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Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 #258003
06/11/2021 11:24 PM
06/11/2021 11:24 PM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline OP
Traveler
jazzgal  Offline OP
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
While there was anxiety about the testing process, it actually went smoothly for me. My 120th hour occurred on Labor Day. However, I found an urgent-care clinic open 24/7 that did testing. My appointment was at 2:30 p.m. Monday. My results arrived at 12:30 a.m. Wednesday morning. I uploaded test results and vaccination card copy by 1:30 a.m. and went to bed. When I got up Wednesday, I noted the pre-approval had arrived at 4:30 a.m. These are all PDT times. Good to go!

Friday, June 4

Friday night finally arrived. While waiting for my Uber driver, I listened to the live music from my next-door neighbor’s party. I would have liked to attend, but SXM was calling. This would be my first flight in a year and a half, and I was ready!

When I checked my bags, the American ticket agent asked for my pre-approval form; I wasn’t asked for it again until arriving in SXM. My first leg was a redeye from PDX to CTL. Sleeping on a plane is something I’ve never been able to do, unfortunately. The gate for my flight to SXM was two terminals away; CTL has neither a sky train nor carts with drivers, at least in these COVID times. The AA Admirals’ Lounge was in the terminal of my departure so I dropped in. Before pulling out the credit card, I asked if, by chance, fees were waived for those traveling first class. I was pleasantly surprised to learn they ARE waived for first-class passengers traveling to the Caribbean. Thank you, American! I was able to pass a couple of hours in pleasant surroundings and get breakfast to boot!

As has been reported elsewhere, there were seven American jets arriving within forty minutes of each other. From what I could tell, I was on the second one. Still, the line was horrendously long; it looked to be the length of about four city blocks. It went fairly quickly, however, and was about fifteen minutes to the health check and another fifteen minutes to C&I. As I proceeded to baggage claim, I noted that they were just starting to send bags from my flight. The bright orange “priority” stickers worked this time, and my bags were some of the first out.

Leisure was waiting for me outside the terminal, and off we went to their office for the short paperwork process. Then it was off to Divi! Check-in isn’t until 4:00 p.m., and it was about 2:30 p.m. So I dropped off my bags with a bellman and headed to Tech Hub to get “wi-fi everywhere” (my terminology, not theirs) added to my phone for a month. I had already switched SIM cards in the plane. Back to Divi, where my room still wasn’t ready so I sat drinking in this view.

[Linked Image]

Finally I could check in. There was barely time to shower and change before heading out to The Palms to join friends for happy hour. So lovely to be able to exchange hugs again! I had dinner there and headed back to Divi to crash

Sunday, June 6

Morning came too soon, and I was still exhausted. Went to Pure Ocean at Divi for breakfast, which was unexceptional, but the view is nice.

[Linked Image]

I thought Carrefour closed at 2 p.m. on Sundays but checked their website, which said 6 p.m. So I dawdled around on my deck and organized my room a little more, then headed out for groceries mid-afternoon, only to find Carrefour was closed. So I headed to Market Garden. Shopping there isn’t nearly as pleasant as at Carrefour, but I picked up most of the essentials I needed. Back to Divi to unpack.

Desiring a low-key dinner, I went to White Swan; this was a first for me. The Peking Duck had been highly recommended, and it did not disappoint. Served with “pancakes” and shredded green onion and cucumber, it was delicious. The lights at night from my deck are quite pretty.

[Linked Image]

Monday, June 7

After breakfast in the room, it was off to Philipsburg for errands. The mechanical system at the paid parking lot wasn’t working, so parking was free. I dropped off jewelry at DKGems for cleaning and met Deepti for the first time. Turns out she and her family were at White Swan the night before. She said she almost came over to say hello; I hadn’t noticed her, unfortunately.

Lunch at The French Touch was as pleasant as always; I had a nice quiche which came with salad. Jean-Pierre acknowledge that he had seen me before but thought I was a woman whose ex-husband was named Sol. Nope. Back to Divi for the afternoon.

[Linked Image]

It was raining cats and dogs as I was heading to my car for dinner. I changed plans and decided to go where I could park close to the entrance since I was sopping wet; Chesterfields was the choice.

[Linked Image]

I had French onion soup, which was more cheese than onions, and the coconut shrimp appetizer. Fortunately, the rain had stopped by the time I returned to Divi.

