Friday 5/14...Day 1. Left BDL on time to CLT-rainy drive up to Hartford. Check in was quick and flight left on time, but had to wait on the runway for 10 min. for takeoff. Just enough time in CLT to make the connection and we were on our way. Row 6, exit row (2 seats in row) good choice, altho across from the bathroom. Flight arrived in SXM about 30 min early. Luggage slow to come out. Met Lesley Bruce and then on our way to Pelican. Check in was painless and quick. Moved into our sleep 2 studio C8B for one night. It was a very nice studio, new bedding and draperies. Went to the PMR pool and had a few beers and then onto the Greenhouse for happy hour 2 for 1 drinks and discounted appetizers. Dinner $26 not including tip. Tired from the long travel day, back to the unit by 7, shower and TV.

Saturday 5/15...Day 2. Up way too early since going to bed last night way too early. Moving into our one bedroom exchange today. B562. Room wasn’t ready so we took a ride around the island. Headed to Marigot, down by Baie Rouge and thru to Cupecoy. The construction is incredible. Roads are all dug up with trenches on the sides; barely fit 2 cars through. Back to the unit and finally the room was ready and we moved our stuff in. Noontime, so off to BBB for burgers and drinks. $22 for two burgers, one beer and one water. Onto Maho to watch planes land. Sat at the Driftwood Bar; had a few beers and rum/coke…$2 beers, $5 for rum/coke. Met a couple off a Carnival boat (from Germany) and chatted with them. Finished the drinks and back to the unit. Off to Grande Marche to pick up groceries. $125. Came back, unloaded and changed for happy hour at the pool bar. Saw Alan. $12 for 2 beers and a mudslide. Changed and went to dinner at Marks, rib night. $28 for 2 dinners and a bottle of water. Back to the unit for the night.

Sunday 5/16.…Day 3. Up at 6:30. Morning beverage on the deck, another beautiful, sunny day. Out for a morning swim in the “C” pool. Baguette (not great) and chocolate custard pastry at the bakery (Bon Appetit) at Pelican $4.25. Down to the “D” pool for a few hours, and back to the unit to eat the leftover ribs and rice from Mark’s. While at the “D” pool, looking over the railing, discovered $17.…so hubby made a trip into the woods to retrieve it! That’ll pay for his dinner tonite! Off to Driftwood Bar for some plane watching; BBC (best I’ve ever had) and 2 beers $10. Back to the “C” pool for more swimming. Heading to Pineapple Pete’s for dinner! Two delicious filets with rice and veggie, soda, beer and tiramisu for dessert, minus 10% for staying at Pelican; total $55 without tip. I love how they give you a box of chiclets instead of a mint for after dinner! Back to the unit to rest up for Baie Rouge tomorrow!

Monday 5/17.…Day 4. Up at 6, hubby still in bed. Very overcast. An hour later, the rain came down! But it didn’t last long! Spoke too soon! Weather is looking iffy today. Think it’s going to be a Marigot/Pizza, Rima kinda day! Out and about. First stop, Market Garden. Nice store, a little pricey. Looking for Ma Doudou hot sauce..none. Second stop, the Ma Doudou factory. Two litre bottles of hot sauce, $20 each. $1=$1.25 Euro. Next stop Marigot and La Belle Epoch. Pizza Marguerite and Greek Salad, beer and water. $28 plus $6 tip. Onto Serafina’s for a baguette and chocolate croissant, total $2.50. Back in the car with a stop at Rima’s. Three shirts, a dress, two decals and water wallet. $25. Back to the unit and ready for a swim. Very humid today. Nice swim in the “C” pool; met with some folks who went to the owner’s meeting this morning so they filled us in without having to go to it...sweet! Happy Hour at the Greenhouse; -$3 apps and 2/1 drinks. Macho Nachos (I love these), potato skins, captain and mojito’s-$28 without tip.

To be continued........