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Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 #58237
06/15/2015 01:48 AM
06/15/2015 01:48 AM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline OP
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jazzgal  Offline OP
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
Friday/Saturday, June 5-6

Air: My miles are with Alaska, and I normally travel on American PDX – DFW – MIA – SXM. That routing wasn’t available this year; what I was able to book was PDX – PHX – MIA – SXM, with the PHX – MIA leg being a redeye. The original booking called for a 95-minute layover in PHX after arriving at 10:55 PM. At some point I received an email stating I was now arriving in PHX in the morning, resulting in a 12-hour layover in PHX. Not acceptable! After several phone calls and going up the supervisory chain, it became clear that, despite PHX’s website saying 90 minutes was an acceptable layover, when a change of airlines was involved, the layover needed to be longer. Alaska rerouted me from PDX – SEA (Horizon) then on to PHX (Alaska), MIA, and SXM (both American).

Turns out, they were absolutely right that more time is needed. The first two legs went fine. I arrived in Terminal 2 in PHX around 11 PM. None of the reader boards were on at that hour, and I had no idea where to go for my next flight. I finally found someone who told me American operated out of Terminal 4; was I really sure I was on American? She gave me some instructions for exiting Terminal 2 and getting to SkyTrain. (Alaska had assured me I would be able to stay in a secure area when changing terminals; not so.) Before departing Terminal 2, I found someone else to confirm that I was going in the right direction. She actually gave me a printed card (!) explaining how to get from one terminal to another as SkyTrain does not connect all the terminals. There was a great deal of walking involved, but I finally made it to Terminal 4 where I was able to print my American boarding passes.

So on to TSA. I have purchased TSA Pre-Check and packed accordingly, meaning my fluids were in my rolling suitcase, not in my “personal item.” When I arrived at TSA, I’m informed that there’s no Pre-Check after 9 PM as they don’t have the personnel available. I didn’t have to take my shoes off but did need to retrieve my fluids from my suitcase and my Surface from my backpack. I was almost through TSA when they pointed out that my water bottle had water in it. I take full responsibility for not dumping the water, but I’m accustomed to being able to stay within a secure area where dumping it isn’t necessary so it hadn’t registered. It happened to be a water bottle I’m partial to that I’d brought from home so didn’t want to throw it out. I asked if they could just dump out the water. Noooo. A young whippersnapper escorted me out of the secure area to where the garbage cans were where I dumped the water out. Then I got to go through security yet again! I made it to the gate about ten minutes before they started boarding; the time between flights was 2 hours and 38 minutes. Someone please shoot me if I ever again book a flight going through PHX where a change of air lines is involved.

In MIA I paid for a day pass at the Admirals Club, which happened to be across from my gate. I continue to think the pass is a great deal as it entitles you to a shower and free breakfast. The shower rooms (they have several) are very nicely appointed and provide towels, toiletries, hair dryer, etc. It really refreshes you after trying to sleep on a plane overnight.

The last leg from MIA to SXM was coach; first class hasn’t been available on Alaska miles for a couple of years now. I sat next to a very nice couple from SXM who have the Domino’s Pizza franchise.

Car Rental: I contacted several sponsors for a small vehicle. The first to respond was Leisure, and their price turned out to be the best, including a nice discount for TTOL members. They were waiting just outside the terminal after I retrieved my luggage and drove me in my car to their office. It’s in a location I’d have to pass anyway, and the paperwork didn’t take any longer than it would have at the airport. I have a little Hyundai that had only 6,000 miles on it. I had asked for slightly dented, but they don’t provide that. I hope I’m not the first to put a dent in it! What I like about this car is that it’s not white but a nice almond that sticks out in parking lots. They were very nice and efficient, and the good comments they have been getting here seem to be well deserved. They will open at 6 AM on the day I leave SXM and drive me to the airport for my 8 AM flight. I really appreciate this as I usually travel solo; leaving a rental in the parking lot at the airport isn’t particularly convenient as I then need to haul luggage from the rental to the terminal by myself (not a light packer!). At any rate, I’m impressed with them so far.

First Night: My timeshare at Divi doesn’t start until Saturday. They quoted me $160 for a “hotel” room and $190 for a studio. So I booked at Turquoise Shell Inn for $115 as I have for the last few years. Carter is still trying to sell the property. He is an incredibly gracious and accommodating host, and I really enjoy patronizing his Inn. He asked if I had eaten at Byblos, which I haven’t yet. Apparently he is friends with the owner and “helps out” there nearly every day. His housekeeper also works at Byblos; he says they are all kind of a family. It was already on my list of places to try this year.

It was now mid-afternoon and I was hungry so it was off to Karakter, where I enjoyed my first mojito and a couple of tapas. I went back to the Inn to read for a while and had good intentions of doing something productive in the evening. It wasn’t to be; I slept long and well after long travel days.

Up the next morning, which was a beautiful day. I decided to walk to Karakter for breakfast. There was definitely seaweed on Simpson Beach, but I caught this lovely little vignette en route.

[Linked Image]

It was pretty windy, but the English Karakter really hit the spot. I didn’t see Karakter cleaning up the seaweed, but it’s obvious from this photo that they do it.

[Linked Image]

Back to the Inn to clean up and check out. I checked in to Divi between 12:30 and 1:00 PM, but my room wasn’t ready. They gave me a buzzer so they could notify me when my room was ready. I went to the Seabreeze pool

[Linked Image]
to hang out until the buzzer went off. It hadn’t done so by 4:00 PM, which is check-in, so I went to the front desk. My room was ready (no explanation as to why the buzzer didn’t go off), and I checked in. One of my bags had been opened by TSA. I wonder if it had anything to do with the ziplock bag with baggies of . . . laundry detergent?

I contacted some friends to find out what they were doing for the evening. They had been trying to call me but weren’t able to leave a voice message as my phone was saying the mailbox hadn’t been set up. At any rate, I decided I wanted to go to my old standby, Fusion, and was not disappointed. I am very partial to their goat cheese spring roll salad, and it was as good as always. For my entrée, I had their appetizer of tempura shrimp.

[Linked Image]

It was a delicious meal, and the help welcomed me back warmly.

Sunday, June 7
Time for grocery shopping. I so wish Divi were more amenable to Jeannie’s delivering there as shopping when you are trying to get into vacation mode is a PITA. After unloading the groceries, I went to Sharon’s to see about the cell phone’s mailbox issue. Sharon is off island, but Doris was very accommodating. After several phone calls, it turned out to be a problem with Chippie. Doris gave me my phone back and said she would go to Chippie the next day to get the issue fixed. By late afternoon Monday, people were able to hear my greeting and leave me voice messages. Success!

This was a day of too many errands and I hadn’t eaten yet. I’d never been to Zee Best so dropped by for an omelet. Service was OK but I thought the food was unremarkable. Back to Divi for pool/beach time. I attempted to hang out at the Infinity Pool, but all the chairs were occupied. This was a first for me, and disappointing. So I went to Seabreeze Pool for a while. They were setting up for a reception for the Minister of Justice later that evening so back to the room. I connected with friends for dinner at the GreenHouse, followed by a set of Category 5 at LaBamba.

[Linked Image]

Monday, June 8
Finally, a beach day! Off to Orient to meet up with friends. It was a very windy day; but the sun was warm, and it was nice to see folks I hadn’t seen for a year. I patronized the vendor stall next to where Luiz would be if he were there. The nice man (Francoise, I think?) who runs that stall wanted to make sure that when I return next year I look for him. He doesn’t know yet where he will be situated after all the remodeling is done. I feel so sorry for these folks who aren’t going to have any income for several months; how are they going to pay their rent or buy groceries?

My intent was to have dinner at Jam Rock in Cul de Sac, which had been recommended, I think, by DustinH. They had a reader board with specials out in front, but I didn’t notice until I went up the steps that they were closed. I was disappointed as it looks like a cute place. I noticed Stachey’s Hut on the way out of Cul de Sac which has also been mentioned here; for whatever reason, I didn’t feel comfortable going there solo. So I settled on Chesterfield’s and had the grouper with vegetables. I know a lot of you really like Chesterfield’s, but it strikes me as just OK.

