We really couldn’t believe April 24th finally came around. We haven’t been back to SXM since 9-10-01 the night before the WTC tragedy. We both married off a daughter apiece in March of 2002 and our vacation fund had been somewhat depleted.<br>We had bought our tickets (Certificates really, US Air) on EBAY last October for $610 and started finding which days in April were available at Club O. We finally settled on April 24th thru May 3rd to get airlines and accommodations in sync. All that was available was DFW to Philly on the 23rd, spend the night and continue Thursday morning on into SXM. After booking the Airlines Tickets and going to DFW Airport to Pay for them we were set. With the added fees & taxes, both tickets ended up costing us around $725, not bad at least to us since AA, who we normally fly, wanted $1100 each, but in March they had come down to $850 ea.<br>We also rented our car online thru StMartinOnline.com... Alamo Rental, a Corolla, $190 for 9 days.<br><br>We got a call from US AIR early April asking if we would mind switching to a same day flight thru Charlotte on the 24th and we jumped on it, but return was still thru Philly with a layover.<br>While packing Tuesday night, I could not find my TTOL Flag. I always take my TTOL flag. We planned on Marcia driving up to the DFW area with me to work on Wednesday, spending the night and flying out on the 6:15 am flight. So at work I posted my disappointment about the flag on TTOL and Carol emailed me and said JD (rural carrier) was coming down Saturday or Sunday and she could mail it to him and he could bring it down with him. So she priority mailed it to him.<br><br>We arrived at the airport at 5am sharp. That was when the ticket counter opened. Had no problems going thru screening. Our flight was off on time. Landed in Charlotte at 9:45 to find our connecting flight was delayed, the plane was broke. Expecting a 1:30 departure time instead of 11:am. We went down to Chili’s and grabbed a snack. They announced that another plane was on its was and would depart at 12 so we rushed down and boarded just to find out they had forgot to call the crew who were staying downtown. They had boarded us with gate agents who they said were qualified. At 1:00pm the crew showed and shortly after we were off. US Air did give out free headset for our trouble. We were glad we had a snack earlier, since our meal was a small hoagie chips and cookie. Oh well, it could have been much worse; at least we were in the air.<br>We landed beautiful SXM at 5:00. Yea!!! Finally back to paradise!!!!!!! We breezed thru immigration, retrieved our luggage, and then stopped by the Alamo Car desk. The guy behind the counter took one look at our voucher and said, “We don’t do business with these people.” I told him this was a voucher showing our deposit. But he couldn’t help us. He didn’t have any cars with AC and automatic available; they were all booked or reserved. He did go to the next both and talk to the Dollar guy and we ended up renting from him. I wasn’t going to worry about the deposit until we got back, in fact, I was just going to turn it over to CITI-BANK, that’s what I pay extra for that Platinum Card. The guy at Dollar got us in a car in less than 10 minutes.<br><br>Since we were late, we stopped at Super Marche’ and just got the essentials, beer, rum, Cokes, limes, and a few pieces of fruit.<br><br>We drove straight out to Club Orient and Alex, the guard, gave us our key. It was 58 the same Garden Chalet we were in the last time.<br><br>We put the Coke and beer in the refrigerator, changed into our Club O attire and headed to PAPAGUYOS. We both had pasta with vegetables and marinara sauce. They had live music, a tenor sax player. We just sat back and relaxed. After we ate, we drank several Pina-Coladas and head back to the room. The end of our inbound travel day was behind us.<br><br>Friday it was out at the beach right after sunrise. Half of our beach was gone, there was not much room for beach chairs and most of those already had towels on them. We did find two in the front row, but I think they were the last of them. Right out from the path to our Chalet there was only enough room for 3 rows of chairs. We were told that since the beach had eroded so much and the lack of room for chairs, you had to get out by at least 5:30 and reserve yours. Closer to PAPAGUYOS the chairs were only one row deep and right up against the fence. It looked like the sand at the Patio of the bar was starting to erode out from under it.