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#323444 08/20/2024 07:43 AM
Joined: May 2011
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mahokid Offline OP
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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




Attached Images
astrolab amuse.jpg salmon duo.jpg triggerfish.jpg sweetbreads.jpg profiterole.jpg mille fuille.jpg
Last edited by mahokid; 08/20/2024 07:44 AM.
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mahokid #323445 08/20/2024 07:55 AM
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Great start! Have a fun time.

mahokid #323446 08/20/2024 08:03 AM
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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!


Carol Hill
mahokid #323452 08/20/2024 08:21 AM
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Looks nice an amazing first night celebration dinner, I am sure even in a sleep deprived state!

Regarding PHL airport, sometimes its easier to spend the night at the connected Marriott, can get an extra few hours of sleep!

Enjoy your 3 weeks. Hopefully not too many restaurant closures on the French side due to low season.

mahokid #323453 08/20/2024 08:22 AM
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Every year we sat we'll go to Astrolabe but haven't yet. I think your great post just pushed us there. Thanks for the great first day posting.

mahokid #323456 08/20/2024 09:44 AM
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Good start. What airline were you on?

SXMScubaman #323458 08/20/2024 10:00 AM
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They came through Atlanta, so I have to assume it was Delta.


Carol Hill
mahokid #323459 08/20/2024 10:08 AM
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Welcome and do enjoy your vacation.

mahokid #323461 08/20/2024 10:23 AM
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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!

mahokid #323462 08/20/2024 11:57 AM
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Every year, I want to go to Astrolabe like RonDon and we still have not made it!

mahokid #323466 08/20/2024 12:59 PM
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mahokid Offline OP
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Yes, Delta

Did provide snacks and water while we waited

did inquire if comfort seat upgrade was available while we waited for new plane and agent said yes $400 each.
on their webpage it was only $120 each

could have did a complimentary upgrade and at least made someone happy

mahokid #323467 08/20/2024 01:14 PM
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"could have did a complimentary upgrade and at least made someone happy"
So easy to do too considering the delay.

mahokid #323475 08/20/2024 01:41 PM
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Enjoy. I could not pack that much into my first day. Hope things smooth out.


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mahokid #323476 08/20/2024 01:47 PM
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Lovely first day report. Food looks fabulous, and those tables by the pool are so very nice.


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