So far so good here in Grand Case.

Our arrival to sxm from Chicago was perfect. All planes on time and upgrades available! Could not ask for better flights.

We rented the car from Lesley at Kennys and that too was smooth and car was waiting for us!

Traffic around 4 pm was like Chicago traffic. Once we got to Grand Case someone was waiting to give us the keys to the apartment we rented on vrbo.com. We could not park in the garage because someone had parked in front of the garage. This has been happening since Tuesday. Either we are stuck in or can't get in at all. Neighbors in other apartment have same issue.

Apartment is ok. Everything is in working order and the balcony is narrow but long enough for all three of use to use at once. We are either on the beach or on the balcony or walking around.

Not many people on the beach at all. The water is crystal clear and the delicious smells from the restaurants make us hungry! We cook our own meals mostly. Breakfast we get a baguette and some croissants across from the police station. I took my sister to Rib Shack and we enjoyed ribs and chicken. So yummy!

I had grabbed a tiny piece of snapper from talk of the town for $10. It was ok, I was expecting more.

So far best things are the swimming and the lounging on the balcony. We did a little shopping here in Grand Case but each time I go out I see a couple drug deals going down. Today it was right in front of the police department. Tiny foil wrapped pieces. Trying to figure out what that might be. I counted 8 drug deals since we got here Tuesday. Doesnt seem like they are at all concerned with discretion. One young man brings his little sister with him while he deals. She must be 6 or 7.

I feel very safe here and think it is a nice relaxing place for the week. I look forward to driving to Marigot Saturday morning for the fish market.
I'm hoping to convince my sisters husband to take us to Rimas Beachwear. Is it still in the same spot? I use their indian batik sheets for everything from couch covers to beach blankets.

Thanks for the help with fish and bakeries!

Hi. I added some returns to the post to make it easier to read.

As far as Rima, if you haven't been in a few years, they closed the big store right on Pondfill Road and there is not a good substitute now. Sorry..

Thanks Carol! I'm working with my iphone here!
I think I might skip Rima ! I'm noticing I can't get virtually everything I see in the shops here....at home in chicago!

We went to Rib Shack for dinner and everything was dry dry dry. I had the chicken, it tasted like jerky. Sister had the snapper and it was dry. Best thing we had...the beans and rice were perfect.
Service was poor. The waitress was talking on her phone while she was taking our order. She was nowhere to be found when we wanted another Carib. Our experience for lunch there was much better the day before. We like it because we can sit by the ocean.
Watching the rain clouds come and go today was spectacular.

Jackie, we stayed in Grand Case at a VBRO next to the Rainbow Cafe, the Lolo's were okay, but not great, in my opinion. We did like Captain Frenchy, and the pizza place across the street. If you want a little more upscale, we like La Villa and Piazza Pascal.

I'd been wondering about parking if one were renting a place in Grand Case. That sounds pretty frustrating not having access to your car when you need it or being blocked from parking in a garage you've paid for.

I think maybe Barry stayed in the same place I've stayed (and have reserved for an upcoming trip) next to Rainbow. This particular apartment building keeps reserved parking on the street for guests; there's an on-site caretaker who coordinates secured parking and beach chairs each day.

The garage parking has been frustrating. Hunting down the owners of the cars blocking the garage even though there are signs that say car will be towed if they park there!
We had great meal across the street tonight at gourmand , grilled lobster. Then coconut ice cream just before the bridge.
The sunset was amazing.
My sister saved a starfish from being a souviner. A family from NJ has been swimming the same time as us each day. The son, teenager dove down to pick up a starfish and then took it up to the beach and put it on his towel to die. I was livid. Isn't it illegal to do that?
At any rate I told my sister and she ran out and the family had gone but left the dying starfish on the sand. My sister grabbed it and swam it far out and placed it in a safer spot. She said it was still alive.
I know I just ate lobster and had a fit about a starfish. I can't explain it. If they were going to eat it, different story. But play with it and let it die for amusement? iDK, can anyone say it differently?

The garage sounds frustrating and the starfish situation sounds infuriating. Enjoy the rest of your trip....and maybe give that kid a what-for if you feel like it when you see them again! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />