We had been looking forward to this vacation for what seemed like forever. The day was finally here!! Airways Transit picked us up about 10 am, and we were off to the airport in Toronto for what we hoped would be two wonderful weeks of sun, sand, warm ocean water and lots of relaxation. We were not disappointed.

Our direct flight on Air Transat was pretty much on time and uneventful. Just the way we like them! We were however, squished in pretty tight. Not much legroom on those planes, - 228 people on a 757 - go figure!! We arrived at the Princess Juliana Airport in St. Maarten about 7 pm. It was just getting dark. There were lineups at customs/immigration, however they moved along fairly fast and we were quickly through. We didn't have to wait for luggage since we travel light - only two carryons - an advantage to staying at Club Orient!! We walked directly out of the airport building and quickly caught a taxi with a very friendly driver. We enjoyed some light conversation on the way, making a few jokes about where we were staying and our lack of luggage. Judging from previous trips, this almost always enters into the conversation.

We arrived at Club O about 8pm and received our keys to our unit from the security guard. After 5 pm the office is closed and this is standard procedure for later arrivals. This time we were in Studio #13 and since the number 13 is usually lucky for us, this was a good sign! We quickly settled into our unit and then we walked up to Papagayos (the restaurant/bar at Club O), to get a drink and enjoy the music and dancing since it was Saturday night. We could finally relax!!! We were amazed at the number of familiar faces of people we met or at least remembered from last July. It was like old home week!!!

I won't go through a detailed report of each day since most days were very much the same. We would get up by about 6am, shower and then enjoy a leisurely walk down the entire length of Orient beach and back. We usually would meet other nude walkers and exchange a very friendly "good morning." Following our walk, we would return to our unit for breakfast. Often we would buy a couple of very tasty pastries from L'Orientique (the store at Club O), and enjoy them outside on our patio. A couple of times we had breakfast at Papagayos. What better way to start the day than to sit and enjoy a leisurely breakfast while taking in the lovely view of Orient beach!

Following breakfast, it was time to hit the beach! We enjoy Orient beach the best, and would stake out the required number of lounge chairs for us and some friends at the Club O end each day. By 10:30am it was time for that first cold beer. This has become almost a ritual with us, beginning with our first trip to the island in July '99.

Some days we would go to a beach bar for lunch. We often ate at Baywatch, which is just north of Pedros right on the beach. We like their food and also have gotten to know Andy & Sheryl who own and run the place. Another reason we like it is that we don't have to get dressed (they don't mind nudity)!! We also ate at Pedros a few times to enjoy their ribs, and yes you guessed it, we don't have to get dressed there either. Do you see a trend here?!!

Some nights we would enjoy dinner at Papagayos. On the nights when there was music and dancing (Tues, Thurs, & Saturday), the place was noticeably busier. The new manager is really trying to improve the place and has promised some long awaited changes to the menu. We look forward to that. The staff is usually very friendly and remembers you from previous stays. This always gives us a good feeling.

A few nights we gave in and got dressed for dinner out with friends. This year we tried Le Cotonnier in the Cul de Sac (twice) where the food and prices were quite good. Adding to the enjoyment of the meal and the company of friends, was the delightful waitress, Fred (short for Frederique). We returned to L'Alabama in Grand Case and enjoyed the meal immensely. One of the couples we were with insisted on paying the entire bill, which was extremely generous!! Thanks very very much, Diana & Jonesy!!! We also tried L'Escapade in Grand Case, which is on the water side and so has a nice view. The food was OK but not spectacular. A couple of times we ate at Boo Boo Jams, which is one of the few beach bars/restaurant which is open later for dinner on Orient Beach (except closed on Tuesdays evenings during off season at least). We really enjoyed their food, the waitress was very friendly and remembered us when we returned, and the prices help keep the costs of eating out under control. Another inexpensive place we tried was called Le Madras (sp?), which is located in behind some new shops on the paved road which leads down to Orient Beach in behind Bikini beach bar, L'Hoste, etc. Their menu is limited but inexpensive. They have some interesting pizzas and their lobster ravioli was quite good.

Diana & Jonesy were staying at Green Cay, (Unit 18 I believe), and we were fortunate to be invited up one afternoon when it was too windy on the beach. Very nice, large, modern and private units with their own pool and a great view!! Their next door neighbours also had a party one afternoon which was a lot of fun. Thanks Ed & Susie!!! Both units are private enough to be nude if you want.

Before we knew it our 2 weeks were over and it was time to return home. Since our flight didn't leave until 8 pm we at least had lots of beach time on our last day. We had lunch with 3 other couples at Baywatch and said our good byes to Andy & Sheryl. They made a special point of wishing us well with a big hug and thank you! We also said our good byes to our good friends Tina & Dave and Dennis & Joy, both of whom we knew from last year. It was great seeing you again!! A special thanks to Tina & Dave for providing the transportation everywhere!

Our flight home was pretty much on time and uneventful. Getting back to reality is really hard and it almost brings tears to our eyes to leave the island. Can't wait to return!!!

Don & Linda