Harold and Lisa -- Hedo virgins.
This trip all started with a conversation between us about how we need a vacation that was special. We discussed cruises, tours, and just exploring somewhere that we have never been. All of the above were acceptable to us since we have been fortunate enough to travel a lot in our lives. The important point was that we wanted to "get away together" for a while. After we discussed the vacation and the fact we were going to go, we now needed to decide where. In a dinner conversation Lisa asked what about a place where we don't have to wear clothes. The ball was rolling. The search for clothing optional resorts and cruises was on. In searching the net, the most frequent place that came up was Hedonism ll. We started looking for all the information on it we could find. We found Denny's web page and decided to go. We set the dates and booked with the best deal we found online.
After booking, we checked back on the page and found the visitor list. We also found the book by Chris Santilli. A must for every Hedo bound person. Not only good as a guide for planning, but a lot of laughs (Chris, we really hope to be fortunate to meet you someday). We went through the should we or should we not discussion (short conversation) and registered. We kept following the trip reports and bulletin board to get a better idea of what we would find. As we continued to do so, the excitement kept building. We then found Kenny's web page and "The December Group." At this point we were getting very excited about the trip and meeting all the people that seemed like a really fun group. We decided to post a picture on the group listing and throw caution to the wind. Shortly after listing, we started getting some E-mail, and sending some to others listed. The excitement kept building. We met several online -- Chris and Lorri, Ed and Jeannie, Kenny and Ginger, Bob and Beth (rodan), Hedomark, and others. We were really looking forward to meeting everyone. The countdown to Hedo was in motion. The only negative we encountered was the realization that the dates we had booked were just a little early to experience whole the trip with the group, and not enough days. It was too late to change so we went as is for this trip.
Packing was done about a week early (talk about anticipation) so we spent our time finishing last minute work -- the bad part of working for yourselves. All right, its time to go! The trip to Ft. Lauderdale was uneventful. Just the way you want a flight to be. Overnight there, and out at 8:00am in the morning. Getting to the airport for early flights is usually a chore, but not this time. We were there at 6:15 and in the line at Air Jamaica. Checked in, and an hour to flight time, we had a cup of coffee and a roll and started meeting fun people. Not even on our trip, It just seemed like everyone was smiling at us and wanted to talk. It was great. We left on time, and the flight was good. The high point of the flight for Harold was flying over Cuba. That is one place he will still go other than back to Hedo. We landed in Montego Bay on time. Customs - no problem Mon.
Now, to "the bus ride from hell." We read so much about this part of the trip, we just had to take it. Since we were the early ones in for the day, the "bus" was a van with only us and our driver -- Island Mon. What a neat person he is. A man who truly loves his country and people. He is a real ambassador for Jamaica. A familiar looking cruise ship was in port, and I could not see the name on it so I asked Island Mon if he new the name of it. He said no. He then proceeded to flag down other busses and vans until he found a driver who did. It was the Celebration. The reason it looked familiar was the fact that in 1986 Harold was on its maiden voyage. The bus ride was all that we expected. Narrow roads, driving on the "wrong" side, hundreds of near misses. After about an hour Island Mon asked if we wanted a beer. Of course we did -- we haven't had a Red Stripe yet. On with the trip, learning about the island, the people, and what they do. It is good to have a good tour guide. At one point, he said "I need a pee." I said OK, I will join you. We pulled over to the side of the road and watered the rocks on the beach with lots of horns honking as the cars passed. On to Hedo. The rest of the trip was as exciting and information filled as the first part. "We are here." "Here is Hedo." Check in was smooth. We were the early arrivals, so there was no line or wait. Bags on the cart and directions to the room and we are off. The walk to the room was one of anticipation. What is it going to be like? We got to the room just as Paul the bellman got there. He grabbed the bags and went to the room with us right behind. He took two steps into the room stopped and said "no mon -- no good." There was water on the floor that was coming from the new air conditioner. We told him it was OK, just have someone come back and fix it (I looked around and decided I wanted that room). It was close to Delroy's, pool, hot tub, and it was right on the beach. Paul would not allow this and we started looking at all the close available rooms. Four rooms down was room 2173. This was it. Just as good. Open the curtains and there is the beach -- yes!! The room is all we expected. It had everything we needed, including a mirrored ceiling.
