TravelTalkOnline Forums Trip Reports (Read Only) SXM Trip Reports and Photos Long Trip Report, June 15-21: Week 2 (Part A)

Saturday, June 15

This was another Divi day. I spent (too much) time on the computer working on my trip report, especially getting the photos into Photobucket and resizing them. I use Photobucket only for getting pictures into TTOL and wasn’t impressed by their claim of the new Photobucket’s being faster. Perhaps it was just my Internet connection at Divi, but I found it tedious. If this week’s report ends out having fewer pictures, you now know why.

I spent most of the day at the Infinity Pool, and the weather was cooperative today. We decided to have a dinner in Grand Case, but got a late start leaving Divi. I had several GC establishments on my list, but Paradise View was also on the list. I’ve been there for lunch several times but never for dinner. So we were their first patrons of the evening. My roast duck was delicious.



We were a little worried that we were the only patrons; but as we were getting ready to leave, several groups came in. It seemed as though they would have a good night.

Sunday, June 16

We attended the Divi orientation party, and “D” won her own “express manicure,” so now she has two. After that, we were off to Mullet for the day and settled in front of Daleo’s. It was Sunday, it was Father’s Day, and a cruise ship was in town so you can imagine how crowded it was. It was fun seeing all the kids frolicking in the water and heartwarming to see so many dads playing in the water with their kids. I know some of you have said Mullet doesn’t always have a ledge. I have to say, I’ve never been there when it didn’t have one; today’s was significant.



At Mullet we met a couple of women who invited us to go to Anguilla with them tomorrow. We had had it penciled in for Tuesday but, weather permitting, will join them tomorrow. We had BBQ chicken and ribs at Daleo’s for lunch; it’s a real value for your money.

After leaving Mullet, we dropped by Marty’s Dream Bar at Caravanserai for a drink. Marty has pool parties on Sunday nights; the place was starting to fill up, and the music was going. As we were having our drink, TTOLer Bob (can’t remember his user name) from North Carolina came over to introduce himself, and we had a nice chat. We also ran in to Jeannie of Shop ‘n Drop; she is such a sweetheart.

We came back to Divi to clean up and then decided to have dinner in. It was nice to see that my housekeeper left me three, yes THREE, nice bouquets of leaves and flowers. I think she really appreciates my tips.



Monday, June 17

Despite lots of clouds, we headed to Marigot for the ferry to Anguilla. Just as we finally found a parking spot, it started to rain. We decided we didn’t want to go to Anguilla in the rain so pulled out of the parking spot. After about a block, the rain stopped so we decided to go ahead and get on the ferry. But first we had to find another parking spot; we did but by the time we got to the ferry, the one our new friends were on had left. We hung around the flea market until time for the next ferry.

The ride over was incredibly choppy. We took a taxi to Shoal Bay East and settled in front of Madeariman where we thought our friends were going to be although we didn’t see them. This was a national holiday (celebration of Queen’s birthday) in Anguilla, and I think there were lots of locals on the beach in addition to tourists. We were hungry so sat down at Madeariman to order lunch, when our friends arrived. They knew someone on island who had given them a tour of the Viceroy and CuisinArt; wish I could have gone on that! I was very unimpressed with my pizza, but “D” liked her salad.



It was cloudy and overcast most of the afternoon. Ultimately we left in the hope of being able to join Scuba1Deb at Piazza Pascal, but it was not to be. The ferry ride back was choppy also; as we were nearing Marigot, the ferry hit something. Not sure if it was a big wave or something else. But right after that, we started smelling gas. The ferry slowed way down, and the personnel on board lifted up the manhole and went down in the bowels of the ferry to check things out. The ferry traveled very slowly for the remainder of the trip. As we were getting closer to the terminal, the ferry guys were pulling up benches with the obvious intent of doing work “down below.” I’m glad we made it back safely and was glad to get off.

By the time we returned to Divi to clean up, it was clear we wouldn’t make it to Grand Case in time for dinner. So we went to the manager’s party at Divi and then hooked up with a couple of Divi friends for dinner at Fusion.

I had my heart set on their goat cheese salad for my dinner, but Fusion was out of goat cheese. So instead I ordered the grouper filet with wasabi mashed and snow peas. It was outstanding.



Tuesday, June 18

The day dawned clear, warm, and sunny. After a run to the grocery store, it was another glorious Divi Day spent by the Infinity Pool. My next-door neighbors at Divi come to SXM only every other year so I spent time catching up with them and then invited them to join us for dinner. My first choice was Le Ti Bouchon, but they are closed until early October; we then decided to introduce them to FIG. They loved it as much as we did last week. Their food has just an abundance of different flavors and is very well-priced. I had the roast duck.



After returning to Divi, we were greeted with a downpour that came on suddenly. We snagged a ride back to our building in one of the golf carts but the roof on the cart didn’t really make any difference as the rain was coming in sideways. We all were absolutely drenched. We are hoping for a return to Anse Marcel tomorrow but will just have to wait to see what the weather is like. We’ve heard of cancellations of boat excursions tomorrow so are keeping our fingers crossed.