Truffle desert rolled in crushed Macodamia Nuts with Rasberry and Pineapple garnish.<br>Total with drinks, wine and tip $155.<br>Rating 9.99, only because of the ocean view of Bliss.<br><br>Both were equal in quality, preparation, presentation and satisfaction.<br><br>Bliss and Citrus are certainly setting a new standard of excellence which will have to be emulated by the old greats in Grande Case in order for those retain their status.<br><br>Also tried: L'Alabama ($170), Tastevin ($160) , Tu Tu Pasta ($60) , Eau Pirate ($50) however the rest room made up for the meal, PLP, Banana's, Greenhouse, St. Severin ($60), Ti Garden ($120), Mama Mia's (refused to serve us because we brought a half full small bottle of water)[img]/images/icons/thumbsdown.gif[/img][img]/images/icons/thumbsdown.gif[/img] and some others which we can't recall.<br><br>Had a great 2 hour conversation and meal with long time friends Marcel Gums and Ruby at Boo Boo Jam. <br><br>Tried the Rhino Ride out of Simpson Bay ($40 ea.). Fun and will do again.<br><br>Club Q was fun on Friday's and Saturday's and one particuar Sunday evening when Gary and Emily cleared the floor with their spectacular dance performance. Bill also did his 60's shuffle to the amazement of many.<br><br>All in all a great trip, with great friends, some new friends, on a Great Island.<br><br>