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First week report and observations
#152400
01/14/2018 11:33 PM
01/14/2018 11:33 PM
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Joined: May 2014
Posts: 143 Ontario
Canuck54
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 143
Ontario
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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.
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Re: First week report and observations
[Re: Canuck54]
#152401
01/15/2018 12:15 AM
01/15/2018 12:15 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,654 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,654
Brookfield, CT.
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Very nice. TY for sharing and hoping there will be more to follow. ๐๐
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: First week report and observations
[Re: Canuck54]
#152414
01/15/2018 07:28 AM
01/15/2018 07:28 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,559 Ohio
ruralcarrier
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,559
Ohio
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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.
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Re: First week report and observations
[Re: Canuck54]
#152415
01/15/2018 07:33 AM
01/15/2018 07:33 AM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,586 St Maarten
BillandElaine
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,586
St Maarten
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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....
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Re: First week report and observations
[Re: Canuck54]
#152478
01/15/2018 03:10 PM
01/15/2018 03:10 PM
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,614 originally Long Island, NY/now...
irish1223
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,614
originally Long Island, NY/now...
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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. 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.
Robin & Ed
Oneโs destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. - Henry Miller
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