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Trip Report 12/31/16 - 1/21/17 #118764
01/25/2017 11:22 PM
01/25/2017 11:22 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,370
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Tom Offline OP
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Tom  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,370
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Trip Report 12/31/16 to 1/21/17
Tried to do this on a daily format but it began to look like a novel so here’s a summary.


Travel: Delta, Comfort+, Harrisburg, PA to Atlanta to SXM
Trip down was all we expected and more. On time, early boarding. Carry on directly above us, Unlimited snacks and drinks.

Trip back, hour delay on tarmac, very disappointing, seats in main exit row (18D, 18E should NOT be Comfort+) No overhead storage for this row, Flight attendants more interested in conversation with Delta personnel traveling as passengers than any other passengers. Able to use video system about ½ the time because area had to be kept open first hour and last. No view except restroom in front of us.

Rental Car
Used Unity as usual. Rented a Hyundai Getz. Never saw one before but good little car. This one was pretty beaten up but good on gas and served us well.
Also Michael gave us a very fair deal that included liability insurance and 10% tax.

Restaurants:
Mark’s Place, 3 times, Good steaks/good ribs/good lamb
Prices very good as was service

Chesterfield’s, 3 times, Very good lobster, Best fillet I have ever had on island. Old standby, Hurricane Shrimp, Excellent Duck (one of their signatures)Chicken au poivre

Bavaria, Truly authenic German food, don’t know how we missed this one but will make it a repeat from here on. Sauerbraten and Schweinsnitsel entrees, apfelstrudel for dessert, all terrific.

Greenhouse, Philipsburg, Just happy hour drinks and appetizers, Lisa loved lobster sliders.

Antoine’s, Lobster Thermador, Veal Scaloppini, Duck, Sea Bass, New owners, same chef and menu as in the past. I thought it was as good as ever. Son and daughter felt it was very good but not the same as before.

Avantika, My son and daughter went there and raved about the level of service and some of the best Thai food they ever had.

Bistrot Caraibes Select your choice of live, large or even larger lobster, Lisa had lamb shank, I had pretty good fillet. Service and food was superb, my daughter submitted a trip advisor report when we got back home. Really impressive.

Weather
Only had 1 day of mostly overcast. A few with spotty showers mixed with sun. Rest of the time the weather was terrific.

Traffic
Crazy as expected but the only times to avoid if at all possible are 8-9AM and 4-5PM.

Cruise Ships
Least in port was 1 a couple days. Most, 6 in one day, 4 of which were the jumbo variety. Only went into Pburg a couple times and never when there was lots of ships in.

Beaches
Little Bay, both Belair and Divi had more beach than in some past years. No construction yet on China Pearl up from Belair. No sea weed, little sea grass one day

Orient, really losing beach as has been reported by others. Still a beautiful beach but pretty crowded the days I went there. Little sea weed and grass.

Misc.
Airport problems with kiosks and Delta system glitches on our departure were an annoyance but all in all we had a great 3 weeks.

Belair has been described as “dated “ by others and we felt that more this time than in the past. Still a good home away from home but we did make a few suggestions to management.

Any additional questions? PM me and I will be happy to answer.

Last edited by Carol_Hill; 01/26/2017 10:27 AM.
SXM Sponsors
Re: Trip Report 12/31/16 - 1/21/17 [Re: Tom] #118765
01/25/2017 11:33 PM
01/25/2017 11:33 PM
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.
And a good time was had by all!? Thank you, Tom, for sharing. We just got in and I'm still wondering, "Where'd my Beach go?...... " and why is that white stuff on the lawn so cold and icy looking? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Trip Report 12/31/16 - 1/21/17 [Re: Tom] #118766
01/26/2017 12:40 AM
01/26/2017 12:40 AM
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 480
Northern California
T
thesimpsons Offline
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thesimpsons  Offline
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T
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 480
Northern California
Thank you for the report!

Re: Trip Report 12/31/16 - 1/21/17 [Re: Tom] #118767
01/26/2017 07:13 AM
01/26/2017 07:13 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
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Posts: 17,476
Ohio
Thanks for your report. The adventures when flying never cease to amaze me. I am with you on both Mark's Place and Bavaria.


J.D.
Re: Trip Report 12/31/16 - 1/21/17 [Re: Tom] #118768
01/26/2017 08:05 AM
01/26/2017 08:05 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
I enjoyed your report---easy to read and all the information you need.

We are flying Delta in a couple of months. I hope they get the bugs out. Why did you feel the seats were not comfort?

