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First week report and observations #152400
01/14/2018 11:33 PM
01/14/2018 11:33 PM
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 142
Ontario
C
Canuck54 Offline OP
Traveler
Canuck54  Offline OP
Traveler
C
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 142
Ontario
First off if you are able to find affordable flights and can find suitable lodging I would not hesitate to come on down, we have had a great time so far but more importantly we have been thanked so often that it is obvious that we are indeed welcome.

American air from MIA last Sunday was full, fair number of locals returning and students ot the Medical School, short walk from plane to arrival tent which is quick and off to pick up rental car from Empress. Waiting for us at La Vista Beach where we stay for three weeks. The Beach part of the resort looks great, rooms have some new appliances and furnishings and smelled of fresh paint. Even the the thatched umbrellas have been repaired as of yesterday and Hideaway officially opens Tuesday for breakfast and lunch.

We toured the island a bit, nothing we did not expect as there have been more than enough pictures of the devastation and in some areas it is heartbreaking. Other areas however have either not had too much damage or have rebuilt quickly. Pelican and Simpson Bay Area probably are the best areas at the present time, lots of restaurants, grocery and entertainment options. Breakfast at the Yaght Club and supper at Palms, just Greg and Jo at Palms doing it all.

Other restaurants were IZI, Sale e Pepe, Toppers Pineapple Pete and tonight was Avantika, all were great. We also enjoyed a few breakfasts at Gigi's after our morning walk of the causeway.

Used to avoid Phillipsburg when cruise ships in but now it's better since stores are sure to be open and there is a pretty good vibe there. They have really done a good job turning the beach area into what you used to see at Orient, bars on the beach, lots of chairs and umbrellas. Holland house for example was offering two chairs one umbrella and four drinks for $20.

Trafic is very light most of the time but there is a lot of construction going on, have to say we are very impressed with the pace, not like the old days where " island time" meant you would measure projects in years, these guys are getting it done. That said though there is still a lot to do.

Need to bring a flashlight if walking after dark many street lights still out, wearing sandals at night also not a good idea as I stepped on a broken beer bottle ( no flashlight yet) and cut my foot.

Having a fabulous time so far will keep you posted.

SXM Sponsors
Re: First week report and observations [Re: Canuck54] #152401
01/15/2018 12:15 AM
01/15/2018 12:15 AM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
Traveler
pat  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
Very nice. TY for sharing and hoping there will be more to follow. ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜Š


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: First week report and observations [Re: Canuck54] #152402
01/15/2018 12:17 AM
01/15/2018 12:17 AM
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
P
PelicanPirate Offline
Traveler
PelicanPirate  Offline
Traveler
P
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
Itโ€™s good to be hearing GOOD old trip reports again. Thanks.

Re: First week report and observations [Re: Canuck54] #152408
01/15/2018 01:54 AM
01/15/2018 01:54 AM
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 66
M
molldoll Offline
Traveler
molldoll  Offline
Traveler
M
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 66
I am an owner at LaVista and anxious to hear about how the property is coming along. Any details would be appreciated.

Re: First week report and observations [Re: Canuck54] #152409
01/15/2018 02:09 AM
01/15/2018 02:09 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Offline
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,564
Auburn, WA
As an owner you should have received an update as our friends did that are owners.

Re: First week report and observations [Re: Canuck54] #152414
01/15/2018 07:28 AM
01/15/2018 07:28 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
Traveler
ruralcarrier  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
Thanks for your report.

There seems to be conflicting information regarding traffic as some reports indicate is it heavy and you found it to be lighter.


J.D.
Re: First week report and observations [Re: Canuck54] #152415
01/15/2018 07:33 AM
01/15/2018 07:33 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
Traveler
BillandElaine  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,560
St Maarten
It has lightened WAY up in the past week or so. The month or more leading up to that was pure gridlock every day!


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: First week report and observations [Re: molldoll] #152422
01/15/2018 08:12 AM
01/15/2018 08:12 AM
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 142
Ontario
C
Canuck54 Offline OP
Traveler
Canuck54  Offline OP
Traveler
C
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 142
Ontario
La Vista BEACH is amazing, comparing my view from our deck of Carnival Sunshine approaching is practicality identical to my screen saver picture taken several years ago. No TV yet but free internet to compensate. Laundry machines and ice maker are apparently on site but not yet hooked up. La Vista ( upper portion) is a different situation, still a lot to do before any units ready for occupancy there is a lot of roofing material laying in the parking lot. Apparently some engineering reports and insurance stuff still to resolve but the offices, hideaway restaurant and the pool and pool deck are nice and as of tomorrow all open. We will report any new progress or any news before we leave in a few weeks.

Re: First week report and observations [Re: Canuck54] #152436
01/15/2018 10:12 AM
01/15/2018 10:12 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,466
Central Florida!
Thanks for the report and the headsup regarding a flashlight.


Carol Hill
Re: First week report and observations [Re: Canuck54] #152478
01/15/2018 03:10 PM
01/15/2018 03:10 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,613
originally Long Island, NY/now...
irish1223 Offline
Traveler
irish1223  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,613
originally Long Island, NY/now...
Thanks for the great reports! We will be at LVB in June, though with airline prices the way they are, we might have to walk to SXM. rofl Glad to hear things are progressing on the island. Also glad to hear IZI is open, as we really like it there.

Reading the most recent reports is helping us to get through a VERY cold winter. cheers


Robin & Ed

Oneโ€™s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. - Henry Miller

Re: First week report and observations [Re: irish1223] #152536
01/16/2018 07:30 AM
01/16/2018 07:30 AM
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 142
Ontario
C
Canuck54 Offline OP
Traveler
Canuck54  Offline OP
Traveler
C
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 142
Ontario
Brand new laundry and ice machine now in place at La Vista but not yet hooked up, progress every day.
Another favorite Piazza Pascal opened Sunday so we went there last night, Donna and Pascal hard at work and will be waiting for you.

Re: First week report and observations [Re: Canuck54] #152559
01/16/2018 11:08 AM
01/16/2018 11:08 AM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 685
Rhode Island
Bluesfan Offline
Traveler
Bluesfan  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 685
Rhode Island
Please check your private messages. I sent you one. thanks.


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