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Great trip reports #163884
06/20/2018 01:09 AM
06/20/2018 01:09 AM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
Biturbo Offline OP
Traveler
Biturbo  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
I can't remember another time when so many well written and photographed TR's were being posted. When we go back in December it will be our 1st in 3 years (unavoidable), and these reports are making us anxious. Thanks Carol, Eric, Jazzgal, Beachkitten (and anyone I forgot).


I'm going where the weather suits my clothes.
SXM Sponsors
Re: Great trip reports [Re: Biturbo] #163896
06/20/2018 07:36 AM
06/20/2018 07:36 AM
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 685
L
lcote Offline
Traveler
lcote  Offline
Traveler
L
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 685
Michael and I will be returning in December for the first time in three years as well. And I am loving the trip reports. We are prepared for a little less SXM than we are used to but really looking forward to being there!

Re: Great trip reports [Re: Biturbo] #163897
06/20/2018 07:39 AM
06/20/2018 07:39 AM
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 656
Maine
SXMbeacher Offline
Traveler
SXMbeacher  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 656
Maine
Yes, a big thanks to everyone for their reports and island updates!



Re: Great trip reports [Re: SXMbeacher] #163901
06/20/2018 08:06 AM
06/20/2018 08:06 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
No problem. Glad to be here, to be able to do it!


Carol Hill
Re: Great trip reports [Re: Biturbo] #163921
06/20/2018 09:47 AM
06/20/2018 09:47 AM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline
Traveler
BeachKitten  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
Hey, thanks for the thanks!

We all appreciate when those who read them realize the effort that goes into it, and make comments or ask questions. Especially those who report WHILE on island...they are taking time away from "just being there"! wink


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: Great trip reports [Re: Biturbo] #163948
06/20/2018 01:09 PM
06/20/2018 01:09 PM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,668
L
LBI2SXM Offline
Traveler
LBI2SXM  Offline
Traveler
L
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,668
Yes, thanks to all who took the time to write these reports! As IslandGem stated, "It helps to feed the addiction". You realize how much you miss SXM when you read these reports and see the photos.

Re: Great trip reports [Re: BeachKitten] #163953
06/20/2018 01:24 PM
06/20/2018 01:24 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!
Yes, Beachkitten, I can't say how much I appreciated seeing your pictures and reports, as we were in the 'small numbers' counting down to our trip!! handshake


Carol Hill
Re: Great trip reports [Re: Biturbo] #163954
06/20/2018 02:30 PM
06/20/2018 02:30 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline
Traveler
BeachKitten  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
And now I'm devouring yours and Linda's and resisting the urge to book our anniversary in July!


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: Great trip reports [Re: BeachKitten] #163965
06/20/2018 04:53 PM
06/20/2018 04:53 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!
Hey, why resist??? Resistance is futile!!! grin


Carol Hill
Re: Great trip reports [Re: Biturbo] #164182
06/22/2018 08:17 PM
06/22/2018 08:17 PM
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 357
SeaStar Offline
Traveler
SeaStar  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 357
A BIG thank you to all of you that are sharing your vacations with us!
Your reports and photos are motivating some of us here to start planning our next visit.
Carpe diem! circle

Re: Great trip reports [Re: Biturbo] #164192
06/22/2018 08:52 PM
06/22/2018 08:52 PM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,463
Vermont
sxmmartini Offline
Traveler
sxmmartini  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,463
Vermont
Originally Posted by Biturbo
I can't remember another time when so many well written and photographed TR's were being posted. When we go back in December it will be our 1st in 3 years (unavoidable), and these reports are making us anxious. Thanks Carol, Eric, Jazzgal, Beachkitten (and anyone I forgot).


Will try to get a trip report out... maybe by Tuesday!

Re: Great trip reports [Re: sxmmartini] #164196
06/22/2018 09:23 PM
06/22/2018 09:23 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!
Looking forward to it!


Carol Hill
Re: Great trip reports [Re: Biturbo] #164765
06/28/2018 09:49 PM
06/28/2018 09:49 PM
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 219
Virginia Beach, VA USA
B
barryvabeach Offline
Traveler
barryvabeach  Offline
Traveler
B
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 219
Virginia Beach, VA USA
Just wanted to join in the thanks for the trip reports. We had a stay planned through Homeaway for Feb of 2018, but shortly after the storm, the owner notified us that the house was destroyed. I wanted to return in Feb of 2019, but my wife wanted to wait another year to let the island recover and was afraid it would be too depressing to go . Based on the numerous trip reports, and the photos, she has agreed so we have our reservations made and are already looking forward to our trip. We are staying in Grand Case, and hope the road has improved by then.