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Re: Trip Report 12/31/16 - 1/21/17 [Re: Tom] #118769
01/26/2017 08:08 AM
01/26/2017 08:08 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,082
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
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boucharda  Offline
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,082
Massachusetts
Excellent report...

Re: Trip Report 12/31/16 - 1/21/17 [Re: boucharda] #118770
01/26/2017 08:41 AM
01/26/2017 08:41 AM
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 705
South Coast of MA
S
SXMBND Offline
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SXMBND  Offline
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S
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 705
South Coast of MA
Nice report......... 3 weeks!!! I'm jealous. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Re: Trip Report 12/31/16 - 1/21/17 [Re: Tom] #118771
01/26/2017 09:14 AM
01/26/2017 09:14 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
Enjoyed your report. Thanks for taking time to post. Never tried filet at Chesterfield's, maybe this next trip.


Next SXM visit -November 2023. Also January 2024.
Re: Trip Report 12/31/16 - 1/21/17 [Re: SXMBND] #118772
01/26/2017 09:56 AM
01/26/2017 09:56 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,370
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Tom Offline OP
Traveler
Tom  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,370
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Most of my friends say they couldn't do 3 weeks anywhere.
Lisa is trying to find enough $ to do 4 weeks.
Should I be concerned that she is studying my life insurance policies?

Re: Trip Report 12/31/16 - 1/21/17 [Re: Tom] #118773
01/26/2017 10:28 AM
01/26/2017 10:28 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,482
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Posts: 82,482
Central Florida!
Hi Tom. I added a few returns so that the report would be easier to read.

Thanks for the report. Don't think I could do three weeks. I get antsy about 10 days in.


Carol Hill
Re: Trip Report 12/31/16 - 1/21/17 [Re: Tom] #118774
01/26/2017 10:51 AM
01/26/2017 10:51 AM
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 357
SeaStar Offline
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SeaStar  Offline
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Posts: 357
Quote
Tom said:
Most of my friends say they couldn't do 3 weeks anywhere.
Lisa is trying to find enough $ to do 4 weeks.
Should I be concerned that she is studying my life insurance policies?
<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />
Thanks for the nice report.

Re: Trip Report 12/31/16 - 1/21/17 [Re: The_Lurker] #118775
01/26/2017 11:25 AM
01/26/2017 11:25 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,370
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Tom Offline OP
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Tom  Offline OP
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,370
Hershey, Pennsylvania
The seats in the main exit area should never have been given Comfort+ status.
1. Yes, additional leg room.
2. Biggest NO is video/audio system is situated in your seat. You are not permitted to use it until you are at cruising level. Since we were delayed an hour on the tarmac we watched the rest of the passengers passing the time with movies and other videos while we could only stare at the bulkhead in front of us. Same deal 45 minutes before we landed. Again got to watch others enjoy video entertainment)
3. no windows=no view
4. no overhead or under seat storage for even a purse let alone carry on that had to go elsewhere,
5. We had to accommodate the people waiting to use the restroom (on other side of bulkhead)and, of course were expected to respond to "Is it occupied?" to the folks that chose not to read the sign on door. (One guy did not lock door and gave the next woman in line a surprise).

We have suggested that Delta remove these seats from Comfort+ status.

Re: Trip Report 12/31/16 - 1/21/17 [Re: Tom] #118776
01/26/2017 12:10 PM
01/26/2017 12:10 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
Biturbo Offline
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Biturbo  Offline
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Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
Thanks for sharing your trip - all sounds good.


I'm going where the weather suits my clothes.
Re: Trip Report 12/31/16 - 1/21/17 [Re: Carol_Hill] #118777
01/26/2017 01:34 PM
01/26/2017 01:34 PM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,668
L
LBI2SXM Offline
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LBI2SXM  Offline
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L
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,668
Thanks for the report. Also agree with you on Mark's Place, great food and very reasonable. We discovered Bavaria a few years back and it's on our list every trip. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Re: Trip Report 12/31/16 - 1/21/17 [Re: LBI2SXM] #118778
01/26/2017 01:37 PM
01/26/2017 01:37 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,482
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Posts: 82,482
Central Florida!
Also agree on Mark's Place, good food, reasonable and usually very good service. As far as Bavaria, I honestly tried to like it, but did not succeed. I did not particularly care for German food when we visited Germany a few years ago, and I'm not sure why I thought it would be different in SXM!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />


Carol Hill
Re: Trip Report 12/31/16 - 1/21/17 [Re: Tom] #118779
01/26/2017 02:26 PM
01/26/2017 02:26 PM
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 687
Lake Texoma, Texas
C
cruzer Offline
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cruzer  Offline
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C
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 687
Lake Texoma, Texas
Thanks for your report. I always check seatguru.com against my seat assignments to make sure there aren't any negatives about my seat.

