Kevin & Julee

We arrived on Sunday afternoon, and by Wednesday everyone was asking if I was getting sick, because I had no voice left. It wasn't from being sick, but from laughing so hard the first few days! Whether hanging out and laughing our asses off at dinner, hanging outside the piano bar and laughing till we almost peed our pants, or laughing at a certain someone who was a tad accident prone (you know who you are! LOL) ... a great time was had by everyone!

On departure, the ride back to the airport was also packed. Because I'd had a liquid lunch before leaving ... I called "front seat" and aided Johnson (our driver) on the trip to the airport. Once I mastered the microphone, I informed folks on where the exits were located, how to use their seats as floatation devices, etc., and Johnson then helped me point out various attractions, such as the underwear factory. Johnson also led us in song, as well as sharing a few jokes. Of course a Red Stripe stop was added to the itinerary!

On a side note - If you can fly direct with Air Jamaica or another carrier, do so. Do not go through Miami no matter what! Coming back through customs in Miami is a nightmare. Luckily our plane waited for all of us that spent over an hour running here and there, just trying to get through customs there. We love Miami, but not their airport!

The Front Desk - We found most of the front desk staff with a smile and willing to help out if they could. However, there were a few gals that were either new, or just unhappy with their jobs ... and were not willing to help out no matter what the request (and not just with us, but with other folks as well.) As always, the guys that welcome you with the beautiful music, the bell staff, etc., were as lovely as ever! Stacey was a doll and always willing to help with any request if she was able! As always, Lorna Brammer was full of hugs and big smiles, even though she was running around helping arrange renewals and Valentines Day wedding ceremonies! She also had a fruit and cheese tray, along with a bottle of champagne delivered to our room for our anniversary!

Agustus - Even though there had been a lot rain and high waves, meaning there was a ton of seaweed everywhere, the beach was not taken care of as in the past. If you've been there before, you've probably guessed that was due to the fact that Agustus was not around. We were told that he was on non-paid leave, and heard several versions of why he wasn't there ... but eventually heard that he had cut his leg and had to have 7 or so stitches. All we can say is that Agustus was missed not only because he keeps that beach cleaner than most of us keep our own homes, but because we all missed his beautiful spirit and sense of humor. As people arrived, the first thing they would ask us is where Agustus was.

Agustus showed up on about day 9 of our trip, but he was extremely quiet. I finally commented to him that we missed his spirit and fun-loving ways. He got tears in his eyes and said he'd see me later. It almost broke my heart. Somehow something has happened, and it's as though they have taken away his spirit, which is a shame. I only hope that management hears from all of the guests on this, because there is no other employee that works as hard, and genuinely cares about his job and the people like Agustus does!

The ECs - Tease, Sarg, Sunshine and all of the others were great! Foxy and Ray-Ray didn't seem to be around as much, but when they were, they were as sweet and fun as ever. The energy and positive attitude that these folks put out, especially given the hours they put in and the various duties they have, is to be applauded! An example of their schedule and duties ... on the last full day we were there - Sunshine was sweeping off the basketball court at 8:00 am, then off to organize beach games in the late morning, then she was in charge of pulling together folks for the 4:00 nude volleyball games, and then it was time for her to get ready for the dinnertime shows. We don't know how they do it!

The Bar Staff - Although we didn't make it back last year, as soon as we walked up to the bar, we were given a warm welcome from everyone ... Scumba, Delroy, Michelle, Paulette, Anna, Bridget, Kevern, Alvia, (and a few I'm sure we're forgetting) etc. Even some of the new folks literally went out of their way to offer warm smiles and great service. Anna delivered a small baby gift from us to Alicia (as she was not yet back to work), and my heart went out to Delroy when speaking to him about the loss of his Mother this past year.

