November trip report come soon..

[viperess]

Hey all,
Afraid I don't have time right now to detail a trip report but will soon. I will say that once again this trip out did last year which surprises me!
Chris, so sorry to have missed you...
Gordon, it was great to see your sweet face again and I hope your trip was fabulous!
Anita, Wow! What an honor to have met the beautiful diva! Wish we could have had more than a couple hours in one evening to chat...maybe next time!
DD

[Liz of Chris & Liz]

And while you wait for DD's, here is ours....

Chris & Liz - Hedo II November 7-16th, 2008 – trip # 25

This was our 25th trip to Hedo and our 8th in early November. As always, the early November crowd rocks with a high level of repeaters & friends and a good mix of newbies and folks who are trying out a new time of year to visit H2.

This trip we stayed at the cliffs first and then went to Hedo. We’d only done that once b4 and vowed never again, now we remember why – it’s so nice to have that relaxing time after Hedo to chill and spend time together! The cliffs was great fun though & a wonderful place to be for the election….I’ll try to do a separate report on our trip there. Thanks to G&L for their visit to da cliffs, just prior to our brush with the outskirts of hurricane Paloma.

The hurricane brought in some crazy weather for a few days, with 7-8 foot rollers pounding the cliffs and 15-20 footers around Booby Cay. We worried a bit whether Hedo would be getting pounded as well, but it (and the whole Long Bay beach) were sheltered by the point in downtown Negril. So the big waves started ¼ mile offshore from Point Village.

The groups that go during early November add a creative flair to each night with various theme nights and so many fun people … it truly is a wonderful time to visit and meet new friends and see our old H2 friends.

As tends to be the case after the slow summer months and hurricane season, the message boards were full of doom and gloom before we arrived. We’ve seen that before though, so figured things were as they usually are and…yup…they were. We did hear from friends that Anniversary was fairly slow this year, and the folks on the cliffs all agreed that this year has been much slower than usual.

Random thoughts in no particular order…

Our first night at Hedo (duh, I think it was the first night...) they held The Miss Tastebuds Talent Show. Gary & Lora were judges & it was a crazy show! The ladies were smoking HOT & it was a WILD competition! We all wondered exactly WHAT that one lady was going to do with that bottle!! Lots of fun for everyone to watch & certainly brought the house to our feet a few times! Mega's monologue through it was pretty hysterical too! Great fun!!

Most days we had no trouble finding towels (the maid stocked us with bath towels and beach towels were available in the usual places). But after a few days it seemed that the maid kept taking our gently used bath towels (that we had hung up to ‘hold and reuse’) and not leaving any new bath towels. Many folks were left with just a few washcloths…it was getting rather dire & we did all complain about it. The management mentioned that Superclubs’ central laundry service had a breakdown, and a note was left in each room a day later explaining about the problem. Towels were like gold at that point. Within a day or two the problem was fixed & we all had plenty of fresh towels again (just in the nick of time).

Lorna Clarke spent several afternoons making the rounds at lunch time to the various tables to check in and see how guests were doing. We thought this was great. We also had a chance to wish her a very happy birthday and were thrilled to find out she’d be staying at H2…she’s a gem!

The new AC units seemed to be working fine in all but a few rooms. They are easy enough to turn off & on by adjusting the temp.

Hurricane Paloma brought some rainy weather and some of the biggest waves we’ve ever seen in Negril. That didn’t stop the party, but did make for some interesting body surfing once the waves quieted down a bit. And those that asked had a rain voucher waiting for them upon check out – amazingly efficient considering past issues.

Once the hurricane had passed the water was sparkling and gorgeous & the beach was quickly cleaned up by the wonderful staff (including digging a huge 10 foot diameter hole to bury all the seaweed). The weather from then on was perfect and being on the beach at 7am is truly a little slice of heaven. So peaceful & warm in the early sun, seeing another vacation day begin. Sigh.

Decorating the beach is a time honored tradition in early November & though the storm made us wait a few days before we could, we had great participation once we were able to. It was pretty funny that so many people kept asking when we were going to start decorating. I guess folks just like blowing up balls!! Plus the Hawk had an excellent arm for shooting the string over the palm branches (and his new squeeze Boopsie is a doll, panties or not). Those beach sitters are the best….even Sandy Hook Bob. (He’ll be wearing the drink vest doing cabana boy duties before long we predict.) 

The food was okay. It’s been better and it’s been worse. It seemed to be trailing off by the end of 9 days, but I imagine we were just getting sick of the same old, same old. The prude beach grill is a shining spot in the day time/afternoon food area. You are served at a table if you wish and drink orders taken & delivered. They have a wider variety of food as well, including a few classic Jamaican dishes occasionally like curried chicken or goat, or stewed beef. It’s a good spot to relax for an afternoon plate of chicken or fish. The authentic Juicy Patties were available at both beach grills each day which was great. Bananas were around the entire trip & the apple martinis, lemon drops & cosmopolitans did the trick at night (though only the main bar routinely had apple mix). Alas, tequila was limited to the bar-brand Rosado. No Jose Cuervo white (or gold) this trip, though Rasta Bill’s Patron helped fill in that gap nicely one day!

