Okay, here goes our first trip report.

We left on Wednesday (2/21), took the direct Delta flight #779 out of Atlanta. No problems at the airport, the flight left right on time. The plane was pretty empty (about 85% empty) and the flight attendant made a joke that we could each have our own row if we wanted. Guess we're lucky they didn't cancel it! Flight was smooth, attendants were great -- Delta is working on changing our usual negative outlook of them. I have nothing to compare with as far as the old SXM airport terminal goes, but the new one is very nice with some cool shops and eateries. We took just carry-on luggage, so we didn't have to deal with any checked bags.

We took a taxi over to Orient without any problem, stopping along the way to pick up a cell phone from Sharon Harris. We ended up actually using it very little, but it sure gave us peace of mind to have it 'just in case'. Check-in at Club O was flawless, staff was gracious and helpful, our mini suite was ready when we got there.

We LOVED staying at Club O. The beach was great, the people friendly, the atmosphere one of congeniality and respect. It's going to be hard to go back to swimming with a bathing suit on again! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> We ate several meals at Papagayo's and the food was excellent each time for dinner. Can't remember everything we ate, but Ed had the steak several times, Robin had the tilapia and a couple of different shrimp dishes. We shared a creme brulee for dessert and it was delicious. The only meal we didn't like there was breakfast. The eggs and toast were cold on both our plates. Did happy hour at The Perch almost every day -- lots of BBC's and mudslides - YUM.

There were a lot of Club O'ers walking the whole length of Orient early in the mornings prior to 9 am. Never encountered a problem or complaint from anyone. The weather was absolutely beautful the entire week. I think it rained once for about 5 minutes. There was just enough of a mild breeze to keep the bugs away. The water was perfect.

We had originally planned to take a few trips around St. Martin, but sand gravity took effect and we were quite happy to just mellow out on Orient for most of the time. We did have dinner with several new friends at Mary's Boon one night. The special that night was sliced beef tenderloin and it was delicious. The best meal we had all week! Service was wonderful, atmosphere terrific. What a quaint little place and lovely beach. Loved the honor bar. We'd definitely consider spending some time there if we ever decide to stay on the Dutch side. But all in all, the French side fit our needs and desires a bit better, at least this time around.

We attended a TTOL party at Bikini Beach on Sunday, the night before we left. Had a great time, met some really nice people. We didn't stay too long because we had to walk back down the beach to get back to Club O and didn't want to do that after dark. It all worked out fine.

We met Andy, though not Cheryl, at Baywatch and ate several breakfasts there. Very good breakfasts, I might add. It was the week that Cheryl was mugged, so the spirits were not as good as they could have been, I guess. Andy's quite a character, but seemed more subdued than we expected -- which under the circumstances was quite understandable.

We had planned on doing the Tiko that Friday, but got up late that morning and decided to do it the next time around. We heard it was a great cruise and were sorry we missed it.

The only disappointment during the trip was being stood up by Mohamed for our rental car. We've already discussed this in detail on another thread, so we don't feel the need to go into again here. We ended up not getting a rental car at all, but it worked out just fine. Taking a taxi the few times we did so was easy. We used Louis Richardson, who drives a lot for Club O, and he was very accomodating. Prices were quite reasonable, as well.

Don't have anything bad to say about Club O, other than we had some tiny ants in our unit which got annoying in the middle of the night when they decided to climb onto the sheets with us. We reported it upon leaving, as we had just discovered them a day or so before that. Otherwise, the mini suite was clean and perfect for our needs. Housekeeping did a great job each day, including washing whatever dirty dishes we left behind from breakfast. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> Kudos to the entire staff.

Though it was quite painful to have to leave paradise, the return trip home was uneventful. Took a taxi to the airport, stopping first to drop off our phone to Sharon Harris. Delta left pretty much on time again, though unlike the flight going over, this flight was packed. The only empty seat on the plane happened to be in our row, so we got to spread out a bit. Lucky for us! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> The Atlanta airport is a bit annoying to go through on the way home, even though that was our final destination. We did have to pack the small amount of liquor we brought back (Ma Doudou and some Guavaberry) into our checked luggage after reclaiming it at ATL to go back through security. We were prepared for this having read the info on this board prior to our trip. Sigh -- must be a better way!

Anyway, it was a WONDERFUL trip, went by much too fast. But it's okay, we're already planning our return trip for next February (if not sooner). <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> Yep, we're hooked, no doubt about it!

Thanks to everyone on this board, and to the new friends we made while on the island, for all your help, insight, and advice.

Ed & Robin