The Beach - Since we hadn't been back since hurricane Ivan, we weren't sure how different it would be ... but there was really not a lot of noticeable differences in the beach or the grounds. Other than Agustus not caring for the beach as he usually does, we all joked and called it the Hedo Sewage Plant, as the piles and piles of seaweed smelled really bad after sitting out in the sun. However, they buried it as soon as they could ... until the next storm brought in more. They really worked their asses off digging huge holes to try and bury all of the seaweed that kept coming in. The one thing we think we heard commented on the most, was that people wish that Hedo would not spend any more money on the hot tub rooms, and spend more money getting rid of and replacing broken lounge chairs, and adding even more new cushions and beach towels. We will say that even though they were totally booked, the staff was constantly collecting beach towels and returning with new ones. Ashtrays were never to be found, and I'm glad I took my own. On one day, a security lady was adamant about no clothing on the beach ... even gals that just had little sarongs on were asked to remove them. I personally thought she went a little overboard, but was glad that she kept away the clothed folks that were just wanting to roam the beach and look at nekkid people.

On a side note - There were several groups that would come parading down the nude beach and cross over to the resort next door. That wasn't really a problem, except a few of these groups were families with children. With one family, the Mom was topless and the children didn't seemed phased by passing all the nude bodies. However, another family came through, and the kids just stared at the ground, as if they were instructed to stare at the ground and not look at the nekkid people. I know there are variations of people that go to Hedo - people that are nudists, and people that just like to vacation nude ... but having children pass through seem to make some people uncomfortable.

Floats - Although we took a large float last time, there were so many floats that we decided not to take one this time. I guess everyone else thought the same thing. Before the resort went into sold-out mode there weren't enough floats, but once the resort was full, there was a major float shortage. So, if you're going down anytime soon, take a good one and add it to inventory! If it's real crowded, and you're a floater, you'll be glad you brought it! I overheard one guy tell his wife that he didn't want to put their names and a date on the one they'd brought, because he wanted to take it back home for the kids. So, maybe people are bringing them, and just not leaving them?

The Pool - Although the pool always looked great, the waterfall to the grotto only worked one day that we were there. On one particular day, it was raining off-n-on, and we have never experienced so many people in the pool and hot tub during the day ... and having the time of their lives! It was really a blast, and I appreciate a certain someone (you know who you are!) who tried to shelter me and my smokes during the water bombardment! LMAO

Robert's - As always, there is no better grilled cheese or jerk chicken than at Roberts! Robert was off the first two days we were there, but upon his return, he had a big hug and big smiles for us! He recently had eye surgery, due to the grease getting in his eyes, but was doing great otherwise. Like a lot of Hedo employees, he has to travel far to get back and forth to work, which is not so easy on them at times. However, he was looking as great as ever, and helped add 5 pounds on me with his grilled cheeses and fries. Yumm!

The Rooms - As we've said before, we're not sure what made them go with the grey theme in the rooms ... we'd much more prefer the bright colors of the Caribbean. The showers (if you had hot water) are awesome! We'd give anything to have that water pressure here at our house!

On a side note - It seemed as if some folks in garden rooms complained about no hot water ... and everyone we spoke to that had ocean-view rooms all had hot water. It also seemed as though some folks in garden rooms had no floor rugs, no clocks, and t.v.'s that were just fuzzy and telephones that didn't work ... which doesn't make sense. Although no one returns to Hedo for the rooms, having a hot shower came in real handy when the weather turned cold and windy.

The Cat Cruise - On the first cruise, we went out on the smaller cat, which the owners said HII people seem to like better. Before going, we had heard earlier in the week about a girl getting sick as a dog on the cat cruise, and I didn't understand it, until we went on the smaller one ... which moves much more like a boat, rolling with the waves, rather than floating across the waves like a ferry, as the larger cat does. We then went on the larger cat the second week, which also rolled quite a bit, as the waves were up. Both trips were a blast, although Rasta Ralphie wasn't on the first one, and he was missed. One of the greatest things I heard about Rasta Ralphie -- a friend asked him what his age was, and he said he doesn't have an age, because it puts a limit on life. How wonderful is that coming from a man that gives out so much joy, even when he has tragedies going on within his own family.

