Off we go from Philadelphia to SXM on Tuesday l-ll thru Sunday l-l6 on USAir non-stop with carry on luggage as being suggested by many persons on this board and everything worked out well, we were well within the guidelines according to Flight Regulations, etc., but I can see in the future where they (all airlines) will be revising those rules, anyway, flight down and back on time, no problems and the crew, etc., were some of the best we ever had, I hope they (USAir) work things out. We stayed at Alamanda Resort for the third year in a row and the exact same time period, their hospitality and acknowledgement to us was great, no matter how many times we have stayed, it seems like it is our first time, the hotel resort is beautiful, clean, no maintenance problems whatsoever and the convience to the beach and/or shops/restaurants located to the rear is also a pleasure to walk to. Even tho at this time and in the past breakfast was included in our hotel tab (by the way, I was told in the future the breakfast tab will not be included in your hotel tab) we still like to walk the beach early in the morning and then head over to Baywatch for breakfast, the coffee they serve there is more or less the same as home, if not better, again the hospitality by Adrian, Andy and later in the day by Cheryl was incredible, they hardly know us, for we have only been there 4 or 5 times each year in the morning and sometimes during the day for lunch, now I know why so many persons on this board give such high reccomendations for the restaurant, not to mention how great the food was. Also when we were there this particular morning Andy saw a recipe for French Toast with Rice Krispies, etc., and wanted to know if he could use me for a tryout sample, I stated go ahead, the taste was incredible and I asked again on our last day, he told me there were no Rice Krispies left, so if anybody cares when your there and it sounds appealing, go for it, it sure tasted great. Again this year we didn't rent a car as we haven't in the past, we met a great person known as "Marcus" his real name is Albert Charles Marcus and he is the manager to "Justice Car Rental" and his phone cell number would be 06 90 27 30 56 on French side and 00599 552 3278 on the Dutch side his service to us from the time he picks us up at the airport, thru out the week, whether we are out eating, shopping or a gambling trip and back to the airport is the greatest, very knowledgeable and courteous. Weather this time around was mostly windy, very much like Aruba can be most of the time, during the day showers would show up and we would scurry up into Kakao Beach Bar area for a few minutes, etc., but still better than home. Restaurants that I can rember the names, Talk of the Town on Harmony Night was great we had almost the same meal as we had at the Fish Pot the year earlier at the fraction of the price, plus we sat with a couple from Holland and had great conversations for a few hours; Le Fish Bar located to the rear of our hotel was also an excellent meal as it was last year, in that same area a new bistro-restaurant (I don't know the name) has opened since last year and all the nights we walked over to that area it was really crowded with all ages, etc., next year we will try that one: Maho Casino Area, I don't know the name, but it is located across the alley from Casino Royale on the same side upstairs overlooking the street, in the past we had eaten in Tirisamu and the food was great, this time where we chose because Francis (I know the spelling is incorrect) is now working as a waiter there, he used to be at Sabastinos, etc., well anyway that was our only meal that was less than what we have eaten anywhere in the past: Marigot Marina, La Main Pate, again, another great meal and atmosphere is most appealing: Grand Case, Cottage was another great meal and met more couples from Minnesotta and New Hampshire: Shopping Trip this time consisted of Saturday morning early in Phillipsburg, we had breakfast at Barefoot Restaurant located at the foot of the entrance of the Pier, we had a clear sight of the new boardwalk in all directions and as far as we are concerned and we have been on many cruises the pier area and downtown shopping area is one of the most beautiful areas we have ever seen, it will be great for the economy for both Countries, anyway, as in the past, nothing for me, my choice, but my wife loves all the shops and buys various items for herself: Other than that the trip was great, you sometimes think you can't repeat a great vacation time, but for the 3rd year in a row we have enjoyed SXM for all of the things it has to offer. Good Luck, to all, ty ron and carla