We were that rare breed at Hedo, not from the States, but from Australia. Finally our trip report! We began planning our trip more than 8 months before we went in January 2001. We read Chris book, Dennys board daily (could the place really be like that? What about the nude side? Will we fit in? Will they understand us and our accent?) And e-mailed others going at the same time. Being able to recognise people and say hello is the greatest icebreaker. This really made our holiday, thanks all you guys. We talked and talked about it and how would we feel when?? The Hedo experience is so unique; we wanted to make sure it was a positive time for us as a couple, as well as a lot of fun and relaxation. After all the what ifs, then to the practicalitiesWhen Rob first suggested going to Hedo, we were worried about leaving the children for all that time, the distance to travel and the cost etc. Right on all accounts. With the dropping Australian dollar and the 14 hours flight to LA 5 hours to Miami, 2 hours to Jamaica, plus a side trip to Cuba for a few days, meant that we were ready to get the most and more out of our holiday. We landed at Montego Bay from Havana, and then endured the car ride from Hell, as bad weather played havoc with flight arrivals, and they sent us off in a taxi. We arrived thankfully, around 9 PM just in time for Toga night, which was busy, noisy, and so revealing. What a way to be greeted and initiated by Hedoites. And there was more, much more to come.
Rob is an open for anything friendly Aussie which was how he attacked everydaythe first to volunteer for any games, the dancing, and the one who kept rubbing it in to the staff as Australia continued to beat Jamaica at cricket. (and yes we had to explain the game of cricket to many Americans). I'm sure some of the staff hid when they saw him coming each morning. We were there 12 days and the days/nights do slide in to each other, but highlights were the beauty and peace of the place, the acceptance of the times when we wanted to be together alone, or I wanted to relax with a book, the laughter of the staff, the friends who let us in to their games, and rings of friendships, the plastic palm tree and rings in the nude pool, the acceptance of that mad Aussies who tried everything, (yes, Frank, even the trapeze after you left), the freedom of wearing or not wearing what you wanted, the sleep ins, and breakfasts in bed (thanks Rob), the catamaran cruises, the raft floating (only discovered on our last day) and Rob's jumping off the cliff at the Pickled Parrot (bruised for days after). We loved our hammock in the gardens near the aviary, lying therewith the green leaves gently swaying, and no one else in the world, or so it seems, and the jetty after midnight with the lapping water, and the timelessness of the tides.
We loved that people can do what they want with out harming others, but celebrating their differences in size or personality or country of origin or chosen fun. People write about the sexual atmosphere at Hedo, and for some it could be confronting. It cant be adequately described in a book, but must be experienced, and assimilated on an individual level. We chose to attend in Lifestyle Week and we liked it for the adult fun it provoked in others and us. Namely the hot tub at 2 am, the sensualness that leapt back into our relationship, the friendships with other couples, the sounds emitting from that room near us at 7 am every morning, and the P.D.A.s. We had no complaints about the food, or the availability of the drinks (especially the gin/tings and Dirty Bananas), or the rooms (loved the CD player, as we bought our favourites), or the facilities. We particularly liked Veronica's, and I and I'm sure others will never forget Rob singing Waltzing Matilda with great gusto. Rob went diving most days, and said it was great. We went to the disco some nights, but were never there on a really busy night, which was disappointing. As the time passed so quickly, we did not eat at Pastafaris or Scotch Bonnet, or go to Ricks, or play naked twister or beach volleyball, or visit the prude side, maybe next time, Will there be a next time? Yes, absolutely, if only it was a little closer and cheaper, and we can arrange time to go. The only negatives were learning to relax and pace yourself, so you weren't a walking zombie the next day, that because of Hedos heavy bookings, we were unable to extend our stay (stayed in Negril and bought a day pass), and going home, due to incorrect information on our tickets missed our flight to Miami, and had to leave later that night via Kingston. To all we met there, and laughed with, and played with, and shared Hedo with, greetings from Down Under.
Roz and Rob hedorr@aol.com