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Our trip so far.. #132985
06/18/2017 12:03 PM
06/18/2017 12:03 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
THE TRIP DOWN
We booked our air in January on AA. We only had enough miles for one ticket, so I bought my ticket for $410 roundtrip, Tampa to Charlotte to SXM, then the EARLY SXM to Miami to Tampa on the way home. We normally just drive 3 1/2 hours to Miami for the nonstop from Miami, but it was $300 MORE for that when we booked. Eric booked Tampa to the evening Miami flight to SXM, because that was all that was available at the time on frequent flyer tickets. So we were on different flights on the way down. We have often booked ff tickets with flights that were not what we wanted and have always been able to change them to better flights. This time we checked ALL the time until just two days before we were due to leave, before we FINALLY were able to get Eric on the same flights I was on. The flights were outrageously expensive the whole time to book, up until the last day, and there were easily 40 seats available Tampa to Charlotte and 50 seats available on the Charlotte to SXM flight, at the time we checked in.

So, on Thursday morning we were up at 3:45 AM for the two hour drive to Tampa, parked in the economy parking garage, checked one bag outside and were through security and at our gate within 25 minutes of parking. This was despite me getting TSA pre-check and Eric not, so we both went through the regular line.

I'm not sure what happened the day before our flight from Tampa. That morning there were 20 people on a stand by list and only about half made it on to what was then a full flight. They were offering to check carry on bags for free, so we checked one of our carry on bags (the one with nothing in it but clothes!!), all the way to SXM. The flight to Charlotte was uneventful and on time.

Once in Charlotte we split a burger at the bar next to the gate and eventually boarded. When we boarded the cabin attendant was asking people what their seats were, and moving most people up front, as the whole front of the plane had been empty, because no one had paid the ridiculous price to 'upgrade' to seats in the front. Without any prompting from us on seat location, she put us in row 16 by ourselves, so that we had three seats for the two of us (as did most everyone else) . It made for a lovely trip down.

ARRIVAL IN SXM
We arrived about a half hour early and the only other plane on the ground was another AA flight, that was already through immigration. There were NO forms to fill out and we were through immigration, got our bags and were sitting in the van going to Travel Rent a Car within twenty five minutes of when our plane landed!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

We went to Beachside Villas and admired the renovations to our unit.

And that view!

[Linked Image]

We dropped off our bags, and were back out the door to go to Grand Marche by 4 PM, an hour from when we landed. Traffic in Simpson Bay was bad--how shocking!--so it was 45 minutes to Grand Marche. We got a bunch of essentials and were back 'home' by around 6 PM, with the trip back (including the 'passing the scooter' incident!!) much quicker than the trip over had been.

I sent Eric over tothe boat bar for a carry out pizza while I unpacked. A few slices of pizza, with some drinks, and it was time for slumber!!

Friday morning Eric fixed us a ham and cheese omelette for breakfast. We didn't find many good deals on wine at Grand Marche, so Friday morning we headed out to Super U for some wine and a couple of other things. Lunch was burgers on the grill.

Dinner was at La Patrona for our anniversary. See the separate note regarding that. After dinner we headed over to Hollywood, where I had fun at roulette for a while, before I eventually lost my a$$. Oh well..

SATURDAY
Saturday dawned beautiful, as the weather during the day had been so far.


[Linked Image]

The beach here is beautiful at the moment, although it does have some 'waves' in it, so not totally level. We have seen basically no seaweed here, as there are just bits on the beach, and we have not seen anyone cleaning the beach here.


As always, our primary occupation here is just watching the passing view out our back door.

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

Breakfast was some croissants from An Pain Gourmet (by Super U).


Lunch was grilled chicken sandwiches with chips and salsa and fruit.

[Linked Image]

I was concerned that it would be too crowded on the deck with the grill, but we have had no problems with space on the deck.

And inside, the transformation is amazing! I LOVE it!


[Linked Image]
As before, during the day, we leave the front and back doors wide open and have the a/c off. It is so nice in the evening to be able to close up everything and put the a/c on and watch TV in the living room, with the doors closed for security.

Dinner Saturday evening was some baked brie that we found on markdown at Super U, for being short-dated. Saturday morning I sent Eric over to Carrefour for some strawberries, which they hadn't had at Super U. As usual, he came back with those, but ended up with some additional goodies, like some caviar and champagne! It was a lovely dinner!
[Linked Image]




SUNDAY

We heard some HARD rain overnight but Sunday dawned fairly bright, along with nice breezes. So far we had about 5 minutes of sprinkles Saturday evening around 7, but otherwise the weather has been beautiful during the day, with nice breezes.

Breakfast was continental affair, with some sliced ham and cheese and some fruit and a crossaint. Lunch looks to be ribs on the grill and potato salad. Life is good!

Last edited by Carol_Hill; 06/18/2017 12:53 PM.
SXM Sponsors
Re: Our trip so far.. [Re: Carol_Hill] #132986
06/18/2017 12:20 PM
06/18/2017 12:20 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline
Traveler
BeachKitten  Offline
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
Looks wonderful!! What a relaxing start. Happy Anniversary.

Would going over the causeway to Carefour have been quicker ?


