I think this was our 10th trip-- MY first effort at a trip report. We flew direct from Toronto; were delayed by a snowstorm, but got away okay. Flew Timair to Negril. Raining, but who cares, it's not snow! Check in easy, room ready - yippee! Met friends we knew were already there when walking to our rooms. Amos and Teri accompanied us and brought us drinks. Unpacked (because I AM anal, so why fight it).
We wimped out on togas as we were pretty beat, and it was raining after all. Had dinner reservations at the Japanese restaurant courtesy of A and T. It was awesome. Even Brian, who is leary of new food, liked it. Found out he likes miso soup, (he still avoids sushi), and the tempura veggies and grilled beef (cooked to doneness you choose), chicken, and shrimp. Tried the sake, and quite liked it. JJ cooked the meal- he has got it all down. "It's all good", as he says. Cleo was serving in this area and was her usual cheerful, efficient self.
We had several couples that we met last year, Teri and Amos from Indiana, and Dave and Shona (the until this trip, undisputed queen of "I NEVER" ), and of course Barb, from New Jersey who we met ?four? years ago, and is like extended family. We enjoyed the company of many friends met previously- "Captain" Dan- Sue and Greg, Eric, Mike and Myra (does she ever stop- come on 5 mile jogs in the am?), Duane and Tammy. We enjoyed meeting Tom and Leanne, Hil, and "candy necklace boy" who I believe actually goes by the name of Andy. Enjoyed watching part of the wet T-shirt contest that Myra, Sue and Leanne dominated! Made new friends with a Leslie and Jim (I still can't believe you're from Toronto). Managed to get their butt cheeks involved in a painted message to Hedo friends from last year who were expecting a baby and couldnt make it down this year. Loved hanging out with Chuck and Joanne, Kevin and Karla, and Marsha and John. Celebrated Teri's 40th birthday. Managed to get over my disgust that she looks thirty. Ate lunch at the place on Bloody Bay beach where grill lobster- Office of Nature, or something like that. Dave and I got fish- complete with skin, bones, and heads. Lobster eyes and fish heads do not make for good eating when you have a hangover, do they Shona and Dave? Walked back along the beach and thru Grand Lido. Shona took off her top at the Hedo gate- we had no difficulty getting in the gate- yes, you are from here, welcome back!
Will skip the day-by-day recounting, because quite honestly I don't recall each day. We ate three times in the Japanese restaurant. Really enjoyed JJ's antics- he was very entertaining. For our second meal we all wore our napkins round our heads with chopsticks stuck in the back as he wore with a bandana the first night. Had a big crowd spread over two tables for our last dinner. I now am aware that sake has higher alcohol content than wine, and when you chug it back, it tends to hit a little later. I have been told that during the evening, Shona's title of queen of "I NEVER" may be in dispute.
I ate at Cosmos one evening (the 2nd toga night) with Barb and Moe - tried conch soup and curried goat. Fun to try. Brian went to PeeWee's with John and Marsha and Kevin and Karla, had lobster and swears it will have to be an excursion each trip!
We ate several meals in Pastafari. Always enjoy the ambiance there since you are served. Food was fine.
Ate a few dinners in the main dining room. I enjoyed the salad bar at lunch. Brian was thrilled they had lobster on Tuesday.
We spent a lot of evenings in the piano bar. We really find Dave entertaining, and some nights the crowd really gets going. There was a woman from Europe who had a really strong, good voice who sang a fair bit. Dave did a special song with Teri, on her birthday. Got her up on the piano (she was worried) but did NOT sing piece by piece. Enjoyed seeing Mata and Alysha (she is so-o-o cute) in Veronica's bar. Brian smiles every time he sees her. Missed Veronica of course. Ozwald worked in the piano bar almost every night we were there and we never had an empty glass thanks Ozzie!
Almost daily we were out for the early dive. We really enjoyed being able to go out with Tom, Moe, Sue, and of course Chuck the dive master and instructor from Wisconsin. And the dive masters were all there. It is such a treat to go out with people you know from other years. The comfort level is there from the first dive. We did see sea turtles, seahorse, lobster, crab, and barracuda. I know it's not awesome diving sea life wise, but it is still really fun, and what an amazing group!
Augustus definitely is interacting more now- teasing the crap out of some folks who enjoy it. His picture was up in the dining room (the employee recognition plaques). Dive master Anthony was also up on the wall for Watersport person of the month. Way to go Anthony! Robert was as cheerful as ever. I understand he drives in daily from Montego Bay. Can you imagine doing that twice daily, let alone be cheerful as well? I wish I could have only a small percentage of his good nature.
The gym was very impressive- air-conditioned, all new equipment. I understood from the couple that was helping equip it that more treadmills were on the way (two there when we were there.) There were a number of reclining cycles, one stepper, and a ton of weight machines. Leroy was in attendance, or close by most of the time. Saw him help carry in the water cooler just after 7am several mornings. His water aerobics in the nude pool also drew quite the crowd. Male participants were invited to join him at the front facing women. After watching one woman get personal assistance from Leroy, it was truly amazing how many of us became confused about what we were to be doing. I think most of us were there to watch Leroy for a half hour. Do I CARE if I am getting a workout?
The waterslide was a HOOT! Dave, our waterslide expert informed us that if you arch your back so only your heels and shoulder blades touch, and put your hands over your head with fingertips down on the slide, you go the fastest. He would hit the wall of the disco. If you do that, it really doesn't matter if you wear a suit in terms of speed. Plugging your nose as you see the water on that last turn is helpful. Dave did try it head first on his chest once, when there was no attendant at the top. He found his chest burning, and spun round in the middle of the slide (don't ask me how), to land in the water feet first.
The rest of the improvements didn't really make a difference to us. The lights on the plunge pools were kind of cool to see at night. The guys found they had to use the back end of the pool cue to get the larger than normal pool balls moving on the damp outdoor pool tables. The outdoor tables are covered with some sort of astro-turf and it was almost impossible to move the balls. All pre-trip threats of a pool playing challenge were ditched. They were in the process of setting up the regular pool table in the same spot as before, but they werent done by the time we left. The prude pool and bar is in the shade. We didn't try the climbing wall.
We had another AMAZING trip. The staff was great, although we think they are stretched over a wider array of tasks. We have found that the friendships we make at Hedo seem to be some of the strongest. Can't explain it, just seems to be. Our friends Amos and Teri are talking about taking a scuba course with Chuck, some 10 hours away, in Wisconsin, after this trip. Go figure! Im sure well be traveling a fair bit this summer visiting our Hedo friends (we have a few trips set up already).
Looking forward to our Halloween trip!!! It cant come soon enough.
Much thanks to Denny P for all the work he does on his board. Your hard work is certainly appreciated!