Flights BDL PHL SXM and return were remarkably smooth. Flight going down to PHL was late and many missed their connections. We had a 2+ hour layover, so we were fine.
Rented our usual Ignis from Alain Arnell at AAA and, as always, they were waiting for us (even tho we arrived early) and we had no issues with the car.
Phone rental from Sharon Harris was easy and nice to have.
This was our first stay at the Turquoise Shell Inn, based mostly on the great comments posted here. Everything was as advertised. Marcus is a wonderful host and our accommodations were clean and comfortable. We had a one bedroom unit on the first floor. A full kitchen is provided and was fine for our needs. Air conditioning in the bedroom only, but the breezes were wonderful and there are windows at both ends of the unit, so there was great cross ventilation. We were never uncomfortable. The large trees in the parking lot not only provided shade for our little balcony (where we enjoyed our morning tea and coffee), but kept the cars cool also! Daily maid service is provided, safes are in the office, a small pool for guests and access to Simpson Bay beach. The property is locked and gated at night with a security guard on premises after 11 pm. We never felt unsafe and always felt welcomed. I understand there is Wifi access also but we did not use it. If the need arose, we would certainly stay there again. Excellent value! We also enjoyed the location on Simpson Bay. Parked our car in the evening and walked all over.
After unloading our bags we headed to the TTOL party at Buccaneer Beach Bar which we co-hosted with Bill (Micash1). We had a great turnout – about 40 folks – and met friends old and new. Some kind folks contributed a donation that will go to the I Can Foundation.
After the party, we headed over to Lady C to listen to Gianfranco and Max, our favorite musicians. We also watched the lunar eclipse. We only lasted till about 11:30, since we’d been up since 2:30 am – so walked home to crash.
Honestly, the rest is a blur. Here’s what I remember, in no particular order.
Our first day was spent at Orient Beach. It was very windy and by the end of the day we were huddled under our towels. We tried again the next day, but it was just as windy. So we headed over to Cupecoy to spend all our other beach days with Dany and John. The beach was large, and there was a nice breeze. We did miss all our friends over at OB and find that Cupecoy, although we love it there, doesn’t have the same ambience. And I missed my lunch at Baywatch! We’ll be back on OB next trip.
Breakfast was either in our room or a wonderful pastry picked up here or there. The most outstanding breakfast was at Kissing Fish. YUM!
Lunch was either Dany’s ribs or from our cooler. We either made our own sandwiches from stuff we bought (gouda, deli meats etc) and a fresh baguette, or a sandwich from Café Atlantico. They never had any raspberry croissants!
Dinner – actually, we skipped a few of those. Just never got around to it! The BEST was Gutside! We took a friend there for his first visit – and I think he’ll return! Richard and Lourdes were as welcoming as ever and the food was incredible. Can’t wait to return.
Good meals also at Skipjacks, Buccaneer Beach Bar (although I think the steak sandwich has gone downhill) and Toppers.
Crazy Leprechaun in Philipsburg is open again. No food anymore, just a bar and we were the only ones in it.
We spent almost every Happy Hour at the Kissing Fish Bar. We love spending time with Chloe and Thierry in a wonderful atmosphere looking at the incredible views and enjoying fun company. Stupidly, we never stayed for dinner and kicked ourselves several times because we ended up going without! The new, expanded menu looks (and smells) wonderful.
We spent several evenings listening to our favorite musicians, Gianfranco and Max. As Mentioned, Wednesday at Lady C, Friday at Rics place, and Monday at Red Piano Bar. After leaving Red Piano Monday evening (One of the few we actually drove the car!), we passed Curtis’ car on the way home. Of course we pulled over to see if we could find him. We discovered the Soggy Dollar Bar and did we have a blast. We were probably the oldest folks there, but were welcomed with open arms. Especially by the young, drunk Brits off the boats! LOL They, along with Curtis and Andrew tried their best to teach us to dance “young” folks style. Thank God we only had to drive a block to get home. It was 2:30 AM!
The other highlight was a Baby Shower! Do you believe it? Held at Buccaneer and hosted by the owners, Alicia Izabel was welcomed by friends. Dad and Mom, Curtis and Mia were very proud of their beautiful little princess. And my Bill was very proud to be asked to become Godfather!
Pictures can be found at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/elainemiller.sxm/SXM_Feb08The weather was wonderful, the people were wonderful, and it all went too fast. We’ll be back in 7 weeks, 0 days, (49 days) 17h 22m 18s We are truly blessed.
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