Back to Divi to get started on this report before I forget too much more.

Tuesday, June 9

It was a Divi Day that started with breakfast on my balcony, followed by water aerobics in the Seabreeze Pool. I then headed to the Infinity Pool for several hours of reading. There was a photo shoot going on at the pool, which was distracting; several models were wearing swim and resort wear in various locations around the pool. I was glad when they left, but it was about time for me to leave as well. I got dressed for a sunset sail on the Passaat, which now picks you up at Skipjack’s rather than the Yacht Club. Pieter and Mirian have a new dinghy (former one was destroyed in the last hurricane) which holds more people. For this sail, 22 people were on board; this was the most people I’ve experienced on a Passaat sail. But it’s a big ship, and there was still plenty of room for everyone. The sail was as lovely and pleasant as it always is.

[Linked Image]

After the sail, a friend and I went to Byblos for dinner; this was my first experience there but won’t be my last. Carter, from the Turquoise Shell Inn, was tending bar. The waitress is his housekeeper at the Inn. She told me she had been keeping a water bottle I inadvertently left in the refrigerator in my room year before last! It was a purple one I really liked and thought I had lost somewhere along the line. So I’ll drop by before I leave to get my bottle back. Very nice of her. Carter was most helpful in explaining the food items, and dinner was quite good. Based on Benner/Langston recommendations, we both ended the meal with baklava. Yummy!

Back to my room to try to determine why Google has disabled my personal email account. Turns out it’s a known outage with the provider who hosts my mailbox; it’s unknown as to when it will be back up and running. Highly inconvenient as I need to stay in touch with the contractor doing remodeling on my house while I’m gone. Wifi here at Divi is incredibly slow.

Wednesday, June 10

I had purchased a small bag of cat food as I hadn’t seen too many felines around. But this morning I woke up to this sight on my deck.

[Linked Image]

After feeding them the last of the small bag, I enjoyed my own breakfast on the deck. Since it had started raining, I headed off to Grand Marche to purchase two large bags of cat food: one for those on my deck and the other for Bernadine. The rain had stopped by the time I got my bag back to my room so I proceeded with my original plan: Anse Marcel! Those of you who read my posts know this is my favorite beach on the island.

For some reason, I had expected the new parking lot to be at the end of the existing one, so I drove through the parking lot, not seeing any way to get closer to the beach. However, if you turn into the parking lot just before the guard shack and drive straight through the lot, you will come to a driveway that parallels the parking lot. You just follow the signs to Anse Marcel Beach Bar. Wow - what an improvement! The lot was nearly empty, and it’s just steps from the lot to the beach.

It was a heavenly day. The water was so calm: you can walk out so the water is up to your neck, with no drop-off.

[Linked Image]

I had the roast duck for lunch, and it was delicious. I stayed until after 5:30, watching the sun go behind the hill.

[Linked Image]

I cleaned up a bit in their gorgeous rest room (saw this along the way)
[Linked Image]

and then headed to Cul de Sac for dinner. I’ve never been to Ti Bouchon as it’s generally closed when I’m on island. It was open, and I’m assuming it was Momo setting up tables outdoors. He said it would be about 45 minutes before they opened for dinner, and I didn’t want to wait. So this time it was success at eating at Jam Rock. I started with a three-cheese salad that would have been enough to eat by itself, but who knew? That was followed by pan-fried red parrot fish. It was the whole fish with bone in; I had lots to bring back for another meal.

[img]http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc498/lrlehmann/SXM%202015/IMG_4020_zpsrmci8zzc.jpg[/img]
Thursday, June 11

Same routine: breakfast on the deck followed by water aerobics. I dropped by Turquoise Shell Inn to retrieve my water bottle and was thrilled to have it back. The rest of the day was sort of a bust. I went to Zafiro on White Sands Road. It’s in a nice setting, and the help was very nice. But it was extremely windy, and their umbrellas aren’t particularly effective so I left after a couple of hours. Their rest rooms include showers, which is a plus. This will probably be a lovely place after the hotel is finished and they serve food.

