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So is it everyone not coming ??? #232813
08/22/2020 08:19 PM
08/22/2020 08:19 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,258
Kennys Online content OP
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Kennys  Online Content OP
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,258
Hello Folks ,
Is it that everyone is paranoid of coming to the Island for the rest of this year ????

SXM Sponsors
Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232814
08/22/2020 08:21 PM
08/22/2020 08:21 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
Originally Posted by Kennys
Hello Folks ,
Is it that everyone is paranoid of coming to the Island for the rest of this year ????

Not me. Our issues are with Delta/AA and the SXM government constantly changing requirements. I would be there in a heartbeat (and it may still happen) but as I am sure you just read, Delta just cancelled our flights for Nov.


J.D.
Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232816
08/22/2020 08:43 PM
08/22/2020 08:43 PM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
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GaKaye  Offline
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Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
Our concern is being able to get the test results within the required timeframe. If we can, then we'll be there, but three days is pretty unreasonable.

Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: GaKaye] #232817
08/22/2020 08:54 PM
08/22/2020 08:54 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
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Posts: 17,476
Ohio
And who knows if the SXM government may change the rules, just prior to your flight, while you are in flight or after you arrive.

It is not that people do not want to come, although I am sure there are some that feel that way. Most just want a reasonable assurance of a safe and enjoyable trip without too many hoops to jump through and no last minute surprises upon arrival.


J.D.
Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232819
08/22/2020 09:06 PM
08/22/2020 09:06 PM
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 336
F
freedomfighter Offline
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freedomfighter  Offline
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 336
Arriving on October 2nd. if the French side opens the border..

Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232820
08/22/2020 09:08 PM
08/22/2020 09:08 PM
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 531
Beacon, NY
SANFILIP Offline
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SANFILIP  Offline
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 531
Beacon, NY
Just checked our JB flight for this November and still planned. I will wait until the first week of November to make the decision, unless it is made for us.


[Linked Image]
Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: ruralcarrier] #232822
08/22/2020 09:14 PM
08/22/2020 09:14 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,258
Kennys Online content OP
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Kennys  Online Content OP
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,258
Thanks Folks for your constructive responses and do understand. Just today , I had two Folks and no problem, plus the first couple even bought a Villa at Dawn Beach just pass this July. Know them for many years , but was totally surprised that during this tough time they did this; hence had to be a great deal . Blessings. Lets hope for the best. And the another couple for Beach Side Villas.

Last edited by Kennys; 08/22/2020 09:17 PM.
Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232824
08/22/2020 09:20 PM
08/22/2020 09:20 PM
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 846
Oshawa
BGH Offline
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BGH  Offline
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 846
Oshawa
Each makes their own decision...To me travelling makes no sense at this time . Why take a risk ...good luck to those who take that risk ...

Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232825
08/22/2020 09:30 PM
08/22/2020 09:30 PM
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 410
the Long Island
the captain Offline
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the captain  Offline
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Posts: 410
the Long Island
Just drove 1200 miles throughout 5 states and flew transcontinental NY-LA andLAS-NY. Just basic infection control 101


I did met a Young patient in NY who just spent 3 months caught in The quarantine. She states 3 mo in French SXM with true restrictions that make NY restrictions seem like a farce,

Kenny, we are ready to come at a moments notice...

Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232826
08/22/2020 09:31 PM
08/22/2020 09:31 PM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,461
Vermont
sxmmartini Offline
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sxmmartini  Offline
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Posts: 7,461
Vermont
It has nothing to do with fear! The world shut down from this flu and businesses have been closed for 6 months with my family not working and having to struggle to pay their mortgage, pay their health insurance and pay their tes. This has nothing to do with fear! People can not afford to travel right now when the basic food, shelter and clothing is first in their minds. I will be back when it is possible for travel without a mandatory vaccine or some Covid19 nasal swab.

Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: sxmmartini] #232828
08/22/2020 09:43 PM
08/22/2020 09:43 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,258
Kennys Online content OP
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Kennys  Online Content OP
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,258
Understand and we all have the money issues. We have our two children in Canada , our Daughter is getting marry next September and our Son is doing excellent with his studies in Visual Arts and Graffic Design. Me and my Wife can't go anywhere else to live . Such is life . We lost our papers for US way back and no big deal even though all of my Family lives there.

Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232830
08/22/2020 09:54 PM
08/22/2020 09:54 PM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
kim Offline
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kim  Offline
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Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
We almost pulled the trigger to come a week from Monday. Gave up trying to get covid testing in time. Planning on October if all goes well!!!

Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232831
08/22/2020 09:58 PM
08/22/2020 09:58 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
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SXMScubaman  Online Content
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
Airlines and island aren't making it easy to make reservations with confidence. We have ours for next May and aren't 100% confident it will be a go.

Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232832
08/22/2020 10:14 PM
08/22/2020 10:14 PM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 108
Myrtle Beach, SC
J
JerseyPal Offline
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JerseyPal  Offline
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J
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 108
Myrtle Beach, SC
2021 spring is not going to be any better. No vaccine until next summer at best.

Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: kim] #232834
08/22/2020 11:05 PM
08/22/2020 11:05 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,258
Kennys Online content OP
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Kennys  Online Content OP
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Posts: 5,258
Hi Kim, please try to come , thanks.

Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232835
08/22/2020 11:09 PM
08/22/2020 11:09 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 243
zeus1963 Offline
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zeus1963  Offline
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Posts: 243
We would have been there for two weeks and leaving today if they wouldn't keep changing things. I understand what they are trying to do, but making it near impossible for people to meet what is required and then shutting down half the island even if you can jump thru all the hoops is not something I want to do right now.

Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232836
08/22/2020 11:31 PM
08/22/2020 11:31 PM
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
P
PelicanPirate Offline
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PelicanPirate  Offline
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
If AA is flying after Christmas we will be there wearing tyvek hoodie coveralls and full face snorkel mask.

Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: PelicanPirate] #232837
08/22/2020 11:57 PM
08/22/2020 11:57 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
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SXMScubaman  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
Lot of fun that would be

Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: SXMScubaman] #232841
08/23/2020 05:54 AM
08/23/2020 05:54 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
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Posts: 17,476
Ohio
Originally Posted by SXMScubaman
Lot of fun that would be

Probably stated in jest, but who knows for sure. IF it would come to something like that, NO WAY would I consider a visit, that is NOT a vacation.

It does resemble what my sister and niece wear at the dental office where they work. My sister is a front desk person and even she has to wear this garb.

Attached Files MB work.JPG

J.D.
Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232843
08/23/2020 06:22 AM
08/23/2020 06:22 AM
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,580
M
MotownTim Offline
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MotownTim  Offline
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,580
Not a chance until there is some sort of vaccine or treatment. It’s not just being on an airplane, it’s walking through the airport, standing in lines to check in or go through security. It’s immigration when you arrive. It’s sitting at a bar or restaurant wondering if the people next to you are infected. It’s wondering if you do get in infected and it turns nasty how the hell are you going to get off the island to receive proper treatment. And then it’s going through the same stress on the 12 hour trip home. And then it’s waiting in self quarantine in your house so you don’t infect others. Not my idea of a pleasant vacation.

Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232844
08/23/2020 07:13 AM
08/23/2020 07:13 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 825
Grosse Pointe, Michigan
Leagle49 Offline
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Leagle49  Offline
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Posts: 825
Grosse Pointe, Michigan
We have our plane tickets for our 5 weeks in March. Whether we can actually coed depends on the SXM government. The current requirement for 72 hour tests is impossible to meet right now. Really hoping that changes by the end of February. Flying doesn't concern us that much. We'll wear masks and gloves and takes wipes to disinfect the seats. All reports are that the HEPPA air filters on planes do a good job. We may eat out less and try to eat outside if possible. At the pool it's never been a problem to be well away form others.

Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232845
08/23/2020 07:21 AM
08/23/2020 07:21 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
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GaKaye  Offline
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Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
For us, it's not about fear of the virus. It is about concerns that we won't be able to get our test results in time to travel, and that we won't really know that until right before we're supposed to leave. By then it would be too late to deposit our timeshare weeks with RCI, so we would completely lose three weeks that are paid for already. We'll be making our decision in the next month. We want to come, both to enjoy our annual vacation, and also to see and support the island business owners that we have come to know and love. It's a very difficult situation.

Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232846
08/23/2020 07:29 AM
08/23/2020 07:29 AM
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 574
mahokid Offline
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mahokid  Offline
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Posts: 574
Leslie,

With broken hearts we decided not to celebrate our 25th anniversary on SXM. We travel for two weeks at the end of August and have celebrated our last ten anniversaries at La Villa.
Besides the test results, I think our biggest concern is what if one of us contacted the virus while on the island, I'm extremely stubborn and truly want to visit this year, but the risk is not worth it.
I understand that the island needs business as my business has been almost completely shut down since March with no end insight until guests can gather again at catered events.
I never complain about working 7 days a week, but do not like having all this time off.
May we all be safe and healthy and look forward to next year.
Estimated over $3000 saved by changing our travel plans and just eating lobstah for a week in Maine.

Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232847
08/23/2020 07:53 AM
08/23/2020 07:53 AM
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 419
Beverly MA (Boston's North Sho...
timnboston Offline
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timnboston  Offline
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Posts: 419
Beverly MA (Boston's North Sho...
I plan to be there in January unless things get worse. I am concerned about the 3 day turn around on the test. I'm hoping that by then the saliva test will be available and acceptable. Even if the 3 day test is still in effect, I'll have other tests done before I leave to be sure I'm not a carrier. Worse case scenario is that you get tested at the airport on arrival - I'll eat the $120 for a SXM vacation

Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232848
08/23/2020 07:58 AM
08/23/2020 07:58 AM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
kim Offline
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kim  Offline
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Posts: 4,673
Newtown, CT
Originally Posted by Kennys
Hi Kim, please try to come , thanks.



Oh yes! Ken actually clearing a week in October to try to pull it off!! That last storm that hit us really is keeping us busy with generator installs!! If covid wouldn’t have happed you would have seen me 5 times since March already!!!! XO

Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232850
08/23/2020 08:10 AM
08/23/2020 08:10 AM
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 540
Maine USA
doctorj Offline
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doctorj  Offline
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Posts: 540
Maine USA
We are planning on two weeks on the French side in mid November if possible.
carib cheers,
doctorj


It's Five O'Clock Somewhere........
Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: timnboston] #232851
08/23/2020 08:24 AM
08/23/2020 08:24 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
GaKaye Offline
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GaKaye  Offline
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Posts: 13,398
Peaceful Eastern North Carolin...
Originally Posted by timnboston
Worse case scenario is that you get tested at the airport on arrival - I'll eat the $120 for a SXM vacation


My understanding is that the Government of Sint Maarten will not give you the approval to travel if you haven't filled out the form and included the negative test results within 72 hours before you fly. Am I missing something?

Last edited by GaKaye; 08/23/2020 08:30 AM. Reason: to clarify comment
Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232854
08/23/2020 09:13 AM
08/23/2020 09:13 AM
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 490
MILford,CT.
B
bonsie Offline
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 490
MILford,CT.
Leslie,

Nancy and I are not happy with our chances of making our Oct trip. Not only is Covid a issue , I have two doctors telling me not to travel, also, ten days ago I had some serious surgery and this doctor said he doesn't want me to do any flying for 2-3 months. It's not looking good for us but, You will be the first to get a definite answer, probably in about a week. Wishing you and Shirley the best.

Bob & Nancy

Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232855
08/23/2020 09:22 AM
08/23/2020 09:22 AM
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,000
North Kingstown, Rhode Island
RI Bob C Offline
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RI Bob C  Offline
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Posts: 2,000
North Kingstown, Rhode Island
As of right now I will see you on Sept 12th assuming I can obtain the 72 hour negative test.

Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232856
08/23/2020 09:25 AM
08/23/2020 09:25 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Posts: 82,472
Central Florida!
Lesley--we will not be there this year. We are both in a couple of different high risk groups and I worry about the trip down, in the airport, in lines, etc. and about getting sick down there. We have definite plans for next June. Presumably there should be a vaccine by then and tests should be readily available, in a quick fashion.