Tuesday, June 8

Anse Marcel day! I had made reservations on the beach club’s web site a few days earlier, but they appeared to be unaware of the reservation. I thought they were going to turn us away, but a friend started speaking a little French, which saved the day. The weather was overcast for most of the day. The water was a little cooler than usual, and there were more boats in the bay than I’ve ever seen before, but it was still a lovely experience.

[Linked Image]

Although I hadn’t reserved it, we were given a cabana for lunch; that French speaking obviously did the trick! I wasn’t as impressed with their menu this time around. Lunch for me was pigs’ knuckles, a first; very rich, and I probably won’t order that again.

There were a few people on chairs in front of Secrets, but it didn’t look very busy. I did not go over to see the state of the construction.

I was invited to join a group of about 17 for dinner at Jai, a restaurant in Simpson Bay serving Indian fusion. My appetizer was lamb samosas; I didn’t particularly enjoy the shredded lamb, but others loved it. My entrée, however, was outstanding: crusted cod in a divine sauce. It was a pleasant evening and was nice seeing everyone again.

[Linked Image]

Wednesday, June 9

It was a Divi Day, spent at the Infinity Pool. Very relaxing.

[Linked Image]

I met friends for dinner at Sale and Pepe; Lesley Bruce and family were also there celebrating his birthday. My entrée was shrimp risotto; it was okay but not outstanding.

Thursday, June 10

Time for sailing! Met friends at the Yacht Club for breakfast and then proceeded to the dock at Nowhere Special to be taken via dinghy to No1SXM for a half-day sail.

[Linked Image]

The morning was lovely and sunny, and the sailing was delightful; it was wonderful seeing Pieter and Mirian again after over a year and a half. Captain Pieter was looking for a location with calm water so we could swim and snorkel and decided on Baie Longue in front of LaSamanna. The water was refreshing, and a good time was had by all. Back on the boat for lunch, followed by a return to Simpson Bay. That’s when the heavens opened up, and most of us got drenched as there isn’t a lot of covered space on the boat.

[Linked Image]

Tnw2007 on this forum and his wife have been married for 45 years. He planned an anniversary dinner for her and surprised her by inviting a few friends. I was honored to be invited to join them. A couple of people had to cancel, but it was a lovely evening at IZI. The other person was their long-time jeweler who is a broker and says he provides gems to most of the stores on Front Street as well as Maho.

[Linked Image]

Friday, June 11

I was supposed to go on a sail on Spellbound today but sailing two days in a row seemed exhausting, plus I got burned yesterday and felt more sun wasn’t appropriate. I was planning on breakfast in my room, but all of a sudden, no water at Divi, and it wasn’t expected back on until 10:30 a.m. So I headed to Reveil Matin for breakfast, located in the Top Carrot area. I’m told the owners are from Danny’s by the Sea. They were doing a brisk business; portions were huge!

I then embarked on a round-the-island drive to see what had changed in the 17 months since I was last here. This is the monstrosity in Cupecoy.

[Linked Image]

The mural by Dany’s in Cupecoy

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

Marigot harbor

[Linked Image]

Friar’s Bay

[Linked Image]

Le Galion

[Linked Image]

And impending nasty weather back at Divi

[Linked Image]

I think I am at my picture limit for a post so . . . more later.


[Linked Image]
SXM Sponsors
Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258004
06/12/2021 01:21 AM
06/12/2021 01:21 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
FANTASTIC trip report. Makes me can't wait for mid March again!!

Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258007
06/12/2021 05:29 AM
06/12/2021 05:29 AM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
ruralcarrier Offline
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ruralcarrier  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,476
Ohio
Thanks for the report and pictures, very nice.


J.D.
Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258009
06/12/2021 06:30 AM
06/12/2021 06:30 AM
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 389
East Haven, CT
Wingman Offline
Traveler
Wingman  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 389
East Haven, CT
Thank you for the report. Your pictures are fantastic. Enjoy week #2.

Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258011
06/12/2021 06:52 AM
06/12/2021 06:52 AM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,082
Massachusetts
boucharda Offline
Traveler
boucharda  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,082
Massachusetts
Excellent report and great pics....

Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258012
06/12/2021 07:07 AM
06/12/2021 07:07 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 536
M
mort Offline
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mort  Offline
Traveler
M
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 536
Thanks for sharing

Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258013
06/12/2021 07:16 AM
06/12/2021 07:16 AM
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 219
Virginia Beach, VA USA
B
barryvabeach Offline
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barryvabeach  Offline
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B
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 219
Virginia Beach, VA USA
Thanks for the report - surprised you got through immigration so quickly with so a long line. BTW, thanks for posting titles for the photos, it makes it much easier to follow. Glad to hear you are enjoying your trip so far.

Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258014
06/12/2021 07:23 AM
06/12/2021 07:23 AM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 825
Grosse Pointe, Michigan
Leagle49 Offline
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Leagle49  Offline
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 825
Grosse Pointe, Michigan
Great report and wonderful pictures! Thanks!

Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258016
06/12/2021 07:48 AM
06/12/2021 07:48 AM
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,408
Yonkers, NY
fabila Offline
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fabila  Offline
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,408
Yonkers, NY
Thanks for sharing Linda. I anxiously awaited your trip report. As always your details and photos make me feel like I’m there.

Enjoy week 2 and beyond.

Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258017
06/12/2021 08:05 AM
06/12/2021 08:05 AM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 80
Delray Beach, FL, USA
tnw2007 Offline
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tnw2007  Offline
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 80
Delray Beach, FL, USA
Thanks for such a detailed report and pictures. Looking forward to seeing you tonight.


[Linked Image]
Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258018
06/12/2021 08:21 AM
06/12/2021 08:21 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,481
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
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Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,481
Central Florida!
Linda--I am constantly amazed how much you get done on island! Great report! Hopefully we will get together. So far, we're not too in to planning...


Carol Hill
Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258020
06/12/2021 08:25 AM
06/12/2021 08:25 AM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline OP
Traveler
jazzgal  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
A couple of things I forgot to mention:

When in Pburg, I went to Rima. I did purchase something, but it's a pretty small footprint compared to their former store. I asked about the upstairs and was told it's wholesale only.

Friday morning, Snorkeller contacted me to see if I could say hello before he and his wife moved to Palm Court. He reminded me we had met several years ago at a TTOL meet-and-greet that I organized. His memory is better than mine, but it was nice talking with him.

When going through Grand Case, I had wanted to stop at Tijon. Closed. Big for sale sign (building only) outside. Also a note to contact their website for store hours; website says by appointment only. I plan to contact them as I had wanted to take another perfume-making class.


[Linked Image]
Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258021
06/12/2021 09:27 AM
06/12/2021 09:27 AM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
Traveler
pat  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
An awesome report, Linda.

Love your format and I’m amazed you can remember all those details. I’m usually lucky if I remember the beach and restaurant choices for any given day and sometimes I write myself notes for that.

Thank you for sharing and looking forward to the next chapter.


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258023
06/12/2021 09:29 AM
06/12/2021 09:29 AM
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,146
Louisiana
o2bnsxm Offline
Traveler
o2bnsxm  Offline
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,146
Louisiana
Beautiful pictures !! Thanks for sharing. It looks like things are slowly coming back on the Island. We can't wait to get back, unfortunately nothing planned in the immediate future-Too much on our plate right now.

Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258025
06/12/2021 09:55 AM
06/12/2021 09:55 AM
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 335
vacanakey Offline
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vacanakey  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 335
Nicely done, Linda....thank you for sharing.

Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258027
06/12/2021 10:14 AM
06/12/2021 10:14 AM
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 348
crsxm Offline
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crsxm  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 348
Great photos and enjoyed reading about your adventures on the Island. Looking forward to the next installment!

Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258032
06/12/2021 11:02 AM
06/12/2021 11:02 AM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,569
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,569
Auburn, WA
Thanks for sharing your week. I can't wait to get back. Matter of fact I just booked our FC redeye for next May out of SEA to MIA and then on to SXM. Never too early to plan.

Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258036
06/12/2021 11:32 AM
06/12/2021 11:32 AM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
Biturbo Offline
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Biturbo  Offline
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
Thank you, Linda, Your reports & photos are wonderful.


I'm going where the weather suits my clothes.
Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258037
06/12/2021 11:35 AM
06/12/2021 11:35 AM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline
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BeachKitten  Offline
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
Amazing detail and pictures! Thank you for sharing Linda. How you have so much “get up and go” is beyond me. I would be crashed for two days in the room and pool after the trip from the West coast!

You’ve already run into some of our favorite people. wink


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258039
06/12/2021 12:55 PM
06/12/2021 12:55 PM
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,253
Boynton Beach, FL
EdB Offline
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EdB  Offline
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,253
Boynton Beach, FL
Pat....I doubt that the classes at Tijon will continue. John and Cindy have left the island and moved back to the states.

Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: EdB] #258042
06/12/2021 01:16 PM
06/12/2021 01:16 PM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline OP
Traveler
jazzgal  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
I know, but they had hired a manager for the store, and I have seen pictures of classes since her hiring. Probably another victim of the pandemic.


[Linked Image]
Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258053
06/12/2021 03:07 PM
06/12/2021 03:07 PM
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,929
Connecticut
The_Lurker Offline
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The_Lurker  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,929
Connecticut
Wow!!

That's all I can say!!

Enjoy!!!!! smile

Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258055
06/12/2021 03:51 PM
06/12/2021 03:51 PM
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,493
VIRGINIA
B
BEERMAN Offline
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BEERMAN  Offline
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B
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,493
VIRGINIA
Great report and pics! I'm glad to see some travel reports starting again!!

Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258057
06/12/2021 04:00 PM
06/12/2021 04:00 PM
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 88
Long Island NY
S
SurferMike Offline
Traveler
SurferMike  Offline
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S
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 88
Long Island NY
Great report and pictures! We can’t wait to get back to the Horny Toad! Yes, that “structure” at Mullet is a monstrosity. Is it my imagination, or do you see a slight leaning to the right?

Last edited by SurferMike; 06/12/2021 04:02 PM. Reason: Question mark needed
Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: SurferMike] #258066
06/12/2021 05:11 PM
06/12/2021 05:11 PM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline OP
Traveler
jazzgal  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
It's possible I was the one leaning as I took it while in my car. laugh


[Linked Image]
Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258071
06/12/2021 05:55 PM
06/12/2021 05:55 PM
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 192
Columbia, SC, USA
DandM29212 Offline
Traveler
DandM29212  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 192
Columbia, SC, USA
Thank you for your time and effort writing and posting this, Linda! Like all who missed SXM in 2020, we're particularly anxious to get back next week! See you then!


[Linked Image]
Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258082
06/12/2021 08:51 PM
06/12/2021 08:51 PM
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,132
St Louis, MO
SXMNorm Offline
Traveler
SXMNorm  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 7,132
St Louis, MO
Enjoying your trip. Thanks for taking time to post. Hope your weather gets a little less wet.


Next SXM visit -November 2023. Also January 2024.
Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258088
06/12/2021 09:59 PM
06/12/2021 09:59 PM
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 138
LI, NY
R
RM5 LI Offline
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RM5 LI  Offline
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R
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 138
LI, NY
Your trip report and photos are amazing. Thank you! Can’t wait to get there on Saturday, 6/19. We are also staying at the Divi. Hope we get the chance to meet. Enjoy your second week.

Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258089
06/12/2021 10:49 PM
06/12/2021 10:49 PM
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,056
PA
biglar Offline
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biglar  Offline
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,056
PA
We too want to thank you for all the information you gave about the many locations on the island. We have also missed 3 trips during the past 18 months, but will try to head back in a few more months. Hope everything goes as well for us as it did for you. Our three weeks will give us plenty of time to see most everything you have written about. Thanks again.

Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258092
06/12/2021 11:25 PM
06/12/2021 11:25 PM
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 933
S
SammyM Offline
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SammyM  Offline
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 933
Thanks for posting these photos. The photo of Le Galion beach rings back so many memories of the gentle surf there and the nice people who ran the snack bar. Orient gets most of the attention, but Le Galion was a good beach to visit when seeking a quiet day on the island.

Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258093
06/12/2021 11:38 PM
06/12/2021 11:38 PM
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 17
Virginia
H
HibiscusFan Offline
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HibiscusFan  Offline
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H
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 17
Virginia
I always look forward to your reports with wonderful labelled photos. They often remind me of my visits in years past since I am currently not able to to travel. Looking forward to your great reports for upcoming weeks.
Enjoy!

Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258155
06/13/2021 10:43 PM
06/13/2021 10:43 PM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 891
WBL_Couple Offline
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WBL_Couple  Offline
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 891
I also look forward to your trip reports! Thanks for sharing and your photos are fabulous.

Re: Trip Report, June 4-11, 2021 [Re: jazzgal] #258192
06/14/2021 03:07 PM
06/14/2021 03:07 PM
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 334
S
StMartinFan Offline
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StMartinFan  Offline
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 334
Thanks for sharing your experiences! The photos really bring your report to life. Can't wait to get back to Divi, too.


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