THE ISLAND:<br><br>Looks clean and green. The DIRECT road from Phillipsburg to Oyster Pond is a new highway, fast and smooth. The road to Oyster Pond via DAWN BEACH is still the old bumpy roller-coaster road..bring your camera for great photos.<br><br>Security was noted ONLY at Marigot Port La Royal Marina during the evenings hours (police and private). Some folks tried to "clean" the car windshield. I gave him FF20. That took care of the problem. Many locals out with baby strollers, a good sign for safety. Hotels naturally provide their own security in many cases.<br><br>WEATHER:<br><br>Mostly sunny and hot with a cool wind.<br><br>BEACHES:<br><br>Visited usual spots at Orient and Friars...both teriffic...<br><br>DINING:<br><br>Breakfast:<br><br>ZEE BEST in Marigot Port La Royal Marina for the very best in pastries and a very good overall breakfast and lunch menu.<br><br>LA CROISSANTERIE, Near Zee Best, for great croissants, a continental breakfast for $6.00 (FF38) or full American Breakfast for $10.00 (FF63)with a great view of the marina.<br><br>CHESTERFIELDS:<br><br>In the Great Bay Marina, American specials with a fantastic view. (Dinner & Supper also)<br><br>KANGAROO COURT; Off Front Street, Phillipsburgh next to the courthouse, great breakfast and lunch in calm setting off the main street in a garden or "court" yard.<br><br>DINNER:<br><br>CHERI'S CAFE, lost of local action here with live entertainment every night, food OK if you stick to the basics, hamburgers, etc.<br> <br>LA PETIT AUBERGE DES ILES, a real "gem" located near ST GERMAIN the Marina Port La Royale, a COMPLETE DINNER for $21.00, food is great with a waters edge view...<br><br>DON CAMILLO:<br><br>Near Zee Best, this is "zee best" Italian (as prepared in Italy) food on the Island... <br><br>MARIO'S BISTRO: As good a French reataurant as can be found in Grand Case, located in Sandy Ground canal just off the draw bridge (French side) although my wife enjoued the meal at La Petit Auberge even more...<br><br>PASSANGRAHAN ROYAL GUEST HOUSE, on Front Street, neat the beginning, on the beach side, special FAMILY DINNERS, (a chalk board full of specials) for $14.95. Be sure to visit the Sidney Greenstreet bar while you are there. Who's Sidney Greenstreet?. Weel, he's the guy who spend 17 years chasing after a statuette of a black bird.<br><br>HOTELS:<br><br>Stayed at Le Flamboyant in Nettle Bay for 3 nights. This 4 star resort caters to French, English & Spanish speaking guests, everything ust about is in all three languages.<br><br>We then moved over to our timeshare at Divi Little bay.<br>The resort is fully restored except for the casitas in the back garden which are to be converted to time-share over on the hotel side. Three pools, two restaurants, two bars, the casino is 'ready to open" all that is needed is the official permit.<br><br>The beach looks great, the BELAIR property looks great also, with lots of chairs and umbrellas on the beach. The sand is still course but i understand with time that will adjust itself as well.<br><br>QUESTIONS: ??<br><br>Please just ask <br><br> <br><br><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by Carol_Hill on 12/21/00 10:26 AM.</EM></FONT></P>