Carol Hill
Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232857
08/23/2020 09:26 AM
08/23/2020 09:26 AM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,348
Rhode Island
RonDon Online content
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RonDon  Online Content
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Posts: 4,348
Rhode Island
As you know we've booked a car with you but it's for the beginning of 2021, not this year. Not sure if that too will change. As of today we are the only two people on the flight.

Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232859
08/23/2020 09:32 AM
08/23/2020 09:32 AM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 225
Michigan
cathym Offline
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cathym  Offline
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 225
Michigan
Hi Lesley,

We’re booked (rebooked from April) for Oct 19-Nov 2 but so far have not located a lab that can guarantee pcr test results within 72 hours. If that requirement is relaxed or we find a local test that can meet SXM’s requirement we’re still keeping our fingers crossed we can go. We will make our decision by the end of Sept.

Stay well...Cathy

Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232862
08/23/2020 09:41 AM
08/23/2020 09:41 AM
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,295
Vancouver, WA
Todd Offline
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Todd  Offline
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,295
Vancouver, WA
Fully plan on making the trek across the US down to SXM in November for a bit over three weeks. Unless we get told that we are not able to make the trip and we can't figure out a way around it.

We are presently in Cabo, our first trip since March. It is uncrowded and as safe as being at home in my opinion. Air travel was fine, noting we were up front. Plenty of drink service, a cheese plate that is similar to what Alaska Air has made famous which was fine for a short flight. Could have really used some salami!

Looking forward to seeing our SXM friends.
Cheers,
Todd


I prefer the Isle seat
Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232867
08/23/2020 09:56 AM
08/23/2020 09:56 AM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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pat  Offline
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
Hi, Lesley,

As of this time our plans haven’t changed - we will see you in November as reserved. The big IF for us, as with so many others, is the availability of the quick return Covid test. If we don’t make the November trip it will be the first year since 1974 we won’t have been there and that would break our hearts.

But all that said, this is the year 2020 and judging by the way it’s been going so far, who knows what else can possibly go wrong?! cloud cloud


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232868
08/23/2020 09:56 AM
08/23/2020 09:56 AM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline
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BeachKitten  Offline
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Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
This breaks my heart Lesley. frown


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: BeachKitten] #232869
08/23/2020 10:16 AM
08/23/2020 10:16 AM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,258
Kennys Online content OP
Traveler
Kennys  Online Content OP
Traveler
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,258
Thanks Folks and hoping for the best to come.

Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232870
08/23/2020 10:34 AM
08/23/2020 10:34 AM
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 720
Ottawa Canada
candu Offline
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candu  Offline
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Posts: 720
Ottawa Canada
We met someone who had been quarantined on a small Philippine island since March and had just returned to Canada. As an added insult he was fined for overstaying his visa. Too many variables to consider.

Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232876
08/23/2020 11:20 AM
08/23/2020 11:20 AM
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 128
Phoenix, AZ
BeachBumz Offline
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BeachBumz  Offline
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Posts: 128
Phoenix, AZ
Hi Lesley, we greatly enjoyed our 18 days in SXM. There were no issues at all, with the exception of a few restaurants we liked were closed. In fact, this was one of our best vacations here with very little traffic and felt like royalty in the restaurants.

We will see you again in late October. 😀

Ron and Dee


Beachbumz
Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: Kennys] #232878
08/23/2020 11:37 AM
08/23/2020 11:37 AM
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,929
Connecticut
The_Lurker Offline
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The_Lurker  Offline
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,929
Connecticut
Kenny, I think we all feel awful about cancelling, but when you are in that age group
with health issues, it only makes sense to be careful.

Businesses are dropping like flies here at home--it is very sad.
Hopefully there are enough of the young healthy travelers to keep sxm going strong!!!!!!!

We want to be able to make many trips to sxm, after this is a little safer for us---and easier to travel.
We are all set for 2 in 2021!!!



Last edited by The_Lurker; 08/23/2020 11:39 AM.
Re: So is it everyone not coming ??? [Re: BeachBumz] #232883
08/23/2020 11:57 AM
08/23/2020 11:57 AM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,258
Kennys Online content OP
Traveler
Kennys  Online Content OP
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Posts: 5,258
Thanks Ron and very glad to hear that your vacation was cool.
Stay safe.

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