day 6
Woke up to rain which proceeded throughout the day mostly on the very light side until about 4:30p when it came down hard on Simpson Bay but didn't last long.

We spent the day at Waikiki. We like it there, comfortable chairs, good beach service, variety of food choices, and nice bathroom facilities. They did a good job of raking up the seaweed before we arrived at about 9a. Went for a walk down to construction site and took some video. They have begun to paint some of the units. We watched the painter apply a light purple paint to I believe the 4th Unit. He was using a very small roller and some of the other workers were hammering away on other units. There was a lot of working going on.

Beach down at the end of Orient is very narrow to almost nothing between Kontiki's main bar area and Pedro's. Only one cruise ship in so the beaches were quiet.

We shared a tomato, basil and mozzerella pannini with fries. Total for the day without tip was $53. I had a strawberry margarita, diet coke and David had a beer. The total including the chairs/umbrella. Now for the bad news regarding the gratuity (for some). It was clearly printed on the receipt (not stamped) that a gratuity was not included and they recommendation for good service was 10% - 15%. It did not say service charge it was clear about it being a gratuity AND it was also printed in French. For us it's not a deal breaker as we had planned to leave a tip for our beach boy Mao who was terrific. We wound up leaving a little more that what we had intended. I know this is much frowned upon by some of the board and a deal breaker but we are ok with it.

Left the beach and went to SMYC for Happy Hour. As soon as we arrived it rained very hard but we were already inside. Ran into Kerry & Dave and hung out with them for a while. From all the rave reviews of the grouper fingers we ordered them ($10) and they were every bit as good as everyone raves about. Happy Hour Food choice is 3 appetizers for $25 which is a savings as most range from $10 and up. I don't know if it includes all appetizers? Drink wise, my bay breeze was not including in HH prices. The bartender explained it was well drinks with soda, tonic, etc, not juice.

While we were at SMYC the traffic heading down Cole Bay was bumper to bumper. Driving back to BSV the traffic was at a standstill all the way back to at least Boca Marina. The roundabout was awful. Cars three deep. From what we've seen in the last several days is there is always a significant bottle neck by the roundabout.

Too much, sun and partying made us change our evening plans and spent a quiet night at the villa.

We are truly blessed to be able to sit outdoors overlooking the ocean, drink a cup of coffee or any beverage, eat and do nothing but admire the ocean and feel the cool breeze in our hair.

Up early this morning and off to Zee Best but that is left for another day trip report. Have a great day TTOLers.

Thanks for the report. Sounds like another lovely day!

It was - island is definitely getting rain while we've been here but nothing to impact our days or nights too much. I know it needs it. The golf course at Mullet is in terrible shape, a lot of dirt hardly any grass but we saw many golfing.

It's gorgeous out today -- sun has been out since 6:30a on Simpson bay and it is now 10:00a. Went for walk along Simpson bay after picking up almond croissant and American coffee from Zee Best's take-out location on airport road. Stopped at Maho Express for paper and can't wait to eat my Dixie cup size Etna ice cream tonight.

Swam in pool and now reading in front of Villa. So far very good day.

Enjoy!!

Sounds like you are having a lovely vacation. I am visualizing each and very detail. We were there in July and I miss St. Maarten every single day. Hope you continue to enjoy your stay in paradise!

Ah, Louise......

Nice to know you know how to take the lemons and make lemonade.....

A little rain (which is so desperately needed....) may not be what you hoped for, but it is what it is and it's great to know you're still having a good time. I can only imagine how cool it might be to settle in on your patio with drink in hand and listen to the sounds of the rain drops falling on the roof and the surf roaring in the background. A very special kind of symphony when shared with the one you love an a place you love. keep the good times happening...... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for another informative report, Louise. The 3 for $25 at SMYC really are a great deal.

We try to stay from the Simpson Bay area around the three PM time frame; that is about the time that Air France/KLM comes in and this results in the back up all the way to the roundabout going over hill towards Phillipsburg.