Traveltalkonline.com Forums


SXM Cruise Schedule TTOL Sponsors SXM Travel Calendar
Forum Statistics
Forums39
Topics38,432
Posts310,084
Members26,538
Most Online2,218
Jan 21st, 2020
Top Posters(30 Days)
RonDon 115
pat 42
Todd 40
jazzgal 40
Member Spotlight
Angelface
Angelface
Washington, DC/SXM
Posts: 1,144
Joined: July 2002
Show All Member Profiles 
Today's Birthdays
ecco, OceanDrop, vincent
Who's Online Now
36 registered members (SXMBND, GeorgeC1, pl3, SeaLady29, Kennys, CaribbeanCanadians, ChiTownHarry, Kevin_B, jrw, RickinAtlanta, Beansbbq, Kiles41, ColoBoater, Halcyon, Zanshin, Kathleen, SXMScubaman, bailau, SURICK, OceanSong, JerseyPal, eightzerobits, CJIMI, Donaegada, blooming, Fletch, cabokid, 9 invisible), 911 guests, and 59 spiders.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Trip Report, Week 2, November 22-27, 2018 (Really only 6 days) #176535
11/28/2018 10:33 AM
11/28/2018 10:33 AM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline OP
Traveler
jazzgal  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
Thursday, November 22

Assuming I start coming to SXM in November on a regular basis, I want to spend Thanksgivings the way I spent it today: on a boat trip on Enigma C3 with Capt. Neil. Today’s trip was a lazy excursion to Baie Longue where we anchored for playtime in the water, followed by lunch. Since it was Thanksgiving and since some of us were on the boat three days ago, Neil decided to change up the menu and have roast chicken instead of ribs. It was a South African recipe and was delicious.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

After lunch we motored to Mullet for more water time; Mullet looked to be very busy.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

This was a shorter day, starting at 9:30, and we were back by 4:00. It was every bit as enjoyable as Monday’s trip, but in a different way, as there were only five us. A perfect boating day!

I met Cincinnati_Kid for Thanksgiving buffet dinner at Divi. I wasn’t knocked out by the food but enjoyed talking jazz with Don (we have the same favorite male jazz vocalist!). Divi’s renovation of the restaurant is quite nice, but I didn’t take any pictures.

Friday, November 23

It was a lazy day at the condo’s pool, which I had to myself; lots of sun today. Had an early pickup at the Fish Market for a sunset sail on No1SXM, now owned by Mirian and Pieter, who owned the Passaat. It was a lovely night for a sail; very pleasant.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

Saturday, November 24

The mid-stay housecleaning of my condo was scheduled to occur today so I wanted to get out before the maid arrived. Karakter for breakfast sounded like a good choice. I was there early enough that parking was not a problem. After breakfast I spent several hours in a lounge chair; it was a perfect beach day.

[Linked Image]

I headed home to get cleaned up for the evening’s event, which was a wine tasting at Sylvain Pereira’s Select Wine Cellar, organized by Jeff Jhangiani.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

I lost track of how many wines were tasted and how many courses of food were served. I also wasn’t good at remembering to take pictures, unfortunately. I do remember one of the courses was a perfectly prepared roast duck. This is salmon over an avocado mousse.

[Linked Image]

Everything was marvelous, and it was a fun evening.

Sunday, November 25

Yet another sail, this on Spellbound, originally scheduled for Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla, and Bankie Banks’ place. Due to rough waters at Rendezvous Bay, the itinerary was changed to Meads Bay; since I’m not a fan of Bankie, this was a welcome change. Again, the weather was perfect. We anchored for a few hours for water playtime and lunch. Meads Bay is quite beautiful.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

Monday, November 26

There were only two cruise ships in town and I had errands to run in Philipsburg. I found parking on Front Street although it was several blocks away from my destination. The first stop was DK Gems to drop off jewelry for repair. In the process, I found some earrings I couldn’t live without. Raj quoted me a good cash price, but I didn’t have that much on me. Since I was seeing Jeff that evening, Raj suggested I give Jeff the cash and he would give me my jewelry. Great service!

I have read a lot about Juggie’s Secret Spice so headed to his place, which I had not visited before, to pick some up. I didn’t realize he had the store next to his Smallest Bar in the World; it’s worth visiting if you are looking for booze and souvenirs.

[Linked Image]

On the way to Holland House for lunch, I saw a sweet group of children in front of Oranje School singing Christmas carols. They were just darling; unfortunately, that picture didn’t turn out. Lunch was disappointing, but you can’t beat the setting.