When I was in my lounger, three dogs, unaccompanied by humans, ran along the beach toward the rocks. When they got as far as they could go, they ran into the water and frolicked with each other. When they were through playing, they got out of the water and ran back to wherever they came from.

[img]http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc498/lrlehmann/SXM%202015/IMG_4033_zpseewlbjek.jpg[/img]
[img]http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc498/lrlehmann/SXM%202015/IMG_4036_zpskrsywx5a.jpg[/img]
They were highly entertaining to watch.

I then decided to drive around for awhile and went through Terres Basses into Sandy Ground. I stopped at the studio of Jean-Pierre Straub, but it was unfortunately closed. I have three of his pieces and wouldn’t mind having more. To Mark’s Place for dinner.

Friday, June 12

Breakfast on the deck and then off to Skipjack’s for a half-day sail on the Passaat. Two folks didn’t show, but we had a nice group of six. An America’s Cup boat was practicing, and the crew were very serious about it; they were too engrossed to return our waves.


[img]http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc498/lrlehmann/SXM%202015/IMG_4044_zpsekz4pgcg.jpg[/img]
The Passaat dropped anchor in Baie Longue while Mirian cooked lunch and we got in the water. As soon as lunch was finished, the black clouds opened up and there was quite a downpour for about half an hour. The sun was back out by the time we returned to Simpson Bay. It was a lovely day, and this is an experience I just don’t get tired of.

[img]http://i1214.photobucket.com/albums/cc498/lrlehmann/SXM%202015/IMG_4047_zpswlnptdln.jpg[/img]

After getting cleaned up, I went to Fig for dinner and again enjoyed their Asian Shrimp Salad. I’ve had it several times over the last couple of years, and it was as good as I remembered it: a veritable plethora of flavors! Service was pleasant and attentive.

+++++

Thus ends my first week on the island. At this point, I have no idea when I’ll be able to upload this report. Wifi at Divi is just awful. It’s taking way too much precious vacation time to get photos uploaded to the internet and resized.


[Linked Image]
SXM Sponsors
Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: jazzgal] #58238
06/15/2015 06:23 AM
06/15/2015 06:23 AM
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 772
Conway, SC 29526
bigbobthib Offline
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bigbobthib  Offline
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Posts: 772
Conway, SC 29526
I also used Leisure Car Rental. Because this was my third time using them I got upgraded to a new Honda Pilot. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: jazzgal] #58239
06/15/2015 06:33 AM
06/15/2015 06:33 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
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Posts: 17,476
Ohio
Nice report. Sounds like a rather rough start for your long travel to SXM. Hope the trip goes well for you. Love the Passaat also.


J.D.
Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: jazzgal] #58240
06/15/2015 06:55 AM
06/15/2015 06:55 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...
Linda, I've been anxiously awaiting the first installment of your report, and it certainly didn't disappoint. Continue to enjoy!

Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: jazzgal] #58241
06/15/2015 07:09 AM
06/15/2015 07:09 AM
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 107
Tennessee, USA
dustinbh Offline
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dustinbh  Offline
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Posts: 107
Tennessee, USA
Glad you made it to Jam Rock! Sounds like you are having a lovely time so far! Reading your report is making it a little easier to wait until October! Sorry about all your hassles in PHX! Looking forward to the rest of your installments!

Dustin


[Linked Image]
Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: jazzgal] #58242
06/15/2015 08:13 AM
06/15/2015 08:13 AM
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,764
Quebec
kish Offline
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kish  Offline
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Posts: 1,764
Quebec
Thanks for the wonderful report. You have given me ideas for lots of new places to try. Looking forward to your next report. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: jazzgal] #58243
06/15/2015 08:26 AM
06/15/2015 08:26 AM
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,313
Granville, MA
PreK176 Offline
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PreK176  Offline
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Posts: 1,313
Granville, MA
Great report Linda! Thanks for sharing! Enjoy the rest of your trip!!