The Weather - We had never hardly seen clouds when in Jamaica in February, much less the weather we experienced while there. Although we did have days where it was hot and sunny (the norm for February) we had days where there were 5 to 10 foot waves ... and one day where everyone was scrambling to town looking for sweatshirts or any other warm clothes that could be found, because it was raining, windy, and downright cold. Thankfully that weather passed and the sun did again come out! I do recommend adding at least one cold weather outfit to your packing list, just in case, as they do not sell sweatshirts and stuff in town. Even folks that live down there said it is not very often that they see weather like that, but it can happen.

Red Stripe Beer - Yes, it is different down there! I'm the Bud Light drinker who did not like Red Stripe bought here in the US, but I drank it all the time down there, and enjoyed it over a small amount of ice! It was refreshing, and doesn't get you sh!t-faced like a lot of the other beverage choices there.

The Laughter - We do not know of any place in the world where you can vacation and hear large amounts of adults laughing so hard, at any time of the day! You know that one person you know ... the one that has the infectious laugh, and it just makes other people laugh (you know who you are, you sexy red head!) ... well, they are everywhere at Hedo. You find your self laughing, just because you hear a great group of people laughing ... and you don't have a clue what they're laughing about! You just know you love hearing the laughter! It really is contagious!

The Food - If you're going to Hedo for the food, you're possibly going to the wrong resort. However, if you go there and don't go home five pounds heavier, you didn't eat the right foods! Charlie's omelets, the various salads, Friday night lobster, pasta dishes from the made-to-order pasta bar, the grilled shrimp at Munasan (or whatever it's called now), Robert's grilled cheeses and fries, jerk chicken every afternoon, and on and on! I feel like all we did was eat! Well, and drink too of course!

Toga Night - Although we dressed for both of the toga nights we were there, we saw a lot of returnees in regular clothes and not in togas. No biggee! Of course we didn't participate in the best toga contest during our second week, because a certain someone (and you know who you are!) wins every year! We do appreciate your creativity with your toga each year young man, and we're happy to let you keep your reign as Toga King! ;0)

PJ Night - It was packed both weeks, much more so than we'd ever seen it. We didn't attend the first week, as we were still experiencing jet lag, and were exhausted from laughing so much the first two days. We did attend but left early the second week, as it was jammed packed ... although we heard later that we'd won something, but we don't know what. LOL

Pacing Yourselves - We made a 3:00 rule this time ... which meant only food and water (coffee, juice, or Ting) was allowed before 3:00 in the afternoon. We hung out with some folks who never even made it to the dining room for one of Charlie's omelet's (and you know who you are! LOL) ... but they had a darned good time at the hot tub and disco every night! :o)

Overbooking - We have never experienced the resort at 100%+ occupancy, but we did this time. The mixture of Desire still being closed from the hurricanes, the Bubbly Bares, etc., and the resort overbooking by 125% caused a complete full house almost the entire time. People were getting bumped for a night or two almost every day. Some folks were bumped to Couples and some to Lido. We personally don't understand how or why a resort would overbook by that much. Some people were only there for a week or less and only got to enjoy a few days of sun due to the weird weather, but then also lost vacation time due to packing/unpacking and moving.

Room 2222 - Yes, for those inquiring minds who want to know, we were able to upgrade once we got there, and we got room 2222 again this year. That is the room that we got engaged in three years ago, and the room we stayed in when we got married there two years ago, and now the room we celebrated our 2nd anniversary in! We did have to spend one night in another room (waaaay down by Sandals), and before the resort filled up, we were able to pay and upgrade to get our old room back. Yippeee!

