Here is the long awaited (for some of you) Sept. Report (Sept. 6-13)
First of all, this was a WONDERFUL TRIP. Probably my best yet!!
Over the past 4 years my "Sept. Crew" have varied their arrival times. Some return Labor Day Week, exclusively...the 2nd week of Sept., exclusively and the 3rd week of Sept., exclusively. I usually spend 10 nights during this time with the hope of reuniting with most of my dearest friends. This trip I only spent 7 nights and was concerned that I would miss some of these people. Well, this year I actually reunited with 97% of the people that I had hoped to see again.
There was Mark (TX) and Darryl/Linda (TX), (part of my original Sept. Crew), who I haven't seen since '94. Babs (DC) and Chris (from Chicago) who I haven't seen since '95 along with the other hedonists that I have enjoyed meeting over the years.
I was happily accompanied with Karen Chilton (Canada) [part of the original '94 crew]. I know that for some of you that it will be hard to believe but "ERIC BROUGHT SOMEONE DOWN WITH HIM THIS YEAR?!?" Go figure... Karen was at "Vet" back in '94 when I was a "newbie" and showed me around. And hasn't had the chance to make it back since. So now with all of the changes to the resort and 7 trips later it looks like the roles had been reversed. It gave her the chance to reunite/rekindle with what makes the resort as special as it is to us (I mean you the "Vets") plus it also gave us (Karen and I) the chance to rekindle, all that is special, as well.
OK, here's what you really want to hear...
The weather was great, when it wasn't raining, and it was cooler than in May, but still in the high 80's. Humidity was not a problem this trip. I met some wonderful people on the bus ride down, (too numerous to mention), some of which became an addition to my "Sept. Crew". The "Virgins" were cool and there weren't many "Vinnies". There were a lot of weddings and a few "Renewals", Bukky/Cathy (MA) to mention one.
PJ Night was fun and there were a lot of great and innovative costumes. Karen and I won "2nd Place Best Couple" as "Mr. + Mrs. Santa Claus". Don't ask!!! But all I can tell you is that I now know why Santa only comes once a year. :-)
Flash!!! THERE IS AIR-CONDTIONING IN THE DISCO!! Although some of the rooms had problems with their A/C the showers still had the wonderful "pressure" that we all know and enjoy.
At the "Repeaters Party" nothing "new" was said and they were still planning on expanding the number of rooms on the resort. Is this good? Is quantity better than quality? What's going to happen to the soft grassy fields that we enjoy walking through at night?
There was a group of "Brits" down there for Torkshire Television, competition to the BBC, planning to stay for 8 wks. to film a 6 hr. documentary on Hedonism II. Their intent was to be honest and respectful to the resort and they planned to film this similar to "M.T.V.'S "The Real World", (follow you with a camera and see what happens), along with the answers to: Why did you come to Hedo? and Why do you come back...often? (Hedo has an 87% return rate...but most of you already know this). Along with the various interactions between the different "groups" and people.
They wanted me to stay another week, because their equipment was coming in on the day I was leaving but nonetheless I had to go back to the actual "Real World". But they did use a digital camera to film my performance of "Hold My Hand" and of course, "the Hedonism Blues" during the Talent Show/Toga Night on Thursday Night. But their presence there didn't make the night special. What made the night special was in having Lorin (NY), Bart (NY) and Juliette/Jason (NY) sing background vocals. Jason also played drums which brought the show together.
Saturday's Trapeze Show was rained out. I felt disappointed for Karen (Canada), Jason (NY) and Michelle (NY) who had spent the week practicing for their "big day"
The Piano Bar was alive and kicking. Although he is not "the Ultimate" Dave still got the crowd singing and having a good time. Kareoke had a few stars as well. Robin (AL) was the next Patsy Cline and Jason/Juliette (NY) did a few great duets.
I visited Grand Lido, across the street, one day. Nice Place...but "quiet" and the people did not seem as "outgoing" ("hey, how are you?") as Hedo. Need I say more?
The food was OK, Lobster was GREAT, and the food at Pastafari's was better than usual.
There also was a meeting of various AOL Travel Board contributants. It was great putting a face to an e-mail address. Jacinda and Benita put on a great show at the Piano Bar as well.
To spend a few extra hrs. there Karen and I flew back from Negril to MoBay. I highly recommend this to everyone. Take the bus down...to meet new people and tell them what to expect but definitely fly back to MoBay. You get a few more hours to stay "home" plus it only take 15 minutes to get there and the views on the trip are breathtaking.
That's it, "In a nut-shell". As always it was great to be back and I look forward to seeing you again. Next time...May.
IRIE!
Hedonistically yours,
-Eric "the Hedonism Blues"man