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Week 3, #2: December 5 – December 9 Trip Report #114412
12/13/2016 07:12 PM
12/13/2016 07:12 PM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline OP
Traveler
jazzgal  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
I indicated in the last report that this final one would be boring so caveat emptor.

Monday, December 5

It was a Divi Day. I have never seen Little Bay so calm; no drop-off and water was like glass. Just a heavenly beach day.

[Linked Image]

I wasn’t accustomed to seeing so many people at Divi – another demonstration of the difference between June and November. But it was so very nice spending time at my home resort; June can’t come soon enough!

I hadn’t yet seen Ruby Bute this trip and dropped by the Atrium in the hope she would still be showing her work at their Monday night party. Success! She has quite a few new paintings, and I picked up a couple of new prints, along with a couple of tiles; I think I now have ten of her tiles.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

After cleaning up at the condo, we returned to Fig for our second visit of this trip. I had the Asian salad with shrimp, which I have had in prior years. Still as good as ever.

[Linked Image]

Tuesday, December 6

My friend went golfing and I headed to the studio of Jean-Pierre Straub in Sandy Ground and acquired my fourth of his works.

[Linked Image]

It was time for lunch and Marina Royale was close. Note to self: if you haven’t heard anything good about a place, there may be a reason. But I was lured in to Le Galion, where the complimentary rum punch was very nice.

[Linked Image]

The salad nicoise with canned tuna, not so much. I was really irritated when who I assume was the owner brought me the check with the comment that “tip” was not included. It wasn’t when I paid, either.

Meandering back through Terres Basses, I stopped at Baie Longue, where absolutely no one was. It’s a gorgeous beach,

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

but it was very hot, and I felt a little uncomfortable being all alone so opted to not stay. Spent the rest of the afternoon on the condo deck reading and enjoying the changing weather views.

For the third Tuesday in a row, we headed to Karakter for the band and to meet up with island friends. To my ear, the musicianship in this band is excellent.

[Linked Image]

I miss the tapas menu that Karakter used to offer and thought the food was OK but nothing outstanding as it used to be. The place is hopping on Tuesday nights; still, the service was relatively decent in spite of that.

Wednesday, December 7

Our last full day dawned like this.

[Linked Image]
[img]http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc498/lrlehmann/SXM%20Nov%202016/IMG_4633_zps4uhf4ged.jpg[/img]

Our last night was spent with Capt. Neil on the Celine Too for the “pub crawl”; we met at the new Dinghy Dock. The weather looked threatening, but Neil managed to keep us out of the rain. Appetizers were at his son’s restaurant, The Stone, and they were very good: baked camembert, veggie spring rolls, some beef kebobs. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a picture of the appetizers. The Stone is now located where Avantika used to be.

[img]http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc498/lrlehmann/SXM%20Nov%202016/IMG_4635_zpsniulgyh1.jpg[/img]

We had a nice trip under the causeway to Porto Cupecoy for dinner at Rendez-vous. Those who had fish thought their dinner was good; my chicken dish was perhaps the least successful meal of the trip. The last stop was back at Dinghy Dock for brownies and ice cream. The attraction to this trip isn’t so much the food but the camaraderie, boating on the lagoon at night and, of course, Capt. Neil. It was a pleasant end to our trip.

Thursday, December 8

Travel day. Left the condo about 6:45 a.m. to take the car to Leisure, and they drove us to the airport. The woman who checked us in at Leisure noted some scratches on the back bumper that hadn’t been indicated on the rental agreement. I had no idea how they got there and had to write an incident report to that effect. She said they would get an estimate and let me know the result. (I emailed them after getting home and was told that they did get an estimate but that Jimmy decided to waive any damage fee. Thanks to Jimmy for that.)

I have Global Entry, and it was about half an hour gate to gate at MIA. There weren’t many planes in at the time and my friend, who does not have Global Entry, said it took about the same amount of time for her. The flight to DFW was on time, but DFW is where the trouble began. We were scheduled on a 6:45 p.m. flight to PDX. Shortly before time to board, there was an announcement of a half-hour delay departing for Portland due to snow and freezing rain in Portland. After the half hour had passed, we were told there would be a three-hour delay in the hope that temperatures would have risen and the runway would be safe for landing. After those three hours had passed, we were told the plane would depart at 7:00 a.m. the next morning, same gate and same flight number.

