David - March, 2008

Dave-Single guy-Mar 8-13, 2008

Avoiding the Sophomore Slump

I planned my second trip to Hedo 3 after a very enjoyable first trip in Mar 2007. (See Dave Mar 2007 report if you wish).  I traveled alone again, but coordinated my trip with friends I made last year.  Definitely a good call.  My biggest concern was avoiding the Sophomore Slump. (A sports phenomena that occurs to a second year player-Sophomore- having a down year after a great first-freshman-year.)  I definitely had a great freshman visit.

To the details:

   I took the red-eye from San Diego to Atlanta and then the morning flight from Atlanta to Montego Bay.  I traveled with a carry on bag only.  I didn't want to delay at baggage claim or risk lost luggage.  (I heard a few stories of lost luggage including one bag delivered the night before departure.!!!) And you REALLY don't need that many clothes at Hedo.  All flights were on time.  However snow flurries in Atlanta concerned me a little.

   I arrived at MBJ at 1234, was through customs and at the Superclubs desk and on the bus by 1:34PM.  We made the obligatory beer stop.  But this time we got the beer, got back on the bus and got moving.  We stopped at one resort for those less enlightened.  Then we were gone and off to paradise.  I was checked in and helped some new friends, a French-Canadien (non-English speaking) couple, check in and was at the nude pool by 3:10PM.

   I approached the pool and saw the first friend I made on the bus to Hedo last year.  I didn't even know he and his lady were going to be there.  Things are looking good.

   Let the party begin.  My friends that were coming eventually got there through the week and all was good.

Few things:

1.  I booked a Single Share room through Dennyp. (Saved some money , but risked getting an unknown roomie.)  I walked into the room and saw a KING bed.  MMM. Could be a problem with a Male roomie.)  Bottom Line:  No roomie ever came.

 2.  Food was fine. Didn't expect or need five star.  Just energy food.  Omelettes!!! I was up every morning at 7 after 3-4 hours of sleep.  The Omelettes were essential to survival. LOL  No naps for this guy.  TOO much fun to be had.  Pastafari was very nice for dinner.  Get reservations early.  Make sure you ask if you can go at least a day out.

3.  The piano bar was not as highly attended for sing along.  Karaoke nights rocked.  Some very talented Hedonites including new friends (couple) from SD that I met.

4.  Nice front desk response on a room safe issue.  Told me that a tech would be the at 9AM.  Knock came at 8:58 (I was still approaching the room.  I truly expected the 9:45 no problem, mon.)

   Are you beginning to sense the sophomore slump wasn't an issue???

I partied with my old friends and expanded my circle of new friends.  Got a nice all-over tan and only saw rain 1-2 times for short periods.

For those of you reading who may be single guys planning to come to H3 alone or in a group read closely.

First thing to do:  Read my Mar 2007 report.

Follow the rules and recommendations there and remember this:

1.  Chicks rule.

2.  Respect each other's vacation.  This is not College Spring Break.  Define your own fun.  But don't let "conquests" be your measure of effectiveness.  You'll be disappointed.  Fun people are everywhere.  Fun people want to associate with fun people.  If you can have fun being in a tropical paradise, you should be OK.

3.  If you have any questions...refer back to Rule 1 and remember, RESPECT. 

    The night before I departed (didn't sleep that night at all--ok 20 minutes) I got my eviction notice.  Actually, I got two.  The second moved my departure time up by 1:00 to 8AM!!!  Good thing I was there for my omelette!!!    

    I made the bus, the flight and sorrowfully went back to the States.

I re-engaged with old friends and made many new ones.  No sophomore slump for me.  I am already planning my trip to avoid the Junior Jinx. LOL!!!

If you have any questions send a note to BigDave1964 on Dennyp's website.

Enjoy...I do!!!