Sorry for the delay in posting part 2, but I have been busy at work and home. Have fun reading.


Monday back to Phillipsburg, DW did not have enough of the diamond fix. Since the cruise ship was not due into port till 1:00pm, the stores were pleasantly empty. A few Heinekens make my final purchases less painful to him. Off to Friars Bay, which SIL said was empty and nice. Well, go figure, the French side was celebrating a holiday that day, all the shops in Marigot were closed and the beach was crowded. Strong sulpher oder is not pleasant after you park. Water was beautiful, snorkeling was not bad on the point to the left side around the rocks. Four chairs and 2 umbrellas were $24 US, I had to ask for a 1-1 exchange on that, which was ok so long as I paid in cash. Club sandwich was ok, DH had a swordfish sandwich. Bought a bottle of homemade cream rum. Food and rum came to $60 – ouch.

We decided for our last night to go to Spiga, the often recommended Italian restaurant in Grand Case. Did I mention traffic can be a problem in St Maarten? Yest we got caught in another jam leaving town, but we are kinda used to it now. Did I mention traffic is nuts in Grand Case? At night the 2 way road is only one lane wide, the signs are barely visible and you can’t turn around. Well, DH did the best he could and found the restaurant which had only 3 other tables seated that night. Lobster ravioli appt. was incredible, Lobster bisque just ok. DH had the red snapper, good but not exceptional. DW had the shrimp and scallop trio – tasty but not a wow. Crème brulee for desert was superb. Long trip back, quick stop at the Royal Casino to make sure they cleaned our pockets. Tried to stop at Bliss –closed Sun, Mon., Tues.

Tuesday our last day. Wake to another sunny day, pack and prepare to head home. Traffic actually is light today and we make the airport in 5 minutes to drop off luggage. Oops, spoke to soon. US Airways takes 20 minutes to check in 4 – yes only 4 passengers. Seems their computers were down and they had to handwrite all tickets. It takes about 1 hour to check in on a slow day, good luck to those traveling on a weekend. Suddenly DH realizes, just as the plane begins to board that he left the camera in the rental car. Frantic call to Lesley, he answers on his cell and checks the car – yea, camera is in hand. SIL who is still on the island will pick it up. Did I mention that Lesley is the best.

Highlights
Lesley at Kennys Car rental
Sharon, the Queen of SXM for phone service
Flamingo Beach Resort – well kept, nice rooms, clean resort. Definitely would go back
Beaches – superb as always


Lowlights
Traffic – worst I have ever seen
Traffic – terrible, can’t imagine what it’s like in high season!!
Traffic – spent an inordinate amount of time in the car. In hindsight we should have spent more time at our resort and beach instead of driving around the island trying to see everything else, would have been less aggravating for DH.

Didn’t have any crime problems, no real issues. Internet access was free on your laptop on the 2nd floor conference room. Funny I had good reception from the Pelican routers, but no password. Undecided as to whether we would return, or seek out an island that has less traffic and fewer problems. Still a relaxing trip away without the kids.