We looked at each other and Lisa asked me if I was nervous. We had never gone public with no clothes before. Off with the clothes, and we were on our way with nothing on but a smile. First stop -- Delroy's to find out what a "Dirty Banana" was all about. Everyone is relaxed and it is "hi" and introductions and on with the explorations. Everyone was friendly, and open to talk. Everyone seems happy. What a place.
>From this point on time is lost. What day is it -- who cares. We have died and gone to heaven. No computers, E-mail, cell phones, telephones, mail, projects, deadlines, or pressure to get anything done. Not even a watch. Who cares what time it is. Lets just go have fun with these great people.
Since the days all blend together, I will just cover the high points of the trip and what we loved. Since there are no points to cover on what we did not like there will be a list of nothing.
The best thing about the trip was the people there. On the first dinner, walking through the event area and hearing "you must be Harold and Lisa." It was Chris and Lorri (ezdad) who we had met on Kenny's web page and e-mail. Getting a beer at the hot tub late one night and discussing a broken glass and how it got there. The guy we were talking to says to Lisa "I think I know who you are -- "Is your name Lisa?" It was Bob (of Bob and Beth -- rodan). Walking by the trapeze and the crafts tables and starting a conversation with a couple. It was Ed and Jeannie who we had met through e-mail. Having a guy walk up on the nude beach -- "hi -- I'm Mark [hedomark). I think we sent each other pictures. Mark is living proof that not all single guys are vinnies. He is a great guy. One we will count in our list of friends. Walking along the beach and seeing Kenny for the first time. Finding out that he really is the great guy that he appeared to be in e-mail. Meeting Ginger. Having them introduce us to Mel and Hense who we had met with e-mail. Meeting Tony and Princess Caroline who we did not get to spend much time with. All the others that contributed to this wonderful trip.
The Resort We found the physical Hedo to be everything it needed to be and more. The resort in our opinion is well maintained and planned out. Sure, there are nicer places but at a cost that in my opinion is not worth it. The same for the food. It is great. If you want better, it can be found. But at a price. It will not be at a great place such as this where the total package is as good as it gets.
The Staff at Hedo. We found the staff at Hedo the best prepared and "glad to be there" of any place we have ever been. This includes the food staff, the entertainment, the bartenders, maintenance people, security, the room attendants and even the sex police. They are all there with the goal in mind of being part of the best vacation you ever had. They work incredible hours and still have smiles. They truly showed us "respect mon." We do not know if this is the Jamaican tradition, their training, or a combination. We think it is the Jamaican tradition.
The Activities. Non stop activities and things to do. What ever you feel like doing. Never did we have a time that we did not have someplace to go or something to do. The beach, The hot tub, the meals, the entertainment, the trapeze (boy was Lisa a good beginner on it), the para sail (another first and exhilarating experience), body painting, the Toga Party, the piano bar, the disco, all of them experiences that we are glad we did and will remember. Mostly because we had new friends to share the experience with.
The Overview. This was without a doubt the best vacation we have ever taken. It is one that we most definitely will try to repeat many times. It is hard to imagine that we could have a better one, but we now have a standard set that will be hard to beat. We hope to be able to return with all the great people we met -- Chris and Lorri, Bob and Beth, Ed and Jeannie, Kenny and Ginger, Mel and Hense, Mark and a long list of others. We not only want to thank the staff at Hedo, but our friends from Hedo.
Until next time. Lets keep in touch. We would also like to hear from others who are Hedo bound. Maybe we can help to make your trip as good as ours was.
Lisa and Harold (Hedo Veterans) lisnhar@aol.com