[Linked Image]

I had my nails done at a place on Long Wall Road recommended to me and then went back to the condo to rest before dinner

This was another special time. Jeff Jhangiani organized a dinner at l’Astrolabe for seven people, and we all just “clicked.” The food was fabulous, but the fellowship was even better . . . so good that it was suggested we spend next Thanksgiving at someone’s home with everyone cooking or bringing a dish. Sounds wonderful, and I may have to rethink sailing.

Mondays are Surf ‘n Turf nights at l’Astrolabe. But for 48 Euro, you can have any appetizer, any entrée, and any dessert on the menu. The entrée could include the surf and turf offering. Bread was served with a red pepper spread (I think; memory is a little fuzzy) and a cold zucchini soup. My appetizer was a lobster bisque; entrée was crispy duck; dessert was a white chocolate concoction with wonderful raspberries.

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

Tuesday, November 27

I had asked Ruby Bute if I could take her to lunch. She wanted us to come to her gallery first to see some pieces from a showing she had on Sunday; the artist was a former student of hers who works in “pastels” (chalk). He was quite good. Unfortunately for my pocket book, I saw another Ruby original that I wanted to have. I didn’t have enough cash on me so will need to go back to pick it up.

[Linked Image]

After visiting with Ruby on her porch and viewing the gallery, we had lunch at Gutside. A complimentary appetizer of stuffed christophine was very tasty. Richard had enough goat for three servings of goat stew, and I was lucky enough to have one of them.

There is a standing Happy Hour at 5:30 at The Palms on Tuesdays. I left Cupecoy at 5:15; the traffic jam started at the airport and was bumper to bumper. I finally arrived at The Palms at 6:00 only to learn that others who were going to be there turned around and went back home. I don’t blame them, as traffic was truly horrific. After a drink with those who were there, I picked up take-out from Spaghetti House in Jordan Village and thought it was unexceptional.

+++++

I can’t post any more photos in this thread so am cutting this report short by one day. More to come later.


[Linked Image]
SXM Sponsors
Re: Trip Report, Week 2, November 22-27, 2018 (Really only 6 days) [Re: jazzgal] #176540
11/28/2018 10:57 AM
11/28/2018 10:57 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,479
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,479
Central Florida!
Wonderful report and pictures! Just finished breakfast, or I would be starving!

So glad to see that it looks like Rosie's is rebuilding!!! clapping


Carol Hill
Re: Trip Report, Week 2, November 22-27, 2018 (Really only 6 days) [Re: jazzgal] #176543
11/28/2018 11:07 AM
11/28/2018 11:07 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
Traveler
ruralcarrier  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
Thanks for another great report and pictures. You sure do get around. Happy for you.


J.D.
Re: Trip Report, Week 2, November 22-27, 2018 (Really only 6 days) [Re: jazzgal] #176544
11/28/2018 11:08 AM
11/28/2018 11:08 AM
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,132
St Louis, MO
SXMNorm Offline
Traveler
SXMNorm  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,132
St Louis, MO
Nice report Linda. You tire me out with all you do.


Next SXM visit -November 2023. Also January 2024.
Re: Trip Report, Week 2, November 22-27, 2018 (Really only 6 days) [Re: jazzgal] #176546
11/28/2018 11:09 AM
11/28/2018 11:09 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. The artwork is absolutely lovely..... TY for sharing your days.


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Trip Report, Week 2, November 22-27, 2018 (Really only 6 days) [Re: jazzgal] #176552
11/28/2018 11:32 AM
11/28/2018 11:32 AM
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,929
Connecticut
The_Lurker Offline
Traveler
The_Lurker  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,929
Connecticut
Beautiful!!

Re: Trip Report, Week 2, November 22-27, 2018 (Really only 6 days) [Re: jazzgal] #176574
11/28/2018 01:27 PM
11/28/2018 01:27 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
Biturbo Offline
Traveler
Biturbo  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
Nice report, nice pictures, thanks. Your meal at l'Astrolabe sounds yummy - I'm glad they were able to reopen. We'll add it to our already too long list.


I'm going where the weather suits my clothes.
Re: Trip Report, Week 2, November 22-27, 2018 (Really only 6 days) [Re: jazzgal] #176587
11/28/2018 02:06 PM
11/28/2018 02:06 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
That wine tasting dinner sounds great. Cost? And is it available for other groups or individuals?

Re: Trip Report, Week 2, November 22-27, 2018 (Really only 6 days) [Re: jazzgal] #176602
11/28/2018 02:31 PM
11/28/2018 02:31 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
Absolutely lovely Linda!

You are doing just enough each day to get wonderful experiences with great people, great food, and great memories.

