Awoke at 1:00 AM for 5:30ish AM flight from Philadelphia to Atlanta to SXM The airport is deserted at that time of morning and with TSA we were quite early for flight out Plane from Atlanta to SXM approximately 60 percent full and all set for early take off, UNTIL ....... Captain comes on and announces there is no running water available in the restrooms but even worse no coffee They are awaiting a supply of handwipes, I can use restroom if necessary, just get me to SXM 45 minutes latter, they now need enough handwipes for return flight Either get them or change planes You can't make this :::: up New announcement, we are changing planes which is "pulling in" to next gate All travelers at next gate but no plane Finally plane arrives from Tampa and we get off about two hours late With a three week stay, those two hours will not be missed at the end
With a late arrival, we got to see Air France take off which was the only plane left which allowed us to walk directly off plane to arrival and be in the rental and on our way in about 30 minutes Carrying two heavy carry ons down the steps of the plane to the tarmac is like a gym workout especially with shaky knees We were pleasantly surprised at the comfortable weather which was described at hot and humid earlier in the day While we have always been very happy with our rental car company, being a small business owner and all the positive comments about Kenny's car rental, we decided to try a new company From our first day experience and through all the planning, since we are returning the car for three days while visiting Saba and then picking it back up, Leslie had lived up to all the said
About 4:15 PM we are off to our condo Neptune on Orient Beach About halfway over the bridge and the line of traffic not moving which I haven't seen before, we turned around and headed through the lowlands Maybe because of the election Traffic moved fine until we were almost through Marigot near the Super U and the road was closed in one direction for road work but locals were forcing the issue and stopping traffic to illegally get to a small street instead of making a big circle and doubling back Once past Super U, very little traffic
Just past 5:00 PM we stopped over at Orange Fever and borrowed their wifi code to call to meet up with rental agent While my wife was on the phone, she didn't notice "the donkey" who almost bumped into her. He is adorable and am sure we'll see him again as I think he hangs out at orange fever often We toured the condo last year so knew what it looked it
Quick un pack and off to Super U Hope Estate for breakfast and lunch items Really quick stop as we were tired and wanted just a bit of time to relax before dinner, couldn't even browse the wine selections Grocery store was busy and seemed to low stocked on several items, the egg selection for one was pretty depleted Conversion rate remains at 1 to 1.05 for cash
After a long day we usually start off at Astrolab just out of the village, a 5 minute drive to the Esmerelda resort complex We were very warmly greeted and shown a lovely table beside the pool Most of us know the feeling of being welcomed back and surely one of the reasons we love the island so much There is a jazz singer with recorded background music and played a comfortable decibel level
Astrolab offers a 59 euro prix-fix with some different menu options and accompaniments which we enjoy
After cocktails, wonderful crusty bread is served with a olive-sun dried tomatoes tapenade The amuse for the evening was lobster- cream cheese "wonton", could have eaten a dozen
WIfe enjoyed a salmon due to start which consisted of tar tar with mascarpone cheese and Italian style gravlax Portion size was perfect A flavorful lobster bisque was served with two porcini mushroom / foie gras ravioli and hazelnut whipped cream
Main courses enjoyed was a local triggerfish, sundried tomatoes,mashed, white wine cream sauce and garnished with a petite crispy lobster roll I took our waitresses recommendation of the sweetbreads as I am hoping to not always order the norm this vacation The sweetbreads remind me of delicate chicken, they were served in a heavenly morel mushroom sauce and topped with a puff pasty
Portions are just right although my wife selected to wrap up her second piece of fish which was a nicer portion, one piece would have been sufficient
Both desserts were demolished, a single large profiterole and a strawberry mille feuille I really hate when restaurants do not acknowledge a reservation note of a special occasion Astrolab never fails with the candles and all staff coming over to congratulate Yes we will be celebrating for the next three weeks, not as many as others but still 29 years
Two rounds of smooth rum shots were offered
Astrolab always delivers a great first night out
relaxing pool time today and meeting our Saba friends at Mario's tonight Hopefully quick report on condo since I find it to be a good bargain for the amount of space, location and amenities
Sounds like a total clusterf*ck to begin with, but as you say, I guess you won't remember it much after three weeks. I can't believe you had all that to eat, after having gotten up at 1 AM! My first night on island, I just want something incredibly simple to eat before I fall into bed. It looks absolutely lovely though! Looking forward to reading about all the rest of your adventures!
So looking forward to your reports. Sounds like a great start - particularly the food! And, I'm especially eager to hear about the Neptune condo. We used Island Escapes in January and had a great experience but may want to try something closer to the beach (like Neptune) next time. Enjoy!
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