This was our second trip to SXM, even better than the first. This is my 1st trip report--
Flew from Boston to San Juan to SXM. Nothing major to report there. Made all connections with no problems, but wouldn't really want to fly that way again. Plane leaving SXM was so HOT when we left, and never really cooled off once all our hot bodies boarded it. Also, we attempted to check in at the airport early the day we were leaving, but the Caribbean Sun counter didn't "open" until 2:00 PM. We did pay our departure tax while we were there though.

Stayed at Flamingo (our 1st time). Very nice place. We had an ocean view studio on the 2nd floor. Ate breakfast on our balcony every morning. Lots of room for a studio. Had reserved a car with Michael at Unity. Nice newer car with a sunroof & alarm.

Weather: arrived Friday afternoon (3/26) and had a 15 minute downpour about 4:00. First few days were kind of windy, and saw some pretty big waves compared to last year when we were there. One day of clouds/sun and intermittent showers, but not a washout (Mon?). The rest of the time the wind died down, it was mostly sunny with a few clouds and warmer. Perfect weather. I also thought the island in general was greener that last year (especially the golf course).

Friday 3/26--checked in, dinner at Bananas. Stuffed Mahi Mahi was very good. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Sat 3/27--went to Orient, got chairs at Bikini. Had lunch there (burgers). OK, but for the price wouldn't run back.
SSBB for sunset. Dinner at Lee's, grilled lobster. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />
Went to Maho, saw an impromptu "show" of dancers coming out of the Casino Royale, dancing in the street, then up on the sidewalk and back. Went into the casino for a bit, then had to call it a night because my husband was coming down with a cold. (Not his idea of a fun vacation)

Sun 3/28--1st time to Long Beach. It was nice, but long is right. We knew there were no facilities there, so we packed a lunch in the cooler. TTOL party at Los Gouchos that night! Met some nice people while my husband sat in the back at the bar (he didn't want to spread his germs all around). Kudos to Kathy for all her efforts <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />. We did meet Jeff (OhDrinkBoy) and if you saw his trip report & pictures from TTOL party we are on page 1, row1, last picture. Also met "Rory" and some others whom I can't remember now. Also made it a point to meet Deepti, and later visited her store. Los Gouchos' staff was very nice (one woman even made my husband a "special" drink to help alleviate his cold). Food was very good. I believe a good time was had by all. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

Mon 3/29--This was the rainy day. Was going to try Baie Rouge, but was raining when we arrived so we kept going up to Friar's and stopped there. It was cloudy to start, then rained about lunch time so we went up on Kali's deck & had lunch (good ribs <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />). Rain stopped after lunch & sun came out for about an hour so we did get in a swim. Nice beach. Left as another cloud was heading our way & stopped in Marigot to look around a bit. Dinner at Peb Leg Pub, rib eye was just as good as last year <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Tues 3/30--Shopping day in P'Burg. Lunch at Kangaroo Court <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />. Visit to Deepti, got a gold chain for my husband; I got a new wedding band and a 3-stone necklace. She is very nice! We are very happy with our purchases. Dinner at Bananas again (Prime Rib night--excellent) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />
Then headed to Harmony Nights. Ran into Kathy & Harold there. We didn't stay too long, but it was fun. Listened to some music, saw the marching band, checked out a few vendors.

Wed 3/31--The long day. Up early & off to Dawn beach to see the sunrise for a change. It was nice. Then off to Baywatch (Naked Egg Diner) for breakfast & people watching. Then back to Dawn for some snorkeling & lunch at Scavengers. Had to come here again--love their drink the Scavenger. Chicken sandwich was also very good. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />
On way back from Dawn beach we got into a car accident. We were hit from behind when my husband started to stop because a car was trying to pull out from a lolo on the side of the road. No one was hurt, but we didn't know what to do. We were hit by a local, who didn't speak English very well. We also didn't have a phone, but he did. We got his plate #, his name & cell # and went straight back to Unity. Michael was great with everything (but I am submitting a claim to my credit card co. & hope there are no problems). Michael did tell us that YOU SHOULD ALWAYS CALL THE POLICE WHEN YOU HAVE AN ACCIDENT! Come to find out the guy that hit us just recently had his insurance lapse & that's why he didn't offer to call them. Michael said his car would have been impounded until he paid for the damages. Now we know better--but at least I had coverage through my credit card. We got another car to use for the rest of the week and were off again.
Went to Cliffhanger Bar to watch sunset. Then dinner at Pineapple Pete's (which Kathy suggested the night before). I had the crab stuffed shrimp which were excellent. Hubby had chicken fetuccini alfredo which he liked also. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Thurs 4/1--back to Orient, this time at Kakao Beach. Their chairs were very comfortable--good for napping. Had lunch there, burger & pizza. Very good--I thought better than Bikini. Dinner that night at Indiana Beach (restaurant next to The Atrium on Billy Folly Rd). They were having an international buffet that included lamb stew, roast beef, garlic shrimp, scallops in blue cheese sauce, lasagna, salads, dessert, etc. It was good. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Fri 4/2--Baie Rouge today. Nice beach, but waves were big. Had to time it right getting in & out to not get clobbered by waves. We both had a ton of sand in our suits at the end of the day. Had lunch at Gus' (good ribs & mango coolada--had to try it after seeing it on another post). Sunset cruise on Celine--very nice. But next time I would like to take a cruise out on the ocean and see the sun set into the ocean. Ate dinner after cruise at Turtle Pier. Lobster Thermidor <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> Also had entertainment--singer/sax player who was very good.

Sat was checkout day. Ran back to P'Burg to get some alcohol to bring home. Tried to checkin at airport early, but couldn't. Went to SSBB for lunch & last taste of the island. Then off to the airport.

Excellent trip--can't wait to go again (hopefully no one will be sick this time). Thanks to everyone on the board for ideas on what to do.