Dinner on the beach coincided with our Naughty School Girl night & put a damper on wearing high heels and the picture taking / giggling gaggle of girl opportunities. The food was ok, but nothing to get excited about that night – though there was a roast suckling pig which was good. Oh well.

Other dinners were good & we enjoyed a very good meal at Pastafari on our last night. The grand gala buffet was adequate on 11/7. The one on 11/14 is was very good, including some excellent carved prime rib and plenty of grilled lobster tails, along with all the other usual stuff. The sushi assortment on both nights was more extensive than in the past, including some nice-looking tuna and roasted eel.

The nude pool music was so freaking loud it would drive the happiest of us nuts….especially during the water aerobics in the morning (which was very well attended). Ditto for the EC’s announcements and games – way too loud for the peace-loving beach dwellers. (They’re using a portable DJ system, located by the side window of the grill, so they need to crank it for the pool folks). Hopefully they’ll work out some other sound system at the nude pool soon!!

The staff were in good spirits and we had excellent service throughout the trip. The bartenders, wait staff, room attendants were all doing a great job & the grounds were fantastically maintained and cleaned. We were even able to find the watersports guys to turn on the waterslide for us at night!! Amazing!! Tista was great, dancing and spreading lots of good cheer while tending the main bar (then the nude bar early the next morning too). That really added to the fun for everyone. Kudos Tista!

Many of the ECs were having a tough time of it…either low energy, not feeling well or just not up to the job. We miss the high energy of the ECs from days gone by…but this too shall pass I imagine. Winston is a bright star among the ECs and it has been a joy watching him mature from his first few lacksidasical days at Hedo to where he is now. We shared some fun stories with him from his early days. Munga continues to bring high EC energy & joy to her work & is a pleasure to hang with. Sunshine was working it as well. Dean had a knee injury, but was in good spirits. Mega was out & about, but seemed to be struggling somewhat to find his niche as manager of the ECs…we hope that works out for him. We definitely missed Sarge!

Chris was able to enjoy his diving once the waters cleared and saw the biggest sea turtle he’s ever seen in Jamaica – about 3.5 ft long. The dive boat was packed for many of the 11:30 dives once the weather settled down.

The piano bar was hopping with Dion from Roots Explosion busting his move on the piano and the ladies of Hedo doing what they do best. It was truly like old times & quite the scene. Thus the disco was dead again as it usually was when the piano bar was the destination after the dinner shows ended. I know many people were very pleased with the new piano bar vibe!

The pool tables had been refelted and new cues were there. I had one spectacular night of pool where I schooled Cole & Gemini…other than that, my pool playing sucked as always. I did play a very sweaty game of ping pong with John….that was about the most exercise I got all week (well, outside of the room).

There was some confusion with the spa staff about cashing in my Hedonistic Delights credit of $100 for my massage, but a quick call to Denny took care of that for me and for Lexi too (even though she had booked through GC). Kudos to Denny for such wonderful service!! Rosilyn gave me a fantastic massage AND a salt scrub so that I’d use all my credits…bless her!! Thanks to Spidercat for the suggestion of Rosilyn…she’s the best!

Dwight from the spa was on the beach a lot giving teaser massages….he’s a gem as well & thanks to him for all those mini shoulder rubs!

The theme nights were loads of fun….Red Hot Night being a particular favorite. As Mona says, something about those red dresses brings out the wild in you. A night to remember indeed!!! The talent show was a trip with V, Jimmy, Dave & Spidercat bringing down the house. Thank you all for making us smile & cheer so loud!!!

The Pinpals annual champagne toast is always fun & this year was no exception. We all missed many of our H2 friends who couldn’t make it and the toast is a good way to remember times past and celebrate the day. Lorna Clark joined us all and added her thanks for the many years of support and fun that the gang has brought to Hedo.

Val’s Pal’s auction was a big hit one night during dinner… kudos!! We’ll have to get around to that big group dinner one of these trips!!

Also, we found a great new spot to eat on the cliffs. Catcha Falling Star is a wonderful restaurant, priced about the same as Rockhouse. Quite lovely & we enjoyed it very much.

A special shout out to Anita the Diva on her first night and our last … being able to sit and chat with me after I’d been there for 2 weeks (like I was making sense) must have taken a will of steel of several hefty drinks … it was wonderful to have the time to chat AND to get that foot massage from Art!! It was also a treat to overlap with Gordon that day. We’ll have to work on more overlap time next year. 

It’s the people that make the trip and this trip was no exception. We often talk about moving our dates a little further in November to take advantage of the Thanksgiving time off from work…but we would miss so many of our early November friends (to say nothing of Gary & Lora’s anniversary!!! The horror!). There are just so many people who make November the special time it is. And meeting new folks (especially those bearing gifts, like T&T…grin!) is a treat as well.

And before I forget…apologies again to “the other Art” for missing the annual Survivor party! We owe you one! (If only we’d thought faster and given you the immunity idol!!!) We sure enjoyed chatting and schmoozing with you – as always!

