Parks and Suzanne Hall<br>Chattanooga, TN<br><br>We returned May 7 from eleven wonderful days at Club Orient. Plunging full bore back into two professions has left little time until now for writing a short trip report. This was our fourth year in a row, and we are already booked for the same time next year, this time for two weeks. A great big “Club O Hello” to all of our old friends from past years that we enjoyed seeing again, and to our many new friends, especially the “PIG HOGS” who are all tremendous people. <br><br>After checking in we were in a hurry to shed our cloths, and hit happy hour, as we arrived about 5PM. Walking along, I noticed a large sign hanging from the back of a Chalet that read “ WELCOME HOME.” This was a reminder of the way almost everyone feels about returning to Club O year after year. <br><br>We always stay in a Beach Chalet, having stayed in 80, 84, and 86 in past years. This year it was #74. They are all very nice, with only slight variation in how each individual owner decorates and equips. This chalet has really nice vegetation around it that offers a little privacy as well as beauty. Speaking of vegetation, all of the palm trees, flowers and shrubs that were planted after the hurricanes are doing quite well now. Little palms that were no more than six inches tall four years ago have now grown to a height of as much as tem feet. Lets keep our fingers crossed. Housekeeping service was very good, as always.<br><br>The best thing that can be said about Club O this year is that it remains essentially unchanged. It is so nice to return each year and be greeted by the same familiar faces as in years past from the moment you arrive. For the most part, they are all still there, including the wonderful maid who wears the large colorful hats. We had delightful conversations with Niko, who is now working the beach. Emmanuel, having left Papagayo, has joined Philippe in manning the Tiko-Tiko. Speaking of which, rest assured that the “Nude Cruise” continues to be a “must do” on every trip. Our only wish would be that the cruise portion could be a little longer, and the beach portion a little shorter. Emmanuel told me that there are plans to designate Tintamarre as a “Naturist Resort.” I don’t think she really meant “Resort” as we think of it, but rather a place designated for clothing optional recreation. This would be good, as there had been in the past some question as to whether the Tiko-Tiko could continue take the nude cruise there. This, I was told, has been resolved.<br><br>It has been reported here on TTOL that the beach in front of Club O has more debris. This is true, though it consist of little sticks probably caused by moving the sand around in front of the Beach Chalets. It is a little thing, but it would be nice if the Brinks would use a sifter to clean it up.<br><br>There has also been a good deal of Papagayo bashing of late. We always remember that Papagayo must appeal to a very diversified international taste, three times a day. Given this, we thank they do a pretty good job. The food was as good or better than in years past, if not terribly imaginative. The service was definitely better, even on the entertainment nights. As for entertainment, it is now Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday nights, with the Wine and Cheese Party still on Wednesday evening. (Still a class act)<br><br>We met and talked to over a dozen TTOLers that spotted our flag each day on the beach. We saw one other flag carried by a couple staying down on the textile portion of Orient. Many had TT Tattoos, some had T-shirts. We never fail to meet people simply because they stop to ask what the flag means. Some very nice conversations come from this.<br><br>Orient Beach beyond the Club O property continues to grow more crowded and commercialized. We wouldn’t want this to get totally out of hand, but having all that good food and the water sports only a short walk on the beach is really nice. However, thank goodness for the fact that it’s “over there,” and stops abruptly at the Club O property. One must now walk around the back of Pedro’s, as there simply is no beach in front.<br><br>The Club Orient experience continues to be unique. We have talked to many very well traveled people who are always in hopes of finding a place like Club O somewhere else in the world. None have found it. It remains that near perfectly balanced destination for the seasoned Naturist or first timer; the gregarious or those of a more quiet private nature. A place for young and old, those beautiful, and those not. No one cares who you are or what you do and everyone leaves their baggage, AT HOME.<br><br>See ya all next April 23rd at Club Orient.<br><br><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by Administrator on 5/31/01 03:12 PM.</EM></FONT></P>
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