Trip report – 2/26 thru 3/5 2005
This trip we brought our daughter down for her first time, Katie is 19 years old and she brought a college friend (Meggy). For MJ and I this was our 2nd trip in the last 6 months, only could stay one week this trip. We had an “Absolute” blast, it was great finally taking my daughter to the islands and it was at a great time in her life being able to go to bars, casinos and generally be an adult anywhere she went. It was a great week to be there, the weather cleared up and was nice the entire week and to enjoy the Regatta party in Phillipsburg on our final night capped a memorable trip.
Travel to and from- MJ and I took the Delta redeye from Portland Oregon to Atlanta where we met KT and Meggy who came in from Indianapolis that morning. We met, and then boarded to SXM, very nice having only two flights to get there. Going down went as smooth as we could hope although it was the longest immigration line I have waited in. Coming back however was a problem. The flight from SXM back to ATL was fine until we had to wait for our luggage. Keep in mind that the jet was about as close to where the customs area is that you could get a plane, but we waited and waited for luggage. Some came out, in about 25 minutes, probably about 15%. Then another 15% came out in another 20 minutes. What I think was the final batch of luggage (did not stick around to find out) was over an hour after we arrived at the baggage carousel near customs. By the time we got our luggage and got through customs MJ and my flight was leaving the gate so we spent another fine night in ATL on Delta’s dime. Katie and Meggy had carry on and made their connection no problem. Final flight home was good and the Delta people handled us very well.
Car rental – Unity is the only word anybody needs to know on the island for car rental. Met us with our name on the board, took us straight over to the lot where we got a nice Corolla, and were off in no time. Returning was just as easy, a quick once over look and they dropped me off at the airport. Sure can not wait for the new terminal to open in Sept 06, the AC and space will be nice as it gets pretty warm and crowded now. Once again I thank Unity for making it so easy.
Hotel – Sea Palace – At first after arriving I would have panned the place. We did not have many 2 bedroom options for this week, and I wanted two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Well…..the Sea Palace is not exactly or even near the Divi, Towers or RI but it worked fine and while technically it really was not a two bedroom it did have two baths. Will say that we had no problem finding parking, the place was old but clean, the staff was very nice and there was daily maid service. They also gave us a late check out (after 12 noon) which was great and allowed us a chance to enjoy another beach morning and still have time to shower and get to the airport. The best thing about the place was being with in walking distance of the Phillipsburg shopping area, and specifically the Heineken Regatta party on our final evening. Would not be my first choice but would stay there again if I could not get into the others for a reasonable rate or trade. Was worth the money we spent.
Beach choices- On our first full day (Sunday) we headed straight to Baywatch and had breakfast, lunch, chairs and umbrellas and plenty of Caribs and cocktails. I think we were there from about 8am to about 4pm, and enjoyed every moment including happy hour at the Perch. Great experience for KT and Meggy, heck of a first day on a beach in the Carib. On Monday we went to Ms B’s on Dawn which is my favorite beach and after a day it was KT’s and Meggy’s as well, so we came back on Wed afternoon at the far end past Scavengers and again on Thursday again at Ms B’s. Once again the best ribs, and best umbrellas (Baywatch has the best chairs) and as sand gravity hit we never made it near OBBR even though we intended to see King BB’s place. Really all I need is time at Baywatch and Ms B’s and I am happy, but on Tuesday we went to Mullet Beach for a day and let Rosie’s take care of us. Nice but not as nice as the other two although MJ liked that she could buy a bottle of wine and they kept it in the cooler at Rosie’s and she would go and fill her glass when she wanted. We also spent some time in front of the Sea Palace on Great Bay, I enjoyed watching the activity and some of the Regatta and the ease of going back to our room when we wanted.
Other food – SSBB for Monday burgers which was fun, and while they were very busy service was not all bad. Kangaroo Court for breakfast twice, Barefoot Terrace in Phillipsburg for breakfast once. Both of these places are good, like Kangaroo for their pre 9am specials. The Creperie(sp?) or some name like that next to Le St Germaine in Marigot, this is a bargain place with good crepes and coffee and also in Marigot by the market we ate at the bakery, which also has good coffee and a lot of food choices. Had burgers at Capitan Olivers again, the Roquefort Burger is a must for me every trip. Pizza from Philly Joes, enjoyed talking to the owners and it is a good deal. Lobster and ribs from Talk of the Town and shrimp from the place across the way, as well as ribs from Lido as well as the potatoes, all were excellent and a great deal. Our final meal was at Hot Tomato’s where we could sit and watch our car and eat knowing our luggage was safe. The owner took good care of us and it was fun to talk to him and the rest of the staff. Good food, good people.
Shopping – Plenty was spent, more than planned of course. Meggy purchased a ring from DK Gems that she fell in love with, and they took really good care of her. Lots of clothing from many stores, 10 bottles of Banana Rum at the Marigot market along with another misc 8 bottles setting a new personal record for bringing back alcohol. Cigars from the place in the Maho Plaza that has a jewelry store next door they own as well. Have gotten to know these guys and had them send me via fedx a box of cigars home, all went well and I have them now and would trust them to do it again when I run low. Do not have name with me while writing but I can come up with it if needed.
Other activities – Sunday evening at Saprano’s with a bit of time at the casino before. Meggy was the only lucky one, although myself taking my daughter to a casino for the first time as well as a bar for her first time made me the lucky one. Got to Saprano’s about 10:30pm and it began slow, next thing we knew it was after 2am and we were having a ball. Watching the girls having fun was well worth the over $200 bar tab I picked up for the four of us, second time MJ and I have been there and once again enjoyed the place and will go back. Harmony Nights in Grand Case was also fun to see. Walked up and back, took in some music and snacked along the way. It is nice that they do this, parking was easy. Friday evening we walked down to the Heineken Regatta party after a few Absolute drinks in our room, a stop at McDonalds where we just went to purchase a few beers for novelty, and then a happy hour stop at Taoula Mango’s. By this time we were pain free. Sent the girls on a mission to collect coasters from 5 different bars, and had to come up with 4 different coasters. On Heineken night finding other than Heineken and Amstel Light made it more of a challenge that I would have thought, they had a blast and ended up with a stack about 8” high to take back to college. They had four stages with music and other entertainment along the way, as well as many places along the boardwalk selling Heineken. We had more fun than we probably should have so it was nice to be with in walking distance of our Hotel.
It was a great one week trip, and we definitely left some economic impact behind. No regrets, beginning to plan for the fall just have not decided what two weeks will work best for us yet and now our daughter wants another trip with us so it may be Thanksgiving week plus another for just us.
I have heard these trip reports can not be too long and thanks to being able to write while traveling back to the left coast I must be pushing the limit.
Cheers,
Todd
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