It seems as if there is never enough time to spend with everyone and this year was no exception. If only we could all stay for a month then maybe I’d feel like I had a chance to really chat with everyone (and perhaps even coherently!!!). We love seeing everyone at Hedo and we always come home feeling like there were a few folks we just didn’t get to spend enough time with….I guess that means we’ll need to go again…

And just so I don’t totally forget, here are some of our highlights….

Vow renewals of Rich & Linda and Bill & DD … both very sweet! Congratulations!

We sure did miss Debbie & Dave, especially when blowing up all those balls for the beach, we send our best wishes!

Woo-woo shots on the beach!! And the disco!! And the main bar!!

Jamaica Joe bustin' a move at the disco in his little black shorts!

V’s fantastic shoes and boots….the girl has it going on!

Arts and crafts making visors with the girls on the beach. Thanks DD!

The International Supermodel Lora's cat crawl on the stage during the fashion show. Hello kitty!!!!!  And all Lora’s other great work filling as as guest EC. You’re hired!

Naked waterslide!!

Talent show night - V's song, Jimmy's song, Linda's dance, HedoDave on drums! We're a talented bunch!

32 toes for RastaBill

Gary’s night of Ambien and his incredible McCain impression!

Chris, Dave, Darrell and RastaBill Kayaking to da island

"Reality check!!!"

Election night on the cliffs with Chris!! What excitement and joy!!!

Visting Stowe, the Adirondaks (where MTM and his ladyfriend 'slept'... uh huh...), the Ozarks (home of the $7.50 scottie), Stone Mountain (despite the minor injury, which fortunately the local patrol was able to handle without an air cast) & the Poconos (with their giant ashtray) and especially.....VISITING THE NEIGHBORHOOD!!

Making up our Hedo names!

A super super Red Hot Night with the Pinpals in Pastafari.....Mona and her story of the pinking sheers and her dress lining!!! Sheers to everyone!!!

And a special thanks to those early beach risers who so generously left us ‘the usual spot’ when we slept late….you shouldn’t have…but we’re glad you did!!

Remember….sometimes you just have to say, “Huh?? What???”

Til next time,

Liz & Chris

[innit Geezer]

Great report, it makes me want to call the TA right now! Someday I'm going to make it there in November.

[jo]

Great report Liz, makes me miss you guys and our November trip even more! We are off to the DR next week but I know it won't be the same as Hedo. Glad you guys had such a great trip,

JO

[Merlot Joe]

Damn Jo, to bad you couldn't get them to head to Hedo next week for the WWWW. Maybe next year?


Joe

[jo]

Joe, I so wanted to go to Hedo next week but I was outvoted 3 to 1. This is the first time in my life that I'm really not excited about a trip, I've heard so-so stuff about the Dominican and I know it won't be no Hedo, so I just hope I'm surprised on the good side. Still, I really need a break from work, I had a little mini-breakdown last week and I'm having trouble keeping upbeat for the clients. I hope to spend my time on the beach and not watching or reading any financial news. The mess will stlll be there when I get back.

Have a wonderful time at Hedo next week (Colleen too!!)

Jo

[viperess]

Hey Jo, I know how you feel...
You know how Bill and I are always the first in the group to go to bed?...well this year we were up til AT LEAST 1:30 every night(but the last two for me....I hit a wall Friday night and could not stay up). I went into the trip ready to do what I wanted and had to blow off 50 weeks of total bullshit in 8 days....did a damn good job of it too. ;D
I do know how you feel, darlin.
DD
On the bettere side, I came back to a transfer to a location that isn't in the blue blood, snot nosed, upper class,self indulged,'perfection is always expected'. I am SOOOO happy!

[jo]

Hey DD,
Sounds like you had a great trip, we all need to get away from work once in a while, it's what keeps us sane!
1:30 in the morning!! That almost 4 hours past my bedtime, I barely make it to 9pm these days, but I am a grandma, you know!
Say hi to your sexy hubby for me..........Jo

[pixiedust]

Jo,

I'm sure you will have a wonderful trip to the DR. I'd like to see it too so do let us know how you liked it! A warm weather vacation is great no matter where it is. I am disappointed that we won't see you though - I was hoping when you first posted that your party would decide to come with the WWW. Maybe next time!

Hugs and have a wonderful time on your vacation too!!

Colleen

Lol, I thought it was just ME who couldn't hang as well anymore - must be my age catching up with me - I've taken to bringing some Red Bull with me and drank them before going out of the room on a few nights that we were there last year - needless to say, they're coming with me again just in case!

[pixiedust]

PS. - I really enjoyed your trip report Liz - made me more excited to get there. We've been thinking of going a wee bit earlier on one trip - maybe over Thanksgiving one year or a bit before just to check out the Spanksgiving. We know people who are there so it would be fun to go at a different time again. Maybe one year we will!

[Robin Hood]

We are in the serious throws of DIF after reading your trip report DD. We wanted to come down this year, but just couldn't swing the time off. Hopefully 2009 will be a little more favorable for a Hedo trip for us.

[edie2u]

I'm feeling the DIF, too. GREAT trip report!