June 2000
First off, my apologies for the delay in getting this trip report to "press." My brain absolutely refused to come back with my body when we departed Hedo for home. It was last seen sitting on the ledge of the cooling pool, swaying to Delroy's Naked Party Mix!!
This was our 10th trip to our home away from home, and we were totally geeked for it! We normally go in Jan, but decided that we couldn't wait a whole year to go back. We go for 10 days in Jan...so this trip we paid for 4 days and got our other 3 free...what a deal! We wanted to "push the envelope" this trip...we pushed it...pushed it good!!
We arrived at the front desk at 9:30 AM, after parachuting from the ATA flight from Detroit. We've done the bus thing, and Timair...so we opted for the unconventional arrival. WOW...what a rush:) At the desk we were told to get some food and come back at noon for our room. Hey...we are good little sheep...we did as we were told. Got the chow, grabbed some towels, and headed to Delroy's...we're back baby!!
Once at the pool, we spotted some folks (Debi & Frank) our recent email buddies. However, we waited for a few minutes before we went over to say hi...you know had to get our "hedo legs" under us. Had a mudslide, ok two, threw on some sunscreen, and my beautiful wife, Cyn, led the way over to make our introductions. Debi & Frank are a fantastic couple, look up the word class and their pictures are right there! They soon introduced us to Colleen & Jeff (AKA MR. Johnson), Chris and Cindy...what a "core" group of folks. Cyn and I felt like we had jumped on a train that was going 100mph...and we were not going to let go!!
I made my way back to the desk at noon... picked up room keys for 2132 "H Block Hedo Party Central" for that week. Cyn had bought some things to hang from the door, a few tropical bird streamers and a sign that said "The Party Is Here"...boy would that ring true..ding ding!! With "home base" set up...we could really let our hair down.
Like all vets, we had told ourselves beforehand that we would participate in more of the activities, well, maybe in Jan:) I did mangage a few kayak trip...just to keep the blood flowing. Like all Hedo trips..the days melt together, so I'll try and keep this short, I know you folks have other things to do...yeah right..you're a Hedo Junkie just like me!
Sunday night, our first night, our group had a great dinner, then made our way to Veronica's. Her smiling face lights up the entire place...she's a darling! Well, the girls begin to get "friendly" on the couch and body shots soon followed. Of course, you have to be naked for that activity...no problem there, Cyn volunteered or was she drafted? I didn't realize that 5 or 6 people participated in licking off the shots...is that a rule or what? The shot of the week was Galliano...and Hedo would run out by the end of the week!
Soon we ventured over to the disco, where we would soon heat up the place. We danced in one big friendly group, and soon forgot where we were, and who was watching. So gang...it was time to leave! The night ended with 8 very happy folks...let's just say we were "knifin in there"...nuff said about that!
Monday afternoon...more of the same. It would rain in the afternoon, as it would every day, no problem, there's always the grotto. Of course, we managed to attract a few "wallies", the "vinnies" don't venture out this early! We also met another great couple, Tim & Sharon, what a twosome they are! I contacted Chris, a woodcarver and asked him to carve our names in the tree on the beach near Delroy's. He did a great job...for $30. It's a great souvenir to have...something you can come back and see, again and again. On Tuesday, two other email pals showed up, Duane & Kelli. It was their first trip and they were there for 12 days...I was so jealous. But they did a great job as "newbies" and we loved them to death!
Wed..sad day...Debi & Frank have to leave..."wait you just got here"...we would miss them the rest of the week! After lunch, Jeff & I grab a couple of kayaks, and go to the "hook" to pick up Colleen & Cyn. Oops we got the wrong kayaks, single person, no problem, the girls jump on a our two person raft, and we pull them out past the ropes. We sat there talking for about 45 minutes or so. Colleen saying "this vacation DOES NOT suck"..how true. Unknown to us...we got caught in the ocean current, by the time we look up...we could see Castro smiling on the beach of Cuba. "Hold on ladies...we'll get you back." We drop them off about 45 minutes later...I need a drink or two!
Before I forget, the staff of Hedo were at the top of their game, absolutely incredible. Delroy, Scumba, Grace, Robert, Anna, and Indiana did a great job. But the real standouts were the coordinators...they are the original "Ever Ready Bunnies." Marc the "sizzler", head entertainment coordinator, insists on 100% quality and it shows. His cohorts, Champange, Jason, Paul, The Razor and the others made this trip the best in 10! Also big Dwight, you vets know who I'm speaking of, was there, in the management training program.
One other highlight for the week...was meeting a newlywed couple from Sandals... that's right we corrupted a young "Slipper" couple. Tony & Erica, a beautiful couple came over on an unofficial "day pass" and didn't leave until 5 am the next day. They would return for two official trips later in the week! They were a blast! Cyn attempted to witness their wedding, but was told to leave, because she was wearing a thong. A lady in a thong...now that's a real threat to the world! The Toga & PJ parties were fantastic, great outfits and plenty of energy!!
Well, I've kept you hostage long enough. I just want to thank our friends, Debi, Frank, Colleen, Jeff (who does a great imitation of Jacques Cousteau...sp?), Duane, Kelli, Tim, Sharon, Chris, Cindy and of course our newlywed buddies Erica & Tony! Each one of you helped make our vacation! And just think we're already booked for our Jan trip..."2001...A Hedo Odyssey" the 10th through 20th. Hope to see all our new buddies there! Respect to each and every one...not the first time...or the second...not even the third time...BUT EVERY TIME!!!