Re: Trip Report 12/31/16 - 1/21/17 [Re: Biturbo] #118780
01/26/2017 06:13 PM
01/26/2017 06:13 PM
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 sharing your trip. I'm sure if Lisa is a determined woman, she will find the $$$$ for 4 weeks. Life is short and you never see a U-Haul following behind a hearse! Enjoy your travels while you can!




Re: Trip Report 12/31/16 - 1/21/17 [Re: islandgem] #118781
01/26/2017 06:16 PM
01/26/2017 06:16 PM
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,157
Cobourg Ontario Canada
J
jeepers Offline
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jeepers  Offline
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J
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,157
Cobourg Ontario Canada
You never see a brinks truck behind a hearse enjoy it while you can.

Re: Trip Report 12/31/16 - 1/21/17 [Re: Tom] #118782
01/26/2017 08:58 PM
01/26/2017 08:58 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
Nice report,

Bistros caraibes takes the cake each time for us in grand case as does talk of the town---- what a contrast between the two. Chesterfields was good for us as well, want to try Bavaria next trip.

Re: Trip Report 12/31/16 - 1/21/17 [Re: PelicanPirate] #118783
01/26/2017 09:33 PM
01/26/2017 09:33 PM
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.
Bavaria is an island staple and if you are a fan of that type food it's a NOT to be missed experience. The warm apple strudel with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is out of this world and I'm not even much of a dessert person. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Trip Report 12/31/16 - 1/21/17 [Re: pat] #118784
01/26/2017 11:10 PM
01/26/2017 11:10 PM
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,056
PA
biglar Offline
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biglar  Offline
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Posts: 1,056
PA
We often wondered what it would be like to stay 3 weeks. Now that we have done that a few times, we are wondering what it would be like to stay 4 weeks. May have to call and see if our rental unit is open an extra week at the end of the scheduled vacation in April/May

Re: Trip Report 12/31/16 - 1/21/17 [Re: Carol_Hill] #118785
01/27/2017 07:41 AM
01/27/2017 07:41 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,370
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Tom Offline OP
Traveler
Tom  Offline OP
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,370
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Carol,
Thanks for the editing. It does read much better. Don't know why the spacing/underlining/bolding did not appear in cut and paste.

Re: Trip Report 12/31/16 - 1/21/17 [Re: Tom] #118786
01/27/2017 09:13 AM
01/27/2017 09:13 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,482
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,482
Central Florida!
No problem. Basically, tabs do not work when you copy and paste here. Underlining and bolding have to be done with the board codes, not from the original document with word coding. Not sure why. So when I compose things offline, I normally put in a bunch of extra returns to compensate, and if I want bolding, etc., I put in the board codes in the document when composing. It's more work, but that's the only way to make bolding, etc, show up.


Carol Hill
Re: Trip Report 12/31/16 - 1/21/17 [Re: Carol_Hill] #118787
01/27/2017 09:27 AM
01/27/2017 09:27 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.
Tom,

I find it a lot easier to do trip reports in either word on my computer or notes on my iPad and then I proof and do the changes once I post it. It works for me....... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Trip Report 12/31/16 - 1/21/17 [Re: Tom] #118788
01/27/2017 04:03 PM
01/27/2017 04:03 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 685
Rhode Island
Bluesfan Offline
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Bluesfan  Offline
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Posts: 685
Rhode Island
Quote
Tom said:
Most of my friends say they couldn't do 3 weeks anywhere.
Lisa is trying to find enough $ to do 4 weeks.
Should I be concerned that she is studying my life insurance policies?
Careful, SXM grows on you. We started off at LaVista in the early nineties with one week in shoulder season every other year. We quickly realized we wanted every year in high season. When LaVista built new penthouses we bought a week. Then in late nineties when LaVista started to build LaVista Beach, we traded in and bought 3 weeks at LVB. Over the years opportunities arose to buy more weeks in our unit. We now have 5 consecutive weeks in the same unit. This year I was able to rent a consecutive unit, traded that with the owners of our unit, and will have 6 consecutive weeks in the same unit. I leave next Saturday. You never know what your future may hold.


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