Alena - 10/00

Hello everyone, This is my first Hedo report about the 4th trip home in 2 years ;-) Someone, who shall remain nameless, has persuaded me to write it. Instead of recounting days of my stay and describing the place, I will just reminise on my state of mind while I was there.

I am a 30 something single female from NY that was counting the days and minutes until I am back at Hedo. Well, that day had arrived on October 28, 2000, Halloween and Anniversary week at Hedo. Why has this place become an obsession/addiction to me? I often wonder, because as surprising as it, I stay on the prude side, not into the swinging couples and do not smoke weed, however I am not bothered or offended by other people enjoying themselves.

Hmmm...To me it's an escape from the ordinary, an antidote for civilization, a camp for adults, and a place to party and chill. A land where fantasies can come true and where I can be myself withought any reservations. This was my 4th trip in 2 years and I must say I can't wait to go back again and again. It is so comforting to come to a place where you know the people, the routine, the grounds and what to expect on the daily basis, however unordinary it may be.

As most people learn upon arrival to Jamaica, it is much better, quicker and more exciting taking the little planes (TimAir or AirLink airlines) from the airport to Negril vs the bus ride. I have been lucky, each time I came to Hedo the location of my room was only 3 min walk from the main dinning room, but even if it was not the case, whe whole place is laid out so well that it does not really matter where you are, the only thing that matters is your attitude.

Speaking of attitude, being on the prude side (room and the beach), I did bring plenty of clothes to wear, but the only thing that counted was that I brought my cheerful and positive disposition. If I say nothing more about Hedonism II, I really want to say this, whether you take a trip to Hedonism II/III in Jamaica by yourself, as a couple or with friends, keep this in mind: Bring an easy going attitude, a smile on your face, an open mind and enjoy every minute of the day, one at a time. It is not a 5 star hotel, it is not a gourmet palace, it is not a singles meeting place, it is not a guaranteed sex (hint-hint for the guys) brothel and it is definetely not a place where you remain the same as you came in. Only when you go back home you realize that somehow you have changed, that the place where you live at and the people around you are not as nice, not as happy and not as friendly as they could be. Also, even though I have remained prude, coming back home made me realize that people are very prude, not only in their behaviors, but also in their outlooks and judgements.

Hmm, is this becoming a novel? <Grin>, I do not wish to write one just yet.

Ok, so where was I, oh yes, parties, parties, parties, after having gotten all dressed up and participated in 4 major parties during that week (1. Halloween, 2. Anniversary, 3. PJ, 4. Toga,) I was totaly worn out. I should mention that I love to dance and have gone to the disco every night for at least 3 hours and yes danced there for that long. The only sad note, one of the DJ's named Zodiac is a rude and an unhappy person. He did not cater to the guests, but was more interested in playing for the locals and the employees when they came to the disco. That is one of the few things that I was dissapointed in and did complain to the general manager. I really feel that local people should be allowed to come to the disco only on special occasions, prostitutes should not be allowed at all ;-), and the music should be chosen to cater to the guests of the resort. I love reggae music, but in moderation.

I have to mention how much pleasure I received watching all the people that took such a great care and time preparing for all those parties, the costumes were awesome and acts were superb, Bravo! It is wonderful to see friends, couples and groups dressed with one theme in mind. I wish I can find something like that here in NY, where people can be children again even if its only for the evening ;-)

I must also say that Hedonism II resort management/staff deserves a hugh credit for the decorations, music and the choice of their entertaintment crew. They work very hard making sure that all us have a memorable stay. Dinning room service and the rooms cleaning staff are hardworking and kind people, so please thank them and as I did, tip them as much as you want, even though you are not supposed to. They will greatly appreciate it, remember it's a very poor country.

Everything that you hear or read about Hedonism II is his/her story, each person that goes there will see/take something of their own and I promise will change in one way or another. Even if you never do come back, you will never forget it. I have traveled to many islands and countries, but Jamaica is the only one I can honestly call a home away from home. The most amazing part is the atmosphere at Hedo II; everyone becomes so laid back and friendly, happy and eager to meet strangers. Thanks to all the "Repeat offenders" as they are called, for making single people in particular feel so welcome. Yes, we get adopted instantly.

I guess being a female I do have the privelege of meeting a lot more single guys at the resort. Some travel in packs, other dare-devils come by themselves, but most are very intelligent, open minded and handsome guys, oh yes and prude, lol. I have been lucky and not met too many obnoxious men that came there on a mission. Guys, please if the only thing that you are looking for is sex, then dont bother going. One more fact I should mention, during all of the major USA holidays, Hedonism II is mostly populated by the groups, which consists of couples, less singles. However, they are the ones that create the most noise and fun.

Thanks to Kenny and Ginger (Hedo-Online.com) for your site and your friendly smiling faces and thanks to Denny P (DennyP.com) for his site. Both places are wonderful sources of information and allows us to meet great people ahead of time.

Its time I have wrapped this report up ;-), so I will use one of my favorite songs by Ace of Base called "Its a beautiful life", whenever I hear it, I think of my other home: "You can do what you want, Just seize the day What you're doing Tomorrow gonna Come your way Don't you ever Consider giving up, You will find... It's a Beautiful Life!"

Thanks

Alena November 14, 2000 Alenushka2@Aol.com  http://www.Alenushka.com