<br><br>So much on that. We enjoyed the sun, the beach, and the water. I couldn’t believe we were back. We met several TTOLers, and they reminded us of the party that night at COSMOS in Gran Case. We just snacked and drank beer all day so when we got to COSMOS we were staving. We met so many folks there; I could never remember all of there names. Marcia hit it off with Deb right away; after we ate they sat over and talked for over an hour. Marcia had noticed she smoked Capri Ultra-lights and was asking if she had found them on the Island. We all drank and chitchatted for a while and headed back. <br><br>Saturday, it was back to the beach for more sun and fun. We walked down to Bat Watch for lunch. We both gave Cheryl and Andy big ole hugs, we were so glad to see them. I got tickled at Cheryl telling us about their specials for the day. Marcia had Chicken Parmesan and I had ‘Margarita Buffalo Shrimp”. I had to after Cheryl’s animated description. It was superb. I bought 2 of Cheryl’s longneck cozies along with the Bud Lights that were in them. We headed back to our chairs and soaked in the sun for about an hour. Headed to town for the groceries we didn’t get on arrival, that is more beer, some cheese, crackers, cigarettes, you know Island essentials. We also checked out a few digital cameras we were interested in. <br>Saturday night was Karaoke Night at Papaguyos. I couldn’t believe how good the singers were, except me. I can’t carry a tune in a bucket. I just love to sing. I have to make my own Karaoke so that I can key it to my voice. Even though I don’t sing well, everyone was nice enough to applaud. <br>Sunday it was more beach. I started snorkeling out a ways and brought back some abalone shells. After a late afternoon nap, we went back to Phillipsburg and looked at more cameras. Stopped in at the Greenhouse for dinner. Marcia had Coconut Shrimp and I lobster. Hers was great, mine was just so-so. The poor waitress was snowed. She was the only one for the whole restaurant. She did the best she could. Got back to the room and found the Flag J.D. (Rural Carrier) had brought to us. Man, I got Special Delivery for $3.85, International at that. <br><br>Monday morning it was back to the beach. I had taken the broomstick in the room and used it as a flagpole and proudly displayed our new TTOL Flag. Its amazing how many TTOLers would stop and say high. We also had quite a few stop and ask what it was. Some would know of TTOL and others didn’t. A few said they would check it out when they returned home. Marcia wanted to snorkel out with me. She took her mask and a noodle. About halfway out to Green Key she got tired so we headed back to shore. We decided to go into Marigot and check out the cameras at Mannec’s. We drove down to the International Grocery Store (I think that’s right) for fresh bread, pastries, and lunch meat. Marcia brought large zip-lock bags and put the bread and pastries in them. The next morning the bread was soft and fresh as new. Even the bread at Club O was softer the next day. Went back to Club O and laid on the beach for a while and enjoyed the late afternoon sun. Had a sandwich then went to happy hour at Papag..... <br><br>Tuesday morning was a repeat of Monday. The afternoon we did some more shopping. We went to Little Divi to see Danny at JEWELMASTERS. We have always bought tobacco and Booze from him. He couldn’t get Marcia’s Capri Ultra-Lights this time, but I stocked up on Marboro Light 100’s. All the major grocery stores were closed due to Independence Day and I was almost out of beer. Then back on the French side all the little stores were closed for afternoon siesta (they are French not Spanish so I figured it was really a nooner). We stopped off at Boo Jam’s and ate a really good American Style Hamburger with Heinz mustard. It was great. Went back to the beach. Tim and Becky saw our flag and came over to say hello. Told us about another TTOL party at Hot Tomatoes. After happy hour we headed over to Hot Tomatoes. Dicky was making some potent drinks in coconut shells. The pink ones were so bad, but the yellow ones will sneak up on ya. I finally met JD (Rural Carrier) and thanked him for bringing our flag. Also there were: Tim and Becky, Dick & Bev, Don & Lorrie, Paul Z & Deb, Sandy & Bill, Zach & Renee, Kevin & Jamie, Frank & MaryJane, Mike & Danielle, and so many more and I’m the WORST remembering names so please forgive me. We drank and socialized for an hour or so then a group of us headed to the Boathouse to eat. We wanted a table for 14 so we had to wait, that’s okay more Bud Lights. An hour and a half many Bud Lights later we got a table for 10 and 1 for two. That wasn’t going to work, we grabbed the single table and with the help of the bus staff attached it to the end of ours. The food was well worth the wait. Marcia LUVS their coconut shrimp. We ate, drank, and talked for about an hour then asked for our check. I guess the management had trouble figuring our tab because it took them 45 minutes, and I still don’t think they got it right. I was starting to get aggravated but finally said what the heck where did I have to be in such a hurry. We finally headed back to the French side popped another long neck top and laid back, relaxed, did a little reading, then fell asleep.<br><br>Wednesday morning same as Tuesday. It was really windy and when I made my usual swim out to Green Key, I found a nice conch (that didn’t have the critter) and a large piece of honeycombed coral. I always took a few plastic grocery bags tied together to and empty 10 oz. water bottle in case I do find something I want, so in the bag with them and headed back to the mainland. The wind was really getting heavy and I had to fight the current to get away from Green Key. About halfway back I looked up and a wave knocked my mask loose. I struggled to get it back on one handed and finally succeeded somewhat, but was really worn out. I thought I was going to have to jettison my load until I realized there was a sailboat 50’ to my right. I side stroked over and asked the couple if I could hang on to their dingy and rest. They invited me up for coffee, but I declined since I was in the buff. I don’t know why it mattered, they said they had been watching me and knew I was struggling with my mask. After 5 minutes or so I was refreshed and took off. The current carried me all the way to Kon-Tiki, but hey I made it. I wasn’t going to carry that much back again.<br>We went to the market at Marigot and got some magic spice. The same guy was there as all prior trips. His prices were down though. I’m not sure if it was due to the new spice venders or that we bought so much. We went back to the beach. Lunch was at Baywatch. I had the ribs, they were the best on the Island. We went back to Front Street and finally bought that digital camera at Music Man’s. He gave us the best price with all sorts of accessories thrown in. He told us about the Parade on Thursday, said we could get lots of good pictures from in front of his store. We also looked for beach paintings. We found two from the Art Gallery. We went back to Club O and enjoyed an hour or so on the beach. Then we headed down to happy hour and drank many spiced rum daiquiris.<br><br>Thursday- Back to the beach again. We decided to not go out any and just enjoyed the beach, sun and water. We snacked on bread, pastries, and cheese for lunch. Laid in the sun, then Marcia went in and took a nap. I realized I was out of beer again so I went to the store in Gran Case. I got back and Marcia was sound asleep so snorkeled some more. Marcia came back out about 4 and we stayed out on the beach until 5:30 or so and headed up for happy hour. We sat and talked with our neighbors ‘til happy hour was over then went back to our chalet ate sandwiches, drank rum and cokes, read, and enjoyed the peace and quiet realizing we only had one more full day left.<br><br>Friday morning I was up at 4am. I read until sun up then walked the beach and took some pictures of Orient Bay and the sunrise. We stayed at OB most of the day relaxing. Went to Cheri’s for dinner and the show. Food was great as was the show. We headed back around 10. Started packing for the trek back home. <br><br>Saturday. We were up bright and early to get that last morning sun and swim, then finished packing. Closed all Club O accounts and checked out. They thought we were staying until the 4th, wished we were.<br>Drove to the airport to check in. As usual, Saturday mornings at the airport was a mad house. US Air had 3 security attendants opening every ones baggage. The line wasn’t long but the wait was. We bought 3 suitcases, large medium and small, plus Marcia packed a big expandable canvas bag which she had stuffed. She was very careful to pack everything to make it all fit plus protect anything that might break. And the thought of having it rummaged thru and not being able to get it all back in without starting over was terrible. Somehow when we got to the head of the line all the screeners were busy and the ticket agent called us up and put our luggage up to be weighed. Bypassing the screeners. Lucky huh! After we got out exist visas, we went to the boathouse for one last meal on the Island. We both had the coconut shrimp. What Else! Marcia’s favorite. We had the same waiter as Wednesday night and he was just as slow getting us our check. Oh well, he was on Island Schedule. “No hurry, no worries”. <br><br>We turned our car in and were dropped of at the airport. The terminal was packed and hot. Found only one empty seat. The guy next to Marcia went up to the gate attendant and came back a cussing and a fussing. Seems they had missed their plane to Boston. It was boarded and taxiing off. They said they never heard the gate call. I was standing right there and had heard it. They were even paging them. Looked like they were talking and not paying any attention. It cost them $100 each to change to our flight and the connecting flight to Boston was over booked so they had to wait until Sunday morning. He sure was mad. Cussed right up until the gate call. We jumped right up to get away from him. The fight to Philly was fine, had the same hoagie lunch, we were glad we ate before. Philly’s new International Terminal was a nightmare. Immigration went quickly, even with 4 lights in at the same time. It took US Air an hour and a half from the time we landed to get our luggage to claims. The Customs agent looked at our passports and claim ticket and waved us on thru. I had claimed 12 cartons of cigarettes plus 7 bottles of liquor and I expected to pay the duty. Got settled into the airport, went down to eat, then headed up for sleep. We were bushed. <br>The flight into DFW was uneventful. We were so sad; we had to come back to reality. But we always have next year to look forward to. Next year I have 3 weeks of vacation!!!!!<br><br>To All the New & Old friends at SXM, We had a wonderful time and look forward to seeing all of you again!!!<br><br>Marcia & Barry<br><br>I am really sorry this was so long, but I sat down and was determined to do it (after 9-11 our last trip I couldn't do one), I sat down and started typing and when I finished this was it.<br><br><br> <br>
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