Hedo II November 4th through 11th, 2000
Hedo II - No problem mon!!! The most excellent, fun filled, relaxing, energetic, laid back, high octane place we've ever been, and we've done some traveling over the years! This isn't the normal day by day trip report. I planned on writing in my journal every night like I usually do on our trips but I never wrote one word. We were simply having a hell of a lot of fun. Here's our report as the memories return to my "Not ready for the real world" mind.
This was our 1st trip to Jamaica and obviously Hedo, not to mention our 1st trip without our kids, which are 8 & 4. This was our chance to be "Bad " and not worry about the kids, a baby sitter, time etc.
After dropping off the kids at Grandma's house and getting to the Airport Hotel late, we got up early for the Air Jamaica flight. The flight was great, and champagne with my breakfast was a kick. After landing at Sangster Airport in Montego Bay, we waited for some new friends from Vermont. We were sharing the TimAir flight to Hedo. The flight was great thanks to Cecil our pilot!
Here's some advice: Meet people via email that will be going to Hedo during the same time on Dennys Visitor Schedule. We exchanged email and photos with several people for a few months prior to our trip. This ended up being a Core group of about 18 of us that meshed like old, lost friends. Then we all were meeting new people and introducing them to each other throughout our week.
We arrived at the front desk, dropped off our bags, gave our names, and were told to come back later. "Your room soon come!" This was not a problem. We headed straight to the nude beach with our new friends with a quick stop at the bar on the way for our first drink at Hedo. Huzzah!!! Life is good!
Now keep in mind that this is our first "clothing optional" vacation experience. I was ready for the experience (being a guy) but my wife was a little hesitant being the "Prude" that she is. Our first afternoon she was a little uneasy. expecting who knows what to happen? The next morning, all that changed and she saw clothes no more except when needed (i.e. Dinner, Veronica's and the Disco) Thanks to Go Classy for the request for H Block which we did get and is in a great location.
Our 1st day we spent getting to know our surroundings and a lot of our new email friends, which by the way made the trip what it was. GREAT, GREAT, GREAT!!! You guys are like family and we have already gotten together with a couple of you already.
More advice: Try everything!!! You might like it and you may not get the chance to ever try it again. Example - all the local treats (food and exotic drinks), Robert's turkey club sandwiches, Jerked Chicken - mmmmmm good, cliff jumping at Rick's Cafe', "Lunch time Spins" in the main dining hall and after dinner activities and contests. You never know who is going to have the most fun in your group. It could be the people you least expect, that seem the most normal and reserved. Thanks, Mark and Kim. You guys were great! (They won the dance contest, and runner-up in a "special" category on PJ night) Atomic's & Flaming Bob Marleys are another must try.
Monday was my birthday and a good day all around. A massage in the morning, which my wife and I both enjoyed. Elizabeth & Roselyn have great hands and will put you in a good state of mind for your vacation. If you can only have one massage, get it in the beginning of your trip to ease you into Jamaica time. In the afternoon, we were on the Catamaran ride to Rick's Cafe' for some fun and excitement. Reggae, booze, mooning everyone and everything, cliff jumping and a great sunset. Advice, don't do the one and a half off of the cliff. It could hurt and cause bruising of the upper arms and shoulders. Right Shannin?
Monday night was great fun mostly because of a band of traveling "Lick & Stick" tattoo artists. I can only remember one name out of this fun filled group, Brigette. I am really sorry I can't remember who you guys are but if you can reach me, it would be great! I want to thank you guys for adding something special to my birthday and my "part" that received the rose of honor. I know that it was major fun for of all the guys in our group and some of our girls as well. It became a game for us to see who what couple could wear the tattoo off first. Getting it off was almost as much fun as getting it in the first place.
Tuesday, we went to two beautiful weddings. Thanks to Gary & Lora as well as Patrick and Colleen for allowing us to be a part of it! This was the first time we have ever attended two weddings in one day!
Later that evening was PJ night which was another night of laughs and fun. Our little group had winners in two categories. The Angry Fairy won the "Most outrageous" category. And as I said before, watch out for those quiet, reserved looking people because they're not! They had the leather division wrapped up!
Toga night was yet another night of pictures and laughs on the extreme end of the spectrum. Hedo is truly a place to have fun, let go of your inhibitions, make new friends and laugh a lot!!! My wife and I both haven't laughed this much in a long time. Our faces and throats hurt from it ---- a very good time.
The resort is beautiful with flowers, trees and shrubs. The rooms met our needs fine. They're a little worn, but you'd expect that with all the people that pass through. There were some fluctuations in water temp in your before dinner shower but that too is to be expected. Food was good, dinner being the best with a good variety of meats, soups, salads, breads and desserts to choose from.
Then there is "Jerked Chicken" at 6 p.m. at Robert's grill on the beach. AWESOME!!! Remember, chickens were made to be jerked, along with fish, goat, pork and beef. In our house, 6 p.m. is now known as "Time for Jerked Chicken!" Many thanks and much respect to Delroy and Scumba as well as the entire staff at Delroys bar, for supplying us all with an endless flow of exotic drinks and Red Stripe. Many thanks also to Hedo and their staff for a great trip.
Advice again: Get involved in the beach activities such as volley ball, body painting, ring toss, nude twister, drinking games etc. They are all a blast, make great memories and you can win "Hedo Bucks" to buy booze and T-shirts when you leave.
Many thanks to follow especially to the core group (not in any particular order), Chris & Liz, Joe, Gary & Lora, Mark & Kim, Bernie "Luke" & Francis, Ron & Tania, Shannin & Dennis and Adam & Yoojeong. who left early. I'll bet you wished you had stayed! Thanks also to Nicole & David, Linda & Brent (for the real tattoo pics of your parts!) Rasta Bill, New York Mike for the water balloon bombing of passers by and filling the pool with lounge chair cushions at midnight which I know nothing about. Get in touch, I'll give you a pic of us on PJ night. Also, thanks to Gabby (I'm still waiting for my BD massage), Bonnie & Dan, and Bonnie - The pants trader who turned Veronica's into a special place. By the way, where are my pants? Also a big thanks to Patrick and Colleen who's company we really enjoyed. We hope to meet up with you sometime. And thanks for the "Feelings". Prude says thanks for hers also.
All in all, Hedo was a blast! But remember, your paradise vacation is in their country. Give respect mon.
Jim & Terri Pittsburgh, Pa. Nov. 4-11, 2000