[Linked Image]
[/url]
Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: jazzgal] #58244
06/15/2015 08:32 AM
06/15/2015 08:32 AM
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,141
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
islandgem Offline
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islandgem  Offline
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Posts: 13,141
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Thanks for the lovely report on your first week. I Totally understand the frustration of uploading pictures with slow Internet connection as we experienced that at BSV last November.Do not waste your precious vacation time doing that as we can wait for the pictures until you get home. A pictorial trip report will be something to look forward to !




Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: islandgem] #58245
06/15/2015 08:36 AM
06/15/2015 08:36 AM
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,045
COMMACK, NY
L
LONGISLANDSHARON Offline
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LONGISLANDSHARON  Offline
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L
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,045
COMMACK, NY
I always LOVE your trip reports! Thank you!

Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: jazzgal] #58246
06/15/2015 08:42 AM
06/15/2015 08:42 AM
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,132
St Louis, MO
SXMNorm Offline
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SXMNorm  Offline
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Posts: 7,132
St Louis, MO
Great report, Linda. A shame about all the airline hassle to start. I think "the kitties" have their own social/food internet system. Nice that Turquoise Shell got your water bottle back to you.


Next SXM visit -November 2023. Also January 2024.
Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: jazzgal] #58247
06/15/2015 08:42 AM
06/15/2015 08:42 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,470
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Posts: 82,470
Central Florida!
Thanks for a lovely first week report! You folks from the west coast sure have to go through a lot to get here!


Carol Hill
Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: jazzgal] #58248
06/15/2015 08:49 AM
06/15/2015 08:49 AM
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,929
Connecticut
The_Lurker Offline
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The_Lurker  Offline
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Posts: 2,929
Connecticut
Very nice! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: The_Lurker] #58249
06/15/2015 08:59 AM
06/15/2015 08:59 AM
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 685
L
lcote Online content
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lcote  Online Content
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L
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 685
I hope you get a chance to try out Toucan's and let us know if you like it. It really was great when we were there in January.

Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: jazzgal] #58250
06/15/2015 09:14 AM
06/15/2015 09:14 AM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
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pat  Offline
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Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
Thank you, Linda. This was an absolutely delightful read. I so enjoy your style in writing and the patience you display in sharing your trip and photos with us. Hope the rest of your trip is as enjoyable as your first week seems to have been..........


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: pat] #58251
06/15/2015 11:07 AM
06/15/2015 11:07 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,565
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
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SXMScubaman  Online Content
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Posts: 18,565
Auburn, WA
Linda. Look into using your AA miles on the US Air flights listed under the AA web site. Easy to get FF and even the PHX flight stays on US Air if that is the route. Your Alaska miles should still work for it.

Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: SXMScubaman] #58252
06/15/2015 11:36 AM
06/15/2015 11:36 AM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 41
PA/MA
S
stjames Offline
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stjames  Offline
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S
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 41
PA/MA
Wait, so Momo is open? We are on island now and drove by Ti Bouchon the other day. No menu on the menu board so we figured he had left for vacation early.

Thank you for the great trip report!

Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: jazzgal] #58253
06/15/2015 03:10 PM
06/15/2015 03:10 PM
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,408
Yonkers, NY
fabila Offline
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fabila  Offline
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Yonkers, NY
Sounds like a lovely first week, Linda. Thanks for sharing.

Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: jazzgal] #58254
06/15/2015 03:35 PM
06/15/2015 03:35 PM
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 334
S
StMartinFan Online content
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StMartinFan  Online Content
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Posts: 334
A wonderful trip report! Thank you for all the effort it must take to put it together.

We also own at Divi and know how slow the internet is! Always enjoy your comments about the resort. Two questions for you - when we were there in March, they had installed several small wooden "stands" around the resort. They were a single wooden pole stuck in the ground, topped with a flat board with about 8 round holes cut in it. They were nicely stained and varnished and looked like a free standing drink holder, but made no sense based on where they were placed. One was across from small "shed" by the main walkway going from the parking lot to the timeshare units. The person working in that shed, which says it's to provide tourist info, told us it was somehow related to the internet service. But unless they have since added equipment to the post, that didn't make any sense. Anyway, I've been wondering ever since, so curious if you've noticed those?

