TravelTalkOnline

Week Two Trip Report

Posted By: Jim_Laraine

Week Two Trip Report - 02/10/2020 02:26 PM

The weather was spectacular on the second and last week of our stay in SXM. We stayed at an Airbnb in Oyster Pond for 2 weeks on this trip, but next time I think we will stay in Simpson Bay for half the trip and Orient Village for the other half since these are our favorite stomping grounds.

Had a new Toyota Yaris from Hertz which was $589 for 2 weeks including liability. No car problems and fuel was about $1 a liter.

Food shopping was mostly Leader Price in Cul de Sac but we also tried the New Super U, also in Cul de Sac. It's pretty similar to the Super U in Marigo but not as crowded.

One day we stopped to check out Cupecoy where we had a drink at Dany's beach bar. He has a couple helping him run the operation. They were saying that the "Lemon Drop" sunset ritual has really take off with as many as 50 takers on some evenings. Unfortunately there was no sand on the main beach but supposedly Baby beach has some. We did not attempt the beach since Laraine is recovering from back surgery. We also took a stroll through Puerto Cupecoy which seemingly has added some restaurants since our last visit. We meant to go back and try Mama Pizza but never made it.

We got a front row table to listen to Alfredo Acosta at Rainbow. Alfredo was backed up by Phil on the saxophone and these guy do some great pop and latin jazz. This was a magical evening with the lights of Anguilla in the distance.

During our second week we also met our great TTOL friends from Texas, Dan and Katherine and new friends Paul and Sue who were traveling with them. We all enjoyed a couple of relaxing days on the beach with them at Orient and Kakao as well as an evening with yummy warm water lobster at Skipjack and, after that, music at Hole In the Wall. Hole in the Wall has live entertainment every night. Ronnie Santana and Bobby Jagger are a treat on Friday night. Bobby also rents chairs during the day (Pack Lite), but his daytime name is Craig. Haaaaaaaa

Superbowl was at Tanja and Michael's "The Pub" in Simpson Bay. We met up with SXM residents, Vanessa and Andy for the game. We even ran into SXM Norm. We missed the first half of the game but caught the exciting second half anyway.

In the area of food and drink, we normally share an appetizer and a meal or just a meal, can't seem to do 2 full meals anymore:
Mixed broiled seafood grill at Chesterfield's was very good.
Warm water lobsters at Skipjacks were wonderful, we shared a 2lb which cost about $42.
Filet mignon at JAX in Maho was very good with veggies. $42
We only had a cheeseburger at Yellow Sub but it was overcooked and not good at all. We understand island time but they took it to extreme. Maybe just a bad day for the place, or possibly new ownership.
Cheeseburger and onion rings at Johnnie Burger in the airport was excellent. $17
Somehow we ended up trying espresso martinis on this trip which are somewhat addictive. Le'Telegraph in Orient Village and JAX in Maho make great ones.

The trip home on Feb 5 was nonstop SXM to EWR and uneventful. Got to the SXM airport on early for our United Flight on Wednesday and the airport was empty, breezed through check in and security. Had a drink at the new bar which was nice and empty early but filled up later.

When we arrived at EWR we got to try out Global Entry for the first time. It evidently has been streamlined even more, no fingerprint check. The kiosk just snaps a picture, give you a receipt (which you give to the customs guy) and you're on your way. If you have GE you don't fill out any paperwork on the plane either.

Since we live in Maryland we stayed overnight at the Crown Plaza EWR on the nights before our trip and the night of our return. This worked out well and the hotel and staff are great. $200 for the first night includes a week of parking, then $5 per day for as long as you are away. No limit on long you can park as far as I could tell. There was plenty of parking capacity so you can find a space where you won't come back to dinged up doors. The night of our return was about $130.

Thanks for all of the great trip reports from TTOL that give us ideas!

Attached picture 1R.jpg
Attached picture 2R.jpg
Attached picture 3R.jpg
Attached picture 4R.jpg
Attached picture 5R.jpg
Attached picture 6R.jpg
Attached picture 7R.jpg
Attached picture 8R.jpg
Attached picture 9R.jpg
Attached picture 10R.jpg
Attached picture 11R.jpg
Posted By: ruralcarrier

Re: Week Two Trip Report - 02/10/2020 02:30 PM

Thanks for the report, sounds like a good trip.
Posted By: SXMScubaman

Re: Week Two Trip Report - 02/10/2020 02:47 PM

Nice two weeks.
Posted By: Carol_Hill

Re: Week Two Trip Report - 02/10/2020 03:08 PM

Thanks for the report and the pictures! Sounds great!
Posted By: SXMNorm

Re: Week Two Trip Report - 02/10/2020 06:43 PM

Thanks for taking time to remember all that stuff and putting it down on paper. Nice to meet you gus also at ThePub.
Posted By: RonDon

Re: Week Two Trip Report - 02/10/2020 06:52 PM

Two weeks goes by fast, doesn't it. So many beaches and restaurants and so little time.
Posted By: BGH

Re: Week Two Trip Report - 02/10/2020 07:09 PM

What is the Lemon Drop sunset ritual .? ...We are staying in that area ..perhaps we will check this out
Posted By: Jim_Laraine

Re: Week Two Trip Report - 02/10/2020 08:43 PM

I've heard about it for many years but never took part. Right at sunset people gather at Cupecoy and do a lemon drop shot together. The girl at Dany bar told us this time of year it happens around 5:30.
Posted By: BGH

Re: Week Two Trip Report - 02/10/2020 08:50 PM

Thnx , most likely will attend a few ..We will have a similar sunset view from our balcony...
Posted By: Teresasxm

Re: Week Two Trip Report - 02/10/2020 09:12 PM

Loved your report - thanks so much for posting!
Posted By: jazzgal

Re: Week Two Trip Report - 02/10/2020 11:09 PM

Thanks for the nice report.
Posted By: pat

Re: Week Two Trip Report - 02/10/2020 11:45 PM

Very nice report. Thank you for your experiences. Skipjack has been our go to place for whole grilled lobsters since Lee’s closed. We used to think no one could beat the garlic butter basting sauce at Lee’s but what Skipjack was missing in that department they more than made up for in their ambiance and good service.
Posted By: BillandElaine

Re: Week Two Trip Report - 02/11/2020 12:47 PM

Get there quick. Lemon Drop season ends Thursday
© 2024 TravelTalkOnline