This is my first attempt at a Trip Report so have mercy[Linked Image]<br><br>Left home in the wee hours of the morning, picked up our friends at 3:30am and headed for Logan Airport. Believe it or not there was quite a line by 4:15am. Went to ticket counter and had a problem because our friends did not have Passports, using license and bc. The computer apparently did not like this, but somehow the ticket agent tagged them on to us to get a DOCS OK as we have Passports. Flight to Philly left on time and uneventful but had to wait a little bit for a gate. [Linked Image] Pulled into C20 and were flying out of C26 so walked into the bar at 7:30am and started on mudslides[Linked Image]. USAirways loads us up on time, pull away from the gate almost on time and sit for 45 minutes before takeoff. <br>Coming back through Philly just as bad but won't bore with those details at the end. Will try Charlotte connex or AA next time.<br>Picked up rental car - Avis - no problems there.<br>My first time in St. Maarten, very exciting. We stayed with friends at the Pelican, They have a one bedroom unit with nice views and gave us the bedroom. Put on the air and went food shopping for staples, ie wine, mudslide stuff, bread, etc.<br>Did not find the prices outlandish and who cares - We Are On Vacation[Linked Image][Linked Image]<br><br>Went to the beach almost everyday. Nice beach at Pelican, food and drinks on both ends for lunch or "whatever", nice people and plenty of room for everyone. <br><br>Restaurants:<br><br>Boathouse - Very good.**** Would go back again<br>Bannanas - Very Good *** Would go back after trying others that we missed.<br>Lee's Roadside (something or other) Good but lots of fun. They have entertainment and we had a great time. Recommend the ribs.<br>Laguna - Excellent meal ****. I had the Salmon and they cooked it exactly to order. Others also loved their meals<br>Goodfellas - OK, unless I really need a pizza fix would not go back.<br>Indiana Beach - Excellent ***** my favorite for dinner. Had the Sesame Beef - delicious. Wait staff very attentive, etc.<br>Also had lunch there the last day. Was sad[Linked Image][Linked Image]because we were leaving, so just had a burger which was good.<br>The best burgers were at the small stand at the Pelican.<br><br>We did the following activities<br>Snorkel - half day. Saw plenty of fish but not much variety or color. We just seemed to get there and it was time to leave. Will try the one to Anguilla next year.<br>Did the Americas Cup race. Had a great time. I was bartender and hubby did grinding. We lost the race but everyone on board was friendly.<br>Sunset Cruise - very nice. Crew was fun and had us up dancing, etc. <br><br>Shopping - Phillipsburg, Maho and Open Market on French side. Picked up some nice things (new ring[Linked Image]from hubby)<br>Found it very hot during the day for shopping but would like to persue French side next time.<br><br>Went to Cheri's for entertainment and had a good time. It was very crowded and they had everyone up dancing.<br><br>Did not get to Rics, SSBB or Marys Boon. Will next year.[Linked Image][Linked Image][img]/images/icons2/cheers.gif[/img]<br><br>As mentioned in previous Post we bought at the Atrium. Week 44 which follows our friends Pelican 43. So next year we will do 10 days each. We will join them mid-week and they will join us until the following mid-week[img]/images/icons2/thumbsup.gif[/img]<br><br>Also made use of the Pool Bar at the Pelican. Very nice. Met some neat people.<br><br>As you can see, we really enjoyed ourselves. Hope to have most places that we missed visited in the next few years.<br><br>It is a small world afterall - talking with a couple while swimming and we both work for the same Company - just different States. <br><br>I'll be glad to answer any questions, even though this was our first time, perhaps I can be helpful.[img]/images/icons2/tikotiko.gif[/img][img]/images/icons2/tikotiko.gif[/img]