9/27 10/4 Fetish and Fantasy Festival and Celebration of Body Arts
Yes, it rained, and rained, and rained, but you have to expect that. After all, it is the end of the hurricane season. Dont you hate it when you go away and the only day that it does not rain is the day that you are leaving.
A film crew from Yorkshire Television was there filming an episode of Pleasure Island. They were very polite and friendly and always asked if people minded being on camera. One of the female crew members was so friendly she even joined us (topless) in the pool one afternoon.
Having arrived and having left in the middle of the week I was fortunate to catch parts of two theme weeks Fetish and Fantasy Festival and the Celebration of Body Arts. The F&F Festival was interesting, in that I got to see some clothing get-ups that I had never seen before. I witnessed one of their demonstrations (held each evening at midnight) involving a discipline session a man was wrapped around one of the columns in the dining area and rhythmically beaten to music, while two young ladies danced in the background. As the intensity of the music increased, so did the beating. When the beating concluded, the woman who was doing the beating took ice cubes in her teeth and ran them over the mans back. I heard talk of some electrocution tricks in the Piano Bar the previous night, but did not witness that, and some wax tricks demonstrations, but missed that also.
The Celebration of Body Arts piqued my interest too, especially since I have a tattoo. It was obvious that some of these people take their tattoos quite seriously. Many had invested significant time and money into their artwork. Some were very beautiful and quite vivid. I saw a few people that I would estimate had 70-75% of their bodies covered. There were also some amazing piercings (including places that I could never conceive placing steel), and hairstyles.
Because of the weather, water sports activities (the outdoor kind) were cancelled Monday and Tuesday. High surf covered the pier Sunday night and all day Monday. The beach and point got beaten up pretty badly. There is hardly any sand on the point. Also, the surf caused all of the floats to break away and one of the Point Village boats ended up on the Hedo beach. As soon as the weather calmed the crew was hard at work repairing the beach.
I missed the Island Picnic and the Cat Cruise. I have a tendency to do foolish things like jump off the high cliff at the Pickled Parrot, so I will have to wait till next time to do that again.
There was an abundance of crabs (crustaceans, that is) around. Many were quite large and unafraid. Watch where you step at night.
There are several new entertainment coordinators. All seemed energetic and enthusiastic. Also there is a new DJ in the disco that was spinning some welcomed new tunes.
Things I like about Hedo: -Check in has improved. Got there, gave them my name and coupon, they already had my paperwork filled out for me! -Every time I go to Hedo I am reminded how much I like wine with my meals and a little cheese after my meals. -The people that you meet at Hedo are the best. I have yet to meet anyone that I didnt like there. Most are very friendly and have interesting stories to tell. -Monday night is now "Topless Night" in the disco. All are encouraged, but not required to go topless. -Diving is included! -Lobster night! -Jerk chicken, and oh, that fish! -Appleton rum.
Things I wasnt crazy about: -Why cant Hedo get tables and chairs that are the right height for the dining area? -Having to go to the disco for drinks after midnight. -People that cant begin a conversation without saying, "Yo" or "Wassup". (Mostly found on the prude side). -Having to "behave" because I started a new job on returning to the states.
Snapshots in my mind: -The one sunset visible from the beach, Tuesday evening. -An overweight, naked, white man chasing one of the female entertainment coordinators around and around a tree, while she was laughing hysterically. -Marie, and Slinky and Bombastic in the Circus Showcase. -The "Ice Cube Game" in the hot tub was awesome!!! -Melanie doing a great job with "Find your mate." -Nude scuba
Tips for having a better time: -Bring props for PJ and Toga night. It adds to the fun and can be a great conversation starter. -Bring an oversized, insulated cup with a lid so that you dont have to make too many trips to the bar. A one liter nalgene bottle is also great for beer in the hot tub after midnight. Youll make lots of friends if you bring and share beer. -Sit with different people at meals. Most people have interesting stories to tell. -Dont be afraid to talk to anyone. One day one of the beautiful young girls in our group indicated that she was surprised that there were not more single males. Apparently she wasnt getting approached as much as she expected. -Even if you never thought you would, visit the nude side. You get over it pretty quick. Thats where most of the fun is anyhow. -Stock up on towels. The hot tub had run out most afternoons. -Learn and use the names of the service people, from the maids to the bartenders and waiters. You get instant respect if you use their names politely.