[img]http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc498/lrlehmann/SXM%20Nov%202016/WP_20161209_001_zpsn3wmpiot.jpg[/img]

I was able to get a room at the Hyatt Regency in DFW. By the time we were shuttled there and checked in, there was time for a shower and about five hours of sleep. But that was much preferable to sleeping in the airport, as many chose to do. The flight departed on time the next morning, and landing in Portland was uneventful. The Lyft driver who picked us up had to take an alternate route to get to my house due to all the ice still on the road, and we passed a truck jack-knifed on an exit en route. I opted to wait until afternoon to go pick my cats up from the cat retreat where they had been boarded as it’s located in the hills. By that time, however, the roads were clear and it was smooth sailing.

All in all, it was another great SXM vacation. It was a new experience for me being on the island in November; the most noticeable difference was the increased traffic. There were a couple of rainy days during the three weeks, but we generally were able to have beach days when we wanted to have them. Staying in the Maho area was also a new experience, and I didn’t spend very much time in the Simpson Bay area; there really are numerous good restaurants in the Maho and Cupecoy areas. The disadvantage to staying in Maho was the length of time it takes to get to French beaches on the opposite side of the island. Interestingly, and as noted in a previous report, traffic on weekends from Maho to those beaches was very light; during the week, not so much. Still, it’s a long drive by SXM standards.

My next trip will be in June when I’ll be back staying at Divi and The Horny Toad, and I just can’t wait. It remains to be seen if I will become a 2-trips-per-year visitor or not.


[Linked Image]
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Re: Week 3, #2: December 5 – December 9 Trip Report [Re: jazzgal] #114413
12/13/2016 08:40 PM
12/13/2016 08:40 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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pat  Offline
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
Aas one of the Nov/Dec crew who wasn't able to make the trip this year, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your time and your labor. Another beautiful chapter that was seriously appreciated. Glad you made it home safe and sound.

Let me tell you from personal experience being a twice a year gal is great but when the year happens that you don't make that second trip, it's a real heart-breaker.

Again, thanks for the lovely reports.


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Week 3, #2: December 5 – December 9 Trip Report [Re: jazzgal] #114414
12/13/2016 08:41 PM
12/13/2016 08:41 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
Thanks for the final installment and pictures, very nice and appreciated. Sorry your last night meal was not better but it sounds like the company made up for it. It was an enjoyable trip to follow.

Your trip home could have been better but the weather is out of our control.


J.D.
Re: Week 3, #2: December 5 – December 9 Trip Report [Re: jazzgal] #114415
12/13/2016 09:25 PM
12/13/2016 09:25 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Thanks for the report! Great as always!


Carol Hill
Re: Week 3, #2: December 5 – December 9 Trip Report [Re: jazzgal] #114416
12/14/2016 08:56 AM
12/14/2016 08:56 AM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,040
falmouth,MA
wendyk Offline
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wendyk  Offline
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,040
falmouth,MA
Thanks, Linda. I very much enjoyed all of your trip repots and pictures.

Re: Week 3, #2: December 5 – December 9 Trip Report [Re: jazzgal] #114417
12/14/2016 10:02 AM
12/14/2016 10:02 AM
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,132
St Louis, MO
SXMNorm Offline
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SXMNorm  Offline
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,132
St Louis, MO
Thanks for another enjoyable report Linda. Love your new Straub creation. He is a VERY talented man.


Next SXM visit -November 2023. Also January 2024.
Re: Week 3, #2: December 5 – December 9 Trip Report [Re: jazzgal] #114418
12/14/2016 10:05 AM
12/14/2016 10:05 AM
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,929
Connecticut
The_Lurker Offline
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The_Lurker  Offline
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,929
Connecticut
Boring it is NOT!
Loved reading and seeing all the great photos!

All these years and there is always something new to learn.

I have never heard of Ruby Bute. I would love to see her work on our next trip.
Is she ever at the Market Place in Marigot?

I will definitely have to try Fig again and Karakters on Tuesday night. We can often hear their music from Beachside Villas.

Thank-you for taking the time to post your reports!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Re: Week 3, #2: December 5 – December 9 Trip Report [Re: The_Lurker] #114419
12/14/2016 11:54 AM
12/14/2016 11:54 AM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline OP
Traveler
jazzgal  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
To my knowledge, she is not at Marigot Market. However, she has "studio hours" at her home. Going down the main road to Friar's Bay, take a left (instead of right) when you come to the fork. Her house and studio are a little way down that road on the right.

[Linked Image]


[Linked Image]
Re: Week 3, #2: December 5 – December 9 Trip Report [Re: jazzgal] #114420
12/14/2016 11:54 AM
12/14/2016 11:54 AM
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 480
Northern California
T
thesimpsons Offline
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thesimpsons  Offline
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T
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 480
Northern California
Thank you for your reports and pictures!!

