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First three days report October 2021 #264797
10/03/2021 02:05 PM
10/03/2021 02:05 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
This is regarding our first three days on island. Due to missing any trip to SXM in 2020, we decided to treat ourselves to two trips to SXM in 2021. We did our regular June trip to Beachside Villas, which was WONDERFUL, as usual. But we decided to do something different this trip, which is a condo on the ocean in Pelican Key, at a complex called Pelican Cove.

[Linked Image] It's just past Coral Shores on the ocean, if you know where that is.

I will do a separate note about testing, approval, etc. to keep that out of the actual report.

We booked using AA Frequent Flyer miles, for 10 K miles each way, for flights with assigned seats. We initially booked only 7 days, but wanted to have the option to extend for a day, so booked two one way trips and did end up changing to 8 days from 7. We got up at 3 AM for the 3.5 hour drive to Miami. We park our car at Miami Park N Fly. Price varies, but we paid around $10 a day this trip. It's very convenient. You drive up, hand the keys to the attendant, he gets your bags out of the car for you and hauls them over to the usually waiting shuttle. The shuttle takes you about 5 minutes to Miami airport. On the return, if you don't see a shuttle waiting, call them and they are usually there within about 5 minutes. You hand them your claim check and they call the facility and your car is waiting for you when you arrive back at the facility. Easy, peasy, highly recommended!!! clapping

We arrived at Miami Airport around 7:30 AM for our 10:30 AM flight. On AA, you can't check in online for SXM. In June, 2021, we had over an hour wait in line to check in and almost that amount in security. Thank goodness, this time the check in line was only about 10 minutes max. They checked our EHAS documents in line before the desk and again at the desk. Security was again only maybe 15 minutes tops, so we were obviously way early at the gate. No problem. Our flight left exactly on time, and was almost full, which I was surprised at. Also, there seemed to be many younger people on the flight than normal and possibly a lot of locals. No problem with that, just an observation.

We arrived a few minutes early in SXM and were out of the airport, in our Travel Rental Car car within about 15 minutes, due to being at the beginning of the line. wave So, we were off to Pelican Cove. Constance the maid was still there cleaning when we arrived, which was good so that she could walk us through things. We headed out to Carrefour to get our groceries. We we back at the unit by 3:30 with said supplies. We had purchased the pre-seasoned ribs at Carrefour to have for dinner so we didn't have to head back out somewhere for dinner.
We took a dip in the pool and watched the sunset, which was a lovely show in a very clear sky.[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]




I'm sorry I didn't make more pictures of Saba and the other islands which were so visible on the horizon. Saba has been gone since then, so hopefully she will reappear!


A snack of cheese and crackers, then an early dinner of ribs and potato chips for dinner and a very early night made a very successful first day!

Friday

Since we had gone to bed so early on Thursday evening, I was up early, and used the time to scope out the kitchen and various features of the condo. We headed over to Super U for some cheap wine and croissants and some condiments, etc we didn't get the day before, since we weren't sure if they would be at the unit or not. Lunch was burgers on the grill and we hung out for the afternoon at the unit.

[Linked Image]

Around 6:30, we headed out to Puerto Cupecoy, since we read there was live music at Rendevzous Lounge. The plaza was basically empty when we arrived, and we walked around to check out the menus at the various restaurants. We ended up at Mama Pizza and Pasta.

[Linked Image]

Eric had the ravioli with shrimps and scallops
[Linked Image]

His meal was from the specials menu

[Linked Image]

and I got kind of a meat lovers pizza.

[Linked Image]

Both were excellent although of course I only finished about half of my meal. Leftovers will probably provide snacks on Sunday.

Around 8 PM the music started and the plaza started filling up with a fair number of people. We had a very socially distanced dinner, at the outside of the seating for Pizza Pasta, closest to the plaza. We enjoyed the music and some nice people watching, including a couple of budding Olympic gymnists, using the fountain for their balance beam.

[Linked Image] We were back home by around 9:30. Thus endeth another successful day.

Saturday

We had POURING rain around 6 AM on Saturday, which was kind of a bad weather omen for the day. The weather was WEIRD on Saturday, like pea soup all day. It didn't rain at all after we got up, but the weather was weird.

[Linked Image]

Breakfast was croissants, fruit and cheese. After breakfast, I sent Eric over to Carrefour to hunt for the cooked lobster, but alas, no luck. Otherwise, we had lunch and dinner on the grill and we hung out at the unit all day. We caught up on some much needed down time, napping and reading and just hanging out, at our very comfortable abode.

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]






Thus endeth another very successful day, doing nothing much of anything, and recharging the batteries.





Last edited by Carol_Hill; 10/03/2021 02:23 PM.

