Well we decided that it is time to get in a trip report. This was our 4th trip to the Island, 2nd staying for a week. The flight on USAir from Milwaukee to Charlotte and then on to SXM went well. We had doorway seats on the way down, plenty of leg room. Going through customs was a breeze and we were met by AAA car rental. After a short ride to the office, papers were signed with Myra and we were on our way.
Despite the crazy drivers and traffic through Marigot, the trip to Orient Bay went quickly. This year we changed from staying at L'Hoste to taking a room at St. Tropez. This turned out to be a great mistake. The room was in need of updating. There was a stange odor in the room that was difficult to get rid of. The shower-bath area was very small. It had a very small, sloping tub so you could not move at all while showering. And yes you had to shower because no wash clothes were provided. The cleaning lady also left the patio door unlocked on a daily basis. The good news was we were close to the beach.
The weather was great everyday. One afternoon a tropical depression came through and delivered some much needed rain for a short time period. We just took cover at LaPlaya. The daily morning 3 mile walk on the beach was a great way to begin the day. Breakfast was usually at the small restaurant at L'Hoste. I believe it is called Mandrian. A couple of times we ate at Baywatch and met Andy and cousin John. A great place to get the pulse of the area.
Most days sand gravity took hold and we were able to read several books. Janet described this as a real treat. Orient beach has to be our favorite beach anywhere. Lunch was found at either LaPlaya, Bikini, or Baywatch. One day we had excellent fish dinners at Andy's and Cheryl's.
Evening meals which were all outstanding were found at Cafe LaPlantation, Cote Plage, Cafe Alamanda, LeCottage, and the Sunset Cafe. All the places provided excellent service and great food. While traveling into Philipsburg we also had excellent meals at Hot Tomatoes and The Greenhouse.
On our shopping trip into Philipsburg, it was nice to see the finished boardwalk. A great addition. Also the construction on Front street should improve that area greatly. Now for the rest of the roads on the island. After purchasing some shirts at Del Sol, we were off to DK Gems. It was a pleasure meeting Deepti again. Janet had been looking for an emerald and Deepti was able to provide just the thing she wanted. Before we ended our shoppinjg there, Deepti also brought out a pair of diamond earings that Janet could not pass up. So ended our shopping for the day. Speaking of shopping, Janet found her favorite tailor who just happens to work under a tree at Orient Beach, Luis. Last year we purchased a couple of suits off the rack. This year he custom made two suits with wraps. Luis is a very talented and interesting person.
The trip home was delayed two hours leaving SXM so we missed our flight out of Charlotte. USAir put us up for the night at the Sheraton. The next day with another delay we finally made it back home. We are now looking into places to stay for next year. Somehow once you have been there, you keep getting drawn back. Overall we had a great time.
Tom and Janet
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