Posted By: Wingman
Have Arrived - 10/23/2021 11:53 AM
After a 2 year absence, I'm finally here. Due to health and COVID, in 52 years, it's the longest I've been away. Leading up to departure I was a bundle of nerves worrying about testing, applying for pre-approval etc. All was for naught. As posted in a previous thread from testing to getting pre-approval, the process was 4 hours and totally smooth, easy peasy, leaving Friday at 6AM out of BDL(Hartford, CT) and leaving the house at 3:30AM. Around 9:15PM, just about to head up to bed and a ping goes off on my Ipad. It's American to tell me my flight is canceled from BDL to CLT. It asked me to reschedule a different flight on line. The only way to do that was to book the next day. That wasn't going to work, outside the 72 hour testing, pre approval paperwork now would be wrong date etc, a real mess. Called directly to American, got the message due to heavy calling volume etc etc. Left my number and waited for a call back. In the mean time, checked Wagreens for testing appointments for the next day in case I had to go through the whole process again. Got a call back from American at 10:30pm. I explained everything to her. I have to give her credit, she was very pleasant and really seemed to want to help. She was even trying to get me on a Delta flight in the morning, BDL-ATL-SXM. To no avail, it wasn't working. I told her I had an idea, she could try to get me to CLT out of White Plains or JFK. I would have to change my traveling plans etc to get to the airport, but it was doable. She was able to get me the last seat on the flight out of White Plains. So at 11:15pm I was back to going to SXM on Friday. All flights went smoothly on Friday.
Arrived at SXM a little early, 1:40. Again not knowing what to expect with all the new paperwork, a little nervous. I was one of the first to go from my flight. Everything could not have been smoother. Just walked through the process, got my bags and out to the curb to see Lesley there waiting for me. It was so good to see him again. I had my car and was on my way to BSV at 2:15. Went to Carefour to get supplies, back to the villa to be greeted like a long last friend by the entire staff at BSV. They are simply the best. They really make BSV complete. I've been staying here since 1997, at least a couple of times a year and wouldn't have it any other way.
Went to Jax for dinner around 7. I was exhausted from no sleep the night before and travel day. Absolutely a great meal there. From there, stopped in at J.N Jewelers to see Ravi. I think I'm going to purchase a new watch this year. I've always done that kind of shopping with Ravi. He's the best. I was surprised to see that he moved across the street. From there I wanted to see what was going on at the casino, wasn't going to stay long. I have to say I was kind of disappointed with the casino. They removed a lot of table games including the craps tables. It was a ghost town. Aside from the slots, I don't think there were more than 15 people at the different tables. On well. Only stayed about 5 minutes and then back to BSV for a good night's sleep. Back home and in bed at 9:30. This morning, what a treat to be waking up to beautiful sunshine, warmth and crashing waves.
Waiting for a couple of friends to arrive in a few hours, Fabila and Colour1 and tomorrow 4 more friends arriving from CT and OR. Then 2 weeks of sun, fun and relaxing.
Arrived at SXM a little early, 1:40. Again not knowing what to expect with all the new paperwork, a little nervous. I was one of the first to go from my flight. Everything could not have been smoother. Just walked through the process, got my bags and out to the curb to see Lesley there waiting for me. It was so good to see him again. I had my car and was on my way to BSV at 2:15. Went to Carefour to get supplies, back to the villa to be greeted like a long last friend by the entire staff at BSV. They are simply the best. They really make BSV complete. I've been staying here since 1997, at least a couple of times a year and wouldn't have it any other way.
Went to Jax for dinner around 7. I was exhausted from no sleep the night before and travel day. Absolutely a great meal there. From there, stopped in at J.N Jewelers to see Ravi. I think I'm going to purchase a new watch this year. I've always done that kind of shopping with Ravi. He's the best. I was surprised to see that he moved across the street. From there I wanted to see what was going on at the casino, wasn't going to stay long. I have to say I was kind of disappointed with the casino. They removed a lot of table games including the craps tables. It was a ghost town. Aside from the slots, I don't think there were more than 15 people at the different tables. On well. Only stayed about 5 minutes and then back to BSV for a good night's sleep. Back home and in bed at 9:30. This morning, what a treat to be waking up to beautiful sunshine, warmth and crashing waves.
Waiting for a couple of friends to arrive in a few hours, Fabila and Colour1 and tomorrow 4 more friends arriving from CT and OR. Then 2 weeks of sun, fun and relaxing.