They were also building a platform with a roof on the beach near the Seabreeze pool. We were told that was for massages. Is that in use now?

And from past reviews, we seem to have similar taste in restaurants, so I'm looking forward to trying some of the ones you've mentioned!

Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: jazzgal] #58255
06/15/2015 04:43 PM
06/15/2015 04:43 PM
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 52
Clackamas, OR
Fivesumwr Offline
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Fivesumwr  Offline
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Clackamas, OR
As a fellow PDXer that has been traveling to SXM since ’98, I feel your pain about trying to use Alaska miles to get there. What used to be a simple overnight flight through DFW has now turned into a 2-day cattle-run. For our last trip, we ended up with a combo of miles and purchases with three different airlines for the round-trip.

I ran into the same problem this year but ended up finding a 10 hr 20 minute red-eye PDX-CLT-SXM for just over $200 coach on US Airways (1st Class @$650). I could get us to MIA using miles but first class flights out of MIA were running $500+ and included a one-night layover. As you said, first-class MIA-SXM is not available with Alaska miles. However, it was available with AA miles but we did not have enough.

US Airways is not a partner with Alaska but we will be able to apply the earned miles to our AA accounts. Which is okay as we have decided to stop being loyal to Alaska and evened cancelled our Alaska credit cards. Why pay $75.00 a year if you can’t book flights? Don’t get me started about the decrease in benefits of Alaska’s credit card. Capitol One; no annual fee, no foreign exchange fee and cash back!

Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: jazzgal] #58256
06/15/2015 04:55 PM
06/15/2015 04:55 PM
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 252
Grumpy Offline
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Grumpy  Offline
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Posts: 252
Nice report <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />
Please don't feed the cats at Divi.They are to eat rars and nice. Sorry, not being unkind.Food for shelters is good. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />


[color:"red"]Grumpy;My wife is not a small boat being towed by a larger one. [/color]<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />
Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: Grumpy] #58257
06/15/2015 04:57 PM
06/15/2015 04:57 PM
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Posts: 789
Toronto Canada
moxie Offline
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moxie  Offline
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Lovely report-keep feeding the cats.

Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: jazzgal] #58258
06/15/2015 05:42 PM
06/15/2015 05:42 PM
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Posts: 150
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DrDoug Offline
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Linda,
Nice report. As a fellow Divi owner I must echo what Grumpy said. PLEASE don't feed the cats. Divi has signs posted to that effect. However, the one near your place and the infinity pool had the "don't" part scratched out a few years ago. If we all could just refrain from this activity and let mother nature prevail, it would take the burden off of the shelters, including Bernadine. Thanks for helping her.
Some time ago there was a post on this board about a cat roundup at another resort. Just saying. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: DrDoug] #58259
06/15/2015 07:16 PM
06/15/2015 07:16 PM
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 169
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Alaskan Offline
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Quote
DrDoug said:
PLEASE don't feed the cats.

I couldn't agree more. It is inconsiderate of those who will rent that unit after you are gone and who may not be cat lovers. Few things are more annoying on vacation than to "inherit" a patio full of demanding stray cats that have been conditioned to receive handouts at that location. We've even had them try to get into our unit, presumably because a previous tenant fed them indoors. Be a good neighbor, leave them to fend for themselves, and direct your good intentions to supporting a local animal shelter. My two cents.

Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: Alaskan] #58260
06/16/2015 07:37 AM
06/16/2015 07:37 AM
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Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline OP
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jazzgal  Offline OP
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Enough with the admonishments, everyone. The signs have been gone from Divi for several years now. Instead, an animal welfare association comes in to feed the animals periodically, but they are still very skinny.


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Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: stjames] #58261
06/16/2015 08:23 AM
06/16/2015 08:23 AM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline OP
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stjames said:
Wait, so Momo is open? We are on island now and drove by Ti Bouchon the other day. No menu on the menu board so we figured he had left for vacation early.