Carol Hill
SXM Sponsors
Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: Carol_Hill] #264799
10/03/2021 03:35 PM
10/03/2021 03:35 PM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline
Traveler
jazzgal  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
Nice report; sounds like a very relaxing trip so far. Surprised to not see you at BSV!


[Linked Image]
Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: Carol_Hill] #264801
10/03/2021 04:07 PM
10/03/2021 04:07 PM
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,225
Middle Tennessee
T
TravelHat Offline
Traveler
TravelHat  Offline
Traveler
T
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,225
Middle Tennessee
Nice unit. Like the views

Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: Carol_Hill] #264803
10/03/2021 04:53 PM
10/03/2021 04:53 PM
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 348
crsxm Offline
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crsxm  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 348
Thanks for the update! The unit looks great, we would love having our own pool to lounge in. I truly wish i was better at posting photos--loved seeing yours! Can't wait to hear about the rest of your trip.

Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #264804
10/03/2021 04:54 PM
10/03/2021 04:54 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Linda--Just trying something new. It is nice to have a totally private pool. Lots more money though!! smile


Carol Hill
Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: TravelHat] #264805
10/03/2021 04:55 PM
10/03/2021 04:55 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
TravelHat--I sure wish I had taken more pictures the first day. Hope Saba comes back!!


Carol Hill
Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: crsxm] #264806
10/03/2021 04:55 PM
10/03/2021 04:55 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
crsxm--It is a lovely indulgence, having your own pool..


Carol Hill
Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: Carol_Hill] #264809
10/03/2021 05:40 PM
10/03/2021 05:40 PM
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.
Very nice…….🙂🙂


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: Carol_Hill] #264811
10/03/2021 05:55 PM
10/03/2021 05:55 PM
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 568
Bucks County, PA
S
snuba Offline
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snuba  Offline
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S
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 568
Bucks County, PA
Nice section. Years ago we stayed at the first unit, 3 bedroom. At that time it was owned by Bobby Valins AKA “Villa Lady”, she sold it since. It was a corner unit with panoramic ocean views. New owners remodeled it and I think it is for rent also.
We really enjoyed the location. Did the same thing, change up to BSV.


Life is short, travel the World.
Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: Carol_Hill] #264812
10/03/2021 06:00 PM
10/03/2021 06:00 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,259
Kennys Offline
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Kennys  Offline
Traveler
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,259
Great and do enjoy your vacation.

Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: snuba] #264813
10/03/2021 06:24 PM
10/03/2021 06:24 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
snuba--we are kind of enjoying being on this end of Simpson Bay for a change.. I have seen pictures of that 3 bedroom in the past. Not sure which unit it is from here, but I think it's off to my left.


Carol Hill
Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: pat] #264815
10/03/2021 06:29 PM
10/03/2021 06:29 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Pat and Lesley--thanks


Carol Hill
Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: Carol_Hill] #264819
10/03/2021 07:13 PM
10/03/2021 07:13 PM
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 568
Bucks County, PA
S
snuba Offline
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snuba  Offline
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S
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 568
Bucks County, PA
It is the first one on the right, Canadian couple bought it. Next one was owned by American orthopedic surgeon at that time, third one was owned by American couple also. Don’t know after that. But I am talking about 10 years ago.


Life is short, travel the World.
Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: Carol_Hill] #264820
10/03/2021 07:26 PM
10/03/2021 07:26 PM
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,225
Middle Tennessee
T
TravelHat Offline
Traveler
TravelHat  Offline
Traveler
T
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,225
Middle Tennessee
Is the pool area suitable for a little CO

Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: TravelHat] #264822
10/03/2021 08:35 PM
10/03/2021 08:35 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
TravelHat--Yes. Absolutely. Very difficult for anyone onshore to see you. Technically people on boats can see, but that's their problem.


Carol Hill
Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: snuba] #264823
10/03/2021 08:36 PM
10/03/2021 08:36 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
snuba--OK, I guess I'm totally turned around then.


Carol Hill
Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: Carol_Hill] #264825
10/03/2021 11:59 PM
10/03/2021 11:59 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
Good for you. Enjoy your self. So what it it cost more. If you don't spend it your beneficiaries will. Enjoy your stay.

Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: Carol_Hill] #264827
10/04/2021 12:56 AM
10/04/2021 12:56 AM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,253
Boynton Beach, FL
EdB Offline
Traveler
EdB  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,253
Boynton Beach, FL
Looks like a great vacation. As others stated, surprised to see you away from your beloved BSV...but this place looks pretty awesome too. i got a chuckle seeing the menu at Mama. When i looked at it first, i thought the prices were crazy expensive. the one looks more like a 4, Was going to comment about the ridiculous price of lasagna and most of the other entres, but then realized my mistake. LOL Never have been there, but if it tastes as good as it looks, we will give it a try in March!!! Enjoy your vacation.

Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: Carol_Hill] #264830
10/04/2021 07:11 AM
10/04/2021 07:11 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,561
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
Traveler
BillandElaine  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,561
St Maarten
Carol, welcome to the world of Sahara dust!


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: Carol_Hill] #264831
10/04/2021 07:19 AM
10/04/2021 07:19 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 825
Grosse Pointe, Michigan
Leagle49 Offline
Traveler
Leagle49  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 825
Grosse Pointe, Michigan
Looks like a great start to a well deserved vacation. Looking forward to the next report. Enjoy!

Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: BillandElaine] #264832
10/04/2021 07:28 AM
10/04/2021 07:28 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Elaine--is that what it was on Saturday? We have often been in SXM in June when there was Sahara dust, but nothing like that!! I sure hope we get to see Saba again. Thursday was incredibly clear.


Carol Hill
Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: SXMScubaman] #264833
10/04/2021 07:28 AM
10/04/2021 07:28 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Scuba--yeah, we don't have any kids, so what the h*ll?? smile


Carol Hill
Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: EdB] #264834
10/04/2021 07:29 AM
10/04/2021 07:29 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Ed--the pizza was really good. We had leftovers for snacking, watching football yesterday.


Carol Hill
Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: Leagle49] #264835
10/04/2021 07:30 AM
10/04/2021 07:30 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Leagle--thanks!


Carol Hill
Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: Carol_Hill] #264839
10/04/2021 08:30 AM
10/04/2021 08:30 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,561
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
Traveler
BillandElaine  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,561
St Maarten
We've only seen Saba a few days out of the last few months. Sahara dust worst we've seen.


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: BillandElaine] #264840
10/04/2021 08:39 AM
10/04/2021 08:39 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Well, that sucks. OK.


Carol Hill
Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: Carol_Hill] #264842
10/04/2021 08:51 AM
10/04/2021 08:51 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,561
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
Traveler
BillandElaine  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,561
St Maarten
Helping to keep the storms away, but tough on the eyes and lungs.

http://tropic.ssec.wisc.edu/real-time/sal/salmain.php?&prod=split&time=

Last edited by BillandElaine; 10/04/2021 08:55 AM.

Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: BillandElaine] #264845
10/04/2021 09:04 AM
10/04/2021 09:04 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Yes, I have heard it helps keep the storms away.


Carol Hill
Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: Carol_Hill] #264855
10/04/2021 11:40 AM
10/04/2021 11:40 AM
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 272
Va Beach
Kmon Offline
Traveler
Kmon  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 272
Va Beach
The BVI yesterday issued, I think, their first ever air quality alert concerning the Sahara dust.
Below is the website I use for Sahara dust reports:

https://www.myfoxhurricane.com/saharan_dust_car.html

Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: snuba] #264858
10/04/2021 12:05 PM
10/04/2021 12:05 PM
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,827
Galena, IL
indi Offline
Traveler
indi  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,827
Galena, IL
We stay in that unit, Villa Libre. Wonderful place!


Joyce M-C
[Linked Image]
Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: Carol_Hill] #264862
10/04/2021 02:00 PM
10/04/2021 02:00 PM
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,408
Yonkers, NY
fabila Offline
Traveler
fabila  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,408
Yonkers, NY
Looking forward to your reports Carol.

Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: Carol_Hill] #264870
10/04/2021 04:01 PM
10/04/2021 04:01 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline OP
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Possibly have another segment to post tomorrow.


Carol Hill
Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: indi] #265641
10/12/2021 11:45 AM
10/12/2021 11:45 AM
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 659
Tampa, FL
wofan Offline
Traveler
wofan  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 659
Tampa, FL
Indi, that unit is not Villa Libre. I would like to know the name though as we have stayed in Pelican Cove a number of times and it is a great location and the pools very private. This is Villa Libre: https://www.vrbo.com/66948

Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: wofan] #265663
10/12/2021 03:46 PM
10/12/2021 03:46 PM
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 568
Bucks County, PA
S
snuba Offline
Traveler
snuba  Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 568
Bucks County, PA
wofan, I believe Indi was responding to my post where I said we stayed at Villa Libre, “Jubelibra” at that time and not the place where Carol was staying.


Life is short, travel the World.
Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: snuba] #265666
10/12/2021 04:17 PM
10/12/2021 04:17 PM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,625
United States of America
bdeeley Offline
Traveler
bdeeley  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,625
United States of America
Sera Bella.

Sera Bella link


Be Happy! Simply because you deserve to be. 😁
Re: First three days report October 2021 [Re: snuba] #265667
10/12/2021 04:22 PM
10/12/2021 04:22 PM
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,827
Galena, IL
indi Offline
Traveler
indi  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,827
Galena, IL
Yes, I was responding to your post. Wofan must not have realized that.


Joyce M-C
[Linked Image]

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