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May 2018 trip report #163092
06/10/2018 01:18 PM
06/10/2018 01:18 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline OP
Traveler
BeachKitten  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
May 23-May 29

This was our shortest and quickest trip ever. Also, the most expensive airfare ever. Thankfully the trip down we could use miles, and only had to pay for the return. Down on American from BWI, and back on Delta (with two in-pet fares).

Getting up at 3:00 a.m. makes for one long travel day. We did arrive on island by 2:45. Met Lesley for the car, hugs all around…and stories. Then hit Maho Market (we have such a routine there! Eggs, creamer, turkey bacon, cheeses, baguette, buy 2 get 1 free wines, water….OUT!) We bring our own ground coffee so we were set for the next morning.

Check in at Beach Side Villas. They have done so much work! We were only the second people to stay in repaired Villa #4. New manager Michelle showed us to our room…she also works at Dinghy Dock (and turned 55 last week!) Happy Birthday Michelle.

[Linked Image]

After dropping bags off in the room, quickly unpacking, hanging clothes, popping wine in fridge, it was off to Driftwood for a DRINK! We usually are at the Towers and hit the pool and bar there, so this was our alternative “ahh, we’ve arrived” moment. Went pretty well! Had not really planned on eating there, but after 2 (3?) rum punches we ordered pizza. It was actually very good. So hungry and tired that there are no pictures of the aforementioned pizza….lol. Left to hit the room and our pool as there was no way in H.E.Doubletoothpicks I was going to the bathroom in that porta-potty at Driftwood! wink

[Linked Image]

First morning decided not to cook and went to Zee Best in Simpson Bay. Deeeeelicious as ever. Hugs and smiles and welcomes again. Caught up with my Birthday Twin, had our Fizz drinks….champagne and passion fruit. My Twin bought me a round.

[Linked Image]

We had decided that this first day would be, as many have done, driving around the island. Taking the low-lands route we headed for Orient. Signs of slow progress, but thankful people. Strange to see the places we watched videos of and have seen so many pictures of since September 2017. The building that burned, remembering the story of using pool water to fight the fire. The restaurants that are gone, where we have SO MANY wonderful memories, and one of our beautiful cats came from.

Walked down to Perch Lite, past Chez Leandra’s and Sun Clubber…all attempting to serve what they can, usually via a generator humming in the background. Ran into Luis the swimsuit guy. He told his story of finding his shop all the way over by the Butterfly Farm, the 30 foot waves, being told to evacuate. He has put his kids in private school as their school is not repaired and has no roof. He is selling hand painted scarves/wraps to make money. I was more than happy to buy one.

Perch Lite:
[Linked Image]

Sun Clubber:
[Linked Image]

Chez
[Linked Image]

Our beloved Kakao
[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

As has been said, no car was left unscathed. Most have duct tape, plexiglass windows or windshields, and what we began to call Saran Wrap Cars.

[Linked Image]

To be continued……..






Last edited by Carol_Hill; 06/10/2018 02:46 PM.

"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
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Re: May 2018 trip report [Re: BeachKitten] #163093
06/10/2018 02:48 PM
06/10/2018 02:48 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,486
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,486
Central Florida!
Hey, thanks so much for the report! Made it a new thread. Looking forward to the rest of the story!


Carol Hill
Re: May 2018 trip report [Re: BeachKitten] #163096
06/10/2018 03:45 PM
06/10/2018 03:45 PM
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 35
P
paul2pam Offline
Traveler
paul2pam  Offline
Traveler
P
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 35
Great report and awesome photos.
Thanks for sharing.

Re: May 2018 trip report [Re: BeachKitten] #163098
06/10/2018 04:20 PM
06/10/2018 04:20 PM
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,929
Connecticut
The_Lurker Offline
Traveler
The_Lurker  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,929
Connecticut
clapping

Re: May 2018 trip report [Re: BeachKitten] #163100
06/10/2018 04:55 PM
06/10/2018 04:55 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 760
Chicago area & St-Martin
ChiTownHarry Offline
Traveler
ChiTownHarry  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 760
Chicago area & St-Martin
Thanks for the report


--ChiTownHarry
Re: May 2018 trip report [Re: BeachKitten] #163101
06/10/2018 05:15 PM
06/10/2018 05:15 PM
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 656
Maine
SXMbeacher Offline
Traveler
SXMbeacher  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 656
Maine
Great report and pictures. Thanks!