Meads Bay IS wonderful. I see in one of your pictures the little beach we got married on 8 years ago. wink


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: Trip Report, Week 2, November 22-27, 2018 (Really only 6 days) [Re: jazzgal] #176618
11/28/2018 04:11 PM
11/28/2018 04:11 PM
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,094
Ewing, NJ
A
AnnandSteve Offline
Traveler
AnnandSteve  Offline
Traveler
A
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,094
Ewing, NJ
You're right, Linda, these are you colors and mine! I agree, a must buy!!!
Ann


[Linked Image]
Ann & Steve
Re: Trip Report, Week 2, November 22-27, 2018 (Really only 6 days) [Re: jazzgal] #176623
11/28/2018 04:41 PM
11/28/2018 04:41 PM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 332
CT
islandlove Offline
Traveler
islandlove  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 332
CT
Thank you for that absolutely great report!!!! Keep on reporting!

Re: Trip Report, Week 2, November 22-27, 2018 (Really only 6 days) [Re: AnnandSteve] #176624
11/28/2018 05:10 PM
11/28/2018 05:10 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,359
Cincinnati area
Cincinnati_Kid Offline
Traveler
Cincinnati_Kid  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,359
Cincinnati area
Ann, saw you wave at me as you drove past Sunset Beach Bar !
Great to see you !


Paradise is an island in the Caribbean!
Re: Trip Report, Week 2, November 22-27, 2018 (Really only 6 days) [Re: SXMScubaman] #176649
11/28/2018 08:50 PM
11/28/2018 08:50 PM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline OP
Traveler
jazzgal  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
Originally Posted by SXMScubaman
That wine tasting dinner sounds great. Cost? And is it available for other groups or individuals?


It was $100. I know Sylvain has done this before, but I don't know how often. I think you would need to contact him direct.


[Linked Image]
Re: Trip Report, Week 2, November 22-27, 2018 (Really only 6 days) [Re: BeachKitten] #176650
11/28/2018 08:51 PM
11/28/2018 08:51 PM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline OP
Traveler
jazzgal  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
Originally Posted by BeachKitten


Meads Bay IS wonderful. I see in one of your pictures the little beach we got married on 8 years ago. wink


That must have been LOVELY!


[Linked Image]
Re: Trip Report, Week 2, November 22-27, 2018 (Really only 6 days) [Re: jazzgal] #176653
11/28/2018 09:29 PM
11/28/2018 09:29 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
Thank you. $100 isn't bad at all with what you had. Actually a bargain.

Re: Trip Report, Week 2, November 22-27, 2018 (Really only 6 days) [Re: SXMScubaman] #176698
11/29/2018 08:53 AM
11/29/2018 08:53 AM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline OP
Traveler
jazzgal  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
Agree. I hope he came out ahead. Of course, tip was on top of that.


[Linked Image]
Re: Trip Report, Week 2, November 22-27, 2018 (Really only 6 days) [Re: jazzgal] #176725
11/29/2018 12:05 PM
11/29/2018 12:05 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
Understandable

Re: Trip Report, Week 2, November 22-27, 2018 (Really only 6 days) [Re: jazzgal] #176748
11/29/2018 02:49 PM
11/29/2018 02:49 PM
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 334
S
StMartinFan Offline
Traveler
StMartinFan  Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 334
Wonderful trip report, as was the one for your first week! Sorry to hear the food at Divi is still unimpressive. Love everything about our timeshare there except the restaurants. Of course the standard is set pretty high given all the amazing restaurants on the island.

Re: Trip Report, Week 2, November 22-27, 2018 (Really only 6 days) [Re: StMartinFan] #176798
11/29/2018 10:33 PM
11/29/2018 10:33 PM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline OP
Traveler
jazzgal  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
I spent the day there today and had a late lunch at Seabreeze. It's a new menu, and I had a chicken/avocado sandwich, which was pretty good. It's tough to mess up a sandwich, however. grin


[Linked Image]
Re: Trip Report, Week 2, November 22-27, 2018 (Really only 6 days) [Re: jazzgal] #176810
11/30/2018 12:48 AM
11/30/2018 12:48 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
O. It can be done. Had it happen before.

Re: Trip Report, Week 2, November 22-27, 2018 (Really only 6 days) [Re: jazzgal] #176841
11/30/2018 11:23 AM
11/30/2018 11:23 AM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 80
Delray Beach, FL, USA
tnw2007 Offline
Traveler
tnw2007  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 80
Delray Beach, FL, USA
Great report Linda and looks like you are having a great time


[Linked Image]
Re: Trip Report, Week 2, November 22-27, 2018 (Really only 6 days) [Re: jazzgal] #176879
11/30/2018 06:14 PM
11/30/2018 06:14 PM
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 450
Teresasxm Offline
Traveler
Teresasxm  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 450
I absolutely LOVE your trip reports Linda. Thanks so much for all the work you put into them. For many of us in North America living through a cold, dreary November day, you have given us so much joy.

Thank you!
Teresa


Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.6.1