How Long To Stay? - We've stayed 7 days, which wasn't long enough. We've stayed 10 days, which was okay, but still didn't seem long enough. We stayed 14 days this time, and although we were ready to come back home to some extent, another week would not have killed us. LOL

Sea Urchins - (Is that what they're called?) While we were there, at least 5 people that we knew of that stepped on those things. And although everyone talks about peeing on the foot if it happens, that really only takes out the sting. The best thing to do is go to the nurse, who will remove the stingers and you'll be all better. However, if you're into it, having people pee on your foot doesn't hurt any either. :o)

The Piano Bar - Although it was hopping and a lot of fun most nights, we almost had more fun setting up camp out on the porch each night! Listening to a certain person (and you know who you are!) tell jokes and stories, and everyone sitting around laughing was a blast! However, we also had a few great nights inside the piano bar, and the crowd got involved almost every night.

The Disco - They have now added furniture to the disco's lounge area, which is also another great place to sit around with friends. The a/c in there will freeze you to death when you first arrive ... but after a few drinks, and a lot of laughter with friends, you'll be warm as toast! It is also a great place to do panty checks as folks arrive ... not to the girls, but to the guys! Cochise was nailed one night, and I ended up wearing his boxers like a nun's habit on my head! And a certain someone (and you know who you are!) had her denim skirt taken away, and another gal loaned her a beautiful red thong to wear instead! LMAO

On a side note - Although drinking cups were collected on campus as quickly as beach towels, and they were constantly bringing clean cups to Delroy's and the main dining room, that was not the case in the disco on pj night ... which was packed. Dirty cups were quickly rinsed in the sink and filled and served to the next person. This was the reason a few folks left that night, as you just weren't sure who you were drinking after.

The Itchy Bumps - After the discussions on the forum here about the itchy bumps some women get ... and ... after getting rid of my vanilla body lotion and spray, after using only non-oily, fragrance-free lotion, and using only oil-free-PABA-free tanning lotion .... the bumps appeared on day 5. Bummer!

However, after going on a cat cruise and getting into the ocean, we noticed the bumps were much better the next day (the second to last day of the trip.) After much thought, we realized that previously we spent a lot of time floating in the ocean, and I never got bumps. However, two years ago we hung out in the pool a whole lot and did not get into the ocean much, and I got the bumps real bad. So, the day before leaving, we floated in the ocean, and I kept putting salt water on my chest and shoulders, and upon returning home, the bumps are almost gone! So, I'm going back to my vanilla body lotion and spray ... and next trip it is back to floating in the ocean a lot and staying away from the pool as much. It seems as if salt water just might be the trick to keeping the bumps away for me!

PDAs - During our first week we saw much more PDA activity during the daylight hours than we'd seen before. [Because we're not lifestylers, we're not sure how this works. Do the 6 or 8 folks get together at breakfast and choreograph who will be where and who will do what? It looked like too much work to me, but a lot of folks sure loved the afternoon shows!] This might have been due to the fact that it was early February and there were some January lifestylers that had stayed over, but we're not sure. By week two, it was much more like we've seen on previous Valentine week trips ... a lot of couples enjoying each other on a raft, on a lounge chair under the stars, or in the hot tub late at night, with the occasional touching or swapping with others.

Final Thoughts - Thanks to all of our old and new friends (you know who you are!) for making this trip a blast! The first-timers and other new friends offered some of the most refreshing and hilarious times we've ever experienced! Although we get to travel to some fancy places, and even dined at Lido one night this trip, Hedo is a trip all in its own category ... one which we will always love. And, it's not due to the food, or the staff, or anything other than the people! It really is like a camp for adults! Hedo can be anything you want it to be ... and every day can be a different experience ... one day a drunken hilarious day with friends, and the next a romantic getaway for you and your sweetie! Hedo really is whatever you want it to be!

Cochise - Thank you for a wonderful second anniversary vacation! Every day that we're together is a gift and you are a blessing! Although the growing pains with all of the life changes we have experienced over the last few years has been tough at times ... being your wife and having you in my life is something I am so proud of. I love you!

Kevin & Julee (Jules & Cochise) - February, 2006