I've never met Momo so made the assumption that's who it was. However, he definitely was going to be open that night.


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Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: StMartinFan] #58262
06/16/2015 08:30 AM
06/16/2015 08:30 AM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline OP
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StMartinFan said:
We also own at Divi and know how slow the internet is! Always enjoy your comments about the resort. Two questions for you - when we were there in March, they had installed several small wooden "stands" around the resort. They were a single wooden pole stuck in the ground, topped with a flat board with about 8 round holes cut in it. They were nicely stained and varnished and looked like a free standing drink holder, but made no sense based on where they were placed. One was across from small "shed" by the main walkway going from the parking lot to the timeshare units. The person working in that shed, which says it's to provide tourist info, told us it was somehow related to the internet service. But unless they have since added equipment to the post, that didn't make any sense. Anyway, I've been wondering ever since, so curious if you've noticed those?

They were also building a platform with a roof on the beach near the Seabreeze pool. We were told that was for massages. Is that in use now?


The wooden stands you refer to now have signs attached to them encouraging folks to put their used glasses there; it's an environmental measure, and I've actually used one of the stands.

I don't know about the "shed" having anything to do with the internet. During the early part of the week, it's staffed by a lady who wants folks to sign up for their "owner update." She also has some brochures about island activities.

I have not seen any massages taking place on the platform. It seems to be used mostly by locals who visit Little Bay Beach.


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Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: StMartinFan] #58263
06/16/2015 08:37 AM
06/16/2015 08:37 AM
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Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline OP
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Oh - one more thing. The new chairs by the pools, while much more comfortable, are really cheap. The cushions are already starting to come apart.


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Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: jazzgal] #58264
06/16/2015 10:17 AM
06/16/2015 10:17 AM
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 334
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StMartinFan Online content
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Thanks for the info. The use of the wooden stands as a place to hold used glasses is a good idea. Even before the signs, we noticed a few glasses in a couple of them.

I guess I wasn't clear in my earlier post - the woman working in the tourist shed was the one who told us the wooden stands were going to be used for something related to the internet! That didn't seem likely to us, but we didn't ask anyone else. I've noticed that Divi employees don't seem to be well informed about what's going on at the resort - must not be a priority for management to share info.

Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: jazzgal] #58265
06/16/2015 11:38 AM
06/16/2015 11:38 AM
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Posts: 26
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DandG Offline
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Hi you mentioned Francoise in your report. We have been visiting him every trip since 2002 and I have lost his email address. We will be in St martin from July 9 to 19th and want to get in touch with him. He has become a good friend are we're very concerned about his situation on Orient Beach.
If anyone has his contact information please forward it to me. Thanks.

Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: jazzgal] #58266
06/18/2015 12:19 PM
06/18/2015 12:19 PM
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Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline
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Lovely report and I truly appreciate the effort you took to include pictures.

The planter with stones is gorgeous! I must have one. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Do the cats at Divi get spayed and neutered?


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: SXMNorm] #58267
06/18/2015 01:29 PM
06/18/2015 01:29 PM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 207
Clearwater, FL
RABBY Offline
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RABBY  Offline
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Clearwater, FL
Wonderful report, thank you!! The pics are great - and, keep feeding the cats! Too much misery in this world without denying friendly strays something good to eat smile Just my opinion as an animal lover and cat owner.


..."there's this one particular harbor"....
Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: RABBY] #58268
06/18/2015 07:56 PM
06/18/2015 07:56 PM
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 4
maryland, usa
libra1946 Offline
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maryland, usa
Thanks for sharing, I always enjoy your weekly reports, looking fwd. to the next one.

Re: Week 1: June 5-12, 2015 [Re: BeachKitten] #58269
06/19/2015 08:21 AM
06/19/2015 08:21 AM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline OP
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BeachKitten said:

Do the cats at Divi get spayed and neutered?


Spay, yes; neuter, no. This makes no sense to me but it has definitely reduced the cat population to just a handful of felines here.


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