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: Our trip so far.. [Re: Carol_Hill] #132987
06/18/2017 12:21 PM
06/18/2017 12:21 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.
So very happy that everything worked out with both the travel arrangements - flights, seats, etc., and the weather and beach conditions as well. Belatedly (but don't forget how early I was originally <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />...) happy anniversary.

I hope the rest of your trip is just as perfect. <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: Our trip so far.. [Re: BeachKitten] #132988
06/18/2017 12:39 PM
06/18/2017 12:39 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
Carrefour would have been quicker, for sure, but we had preferred Grand Marche. However, the selection this year at Carrefour has been better actually.


Carol Hill
Re: Our trip so far.. [Re: pat] #132989
06/18/2017 12:40 PM
06/18/2017 12:40 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
Yes, as you know, I was really stressing over the flights!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> Thanks for the wishes!

Just added a couple more pictures...

Last edited by Carol_Hill; 06/18/2017 12:54 PM.

Carol Hill
Re: Our trip so far.. [Re: pat] #132990
06/18/2017 04:19 PM
06/18/2017 04:19 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,585
Eric_Hill Offline

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Eric_Hill  Offline

Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,585
Hay Pat I am here also!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> Just remember that, your DH is there also! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

I went to the grocery store and everything!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> I got the champagne, like a good husband should!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Had to give you grief!!!! All in fun!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Grilled ribs for lunch.


Eric Hill
TTOL Sponsors
Re: Our trip so far.. [Re: Eric_Hill] #132991
06/18/2017 04:26 PM
06/18/2017 04:26 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,585
Eric_Hill Offline

Traveler
Eric_Hill  Offline

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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,585
Pat and everybody -- wait until the pixs from the grill today. Was wonderful and I did not over cook them. Grilled ribs for lunch in SXM and the view from the deck??? Ok how is this bad??? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />


Eric Hill
TTOL Sponsors
Re: Our trip so far.. [Re: Eric_Hill] #132992
06/18/2017 04:39 PM
06/18/2017 04:39 PM
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
Eric so funny !
Do we sometimes forget our husbands???

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Happy Anniversary!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" />

Re: Our trip so far.. [Re: The_Lurker] #132993
06/18/2017 04:53 PM
06/18/2017 04:53 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,585
Eric_Hill Offline

Traveler
Eric_Hill  Offline

Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,585
Just to give Pat more grief! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Yes, we had potato salad for lunch.............. anybody wants to know, just ask Pat!!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> Nothing there, but ask anyway.

BTW, I got the strawberries for the champagne also, what is it with strawberries and champagne anyway???? This has to be a.......... not going there at all..... otherwise will have to lock this thread!!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Vacation is good............ cannot argue with that under any circumstances. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />


Eric Hill
TTOL Sponsors
Re: Our trip so far.. [Re: Carol_Hill] #132994
06/18/2017 09:51 PM
06/18/2017 09:51 PM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,141
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
islandgem Offline
Traveler
islandgem  Offline
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,141
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Nice report Carol and of course Eric. You can't have champagne without strawberries, but dipping them in chocolate would have been nice if Eric had thought to buy some! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />




Re: Our trip so far.. [Re: Carol_Hill] #132995
06/19/2017 01:26 AM
06/19/2017 01:26 AM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Online content
Traveler
jazzgal  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
Very nice report and great pictures. I, too, was on AA and I did have a form to fill out!


[Linked Image]
Re: Our trip so far.. [Re: jazzgal] #132996
06/19/2017 07:25 AM
06/19/2017 07:25 AM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
Traveler
pat  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
The last two trips two trips we made to SXM on AA they gave us forms but they weren't collected at the airport. Our April JB trip they didn't even give them to us and I think they said the forms were no longer necessary. And likewise, coming back into NY on that same trip but that might have been because of having GE?


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Our trip so far.. [Re: jazzgal] #132997
06/19/2017 08:39 AM
06/19/2017 08:39 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
How weird! They didn't say anything about them on our flight and the immigration lady didn't say anything either. We were standing in front of her less than 30 seconds, long enough for her to welcome us back!


Carol Hill
Re: Our trip so far.. [Re: islandgem] #132998
06/19/2017 08:40 AM
06/19/2017 08:40 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
Elizabeth--I didn't think to ask him to get them, so guess it's partly my fault! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" />


Carol Hill
Re: Our trip so far.. [Re: Carol_Hill] #132999
06/19/2017 08:52 AM
06/19/2017 08:52 AM
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 726
New Jersey
NJHarry Offline
Traveler
NJHarry  Offline
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 726
New Jersey
Have a great time! I really enjoyed your pictures and the view. Looks perfect.

Re: Our trip so far.. [Re: NJHarry] #133000
06/19/2017 09:08 AM
06/19/2017 09:08 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
Thanks! It has been pretty darn good so far!


Carol Hill
Re: Our trip so far.. [Re: Carol_Hill] #133001
06/19/2017 08:50 PM
06/19/2017 08:50 PM
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,143
JimCandD Offline
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JimCandD  Offline
Traveler
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,143
We arrived here on SXM Thursday on Delta from Atlanta and we didn't have to fill out any card as well. Going through customs was a breeze. Glad you are having a good trip so far. TV ?

Re: Our trip so far.. [Re: JimCandD] #133002
06/19/2017 09:11 PM
06/19/2017 09:11 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
Sorry--TV??


Carol Hill

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