Re: Week 3, #2: December 5 – December 9 [Re: jazzgal] #114421
12/14/2016 01:00 PM
12/14/2016 01:00 PM
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,408
Yonkers, NY
fabila Offline
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fabila  Offline
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,408
Yonkers, NY
Thanks for taking us along for your ride. Sounds like a wonderful trip and I appreciate you sharing. Merry Christmas, Linda.

Re: Week 3, #2: December 5 – December 9 Trip Report [Re: jazzgal] #114422
12/14/2016 01:11 PM
12/14/2016 01:11 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 769
Western MA
S
SandS Offline
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SandS  Offline
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S
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 769
Western MA
Thank you for taking the time to do the trip reports. We enjoy them and it makes the time until our trip go faster. Happy Holidays.

Re: Week 3, #2: December 5 – December 9 [Re: fabila] #114423
12/14/2016 05:26 PM
12/14/2016 05:26 PM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,668
L
LBI2SXM Offline
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LBI2SXM  Offline
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L
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,668
Enjoyed all of your reports! Love your new avatar! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Re: Week 3, #2: December 5 – December 9 Trip Report [Re: jazzgal] #114424
12/15/2016 11:17 AM
12/15/2016 11:17 AM
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,697
D
DonLinda Offline
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DonLinda  Offline
Traveler
D
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,697
Linda,...really enjoyed your reports...love the pictures and happy to see you healthy and recovered.

Re: Week 3, #2: December 5 – December 9 Trip Report [Re: DonLinda] #114425
12/15/2016 01:31 PM
12/15/2016 01:31 PM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline OP
Traveler
jazzgal  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
Looking forward to seeing you and Linda in June!


[Linked Image]
Re: Week 3, #2: December 5 – December 9 [Re: fabila] #114426
12/15/2016 07:18 PM
12/15/2016 07:18 PM
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 334
Pittsburgh, PA
jerber160 Offline
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jerber160  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 334
Pittsburgh, PA
I had some great foie gras at Le Galion.. it was a fun afternoon

Re: Week 3, #2: December 5 – December 9 [Re: jerber160] #114427
12/15/2016 07:39 PM
12/15/2016 07:39 PM
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 789
Toronto Canada
moxie Offline
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moxie  Offline
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 789
Toronto Canada
Thanks again for all your reports and pics-I really enjoy them. Coming home to ice and snow is not nice.

Re: Week 3, #2: December 5 – December 9 [Re: moxie] #114428
12/15/2016 08:03 PM
12/15/2016 08:03 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Agreed! We have our a/c on here at the moment! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />


Carol Hill
Re: Week 3, #2: December 5 – December 9 [Re: Carol_Hill] #114429
12/15/2016 08:09 PM
12/15/2016 08:09 PM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline OP
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jazzgal  Offline OP
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
Quote
Carol_Hill said:
Agreed! We have our a/c on here at the moment! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />


Oh, rub it in! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> Portland had another "snowstorm" last night. Not that much snow in actuality, but the freezing really messed traffic up.


[Linked Image]
Re: Week 3, #2: December 5 – December 9 [Re: jazzgal] #114430
12/15/2016 09:42 PM
12/15/2016 09:42 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
The last snow I saw was in Virginia in 2006. Haven't been back since. Don't miss it!!!


Carol Hill
Re: Week 3, #2: December 5 – December 9 [Re: Carol_Hill] #114431
12/15/2016 09:52 PM
12/15/2016 09:52 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
Traveler
pat  Offline
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
Hmmmm. The last snow I saw was uh, Monday? Not too much so they're supposed to give us more tomorrow night. Oh, goody! Can't wait?? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Week 3, #2: December 5 – December 9 [Re: jazzgal] #114432
12/16/2016 12:17 PM
12/16/2016 12:17 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline
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BeachKitten  Offline
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
Thank your for sharing your report and pictures. I enjoy the island art scene and galleries as well.

Love the new colorful avatar! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: Week 3, #2: December 5 – December 9 Trip Report [Re: pat] #114433
12/18/2016 09:47 PM
12/18/2016 09:47 PM
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 483
Long Island, New York
Bobbie Offline
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Bobbie  Offline
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 483
Long Island, New York
Very nice report. Enjoyed the pics. Wish I knew how to add those! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />


Bobbie smile
Re: Week 3, #2: December 5 – December 9 Trip Report [Re: Bobbie] #114434
12/18/2016 10:01 PM
12/18/2016 10:01 PM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline OP
Traveler
jazzgal  Offline OP
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
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