April 29th - May 8th
Contrary to popular belief Air Jamaica does occasionally fly on time. This is the first time in 11 trips that we boarded, left and arrived on time. Unfortunately the return trip was the same since we were enjoying the company of friends with one last red stripe at the airport. Thanks Chris & Julie.
The bus was actually fun since we knew some folks already and quickly met the rest. There was a few newbie's on the bus and they were a little nervous about what they were getting into. We saw these couples a few times over the week and I do believe they will be back again. Art & Reggie or should we address you as the King & Queen of dance, it was fun to meet you. By popular demand, we skipped the usual Red Stripe stop in order to get to the resort quicker. The difference between the first time to visit Hedo and now is it takes us longer to get anywhere because we have made so many friends we need to say hello to along the way. Some unfortunately were on their way out as we arrived so it was a quick hello and hug. Some others stayed another day or two and we shared a few laughs as well.
Check in was quick but our room would not be ready for about an hour. We asked for the key anyway so we could drop our stuff and head to Delroys. Louise from housekeeping was busy cleaning our room so we quickly put stuff in the safe, got naked grabbed the suntan lotion and got out of her way. Louise is wonderful, she made sure we had clean beach towels everyday and always shared her wonderful smile.
We took the bus from the airport along with a few other members of the ZOO KREW and we all regrouped at the pool shortly after arriving. HedoDude was about to begin his version of the "Newlywed Game" and managed to get Rupe & I to join in. We totally LOST! After 30 years together how were we suppose to remember what animal we felt like on our first date? I could tell you we went to a Woody Allen film and my mother threw him out of the house for some wise remark. I could also tell you what kind of car he drove that night but the questions that Doug came up with we did not do well with.. LOL
Our vacation was off with a laughing start, our 10 days flew by way too quickly..
The highlights of all our trips seems to be the people. We met some folks that we have chatted with on line, putting faces to some well know names from Denny's message board. People that we had never met in person before but feeling an instant connection to as friends. We renewed friendships with friends from past visits and got to spend more time getting to know more members of the ZOO KREW. Some we met briefly last year and others that were new to the ZOO KREW this year. Thanks go out to Larry and Deb for keeping their site going. Since Red was NOT allowed to do his no rain dance we only had a little rain the first couple of days. Even the rain could not put a damper on the Hedo party and spirit! We had an H-Block party on the catwalk. The rain was the hard pelting kind so Rupe & I headed back to our room for a nap.. No way with all the noise these ZOO animals make. so we gave up the idea of some quiet time and joined the party. The new drink boy was pushed into service to make a run to the bar . with a list of drinks attached to his chest. Welcome to the ZOO KREW Buck! It was all good. When the rain finally stopped we all headed back to Delroys for some jerk chicken and hot tub time.
I took advantage of the spa services. The new spa is wonderful, I had a massage in there one day and another in the beach hut. I have never tried the scrubs, I hear they are great and plan to try one next time.
EXCEPT FOR THE ART AUCTION the evening entertainment this year was very good. When are they going to get rid of that annoying art auction? It was nice not to see all the same acts. The house band seems to have gotten even better than I remember and they are not playing so loud that you can not carryon a conversation with dinner. The absolute highlight of evening entertainment was on talent night..Chris rocked the house! I think the dance floor has never been has jammed packed as it was when Chris was playing! They should book him to come down and do a whole set next May. Chris also played for the ZOO KREW on the beach one night with some singing help from Cynthia. She has the most beautiful voice and personality too. I think this live music on the beach at night should be a regular thing, next year we need to get a microphone there too.
The food was better than ever also this trip, I wonder if they have a new chef. Of course no one can even match Charlie and his omelets, Denvar for his management of Pastafaris. getting us all in for dinner at the same time on a Saturday night, while still smiling. The entire dinning room staff wins kudos for their wonderful attitude and service with a smile.
Some things that were not so good.. Our thoughts and prayers are still with the couple that due to a death in their family had to cancel, C&S we missed you. The art auction is annoying and the VERY SLIPPERY WHEN WET TILES by the spa, gym and around the main pool are dangerous, walk very carefully. The piano bar is still my favorite place to relax after dinner but it lacks energy since Dave left. Arthur is still king bartender at the piano bar and makes sure everyone is happy. While the new piano players are good, Tony never even made eye contact with anyone, more like a concert pianist. Brenton showed more animation and given the chance could grow very well into a fun entertainer. The art auction is still annoying. The Disco is not a place we go except for PJ night, repeaters party and to say Hi to Mata. We do not enjoy the music that is played; we prefer rock N roll style to dance too. Except for PJ night I never see many people taking advantage of it. They did however install a pole on the stage for those of you that want to try to pole dance. The art auction needs to go. There was a problem with the water one day, ocean view nude side all the way to Delroys, that was a nuisance but they did fix it as quickly as they could. It was a long walk back to our room in H-block to use the potty. Did I mention I don't care for the art auction?
Some funnier or strange things that occurred this trip was that Rupe managed to set a new record for himself this year and actually got dressed in something besides a towel or a toga only one night. The usual "Hello" from Keith has become an epidemic, I saw more people getting or giving him the salute than ever before (all in fun of course). There is always a few that do not get it when at Hedo. Because of these few individuals it puts a damper on the party but being part of a group helps because we all watch out for each other. It is nice to know I have so many friends to count on when we visit. Speaking of friends, we've come up with another variation on the NBH (naked booby hug). using several girls (I wont mention any names) we created the Patty Melt! (way different than what's on the menu at Robert's grill) Of course we need more than one Patty present and it's only for served to special people. (wink - wink)
Each trip is different and special memories are created every time. New friends are added to the email lists and the DIF is worse with each return to the states and real life. The first time we went I was sure it would be a once in a life time trip and went with reservations if I would be able to be on the nude beach at all. We were not home even 6 weeks when I booked the next trip. We have been home just over a week this time and I have booked our next trip already to return in December with the WWW group. I guess you could say that Hedo life is contagious, the more you go the more you want to go again. The friendships made in such a short time are life lasting and very special. Naked people have nothing to hide so you get past the BS part of meeting new friends quickly. Thanks Denny for creating a place for us to stay in touch with year round. you are the man!
Hedo Hugs