Re: May 2018 trip report [Re: BeachKitten] #163105
06/10/2018 05:45 PM
06/10/2018 05:45 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,572
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,572
Auburn, WA
Great report. Looking forward to your Pinel pictures and dialogue. Maybe the "Mermaids" that delayed the boat. LOL

Re: May 2018 trip report [Re: BeachKitten] #163106
06/10/2018 05:49 PM
06/10/2018 05:49 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,477
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
Traveler
ruralcarrier  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,477
Ohio
Thanks for the report and pictures.


J.D.
Re: May 2018 trip report [Re: BeachKitten] #163109
06/10/2018 08:33 PM
06/10/2018 08:33 PM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,668
L
LBI2SXM Offline
Traveler
LBI2SXM  Offline
Traveler
L
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,668
Enjoyed your report. Looking forward to the next part. (Take your time).LOL

Re: May 2018 trip report [Re: BeachKitten] #163114
06/11/2018 12:20 AM
06/11/2018 12:20 AM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
Biturbo Offline
Traveler
Biturbo  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
Thanks for sharing. Great photos.


I'm going where the weather suits my clothes.
Re: May 2018 trip report [Re: BeachKitten] #163124
06/11/2018 07:39 AM
06/11/2018 07:39 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 600
Eastern NC, N Topsail Beach
S
SXMFOX Offline
Traveler
SXMFOX  Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 600
Eastern NC, N Topsail Beach
Great report! Pictures look fantastic! Wish we were still there, but back to the real world!

Re: May 2018 trip report [Re: BeachKitten] #163140
06/11/2018 12:38 PM
06/11/2018 12:38 PM
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,313
Granville, MA
PreK176 Offline
Traveler
PreK176  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,313
Granville, MA
Thanks for the report! We love Beachside Villas and Driftwood is our go to place. Only difference is we use Jeannie to stock up breakfast foods and drinks so we can settle in to luxury the first day without having to shop. Love that girl! Our day also begins at 3am so it is great to not have to make an extra stop! Already looking forward to next April. Haven't met Michelle but glad that they have someone on site to help guests with issues.


[Linked Image]
[/url]
Re: May 2018 trip report [Re: BeachKitten] #163141
06/11/2018 12:39 PM
06/11/2018 12:39 PM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,399
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
Traveler
GaKaye  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,399
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
Thanks for the first installment; I look forward to the rest. Much progress has been made on Orient since we were there just last month.

Re: May 2018 trip report [Re: GaKaye] #163143
06/11/2018 12:48 PM
06/11/2018 12:48 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline OP
Traveler
BeachKitten  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
Hey Georgia...you may have posted right as I posted the second installment... wink

PreK, yes we have used Jeannie in the past especially if it was a two week trip. But 6 nights was so fast and I knew exactly what I needed and wanted. Was in/out in 10 minutes. Besides, I love local stores.


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: May 2018 trip report [Re: BeachKitten] #163323
06/13/2018 11:18 PM
06/13/2018 11:18 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline OP
Traveler
BeachKitten  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
Fabila..hope you see this


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: May 2018 trip report [Re: BeachKitten] #163399
06/14/2018 08:19 PM
06/14/2018 08:19 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,628
Southern Maryland suburbs of D...
Bill_S Offline
Traveler
Bill_S  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,628
Southern Maryland suburbs of D...
Hi Beach Kitten, thank you so much for the great report(s)...!

We hope to head back down to SXM next summer...or maybe in the spring...

Bill and Linda


Bill
Re: May 2018 trip report [Re: Bill_S] #163403
06/14/2018 10:30 PM
06/14/2018 10:30 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline OP
Traveler
BeachKitten  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
Bill, you really should! Everything you love about the place is still there. Trust.


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: May 2018 trip report [Re: BeachKitten] #163760
06/18/2018 11:09 PM
06/18/2018 11:09 PM
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 pictures. I haven't spent much time on Orient yet (and actually may not) so your photos are especially interesting. I am glad Luis can put his kids in private school.


[Linked Image]
Re: May 2018 trip report [Re: jazzgal] #163866
06/19/2018 10:12 PM
06/19/2018 10:12 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline OP
Traveler
BeachKitten  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
Linda, Luis was also saying that in addition to the school he had to pay for 300 euro for the food during the day at school? I dunno.

Surprised that as many people love Orient, and have in the past mentioned getting suits from Luis...you are the first to mention him.

I knew who he was, and we've spoken in the past...but never had a suit by him.


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink

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