Re: Great trip reports [Re: lcote] #164774
06/29/2018 09:16 AM
06/29/2018 09:16 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,561
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
Traveler
BillandElaine  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,561
St Maarten
Don't come prepared for less, come prepared for different!


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Great trip reports [Re: BillandElaine] #164776
06/29/2018 09:45 AM
06/29/2018 09:45 AM
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,155
Cobourg Ontario Canada
J
jeepers Offline
Traveler
jeepers  Offline
Traveler
J
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,155
Cobourg Ontario Canada
I agree totally! We were there January when a lot of things were getting a new start. We had a great time, met new people & friends, helped out the island & some of the people who have lost so much. the things we couldn't do that we normally would do in 3 weeks was not having the croissanterie in Marigot & petit casino in orient village. We were able to get groceries & eat out at a lot of places. A lot has changed for the positive since then so yes, "come prepared for different". You will have a great time!

Re: Great trip reports [Re: Biturbo] #164782
06/29/2018 11:56 AM
06/29/2018 11:56 AM
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 176
Ontario, Canada
OllieEh Offline
Traveler
OllieEh  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 176
Ontario, Canada
We are prepared for different and already have the “cup half full” attitude. The trip reports have been very encouraging to our psyche but I must admit, there’s this something in the back of our minds but we’re very hopeful those thoughts will quickly disappear as they have with all of you that have had the honour of returning. The enjoyment of giving back and supporting the economy will benefit our hearts as much or more than it helps them.

It’s been a helluva ride since September. We can remember looking at each other, tears in our eyes, as we thought about our island friends. We were traumatized as we saw videos slowly emerge. A couple of months later, we were contacted and asked if we wanted cancel our villa booking for this summer. Tears flowed once again as I wrote the email informing them that yes, we were going to cancel. We booked another villa in Costa Rica. It just didn’t feel right. We felt like we were turning our back on SXM and more importantly, her people. At the time it looked as though there was too much work to do as her people dusted themselves off and tried to make sense of it all. There were many reports here from veteran visitors stating that the people were just not ready for visitors yet and may not be for a long time.

Then something happened.

Like a phoenix, SXM started to rise. The will of her people were underestimated by many. The airport began to take some flights...restaurants began to open...accommodations became available. Reports on here were saying that her people were misty eyed with gratitude to those who returned. By February, we knew we had to return. So we happily rebooked. It felt right!

We stay and spend most of our time on the French side. We know that St. Martin may not have her lipstick and makeup on but beauty is only skin deep. Let’s face it, it’s the people that make her truly beautiful.

We fly out Sunday morning and we’re just as giddy as our initial visit. Dinners are already planned with island friends. We’re celebrating a milestone anniversary and there’s no other place we’d rather be.

The trip reports here have been invaluable. I need my SXM fix and therefore, a big thank you to all who have shared their experiences.

TWO. MORE. SLEEPS. smile

SXM STRONG!

Re: Great trip reports [Re: Biturbo] #164783
06/29/2018 12:04 PM
06/29/2018 12:04 PM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
Traveler
pat  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
Great way to look at things. I know your trip will be a good one!


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Great trip reports [Re: OllieEh] #164787
06/29/2018 06:10 PM
06/29/2018 06:10 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!
Paul--Enjoy your trip!! I'll be expecting some reports from you! grin


Carol Hill
Re: Great trip reports [Re: OllieEh] #164789
06/29/2018 08:09 PM
06/29/2018 08:09 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline
Traveler
BeachKitten  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
So happy that you changed your minds and are going! Happy Anniversary.

Sharing experiences on TTOL and letting others know it's ok to go is what it's all about.

Not the same....just different. Forever changed, and getting used to a new normal.


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: Great trip reports [Re: Biturbo] #164791
06/29/2018 09:07 PM
06/29/2018 09:07 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 228
Cow Hampshire
shaggy77 Offline
Traveler
shaggy77  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 228
Cow Hampshire
Just returning to this forum after a lengthy hiatus. Watched the devastation unfold and was beside ourselves. So awesome to read the trip reports and the rebuilding. Spent the better part of last weekend talking about trips with different people we took down there. Got really re-energized to get back and shake our tail feathers. The island gave us so much and we need to go and give back. Thanks to all who have been back and all who have supported the efforts.


"if you don't do it this year, you'll be one year older when you do"

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