Dates of Trip were January 20-28th, 2001
This was our third trip to Hedo II, and, as far as we are concerned, it just gets better every year. We were married at Hedo II last year with many of the members of the Web Gang in attendance. This year we had the opportunity to celebrate our Anniversary with these same friends and many new ones as well.
I won't bore you with the details of getting to the resort, other than to say that we took Tim Air and would recommend it to anyone thinking of visiting Negril. It is much faster and easier than taking the bus ride.
Upon arrival at Hedo, V & B and M greeted us. They had everything set up for the newly formed Web Gang and all I had to do was sign a paper and pick up our keys. Thanks to their hard work along with Tavis and other members of the staff, it took all of 15 minutes and we were settled in our room for the next 8 days. What a change from waiting in line with countless others to get signed in and get a room and keys assigned to us. Along with the fast check in, we received T-shirts and key holders compliments of our group leaders.
V & B certainly did everything they could to make sure we all were comfortable and settled in for a great week of fun and surprises. After check-in, all that was left was to greet all our returning friends and to meet all the new and soon to be new members of the January Web Gang. We arrived on Saturday afternoon and took the opportunity to get to know V & B and M much better. Due to our afternoon arrival, we unpacked and returned to the lobby to visit and see if there was anything we could do to help out. It was the beginning of many talks we would have that week.
Our first night we went into Negril to party at Risky Business and De Buss. It was a great time. We really enjoyed the chance to see Negril as it is all the time. Other than shopping trips to town, we had never really seen the area. This trip included V& B, D&M, us and Vs sister and friends. We returned to Negril to party our last night in Jamaica with a much larger group of friends and entertainment staff.
Sunday brought the arrival of the Canadian group and B & P. The party had now begun. The January Web Gang was determined to take the resort to a new level.
Most of our days were spent the same way, breakfast with friends in the morning, lying on the beach until lunch, lunch with friends at 2, back to the beach for the afternoon and then time for dinner and parties. Monday, we were invited to the Castaways party in the Disco. It was nice to get to know the owners of this travel agency. They were very nice and helpful. Then it was off to dinner and the evening entertainment. Tuesday brought us to Horseback riding on the beach in Negril. What a fun afternoon. Met another couple from the State of Maine, L & E. It's nice to know that we are not the only members of this state who know how to enjoy ourselves. The members of the stable were very helpful and made sure that one of them was with each group of riders, from beginner to experienced.
Tuesday night was PJ night and, I must say, what a difference having this party in the Dining area instead of the Disco. You didn't feel crowded and there was more room for everyone to enjoy the fun. I would suggest to the Resort to continue the trend from now on.
Wednesday we made an appearance at the Repeaters guest party. It was fun, but nothing like the party for Web Gang members on Friday. After the Repeaters party we had reservations at Pastafaris for 8 of us. The food was absolutely delicious and I recommend that any one try the restaurant at least once. Those in attendance this night were V&B, B&P and D&M. It was a great evening of conversation and wine drinking. After dinner we all returned to the dining room to enjoy some of the evenings entertainment.
Thursday, a group of the WebGang members went into Negril to Times Square Shopping Mall for 3 hours of buying souvenirs for family and friends not lucky enough to enjoy this vacation. V& B helped everyone find the best prices for coffee and liquor. B also helped us find some jerk seasoning sauce to bring home and try. I am sure it will not even compare to the chicken from Mr. Bigs in Negril, but we are willing to give it a try. Thursday night was toga night. Everyone is very creative with their togas, although I must say that more people who use the sheets provided should win prizes, maybe have a group of store bought and pre made togas for prizes. I say this even though I was one of the many who brought my toga with me. The evening is still fun for all. Security did their job of ensuring safety and privacy, although I think that if people from the other resorts pay for a day pass they should be willing to join in the events of the evening to some extent. It can be awkward for some people to have visitors fully clothed and staring at them all evening.
Friday brought the best party of the week. The Web Gang Mardi Gras Party in the disco. Everyone made great efforts to put a costume together. V & B also included many glow items to be used for this party as well. There was dancing and food as well as a presentation of pendants for V&B for all the work they put into this trip. With leaders like them this group can only get better each year. I would like to thank G for his kind words at the party and also Patrick for being the great host that he was. Also many thanks to the entire Entertainment staff for being wonderful at all times.
Saturday was a repeat of the rest of the week, sun sand and fun for the day and then to Negril for the evening to party at Risky business and De Buss from 9 to 1. I have to say that we had a great time getting to know all the entertainment staff this year and can't wait to see them all on the next trip.
Sunday brought sadness. It was time to leave for many of us, with the exception of many of the Canadians. Everyone made an effort to say Good-bye to those who had to leave. Most of our day was spent talking to friends and staff and trading emails and hugs. The trip home was uneventful except for our taxi driver. I may be wrong, but I thought transfers to and from the resort were included in the price of the trip. Our taxi driver told us we owed him $10 for taking us to the aerodrome for our Tim Air flight back to Montego Bay. We should have spoke up, but just wanted to get on the plane for the many hours of traveling ahead of us. The airport at Montego Bay was packed and I felt bad for all the Canadians that were trying to leave that day. There was a line almost the length of the airport just to check in at the desk.
I hope everyone had a terrific time and that you all plan to return next year.