This trip report was delayed, but here it is!!!!
Just got back from 15 glorious days in St. Martin. It was supposed to be 16 days, but plane delays in Chicago caused us to miss our flight in San Juan, and was put up for the night in the airport hotel by AA. (Don't want to stop in no San Juan Airport)! Guess Buffett is right!
Oh, well..... Return flights home all OK.
Stayed at Club Orient in a minisuite for our 15 days. Was treated very nicely by ALL employees and management. Definitely coming back again.
4TH OF JULY
On the 4th of July, festivities started on the beach with body painting and jello shots. With all of us all primed up, the parade ventured down Orient Beach to Coco and back to Baywatch for the party. We had a dedicated following of marchers, in various dress and undress (hey, this is Orient Beach!). Bruce led the proud group with the American Flag held high, followed by the Club O flag, too. With all singing patriotic songs, waving many flags, beach people were sure surprised down the route and cameras were busy. Landed back at Baywatch for a great party by Andy and Cheryl. Nice giveaways and souvenirs were given out. This has been our fourth 4th of July party that Sheila and I have attended, and they get better each time.
DINING
Since we didn't feel like renting a car this time, we ate several times at Papagayo's, never being disappointed. Great service by Patou, Carlos, Nancy, Willie, J.P. and others. Did some breakfasts and lunches at Baywatch, a Lolo in Grand Case, lunch at Coco Beach, dinner at Kakao's, and dinner at Levettes. Did 2 fabulous romantic dinners at L'Astrolabe in the Esmeralda Resort, served by our long time friends Thomas and Amin. They always do a great job.
SUNSET BEACH BAR
Missed SSBB last year, so had to get some new airplane belly shots, along with landings and take-offs. And lunch there was good, too. Always a great time.
SHOPPING
One Monday when no cruise ships were in Philipsburg, was the mama's day from beach time for shopping. Remember, if the mama's happy, all is well!! Had fun picking out stuff for souvenirs, and stopped by at Ballerina Jewelers for a nice find. Highly recommended to us by our friends Elmer and Sheila and were very happy with the service from Ravi.
WEATHER
Considered perfect, with some spotty showers on the 4th, but the sun popped out later that day, but lost that Orient breeze. Otherwise a sunny vacation. No see-ums "bugged" us at first, but, finally, the mosquito milk and Deet kicked in, and they wanted no part of us. The island looked pretty dry to us due to little rain. We survived the sun using different SPF lotions.
BEACH CONDITIONS
Since we stayed only on Orient Beach, saw some parts of the beach lost sand, especially by Papagayo's; we saw rocks that we never saw before. Maho Beach by SSBB looked thin. Sand always comes and goes......
ENDING
This was a "sand gravity" vacation. Never did all we wanted to do, but that sure is a perfect excuse to return next year!!! Was nice seeing our friends from previous years, and latching up with new ones through this favorite website, and the other one that many know about too. So with our 6th trip to SXM over, with many fond memories, we ONLY have 10 months till our next trip!
Bruce and Sheila (aka AMFLYR)(the train guy) <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/usflag.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />