October 2003 WWW trip report (10/13 to 10/18 2003)
I'm not sure how to start this report of our first trip so I'll start with what I believe were my best decisions.
Flying first class definitely was a good choice. As our vacation was short, only 5 days, this helped us start relaxing from the onset.
Packing a collapsible cooler in the front pocket of my suitcase. I loaded us up with 8 or so beers for the trip. 2 hours in a minivan with two women going to Club Ambiance. The beers made the trip. Though I was doing an intense version of the p - p dance when we arrived due to the lack of a stop on the trip.
Getting to know the WWW group was great. It was so nice to walk into a resort we had never visited before and recognize people we knew, some better than others. I highly recommend that all post a pre-trip photo to help all of us first timers get comfortable and feel like we are visiting friends. The group itself was great. We tended to hang out on the fringe as some people say due to our desire for some quiet time. We were always treated well, included in events that were happening at the time, and never felt pressured into participating in events that we did not feel comfortable with.
The best decision I made was making this trip with my beautiful wife. I guess I always realized how good looking she is, though there were a few events during the week that reinforced the notion and made me realize just how lucky I am. Upon arriving at the airport the offers for various controlled substances were always started with reference to the fine lady I was traveling with. One even offered, jokingly I hope, to trade me a Big bag of ganja for her. Kevin, our favorite bar tender would call us Power Man & Pretty Lady. Her name is of obvious derivation but mine is related to my working in power plants. That in itself was a good joke as many times as the lights went out. The most noticeable is that I found myself diverting my attention from the various displays that were occurring to watch her walk away, return from some errand or just sit next to me in the hot tub and think about how much I love her. Thinking of a deflating volley ball is very effective. I hope no one thought I was rude or ignoring them, I was just seeing my wife in whole new light and that is a good thing.
The only poor choice I made was not keeping track of how many 151 and cokes I had at the quad bar before dinner one day. I was very rested the next morning though.
Some of the more memorable events that occurred in no particular order, as a bad case DIF is preventing logical thought at this particular moment.
The nude slide run. I have never heard so many people laughing at one time and the EC halting the entertainment program at the time to announce our arrival. Not to mention a certain person who drank 3 bars out of Southern Comfort.
Several of the nude side people asked if we were coming over to their side the first day. Once again we were not trying to avoid them but the quad pool was so quiet the first day that we could hardly leave it. We did end up at the nude pool the second day and every morning after, it was a fine friendly kind of place. We sort of felt out of place when we took the tour. Its kind of strange to feel embarrassed because you have clothes on. I would like to thank all for the almost daily quad takeovers ( almost like they came over to our side). We really like the layout of the quad pool better than the nude pool. We did prefer the ocean breeze at the nude pool to the sweating at the quad pool while doing the daily sun ritual. One of the best was the first takeover of the week. While most of the WWW group was out on a cruise about 20 good natured nudes burst in upon a group who did not quite grasp where they were until that moment. Most ran and pulled the curtains. At this point I almost fell off my lounger I was laughing so hard. I remember mostly a certain big guy from Detroit who stuck it out after the initial shock. He spent many an hour at the quad bar with my wife and I in conversation. Although he never went to the nude side, he showed that nudes and prudes can have a few drinks together. I sure hope he managed to get his Cuban cigars.
The Piano Bar is a riot. The entertainment is good and a few young women may have been scared for life due to a certain Scotsmans costume one night.
We were very impressed by the ECs and their long hours with what seemed to be a perpetually good attitude.
As many have stated the food and accommodations are acceptable, possibly even good. My personal opinion is that the Scotch Bonnet and the Munahana were outstanding with rest being average. I'm not sure how they could be anything other than average for us, as this was our first trip to Jamaica and we have nothing else to compare them against. I was impressed by how clean the grounds were kept. It must have taken a bit of effort to pick up all those little tiny togas.
Playing my CDs at the quad bar. The look on the faces when they heard Rat In Me Kitchen and HERE COMES THE SUN (Reggae version of the Beatles) was priceless.
A few recommendations.
Pack a collapsible cooler. Pack fewer real clothes and more t-shirts (if long enough they can double as a sun dress) The 18 hole floating bar is a good thing during the volleyball game. Have someone in your group get the pool front room at the quad ( a close bathroom is good).
If this appears to be a rambling report it is due to an attempt to cure the DIF with a few VX and Cokes. Just a few closing thoughts.
If any one runs into Kevin (he worked the main bar on Friday 10/17/03) let him know we really did enjoy the music.
If you happen to take pictures, share them. We were having so much fun I forgot to get out the camera until the last day.
Cant wait until the next trip or reunion!! If I only knew how to create Hedo in Michigan.
Now for the worst moment of the trip. Waiting for the bus. Take the latest flight possible as we missed the opportunity to say farewell to many new friends due to our early departure time.
This is merely a collection of thoughts from the Matt portion of Julie & Matt from Michigan.