We arrived Friday afternoon on AA out of Charlotte. For the first time, we were treated to a jet bridge - no bus / no parking lot walk! The arrival was so smooth. Passport scan appears to be largely dependent on user error. Just mash the spine down and you’ll be on your way. Next was the photo , and then on to baggage claim. We were probably in the airport for a total of 35 minutes and most of that time was spent waiting on baggage. Next we waited for the Hertz van and headed in to their office to pick up the car. First time doing this. We usually use Kenny’s or Discount. hertz experience was fine but time consuming. Nice people but I prefer to just get the car at the airport.
We headed straight to Orient and the traffic was the heaviest I remember. Once unpacked it was time to go see GP at La Playa. He always remembers my husband because he’s an extremely tall American who does not request ice with his ti punches. He makes the best martini I’ve ever had. After a couple of happy hour drinks we had dinner at the bar at Yellow Sub. I think the food at yellow sub is perfectly fine but the drinks, atmosphere, and service kind of suck. It serves its purpose for an easy first night dinner - and a place to watch some basketball and catch up on our March Madness brackets. Stopped for delicious pistachio and hazelnut gelatos on the walk home.
Yesterday we did an early morning Super U and La express bakery run. Many empty shelves at the store and signage indicating that strikes in France are causing delays in shipments. GP also had told us that many bars were running out of certain bottles due to this. Restocking is in Mondays so we will make another run then to secure a few must-haves.
An interesting thing happened leaving the store. As we approached the roundabout, a parked gendarme vehicle flagged us down. One male and one female officer approached the window. My husband gave his best “Bonjour” and the young officer asked if we speak French. No, we don’t. He then asked for my husbands drivers license. Then asked “do you have been drinking?” No we haven’t it’s 9 am. He hands the license back and says “ok bye”. I guess it was some kind of training exercise ?
Spent the day at Orange Fever which was excellent as always. The water was absolutely perfect. Lunch was great with mussels and shrimp cocktail specials.
We spent the afternoon by our pool before heading to dinner at L ‘Petit. I think it’s one of the best restaurants in the village. I had a scallop risotto special, and my husband had their burger with a homemade bun. Exceptional.
Michael and I have been stopped for DWI and seat belt check during the day. Let's face it, a lot of people ARE drinking even in the morning. How many times have we read about the fantastic Bloody Marys at the Yacht club for breakfast?
Experienced that annoying refrigeration shortage at Super U this Jan, couldn't get my St Malo yogurt! Check out Monoprix, sometimes they have a different inventory.
Enjoy your trip, happy too see some French side reports!
Sounds like a great start!!! Yes, hold down the passport!! photo and done!!! It's been some time since we stayed in the orient area!! Such a great vibe!! Bruno is a great host!!! I like that, start the vaca with "beverages" at LaPlaya!! Everything they do there is to perfection!!! (IMHO, best sushi on the island!) Alexandra takes such good care of us and the guys on the beach are always "checking-in"!!! You didn't want to "pit" at Carrefour on Union road on your way to Orient??? Looking forward to future reports!!! Have a great time!!!
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