After a bit of worrying about the protests on the French side, we have arrived and things are lovely. The Winair Flight to St. Eustatius (where we were visiting with my cousin) was a little late arriving so I thought we'd be delayed, but no, they landed at noon, we took back off for SXM at 12:07 so we only arrived 5 minutes late. There were 4 of us on the flight, by the time we cleared customs and immigrations, our bags were waiting for us - whole process from stepping off the plane maybe 15 minutes.
We were pretty early, so some other car rental guys called Lesley for us and he was right there in a few minutes. He advised we might want to stay away from Sandy Ground, but otherwise we should be fine. We did and so far things seem quite normal.
Yesterday we went down to Happy Bay and had a chicken lunch with Dany and enjoyed talking with him. The gendarmes had a boat and about 50 people... we were curious... Dany said a ceremony and pictures... some of them have been there for 5 years and such. It was quite interesting to watch the fanfare. Monday evening we went to Le Bistronome in Grand Case and I must say we both thought it was the best meal we've had since we've been on the islands (we've been here about 14 days at this point). He had the scallops and I had the lobster and we shared a lovely chocolate dessert. We each had a glass of French chardonnay and the bill was less than $100.... we highly recommend... and might go again haha!! (sorry, I'm terrible at remembering to take photos of my food - I'm so excited to dig in!). There were several tables full, but still plenty empty. We haven't found any restaurants to be overflowing except Big C's one night. Tonight we are going to Bistro Caraibes and trying to decide on where else to try for our last few nights here.
A few pics.... first look at SXM, Sunset from the Villa, and Rainbow over Anguilla this morning. The wind was blowing so it never rained on me... pushed it down more towards the other end of the island! I never get tired of this view!
OK, well, I think I recognize where you are staying! I thought you were staying at Orient area? Perhaps I got you confused with another poster? Anyway, that is a lovely view. Jules is pretty clued in with French side goings' on, so hopefully he or his daughter will let you know if something is up.
OK, well, I think I recognize where you are staying! I thought you were staying at Orient area? Perhaps I got you confused with another poster? Anyway, that is a lovely view. Jules is pretty clued in with French side goings' on, so hopefully he or his daughter will let you know if something is up.
Ha! I'd say you probably do..... I found it from reading reviews on here! I was a little concerned because I booked with Verne, then he retired before we got here. But Jules' daughter Cindy seems to have taken over and has been wonderful and very helpful to us so far.
It appears I need to add Spiga to my short list! I don't think we've had Italian since we've been down here, so that might be a great choice! Thanks for the recommendations.
One other question.... Dany mentioned a "festival" happening in Grand Case, we thought on Sunday evening. But now, we're wondering if it is Saturday evening. Does anyone know anything about an event happening in Grand Case this weekend? We can't find any information on it, but are thinking we don't want to be stuck in Grand Case or in traffic.
You must have booked quite a while ago, if you booked with Verne, as I think he has been retired for a while. So, Jules' daughter is handling everything now? Jules is really quite a lovely man and an interesting person. Hope you get to meet him. Presuming you have an email address for his daughter? Perhaps she knows about the festival in Grande Case.
Although we had a great meal at Spiga this past August / September our best meal of out two weeks was at Le Pressoir. Excellent refined service. creative menu on the more expensive side but worth the culinary experience. They make their own butter which is special as I usually don't eat the bread to refrain from filling up Usually other kitchen techniques, not used by most other restaurants Had their sous vide chicken at lunch and was incredible
Is this where a restaurant named NICE was located? Or is NICE still there?
I'm not sure, idk where NICE was located.... we have been to Le Bistronome earlier and Le Pressoir last night (it was excellent) they are right together. I didn't notice a restaurant called NICE, but wasn't looking for it.
And I checked with Cindy on the "festival" and she didn't know. A shop owner told us she thought they were having a Christmas parade on Sunday, so that sounds like what he must have been talking about.
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I thought you were staying at Orient area? Perhaps I got you confused with another poster? Anyway, that is a lovely view. Jules is pretty clued in with French side goings' on, so hopefully he or his daughter will let you know if something is up. 
![[Linked Image]](https://www.tickerfactory.com/ezt/d/4;10765;0/st/20241113/e/Our+Vacations/dt/-1/k/85da/event.png)
